This site is a web media that delivers all kinds of trivia, from sightseeing and gourmet spots in the six Tohoku prefectures to local, customs, and history.
When people talk about sightseeing in Aizu, they tend to focus on Tsuruga Castle and Nisshinkan, but we must not forget Nanokamachi Street, located just outside the city center
This is a retro road lined with traditional Aizu shops. Just walking through the streets, which evoke the romance of the Taisho era, will make you excited.
During the Edo period, Nanokamachi Street was the main road leading to Nikko, Echigo, and Yonezawa, and served as the western gateway to the castle town, with wholesalers, inns, and restaurants lined up along the street. In the 1950s, it was the busiest shopping district in Aizu, but with the times, it eventually fell into disuse.
However, in recent years, Nanokamachi Street has been reborn as an essential spot for sightseeing in Aizu!
This time, we will introduce some of the cute, retro shops on Nanokamachi Street!
station cafe
Photo by Timon.
This is an antenna shop located inside the JR Nanokamachi Station building. Not only does it have a sales space for specialties from the 17 cities and towns of the Aizu region, but it also has a cafe space where you can enjoy cold-brewed coffee made with water used to brew local sake, as well as locally produced fruit juice, making it the perfect place to take a break before or after sightseeing on Nanokamachi Street.
They also offer local shipping, which is great for people who don't like carrying extra luggage or who want to send a gift to someone far away
Station Cafe <Information>
Name: Station Cafe (Nanukamachi Station Cafe)
Address: 5-1 Nanakamachi, Aizuwakamatsu City, Fukushima Prefecture, 965-0044
This paper box maker has been in business for over 100 years. Originally, they produced boxes for Aizu lacquerware and Japanese sweets, but in 2013 they began full-scale retail sales.
Their signature product is a tissue case made from a sturdy paper box combined with Aizu cotton
It is so strong that it is hard to believe it is made of paper, and it is amazing that even Junichiro Susa, the craftsman and ninth generation head of the family, can stand on it without breaking
"Our tissue box is a tissue box that won't break even if a fat person stands on it."
"If you buy one, why not try riding it yourself?" says Susa with a smile.
By the way, the glasses case I bought is also stylish and highly recommended!
Photo by Timon.
Kiriya Shiki Kogyo ＜Information＞
Name: Kiriya Shiki Kogyo
Address: 5-8 Nanakamachi, Aizuwakamatsu City, Fukushima Prefecture, 965-0044
This is a shop selling handmade products made using Aizu cotton
The shop owner's taste shines through in the many wonderful products made from colorful cotton fabrics, and it is said that the shop has many fans outside of the prefecture.
You can also purchase bolts of fabric and scraps from Aizu cotton's two major brands, Yamada Cotton Weaving and Harayama Textile Factory, so this is a must-see for craft fans
Cotton thread <Information>
Name: Momenshi
Address: 3-31 Nanukamachi, Aizuwakamatsu City, Fukushima Prefecture, 965-0044
The Aizu Brand Hall is located just down an alley on Nanokamachi Street
This is a select shop that carries a wide variety of items that are packed with the charm of Aizu, including food, craftsmanship, and art, so if you're looking for a stylish souvenir, this is the place to go
Aizu Brand Hall <Information>
Name: Aizu Brand Hall
Address: 6-15 Nanakamachi, Aizuwakamatsu City, Fukushima Prefecture, 965-0044
This museum exhibits the personal collection of the director, who is a researcher of antique firearms and an expert in the Inatomi school of Aizu domain gunnery, which he has amassed over many years
You can view a large number of materials related to the Aizu clan and the Shinsengumi, which have been collected directly from descendants of the Aizu clan and old families in Aizu
On the first floor of the building is a shop called "Mukashiya" that sells a wide variety of antiques, from authentic antiques to antique toys
This is a must-see spot not only for history buffs and Shinsengumi enthusiasts, but also for antique lovers
Aizu Shinsengumi Memorial Museum <Information>
Name: Aizu Shinsengumi Memorial Museum (Mukashiya)
Address: 6-7 Nanakamachi, Aizuwakamatsu City, Fukushima Prefecture, 965-0044
This is a historic store that has been in business for 300 years
Since its founding, the company has been manufacturing and selling Aizu lacquerware, and its quality is so great that it has won awards not only in Japan but also at exhibitions in Western Europe
You can actually touch and see the products in the store, so you can choose what you like
The three-story storehouse, built in the earthen storehouse style in 1914, was Aizu's first Western-style building, incorporating Renaissance elements, so be sure to check it out when you visit
Shirokiya Lacquerware Store <Information>
Name: Shirokiya Lacquerware Store
Address: 1-2-10 Omachi, Aizuwakamatsu City, Fukushima Prefecture, 965-0042
We have introduced six spots on Nanokamachi Street so far, but there is also a wide variety of other shops lined up, including a picture candle shop, a charcoal specialty shop, and a sake brewery
If you want to travel, we recommend leaving plenty of time so you can enjoy walking around the city at your own pace
A thin-haired writer who loves traveling and laughter. A nice guy who hides thinning hair by shaving his hair! I will run north and south to make Tohoku smile with my writing!
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