In addition to Nagatoya, Kumanoya (菓子司 熊野屋 七日町店) is another traditional confectionery maker we love in Nanukamachi. Unlike the sweets sold in Nagatoya, many of Kumanoya’s sweets are perfect for eating while walking. Opened in 1887, Kumanoya is known for its street-food-style sweets. There is also an eat-in space for those who want a tea break. The staff would most likely serve you a cup of tea when you rest there!
The Must-Try Sweets at Kumanoya
For example, its signature sweet is Dorayaki (どら焼). Apart from the red bean paste, different flavored fresh cream is sandwiched between the castella paddies. As the paddies are carefully hand-baked, they are fluffy and add to Dorayaki’s deliciousness. It may look like it has too much flavor at first glance, but Kumanoya’s Dorayaki is surprisingly light-tasting and will be down your stomach in no time! The fresh cream is both creamy and rich. It somehow pairs really well with the less-sweetened red bean paste.
Another must-eat at Kumanoya is the Shichifuku Dango (七福だんご). The seven colors of the rice cake skewers represent seven different flavors: smashed bean paste, smooth bean paste, walnut, white sesame, black sesame, soybean powder, and Zunda (smashed edamame beans). The idea of the sweet came from the Seven Lucky Gods in Nanukamachi. Using Koshihikari rice from Aizu, the texture of the rice cake is softer and gentler.
Moreover, limited-edition dango skewers are available on the weekends and public holidays. We especially recommend the Shingorō-mochi (しんごろう餅). It is most tasty when it is still warm. The combination of sweetened miso paste and rice is the best!
For those who are after a confectionery special to the Aizu region, go for the Jyōyō Manjū (薯蕷饅頭). The sweet is served at the tea sessions held at Rinkaku (茶室 麟閣), in Tsuruga Castle (鶴ヶ城). The tea room was built by Sen no Rikyū’s son, Sen no Shoan (千少庵).
Apparently, no water is used to make the confectionery’s skin. Only Chinese yams (つくね芋), sugar, and rice powder are used. Red beans’ skins are scraped off before they are made into red bean paste.
Sen no Rikyū (千利休) is the founder of Japan’s tea school.
Kumanoya Nanukamachi’s Business Hours and Access Information
- Kumanoya Nanukamachi is open from 9:30 am to 6 pm.
- Kumanoya Nanukamachi is a 2-minute walk from Nanukamachi Station (七日町駅).
- They also have a shop inside Pivot Aizuwakamatsu, a 1-minute walk from JR Aizu-Wakamatsu Station (会津若松駅).
Discover the Stunning Scenery Along the Tadami Line
The Nanukamachi-dōri Street, where Kumanoya 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 that are 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!
Other Must-Visit Spots on Nanukamachi-dōri Street
In Aizu-Wakamatsu City, if you want to walk on a street lined with buildings from over a century ago, head to Nanukamachi-dōri Street (七日町通り). While the 800-meter-long street stretching west from Nanukamachi Station isn’t as lively as before, there is no doubt that it is where you can discover Aizu’s culture. Moreover, there are a few spots related to the members of the famous samurai group, Shinsengumi, in the area!
For more information, refer to our article on Nanukamachi-dōri Street!
