A nice cafe to stop by in Nanukamachi is Aizu Ichibankan (會津壹番館). In addition its good coffee, it is a spot related to the guy printed on the old Japanese 1,000 yen notes (the new one was issued in 2024). The guy with the curly hair was named Noguchi Hideyo (野口英世). He was a leading bacteriologist at the Rockefeller Institute, known for his work on syphilis and yellow fever and for contributing to the long-term understanding of neurosyphilis.
The two-story building was the hospital (Kaiyō Hospital, 會陽医院) where he received surgery to treat his badly burnt left hand in 1976. The burn was so bad that the fingers all stuck together before the treatment. So, after the surgery, he was determined to become a doctor. The hospital was where he spent three years studying.
The black-walled building was completed in 1884 as a bank and was reopened as Kaiyō Hospital in 1891. After Kaiyō Hospital was closed, it was transformed into a cafe. Lamps hung from the ceiling were sourced from Europe, creating a calm and retro atmosphere. Before entering the cafe, you will be greeted by Hideyo’s statue at the entrance. How about a commemorative photo with him before enjoying your coffee? It was where the current Japanese emperor couple had their coffee when they visited Aizu.
The second floor of the building is a museum dedicated to Hideyo. The furniture and items that Hideyo used during his time are on display.
The Food and Coffee at Aizu Ichibankan
The cafe offers hand-drip coffee brewed with beans from the countries that Hideyo visited. Carefully brewed using spring water from Mt. Bandai (磐梯山), the best flavor of the beans is brought out. If you like the coffee that was brewed for you, purchase some roasted coffee beans and enjoy them after you get home!
A highlight at Aizu Ichibankan is the mugs. They all have Hideyo’s face printed on them. Because his photo on the 1,000 yen note looks so serious, the portrait mugs at the cafe look humorous. Besides the mugs, other original goods, such as bags, can also be purchased.
Of course, there are various delicious handmade cakes that go with the coffee. In addition, there are rare flavored pudding, such as sake lees, for those who feel a little bit adventurous. In fact, the sake lees pudding is quite popular. The sake lees make the pudding taste richer and more mellow.
High-quality black tea is also available for those who prefer tea.
Aizu Ichibankan is also a good spot in Nanukamachi for breakfast. Opened at 8 am, the cafe offers breakfast set menus and various sandwiches and toasts for its customers to start the day.
Aizu Ichibankan’s Business Hours and Access Information
- Aizu Ichibankan is open from 8 am to 8 pm.
- The admission cost to the museum is 200 yen.
- The cafe is a 13-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).
Where Else to Enjoy Food in Nanukamachi
A break is a must while traveling to rejuvenate. The great news is that Nanukamachi has several good spots to stop by and enjoy food made from locally harvested ingredients. Don’t underestimate the cooking skills of the chef in the rural area. The food that is brought to the table is incredible!
For more information about where to eat in town, refer to our article on The Recommended Cafes and Restaurants in Nanukamachi!
Where to Shop for Souvenirs on Nanukamachi-dōri Street
Because there are many shops in Nanukamachi, if you don’t have time to check them out one by one, refer to our Recommended Shops on Nanukamachi-dōri Street article for our top picks!
Discover the Stunning Scenery Along the Tadami Line
The Nanukamachi-dōri Street, where Hoshiban Decorated Candle Shop is located, is the starting point of Japan’s most stunning train line, the Tadami Line. From the local train’s window, which runs through the mountains, breathtaking natural views unfold one after another throughout the year. Several tourist spots worth checking out are also dotted along the Tadami Line, enriching your visit to Japan’s rural towns.
So, refer to our Tadami Line article for more information on expanding your itinerary to include a couple of scenic spots!
