If you plan to visit Japan’s most picturesque train line, the Tadami Line, you will most likely take a brief stop somewhere near Nanukamachi-dōri Street. The street that isn’t far from Tadami Line’s starting point, Aizu-Wakamatsu Station, is deal for a break before or after exploring Aizu’s stunning nature. In addition to the tasty food, the street has a couple of shops perfect for purchasing souvenirs for your family and friends. Nanukamachi is also a great spot if you are wondering what to do near Tsuruga Castle.
Where to Shop for Souvenirs on Nanukamachi-dōri Street
- The Top Shops to Get Traditional Sweets in Nanukamachi
- The Best Shops to Get Aizu Lacquerware on Nanukamachi-dōri
- Zakka-shō Kizuna (會津雑貨商 きずな)
- Kimono Benriya Toshinobō (きものべんりや としの坊)
- Kakurekura Aiya (かくれ蔵 會や)
- Hoshiban Decorated Candle Shop (ほしばん絵ろうそく店)
The above spots are listed in order of their distance from JR Nanukamachi Station (七日町駅).
The Top Shops to Get Traditional Sweets in Nanukamachi
Checking out traditional confectionery shops is a must in an area like Nanukamachi. While the types of confectionery usually do not vary too much, each region has its own way of making sweets; hence, they can taste quite different from one another. You might even come across some rare finds as you browse through the shops!
Check out the shops mentioned in our article on The Top Shops to Get Traditional Sweets in Nanukamachi so that you don’t miss out on any unique sweets!
The Best Shops to Get Aizu Lacquerware on Nanukamachi-dōri
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 has a couple of places we recommend you stop by. There is even a workshop selling lacquer-coated glassware!
For more information, refer to our article on The Best Places to Get Aizu Lacquerware on Nanukamachi-dōri Street.
Zakka-shō Kizuna (會津雑貨商 きずな)
Walking around Nanukamachi, some red cow statues might catch your attention. The red cow is known as Akabeko (あかべこ), which translates to red cow. It is a traditional toy in the Aizu region and has been used to ward off evil spirits for children. If you want to get a couple of these cute cows home, head to Zakka-shō Kizuna.
The miscellaneous goods shop boasts the largest collection of Akabeko goods, crafted by various craftsmen in the area. You may be able to find a few rare, handmade Akabeko figures. Apparently, there are different types of Akabeko. Each type would bring you different benefits, so remember to check with the staff before making a purchase. In fact, the friendly owner might even start telling you about Akabeko and the region’s traditional crafts if you understand Japanese!
Besides Akabeko, various local crafts are also on the shelf, including items made with Aizu Cotton and Okiagari Koboshi figures.
Okiagari Koboshi (起き上がり小法師) is Aizu’s traditional lucky charm. As it stands up quickly after falling, the figure symbolizes the spirit of “fall seven times, get up eight”. It is also a symbol of tenacity and health.
Moreover, you can also change into a kimono at Zakka-shō Kizuna. The shop has a wide range of kimonos for you to choose from, including the most formal kimonos, Furisode (振袖) and Hōmongi (訪問着).
Zakka-shō Kizuna’s Business Hours and Access Information
- Zakka-shō Kizuna is open from 10 am to 6:30 pm from Thursday to Tuesday.
- The shop is a 4-minute walk from Nanukamachi Station (七日町駅).
Kimono Benriya Toshinobō (きものべんりや としの坊)
If you are passionate about kimonos, Toshinobō on Nanukamachi-dōri Street is a must-visit. While the staff there doesn’t speak English, you can consult them about anything related to kimonos using a Translation App. The shop has everything you need to dress up in a kimono, including obi belts, obijime (strings for a kimono), traditional sandals, and handbags.
Toshinobō also offers kimono rental services. While some people would hope that the patterns are fancier, we love their collection as the patterns appear more elegant to us.
- The kimono rental cost at Toshinobō is 8,000 yen.
- You can pay an additional 2,200 yen for the staff to arrange your hair in the traditional style.
- The kimono rental service is available from 10 am. Please return the kimono by 6 pm.
- Please reserve at least 2 days in advance by filling out the Online Form or calling Toshinobō at +81-242-22-9363.
Moreover, garment items made from Aizu cotton, such as hunting caps and jackets, are also on the shelf. There are even umbrellas made using Aizu cotton! If you like sneakers, check out the Aizu Cotton Sneaker (會津コットンスニーカー). The high-cut shoe’s external and internal patterns differ, allowing you to fold and transform it into a low-cut shoe with a different pattern.
Kimono Benriya Toshinobō’s Business Hours and Access Information
- Kimono Benriya Toshinobō is open from 10 am to 6 pm from Friday to Wednesday.
- It is a 6-minute walk from Nanukamachi Station (七日町駅).
Kakurekura Aiya (かくれ蔵 會や)
For miscellaneous goods, stop by Kakurekura Aiya. It is one of the best spots in Nanukamachi to source souvenirs. The shop, which features a collection of secondhand kimonos in various patterns, also sells clothes, handmade bags and pouches made from Aizu Cotton Plain Weave (会津木綿), as well as handmade accessories.
Aizu cotton is known for its durability and ease of handling. The best thing is that it doesn’t tend to shrink after washing either!
Kakurekura Aiya’s Business Hours and Access Information
- Kakurekura Aiya is open from 11 am to 5 pm from Friday to Tuesday.
- It closes early at 4 pm in winter.
- The shop is a 10-minute walk from Nanukamachi Station (七日町駅).
Hoshiban Decorated Candle Shop (ほしばん絵ろうそく店)
If you are looking for some traditional souvenirs, consider getting one of the Japanese-decorated candles from the Hoshiban Decorated Candle Shop. 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! 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!
For more information, refer to our article on Hoshiban Decorated Candle Shop!
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 for you to stop by and enjoy the 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 Other Recommended Spots to Visit 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. While the 800-meter-long street stretching west from Nanukamachi Station isn’t as lively as it used to be, 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!
