About
Historic Nanokamachi-dori Street showcasing Taisho-era architecture and traditional storefronts - Source: TOHOKU x TOKYO official tourism site
Nanokamachi-dori Street (δΈζ₯ηΊιγ, also spelled Nanukamachi-dori) is a 700-meter historic merchant street in central Aizuwakamatsu that serves as a living museum of early 20th-century Japanese architecture and traditional crafts. π The street name derives from the Edo-period tradition of holding markets on the seventh day of each month. π
Once the busiest shopping district in Aizu until the 1950s, the street has been transformed into a premier retro-chic destination blending vintage charm with contemporary cultural appreciation. π
Cultural & Historical Significance
Nanokamachi-dori Street represents a rare preservation of Japan's Taisho Period (1912-1926) architectural heritage, featuring a harmonious blend of Western-style buildings and traditional Japanese storehouses (kura) and wooden townhouses. π During the feudal age, the street thrived with ryokan, merchant houses, and restaurants, establishing itself as the commercial heart of Aizu. π
The 700-meter pedestrian-friendly street connects JR Nanukamachi Station to Noguchi Hideyo Seishun-dori, creating a walking route that takes approximately 20 minutes to complete without stops. π Several buildings have been designated as National Historic Sites by Fukushima Prefecture, recognizing their cultural significance. π
The street is particularly renowned for preserving Aizu's traditional crafts heritage, especially the 400-year-old tradition of Aizu lacquerware (Aizu-nuri) and hand-painted candles. π The district has successfully evolved from a declining shopping area into a cultural destination that attracts visitors seeking authentic traditional Japanese craftsmanship and retro-chic experiences.
Visiting Information
Access:
From Aizuwakamatsu Station (Main Station):
- Haikara-san loop bus: Board at station, disembark at Nanukamachi Ekimae stop (500 yen day pass)
- Walking: 10-17 minute walk from main station π π
From JR Nanukamachi Station:
- 1-minute walk to street entrance (Tadami Line, one station from Aizuwakamatsu) π
Parking: Available π
Hours: Street accessible 24/7; individual shops typically open 9:00-18:00 with varied closing days π
Admission: Free to explore street; individual shop/museum fees vary
Best Time to Visit: Morning to early afternoon for optimal shop hours and photography lighting; autumn (October-November) for pleasant weather and foliage π
The Experience
Major Lacquerware Shops
Shirokiya Lacquerware Company
Founded over 300 years ago in a distinctive 1913 Western-style building with white mortar walls, Shirokiya houses both a shop with over 1,000 lacquerware varieties and a free museum documenting lacquerware history. π
- Hours: 9:30-17:30, closed Wednesdays
- Bus stop: Nanukamachi Shirokiya-mae π
Suzuzen Lacquerware Shop
Established in 1832, Suzuzen comprises six renovated Japanese warehouses (kura) featuring a gallery of contemporary lacquer art, a cafΓ© (closed Tuesdays), and hands-on makie painting experiences. π Visitors can observe traditional gold and silver dust design techniques, then create their own lacquered product.
- Hours: 9:00-17:00 (makie experience until 16:00); closed New Year's Day
- Makie experience: From 1,900 yen per person (minimum 2 participants, reservations recommended)
- Features: English-language signage available π
Traditional Craft Shops
Hoshiban Painted Candle Shop
Founded in 1772, Hoshiban specializes in hand-painted candles featuring over 500 years of Aizu tradition. π The candles are designed with thick wicks that burn while preserving the painted artwork. Painting experiences available.
- Hours: 9:00-18:00
- Address: 3-33 Nanukamachi π
Fukunishi Sobei Shoten
Founded in 1919, this shop specializes in Aizu lacquerware including modern dessert cups and accessories. π
Historical Museums
Showa Natsukashikan Museum
This museum recreates the 1950s-1960s Showa period with meticulously detailed reproductions of period buildings including bathhouses, sushi restaurants, and photo studios. π
- Admission: 200 yen
- Theme: "When people lacked money, but their hearts were enriched in hope"
Aizu Ichibankan
Originally constructed as a hospital in 1884, this venue now houses a cafΓ© and museum dedicated to bacteriologist Hideyo Noguchi. π The nostalgic cafΓ© provides an ideal rest stop during street exploration.
