Step back in time on Nanukamachi-dori Street, one of the most historic and charming districts in Aizu-Wakamatsu. While this lively area is famous for its preserved 19th-century architecture and traditional samurai culture, it is also a fantastic destination for food lovers. Whether you are searching for authentic regional snacks, specialty coffee shops, or vegetarian and vegan-friendly restaurants, the local dining scene has something for everyone. Here is our curated guide to the absolute best cafes and restaurants in Nanukamachi to keep you fueled during your Fukushima adventures.
The Recommended Cafes and Restaurants in Nanukamachi
- Bakery&Cafe basket.（バスケット）
- Akabeko Cafe (あかべこカフェ)
- Restaurant Papacaldo (リストランテ パパカルド)
- Tarō Ōbanyaki (Tarōyaki Sōhonpo, 太郎焼総本舗)
- Mitsutaya (満田屋)
- Nanukamachi Cafe Yui (なぬか町茶房「結」)
- Aizu Coffee Club (会津珈琲倶楽部)
- Taketō (竹藤) and Taketō Chaya (たけとう茶屋)
- Kiriya Gongentei (桐屋・権現亭)
- The soba restaurant is gluten-free friendly.
Bakery&Cafe basket.（バスケット）
Located just steps from Nanukamachi Station, Bakery & Cafe Basket offers a refreshing change of pace if you are looking for a break from traditional Japanese flavors. Opened in 2018, this vibrant bakery-cafe is run by a mother and her daughters originally from Cebu, Philippines. The bright, tropical decor immediately gives the shop a welcoming island vibe, making it a popular spot for travelers looking to grab a quick, delicious bite.
The cafe specializes in authentic Filipino breads, light meals, and tropical desserts. If you aren’t sure what to try, we highly recommend their signature coconut-filled breads paired with a refreshing tropical drink. Once you choose your items, the staff will happily warm them up so they taste fresh out of the oven. They can even cut your pastries into convenient, bite-sized pieces upon request.
Dietary Notes & Language Support: While Bakery & Cafe Basket does not have a dedicated vegetarian menu, the staff are highly proficient in English and are happy to customize your order whenever possible. If you happen to be served by someone who doesn’t speak English, you can easily use the helpful phrases found in our Essential Japanese Travel Phrases for Vegetarians and Vegans guide to communicate your dietary needs. Feel free to check out their online cafe menu in advance to plan your visit!
If you aren’t in a hurry, enjoy authentic Filipino food in the warm, cozy dine-in space. The welcoming interior complements the cafe’s bright aesthetic, making it an inviting place to sit back, unwind, and enjoy your meal right by the station.
You can refer to Bakery&Cafe’s Menu in advance.
Bakery&Cafe basket.’s Business Hours and Access Information
- Bakery&Cafe basket is open from 10 am to 5 pm from Tuesday to Sunday.
- The bakery is next to Nanukamachi Station (七日町駅).
Akabeko Cafe (あかべこカフェ)
Important: Akabeko Cafe is temporarily closed from March 2026 until further notice.
As you stroll along Nanukamachi-dōri Street, you are bound to notice the charming red cow statues decorating the town. This iconic figure is known as the Akabeko (literally “red cow” in the local dialect), a legendary Aizu folk charm dating back centuries, traditionally given to children to ward off illness and bring good luck.
For travelers enchanted by this bobble-headed lucky charm, Akabeko Cafe (officially part of the Oku-Aizu Shokusaigura Kawachiya storehouse) is the perfect pit stop. You cannot miss it—a giant, interactive Akabeko statue stands right outside the storefront, greeting visitors and serving as a popular photo spot. Inside, the theme continues seamlessly, with red cow motifs scattered throughout the cozy, traditional storehouse.
Souvenirs, Crafts, and Menu Highlights:
- The Perfect Combo: You can double up on local lucky charms by picking up the Akabeko Okiagari Koboshi Set (赤べこ起き上がり小法師セット), which pairs the red cow with Aizu’s traditional roly-poly structural doll.
- Hands-On Crafting: The cafe offers a fun Akabeko painting experience, letting you paint the symbolic white-and-black stripes on your very own papier-mâché souvenir to take home.
- The Menu: True to its theme, the cafe incorporates the character into its food! Expect delightful sweets like their signature rich rare cheesecake, which comes topped with a cute Akabeko-shaped cookie. They also serve satisfying lunch dishes utilizing fresh local ingredients from the Oku-Aizu region, alongside specialty coffees and refreshing iced drinks.
- Bonus Local Treats: Because the shop specializes in regional delicacies, you can also purchase other hard-to-find treats here, such as Yanaizu Town’s famous awa manju (a highly addictive, yellow steamed bun made with millet and sweet red bean paste).
