Book Review - Rurubu Hakuouki
Rurubu Hakuouki - Travel guide for Bakumatsu-related places in Kyoto, Hino, Aizu, and Hakodate. This is a collaboration project with Japan's largest travel guide publisher "Rurubu".
This book is amazing! Deep introduction of Hakuouki, real history, and places even local Kyoto citizen didn’t know! Not to mention those lovely photos!
The book begins with a poster and slogan “let’s go on a trip experiencing the world of Hakuouki”.
At the beginning of travel guide part, there’s this “regulations in journey”, which lists proper manners when visiting memorial halls and graveyards. The interesting thing is, it's written in the same format as Shinsengumi Regulations! And look at Souji saying, “I don’t like kids who don’t abide by the rules.” So sweet! XD
Most of the reviews I read are very impressed of this thoughtful little addition, for it prevents stupid fans from ruining these places.
Then it’s detailed introduction of Shinsengumi related places in these 4 cities, with photos and corresponding game CGs.
Chapter 1 - Kyoto
The place most deeply involved with is of course, Kyoto. Just look at Yagi House and Nishi Honganji. The doorway, yard, well, and veranda all seem so familiar! There’s also a history section about Matsumoto-sensei’s physical checkup. What surprises me is, not just inside the city, they also included suburb like Senryoumatsu battlefield ruins, where Gen-san sacrificed.
Traffic, hotel, and food are introduced by chibi characters. The words from the chibi are well thought out too. Wagashi (Japanese sweets) is Shimada’s expertise. As for tofu, that’s gotta be Saitou.
Overwhelmed by the amount of information in this book? Fear not! Two 1-day tour routes are recommanded. One is “Shinsengumi soldier’s daily life”, including all 3 headquarters, Aburano Koji, and Shimabara. The other is “those big events”, including Ikedaya, Sanjou Bridge, the palace, and Nijo Castle. I gotta try it the next time I go to Kyoto. XD
Chapter 2 - Hino
Hino, Hijikata’s homeland. Hijikata’s brother-in-law, Sato Hikogoro, built a Tennen-Rishin Ryu dojo in Hinojuku, and invited Kondou to teach there. That’s where Hijikata first met Kondou.
When introducing Hijikata Museum and Sato Museums, they also showed photos of exhibitions inside: a tea set Hijikata gave to Sato, the flute Hijikata played, the sword Hijikata gave to his nephew, and of course, Hijikata’s medicine cabinet. There's also a section introducing the making of Ishida Powdered Medicine! (Look how enthusiastic Saitou is! XD)
Chapter 3 - Aizu
Title says “Aizu, loved by Saitou”. (Aww…><) I’ve visited Aizu 3 times, but the book gave me even more places to see in my next trip.
In the map of Tsuruga Castle, Saitou said, "the belfry at the northwest corner was a target of cannonfire during Boshin War. Although the bellringers were injured or killed one by one, they passed down the mission and rang the bell to announce the right time. The bell gave courage to people fighting for Aizu to the last.
Other than castle, battlefields, and Shinsengumi museum, there’s also Higashiyama Onsen?! But it makes sense, since the onsen was the place where soldiers heal and relax during Boshin War, including Hijikata Toshizou. It says there were 3 onsen hotel he frequented. That’s fresh to me, since in Higashiyama they advertised the onsen street as a whole, and no one said “Hijikata stayed in my onsen, not those out there”. One of the three is right next to the onsen hotel I always stay in! I need to see it the next time I visit.
Chapter 4 - Hokodate
Shinsengumi’s last stop. It introduced the Goryōkaku fort, Ippongi Gate (where HIjikata was shot), and Hekketsuhi.
Chapter 5
Last but not least are Shinsengumi souvenirs, Shinsengumi event & matsuri schedule, and a timeline comparing events in Hakuouki & history. These are very informative.
Especially the schedule, since these info were scattered around on internet and hard to find.
There’s still time to plan for Hino Shinsengumi matsuri in May and Aizu Shinsengumi’s in September! ;)
All in all, this is the most satisfying Hakuouki mook I have in my collection!