Sake Experiences
Suehiro Sake Brewery
Located near Nanukamachi-dori, this brewery offers free admission with hourly guided tours from 9:30-16:00 (break at noon). π Tours include brewing areas, a museum documenting sake history, and a tasting bar featuring 5-7 sake varieties. π
- Hours: 9:00-17:00 daily
- Tours: English-language tours available upon request π
Dining Options
Teppanyaki Aizuya
- Authentic teppanyaki using Aizu ingredients
- Hours: 11:30-14:30 (lunch), 18:00-22:00 (dinner); closed Mondays π
Nanuka Town Sabo Yui
- Specializes in local tofu mochi and freshly pounded mochi varieties
- Hours: 10:00-17:00; closed Tuesdays π
Aizu Coffee Club
- Home-roasted premium coffee and seasonal cakes
- Hours: 11:00-19:00; closed Thursdays π
Aizu Burger Lucky Smile
- Gourmet burgers with local vegetables and homemade buns
- Hours: 11:00-20:00; closed Mondays π
Practical Visiting Tips
Seasonal Considerations (October-November)
- Weather: Cool autumn temperatures ideal for walking; surrounding hillsides display vibrant gold and orange foliage
- Festivals: Area particularly lively during autumn festival season; regional events include mid-October to mid-November chrysanthemum flower festivals at nearby locations
- Crowds: Moderate visitor levels; less crowded than peak spring and summer seasons
- Photography: Autumn lighting provides excellent conditions for architectural photography; golden hour (early morning, late afternoon) enhances the retro aesthetic
- Special Features: Seasonal exhibit rotations at Showa Natsukashikan Museum π π
Shopping Etiquette
Traditional Craft Stores:
- Remove shoes when entering tatami-floored sections
- Handle lacquerware carefully; ask permission before touching display items
- Acceptable to browse without purchasing; shopkeepers understand tourist interest in cultural heritage
- Photography of products: ask permission first ("Shashin wo tottemo ii desu ka?")
Price Negotiation: Not customary; prices are generally fixed in established shops
Payment: Cash preferred at many traditional shops; some larger establishments accept credit cards
Money-Saving Options
- Haikara-san loop bus day pass (500 yen) provides unlimited rides and access to multiple attractions π
- Free admission to Suehiro Sake Brewery tours and Shirokiya lacquerware museum π
- Budget-friendly souvenirs: Small lacquerware items (spoons, accessories) start at reasonable prices
- Combine makie experience with a partner to meet minimum two-person requirement (1,900 yen each) π
Best Photo Spots
- Shirokiya's distinctive white Western-style building exterior π
- Suzuzen's six traditional warehouse buildings
- Street views from Nanukamachi Station approach showing Taisho-era architecture
- Detail shots of hand-painted candles and lacquerware craftsmanship
Recommended Timing
- Morning arrival (9:00-10:00): Optimal for photography with morning light and uncrowded streets
- Mid-morning to early afternoon: Peak shopping hours when all establishments are open
- Avoid: Specific closing days vary by shop (Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays most common)
Weather and Seasonal Preparation
October-November Specific:
- Layer clothing for cool mornings (10-15Β°C) warming to mild afternoons (18-22Β°C)
- Comfortable walking shoes essential for 700-meter street plus side explorations
- Light jacket or sweater recommended
- Minimal rain typically; portable umbrella suggested as precaution
Language and Communication
- English-language signage at major attractions like Suzuzen π
- Limited English spoken at traditional shops; translation apps helpful
- Visual browsing generally accommodated and understood
Cultural Etiquette
Shopping Behavior:
- Greet shopkeepers upon entry ("Konnichiwa")
- Browse respectfully without rushing; Japanese retail culture values taking time
- Wrap gifts: Most shops offer elegant wrapping services (furoshiki or decorative paper)
- Business cards: Accept with both hands and examine briefly before storing respectfully
Photography:
- Street photography generally acceptable
- Always ask permission before photographing inside shops or of people
- Avoid flash photography of delicate lacquerware displays
Important Notes
Operational Considerations:
- Individual shop closing days vary; confirm specific establishments before planning visits around them
- Makie painting experience at Suzuzen requires advance reservation for guaranteed availability π
- Suehiro Sake Brewery tours break at noon; plan morning or afternoon visits accordingly π
Accessibility:
- Street is relatively flat and pedestrian-friendly
- Some traditional shops have elevated entrances requiring step negotiation
- Modern facilities available at major establishments
Visit Duration:
- Minimum 2 hours for basic street walk with 2-3 shop visits
- Recommended 3-4 hours for comprehensive exploration including museums and sake brewery
- Add 1 hour if participating in makie painting experience
Location: View on Google Maps
Source: attractions/aizuwakamatsu/nanokamachi-dori-street.md