Tip: Akabeko Cafe should have a vegan choice on their lunch menu.
Akabeko Cafe’s Business Hours and Access Information
- Akabeko Cafe is open from 10 am to 5 pm. Please refer to their Instagram Account for the days that the cafe is open.
- The cafe is a 4-minute walk from Nanukamachi Station (七日町駅).
Restaurant Papacaldo (リストランテ パパカルド)
Nanukamachi is also home to an exceptional fine-dining Italian restaurant that beautifully marries Mediterranean culinary techniques with local Japanese agriculture.
The kitchen crafts healthy, sophisticated course menus centered around Fukushima Prefecture’s freshly harvested seasonal vegetables and fruits. From the foundational olive oils to the finishing peppers, every seasoning is meticulously selected. The immaculate, thoughtful service routinely earns high praise from both the locals and international travelers.
In Italian, papa means father and caldo means warmth, a name reflecting the chef’s mission to warm the hearts of his guests through comforting flavors and sincere hospitality. Having honed his cooking skills and refined his palate at renowned Italian establishments in Tokyo and Italy, the head chef designs ever-changing menus tailored to the day’s weather and ingredients to bring out the absolute best in natural flavors.
The Dining Experience & Atmosphere:
- Serene Ambience: The restaurant’s interior features a calming, white-themed design complemented by soft, relaxing background music, providing a quiet sanctuary away from the busier sightseeing streets.
- Flawless Pacing: The delivery of each course is well-timed, ensuring you never feel rushed or left waiting too long between dishes. You might even find yourself wanting more at the end of the meal!
Essential Traveler Tips:
- Dietary Customization: While the standard menus are not explicitly vegetarian or vegan, the restaurant is highly accommodating. If you have specific dietary restrictions, please call ahead to discuss accommodations. The chef can often tailor components of the course meals with prior notice.
- Reservations Mandatory: Reservations are required for dinner (course-menu only). Because of its popularity and limited seating, booking well in advance by calling +81-242-93-7887 is highly recommended for both lunch and dinner.
- Reservations must be made by the day before.
Restaurant Papacaldo’s Business Hours and Access Information
- Restaurant Papacaldo is open from Wednesday to Monday from
- 11:30 am to 2 pm for lunch
- The last order is taken at 1:30 pm.
- 6 pm to 9:30 pm for dinner
- 11:30 am to 2 pm for lunch
- The restaurant is a 6-minute walk from Nanukamachi Station (七日町駅).
Tarōyaki Sōhonpo (太郎焼総本舗)
Are you after some cheap traditional snacks in Nanukamachi? Visit Tarōyaki Sōhonpo for its nostalgic atmosphere and its local sweet treat! It is a fantastic spot to take a relaxing break, enjoy a budget-friendly treat (pastries are typically around ¥130 to ¥160 each), and soak in the retro charm of Aizu-Wakamatsu. Whether it is the standard homemade red bean paste or other fillings such as custard, the filling in the round cake will overflow in your mouth with a bite!
Mitsutaya (満田屋)
For an unforgettable, healthy dining experience on Nanukamachi-dōri Street, head to Mitsutaya. Established way back in 1834 as a traditional miso maker, this historic shop transformed its back miso storehouse into a rustic restaurant in 1972. Today, it is the ultimate place in Aizu-Wakamatsu to enjoy traditional miso dengaku—savory skewered foods coated in richly seasoned paste and grilled to perfection over an open charcoal hearth.
To help you get the most out of your visit, read our review: Mitsutaya: Where You Can Enjoy Miso Dengaku in Nanukamachi.
Nanukamachi Cafe Yui (なぬか町茶房「結」)
If you appreciate the comforting textures of freshly pounded rice cakes and tofu, Nanukamachi Cafe Yui (affectionately known locally as the “Mochi Cafe”) is an essential stop. This relaxing, Japanese-style teahouse specializes in freshly made mochi that is significantly softer, silkier, and stretchier than standard varieties found across Japan.
The must-try of the menu is their signature Tofu Mochi (豆腐もち). While traditionally a rare regional delicacy reserved for special occasions like Obon, New Year, and ceremonial gatherings in the Minatomachi area of Aizu-Wakamatsu, this cafe brings it to everyday diners. The dish carries deep local history: the cafe owner opened the teahouse in 2016 to preserve the authentic recipe passed down directly from her grandmother, who originally ran the beloved, now-closed Shimizu Chaya (清水茶屋) tofu shop.
The Savory & Sweet Menu:
- How Tofu Mochi is Made: The unique savory dressing is prepared by heating mashed firm tofu (momen tofu, 木綿豆腐) with soy sauce and flavorful dashi stock, creating a rich, creamy coating that clings perfectly to the soft rice cakes.
