If you plan to visit Japan’s most picturesque train line, the Tadami Line, you will most likely have a brief stop somewhere near Nanukamachi-dōri Street. The street that isn’t far from Tadami Line’s starting point, Aizu-Wakamatsu Station, is great 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 getting souvenirs for your families and friends.
Where to Shop for Souvenirs on Nanukamachi-dōri Street
- Kimono Benriya Toshinobō (きものべんりや としの坊)
- Kakurekura Aiya (かくれ蔵 會や)
- Shirokiya Lacquerware (白木屋漆器店)
- Hoshiban Decorated Candle Shop (ほしばん絵ろうそく店)
The above spots are listed according to their distance from JR Nanukamachi Station.
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 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 kimono), traditional sandals, and handbags.
Toshinobō also offers kimono rental services. While some people would hope 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 2 days beforehand by filling out an Online Form or call 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. So, you can hold the high-top to fold it and turn it into a low-cut shoe in 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 has a collection of secondhand kimono in various patterns, also sells clothes, handmade bags and pouches made using Aizu Cotton Plain Weave (会津木綿), and handmade accessories.
Aizu cotton is known for its durability and ease of handling. The best thing is that it doesn’t tend to shrink!
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).
Shirokiya Lacquerware (白木屋漆器店)
Lacquerware is another 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 want to check it out, Shirokiya Lacquerware is a must-visit. 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).
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 that receive heavy snow in Japan, 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!
For more information, refer to our article on Hoshiban Decorated Candle Shop!
