If you are after some traditional-style souvenirs near Tsuruga Castle, consider getting one of the Japanese decorated candles from Hoshiban Decorated Candle Shop (ほしばん絵ろうそく店) in Nanukamachi. Like some areas in Japan that receive heavy snowfall, Aizu also has traditionally decorated candles. These candles make great souvenirs and don’t cost too much! In addition to the candles, which come in a wide variety of sizes and patterns, candlesticks are also on sale. At Hoshiban Decorated Candle Shop, you can even make your own decorated candle!
Japanese Traditional Decorated Candles and Hoshiban Decorated Candle Shop
Hoshiban Decorated Candle Shop was opened in 1772. In the Edo period, the owner made candles for the feudal lords of the Aizu Domain. The skills have since been passed down through generations, and now the owner is the ninth generation. If you are lucky, you might witness the craftsmen showing off their skills (you might need to make a purchase to see, though)!
The traditional candles are made from vegetable wax, Japanese washi paper, and dried grass for the core. Thus, your health won’t be adversely affected by using the candle as you enjoy the atmosphere created by the soft light.
The decorated candles were substitutes for flowers offered to the Buddhist altar in winter in Japan’s Tōhoku and Chūbu regions, where the landscape is covered by snow. Thus, the images hand-painted on the candles are usually flowers, such as peonies and chrysanthemums.
Nowadays, the candles in the shop are painted with more festive flowers, such as sunflowers and lilies, so that they can be used for other celebrations, such as weddings and birthdays.
Decorated Candle Workshop at Hoshiban Decorated Candle Shop
Hoshiban Decorated Candle Shop has a workshop space dedicated to visitors for candle painting. You will have two candles by the end of the workshop. One is the final product from the shop, and the other is for you to paint.
If you are interested in making your own decorated candles, make a reservation by calling +81-242-27-1873. Note that the staff are not proficient in English. If you don’t speak Japanese, ask your hotel’s reception staff to make the booking for you.
On the day, you can rely on one of the Translation Apps to communicate.
- A booking made a day in advance is required for reservations for up to five people.
- A booking of two days’ notice is required to reserve six or more people.
- The workshop can be held from 9 am to 3:30 pm.
- The cost is 2,200 yen per person.
- The time required is 40 to 60 minutes.
Hoshiban Decorated Candle Shop’s Business Hours and Access Information
- Hoshiban Decorated Candle Shop is open from 9 am to 7 pm.
- It closes early at 6 pm from January to March.
- The shop closes from December 31 to January 3.
- Fukunishi Honten is a 2-minute walk from Nanukamachi Station (七日町駅).
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!
Discover the Stunning Scenery Along the Tadami Line
The Nanukamachi-dōri Street, where the 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 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!