- Other Savory Staples: The lunch menu also features two other traditional regional varieties: Tsuyu Mochi (つゆもち), a comforting soup-based rice cake dish, and Egoma Mochi (えごまもち), which features a deeply aromatic wild sesame sauce.
- Dessert Platters: Beyond savory lunches, the cafe makes its own sweet sauces and bean pastes from scratch. Visitors can drop by later in the day for popular sweet treats like their signature Mochi Parfaits, or classic platters featuring zunda (sweet mashed edamame), walnut, and anko (sweet red bean) pastes.
Important Dietary Note: While the focus on tofu and rice cakes sounds plant-based, Nanukamachi Cafe Yui’s savory dishes are not vegetarian. The traditional tofu mochi and egoma mochi dressings utilize a dashi stock containing fish extracts, and the Tsuyu Mochi broth contains meat. Stick with the sweet dessert mochi selections if you are a vegan/vegetarian.
Nanukamachi Cafe Yui’s Business Hours and Access Information
- Nanukamachi Cafe Yui is open from 11 am to 5 pm from Wednesday to Monday.
- The shop is a 10-minute walk from Nanukamachi Station (七日町駅).
- If traveling by local bus, get off at the Nanukamachi Shirokiya-mae (七日町白木屋前) stop, from which it is just a short walk.
Tip: Arrive early or visit during non-peak hours to avoid waiting.
Kyō (蔵喫茶 杏)
For travelers who appreciate a touch of local craft in their desserts, Kyō is an absolute must-visit. Housed in a beautifully preserved traditional storehouse belonging to a historic Edo-period brewery, this atmospheric sake cafe serves up exquisite, premium sake-infused sweets that you won’t find anywhere else.
To discover their unique menu highlights, the history behind the brewery, and what makes this spot so special, check out our full guide to Kyō: A Cafe in Aizu-Wakamatsu to Enjoy Sake-Infused Sweets.
Aizu Coffee Club (会津珈琲倶楽部)
For an unforgettable specialty coffee experience, make sure to add Aizu Coffee Club to your itinerary. Hidden in a cozy residential area just off the main strip, this stylish, club-like retreat is run by an incredibly warm couple in their 70s who roast their high-quality beans in-house and serve your hand-drip coffee in rare, world-class porcelain cups chosen specifically to match your personality. Beyond the stellar brews, the cafe is highly praised for its farm-to-table breakfast sets, seasonal fruit pies, and a secret ninja-style hidden toilet door!
To plan your visit, get their reservation details, and read about our incredible dining experience, see our complete guide: Aizu Coffee Club: The Must-Go Cafe in Aizu-Wakamatsu.
Aizu Ichibankan (會津壹番館)
For a perfect blend of rich history and exceptional coffee, make sure to stop by Aizu Ichibankan. Housed in a two-story brick building dating back to 1884, this cafe offers much more than a standard coffee break. It is actually located on the historic site of the former Kaiyo Hospital, where the legendary bacteriologist Dr. Hideyo Noguchi (the prominent figure featured on Japan’s older 1,000-yen banknotes) underwent life-changing hand surgery and began his medical training.
To explore the fascinating history of this building and see what else you can order, read our complete guide: Aizu Ichibankan: The Historical Cafe in Aizu-Wakamatsu to Enjoy Coffee and Sake Sweets.
Taketō (竹藤) and Taketō Chaya (たけとう茶屋)
If you want to experience the deep merchant history of the Aizu region while enjoying a relaxing meal, Taketō is an absolute must-visit. Established in 1624 as a bamboo trader, this historic property holds the title of the oldest commercial facility in the area. The business was so influential during the late Edo period that the head of the family was granted exclusive audiences with the domain’s feudal lord. The gorgeous traditional townhouse you see today was completed in 1841.
To help preserve and maintain this stunning 19th-century architectural treasure, the family’s daughter opened Taketō Chaya in 2020, using an idle space at the back of the property. So, you can check out the bamboo crafts sold in the shop as you proceed further to the cafe. As you can imagine, the dining space is in the traditional Japanese style. But don’t worry. There are table seats at Taketō Chaya. In fact, we reckon the table seats are the best because they are also window seats, allowing you to peek outside.
Taketō Chaya’s Food Menu
- Vegetarian-Friendly Light Meals: The cafe offers a simple yet incredibly flavorful light-meal menu. Their specialty is a series of Japanese-flavored pizzas (such as the highly rated shallot miso pizza) that are popular among local regulars. Best of all for plant-based travelers, no meat or seafood is used in these dishes!
