Lacquerware is a popular souvenir among tourists in the Aizu region. The Aizu lacquer (Aizu-nuri, 会津塗り) is one of Japan’s top lacquerware. If you like the traditional crafts, Nanukamachi-dōri Street in Aizu-Wakamatsu has a couple of places we recommend you to stop by. Whether you like the utensils and vessels that are splendidly decorated or something more elegant, we are sure something will catch your attention. There is even a workshop selling lacquer coated glassware!
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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, it is applied to glassware. Their special products are made to bring lacquerware closer to the modern lifestyle so that more people are interested in traditional crafts. Loving Studio Suzuran’s modernly designed lacquerware, the shop receives many fans who would travel a long way 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 Their 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
- 12:30 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. The same as 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 friendly to the wallet, such as those decorated using 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. So, if you want to bring lacquerware home, search the shop for the one 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 related to lacquerware, use a Translation App and ask along!
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 has over 1,000 classic lacquerware and modern accessories on the shelf. While the lacquerware on the shelf isn’t cheap, these elegant traditional crafts can be used for a long time. You can even request to have your family crest or your name 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 about Aizu lacquer which can be accessed for free.
After the Boshin War (戊辰戦争), the shop contributed largely to restoring the lacquerware industry in the devastated Aizu region. Because of its consistent efforts, Shirokiya’s lacquerware is recognized not only in Japan but also in Western Europe’s exhibitions. 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 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 come to pick up the final product, Shirokiya can send it to you afterwards.
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).
Where Else 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!
