Checking out traditional confectionery shops is a must in an area like Nanukamachi, which is filled with traditional buildings. While the types of confectionery usually don’t vary by too much, each region has its way of making sweets; hence, they can taste different. You might even have some unique or rare finds as you browse through the shops! So, check out the shops mentioned below when you visit Aizu-Wakamatsu City!
Table of Contents
- Nagatoya Nanukamachi (会津長門屋 七日町店)
- Kumanoya Nanukamachi (菓子司 熊野屋 七日町店)
- Tarō-an Nanukamachi Kabō (お菓子の蔵太郎庵 七日町菓房)
Nagatoya Nanukamachi (会津長門屋 七日町店)
Nagatoya is one of the top traditional confectionery makers in Aizu. The maker, which opened in 1848, is proud of its handmade sweets. You will be amazed by the sweets on the shelf, especially the Fly Me to The Moon~Yōkan Fantasia!
For more information, refer to our Nagatoya article!
Kumanoya Nanukamachi (菓子司 熊野屋 七日町店)
In addition to Nagatoya, Kumanoya is another traditional confectionery maker we love. Unlike the sweets sold in Nagatoya, many of Kumanoya’s sweets are perfect for eating while walking. The staff most likely would serve you a cup of tea when you rest in the eating space!
Refer to our Kumanoya article for more information!
Tarō-an Nanukamachi Kabō (お菓子の蔵太郎庵 七日町菓房)
Next to Seki Lacquerware is one of the area’s top confectionery makers. It has as many as 15 branches in the Aizu region. Tarō-an is known for its sweets, which were created based on the local culture and scenic spots using the local ingredients. Their Nanukamachi store is in an old traditional house and also has a cafe. While it isn’t spacious, you can enjoy the snacks purchased with a cup of free tea. Cheap cakes and dessert sets with coffee or tea can also be ordered.
Aizu no Tenjin-sama (会津の天神さま) is Tarō-an’s best seller. While the Western confectionery doesn’t look like the traditional papier mache toy the locals used to gift to the newlyborn baby boys, an image of Aizu no Tenjin-sama is printed on the packaging. Tarō-an thought to preserve this culture through sweets. Thus, it was created to open the first Tarō-an in 1979.
The busse sandwiches cream made from salted butter from Hokkaidō and processed cheese. The slight sourness from the cheese goes perfectly with the sweet cream, which has a salty ascent. Limited edition busse with fruit flavors such as strawberry and blueberry are available depending on the season.
Another popular sweet is Aizu Cheese Manjū Kuicchi (会津チーズ饅頭くいっちい). Kuicchi (くいっちぃ) means I want to eat in Aizu dialect. The confectionery maker transformed the phrase into a Western-style manjū filled with cheese. Even the skin is cheese-infused! So, unlike other manjū buns in Japan, Tarō-an’s Kuicchi matches well with wine, too!
Moreover, Tarō-an Nanukamachi Kabō has a small gallery that exhibits ink paintings by Yokota Arata (横田 新) depicting Aizu’s culture.
Tip: If the dango rice cake skewers are available, order them. Somehow, the traditional snack that is sold everywhere just tastes more delicious here!
Tarō-an Nanukamachi Kabō’s Business Hours and Access Information
- Tarō-an Nanukamachi Kabō is open from 9:30 am to 5 pm
- It is closed on New Year’s Day.
- The gallery inside Yume no Kura (夢の蔵) is open from 10 am to 4 pm.
- The shop is a 3-minute walk from Nanukamachi Station (七日町駅).
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!
The Recommended Cafes and Restaurants 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!
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!