- Artisan Handmade Sweets: The owner, Kasama-san (笠間さん), has been teaching confectionery-making since 1998. She handcrafts all of the cafe’s desserts using premium, locally sourced ingredients.
- Must-Try Desserts: If you eat eggs, her signature pound cake is a must-order and pairs beautifully with their high-quality tea and coffee. The homemade apple pie and elegant Mont Blanc are also crowd favorites.
After a delicious meal, you are welcome to check out the traditional house. All the fixtures and decorations would give you a good idea of the lifestyle a few centuries ago. A small museum also displays historical materials for customers to examine.
Taketō Chaya’s Opening Hours and Access Information
- Taketō Chaya is open from 11 am to 6 pm from Friday to Tuesday.
- The cafe closes early at 3 pm from January to March. It also closes on Sundays during winter.
- The bamboo crafts shop Taketō s open from 10 am to 5 pm from Thursday to Tuesday.
- The cafe is a 15-minute walk from Nanukamachi Station (七日町駅).
Kiriya Gongentei (桐屋・権現亭)
For an exceptional bowl of authentic soba (buckwheat noodles), head to Kiriya Gongentei. Opened in 1971, this renowned restaurant allows you to taste three distinct varieties of buckwheat grown natively in the fertile Aizu region. Because their noodles are handcrafted from 100% pure buckwheat flour (juwari soba), it is an ideal dining spot for those with coeliac disease or gluten sensitivities. To make the dining experience even more interactive, you even get to grind your own fresh wasabi at the table!
The restaurant is also completely barrier-free, featuring a dedicated elevator to comfortably transport elderly guests or wheelchair users to the second-floor dining area.
The Art of Soba & Quality Ingredients:
- Meticulous Cold Storage: To ensure the delicate quality, moisture, and aroma of the buckwheat are maintained at a premium standard until the moment it is consumed, the harvested grain is stored inside a temperature-controlled facility within the restaurant’s own flour mill.
- Strongest Fragrance Season: If you plan your trip for late October, you will be treated to noodles made from the freshly harvested autumn buckwheat crop (shin-soba), which boasts an even more robust and captivating fragrance.
- Organic & Preservative-Free: The restaurant takes pride in its health-conscious ingredients. Most of the crisp vegetables served are grown locally in the company’s own organic garden, and the savory soy sauce used in their recipes contains absolutely no artificial preservatives.
- Complimentary Buckwheat Tea: Alongside your meal, you will be treated to their house-brewed buckwheat tea (sobacha), which is famously delicious and highly refreshing.
Unique Menu Highlights & Customizations:
- Rare Tempura Varieties: Kiriya Gongentei’s tempura menu is unlike any other. You will find incredibly rare regional delicacies, including deep-fried Korean ginseng, local kelp, and most uniquely, the traditional sweet Aizu manjū (steamed bean bun) fried to crispy perfection!
- Freshly Made Mochi: To round out your meal, they also serve freshly pounded mochi rice cakes in various flavors, a delightful and uncommon treat to find on a standard soba restaurant menu.
Tips for Vegetarians & Vegans:
☛ Reservation: Make a booking 3 days in advance by filling in the Online Form to ensure you have a seat on the day. Otherwise, you can call +81-242-25-3851 to reserve.
☛ Salt Dipping Modification: Because the standard soba dipping sauce (tsuyu) is brewed with a rich fish-based dashi, those who do not eat seafood or meat can confidently request to enjoy their premium high-quality noodles and crispy tempura with simple table salt. The exceptional flavor of the buckwheat shines beautifully this way!
☛ Tempura Rice Bowls: If you prefer a tempura rice bowl, ask the staff to replace the usual meat- or fish-infused dashi dressing with plain, high-quality soy sauce.
Kiriya Gongentei’s Business Hours and Access Information
- Kiriya Gongentei is open from
- 11 am to 3 pm on weekdays
- 11 am to 4 pm on weekends and public holidays
- It is closed on Wednesdays.
- The restaurant is a 20-minute walk from Nanukamachi Station (七日町駅).
Discover Other Recommended Spots to Visit on Nanukamachi-dōri Street
If you want to explore the wider neighborhood beyond its culinary treasures, don’t miss out on everything else this historic street has to offer. Lined with gorgeous architecture dating back over a century, the area is packed with cultural landmarks, artisan souvenir shops, and fascinating historical ties to the famous Shinsengumi samurai.
To plan your perfect walking itinerary, check out our comprehensive guide: The Best Guide to the Must-Visit Spots on Nanukamachi-dori.
Discover the Stunning Scenery Along the Tadami Line
The Nanukamachi-dōri Street 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!
