Strolling down the historic, 100-year-old streets of Nanukamachi-dōri Street in Aizu-Wakamatsu feels like stepping back in time. If you want to experience this beautiful art form firsthand, there is no better destination than Nanukamachi-dōri Street in Aizu-Wakamatsu. This scenic stretch is lined with beautifully preserved architecture and home to some of the region’s finest Aizu lacquerware (Aizu-nuri, 会津塗り) makers. From a 300-year-old establishment featuring a free history museum to contemporary workshops blending lacquer with modern glassware with an Aizu lacquer touch, we have rounded up the absolute best spots on the street to explore, admire, and purchase these exquisite Japanese crafts.
Exploring Aizu Lacquerware: Top Craft Shops on Nanukamachi-dori Street
Studio Suzuran (会津のうつわ 工房鈴蘭)
For something out of the ordinary to bring home, visit Studio Suzuran. This shop sells cute and stylish lacquerware at reasonable prices. The most important thing about the lacquerware they make is that, instead of applying lacquer to wooden utensils, they apply it to glassware. Their special products are designed to bring lacquerware closer to modern lifestyles, so more people are interested in traditional crafts. Loving Studio Suzuran’s modernly designed lacquerware, the shop attracts many fans who travel long distances to bring their products home.
All Studio Suzuran’s products are original designs handmade in their workshop. Unlike traditional wooden Aizu lacquerware, lacquer-coated glassware can be washed with regular dish detergent, making it easier to handle.
In addition, the coated glass cup and vessels would look different depending on the color and amount of drink you pour!
You can check out Suzuran’s Website beforehand to get an idea of what will unfold before your eyes once you step into Studio Suzuran. If you don’t read Japanese, you can translate the website to English using your browser’s translation function.
Studio Suzuran’s Business Hours and Access Information
- Studio Suzuran is open from
- 1 pm to 5 pm from Tuesday to Thursday
- 11 am to 5 pm on weekends
- The shop is a 2-minute walk from Nanukamachi Station (七日町駅).
Seki Lacquerware (関漆器店 ぬり一)
For those who prefer something more traditional, visit the Seki Lacquerware Store. Founded over a century ago, a wide range of gorgeous Aizu-Nuri lacquerware is on display. Like Shirokiya Lacquerware, Seki Lacquerware is also a lacquerware maker. Their product range is wide. You will never get tired of looking at their splendid crafts. Visiting the Seki Lacquerware will build on your artistic sense (^_-)-☆.
A couple of their elegant lacquerware series are high-end, with price tags that aren’t wallet-friendly, such as those decorated with gold leaf. In fact, they are one of the lacquerware manufacturers for famous department stores in Japan.
That said, the price range of their craftware varies greatly depending on the type of lacquerware. If you want to bring lacquerware home, search the shop for the piece that suits you best. The friendly staff will give you an English product care manual upon check-out.
Tip: You might find a few cheap items buried somewhere in the shop. For example, the Okiagari Koboshi (起き上がり小法師) decor can cost less than 500 yen!
The shop also has a design room for customers who would want to customize their lacquerware. Moreover, Seki Lacquerware can also repair your broken lacquerware. While the staff might not speak English, if you have any questions about lacquerware, use a Translation App and ask away!
In addition to lacquerware, the shop also stocks traditional miscellaneous goods, tea utensils, and pottery, making it a spot to explore traditional Japanese crafts.
Seki Lacquerware’s Business Hours and Access Information
- Seki Lacquerware Nanukamachi Store is open from 10 am to 5 pm daily.
- The main store is open from Monday to Saturday, and closed on public holidays.
- Seki Lacquerware Nanukamachi is a 3-minute walk from Nanukamachi Station (七日町駅).
- Seki Lacquerware Main Store is a 16-minute walk from Nanukamachi Station.
Shirokiya Lacquerware (白木屋漆器店)
In addition to Seki Lacquerware, Shirokiya Lacquerware is a must-visit for traditional crafts. The lacquerware shop in a Renaissance-style building displays over 1,000 pieces of classic lacquerware and modern accessories. While the lacquerware on the shelf isn’t cheap, these elegant traditional crafts can last a long time. You can even request that your family crest or your name be engraved!
Founded over 300 years ago, Shirokiya’s current building was completed in 1913. Although it looks Western-style, the structure is made of wood and is built using the traditional Japanese warehouse method.
Shirokiya Lacquerware also has a museum about Aizu lacquer, which can be accessed for free.
Shirokiya Lacquerware also has a museum dedicated to Aizu lacquer, which is free to access.
After the Boshin War (戊辰戦争), the shop played a major role in restoring the lacquerware industry in the devastated Aizu region. Because of its consistent efforts, Shirokiya’s lacquerware is recognised not only in Japan but also at exhibitions in Western Europe. Despite being a long-established store highly valued by the craft ware industry, Shirokiya’s customer service is top-notch. You won’t feel discriminated against or ignored just because you plan to window-shop.
Engraving Your Family Crest or Name on Shirokiya’s Lacquerware
Please note that the engraving will take between 7 and 10 days to complete. If you can’t pick up the final product, Shirokiya can send it to you later.
They can also send the lacquerware overseas.
Shirokiya Lacquerware’s Business Hours and Access Information
- Shirokiya Lacquerware is open from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm from Thursday to Tuesday.
- Fukunishi Honten is a 10-minute walk from Nanukamachi Station (七日町駅).
- If you plan to take a bus, get off at Nanukamachi Shirokiya-mae (七日町白木屋前).
Discover Other Recommended Spots to Visit on Nanukamachi-dōri Street
Lacquerware shopping is just the beginning! While you are exploring the historic shops for the perfect lacquerware souvenir, don’t miss out on the rest of the street’s incredible charms. Nanukamachi-dori is packed with retro Taisho-era architecture, cozy cafes, and local sake breweries just waiting to be discovered.
To make the most of your time in Aizu-Wakamatsu, check out our complete Guide to the Must-Visit Spots on Nanukamachi-dori to map out your perfect afternoon itinerary.
Discover the Stunning Scenery Along the Tadami Line
If you are planning a trip to Aizu-Wakamatsu to check out Nanukamachi-dori, you are already perfectly positioned to experience one of Japan’s ultimate bucket-list journeys. Aizu-Wakamatsu Station is the starting point for the legendary JR Tadami Line, globally renowned as one of the country’s most scenic rail adventures.
Before you finalize your Fukushima itinerary, read our complete guide to riding the Tadami Line, the most picturesque JR local train line, to learn how to capture those famous bridge-crossing views.
