Nagahama is a quaint merchant town with some of the most Instaworthy streets you'll find in Japan! In the vicinity of JR Nagahama Station, there are many distinctive shops, restaurants and artisanal glassware shops lining the streets in the form of old homes and storehouses evoking an ambiance of the good old days of the Edo period.
Here we will take you on a stroll around the Nagahama area, especially to the famous Kurokabe Square, a spot renowned for glassware. This is an excellent place for a day trip from Kyoto or Nagoya!
- Table of Contents
-
- Nagahama Japan: Land of daimyo Toyotomi Hideyoshi
- Kurokabe Square: The main tourist attraction in Nagahama
- Kurokabe Glass Shop: All types of glassware from both Japan and abroad are found here
- Kurokabe Glass Studio: watch artisans at work!
- Lunch at Torikita: Locally popular Oyakodon [chicken and egg rice bowl] shop at a price you cannot beat!
- Marui Shokupan Specialty Shop: Long-established Local Bakery
- Kaiyodo Figure Museum: Showcasing nostalgic heroes of yesterday to popular characters of today!
- Convenient spots for taking a short rest and buying souvenirs
Nagahama Japan: Land of daimyo Toyotomi Hideyoshi
Nagahama City is located in the northeastern part of Shiga Prefecture. It is famous for being the site where Toyotomi Hideyoshi, whose name at the time was Hashiba Hideyoshi, had his first castle as a daimyo (feudal lord).
Nagahama prospered as an inn town on the Hokkoku Kaido, a highway that connected the area with Edo (present-day Tokyo) during the Edo period. Old-style houses of the period line the street giving the area a retro feeling and are a short 5-minute walk from the station.
Kurokabe Square: The main tourist attraction in Nagahama
Many merchants came and went to Nagahama because it employed a system called Rakuichi-Rakuza [free markets and open guilds] which did not tax commercial transactions.
The system was maintained after the Edo period and into the Meiji era and as it brought economic prosperity to the city, many banks established branches here.
One of these was the 130th National Bank Nagahama Branch. The wooden Western-style building was built in 1900 and due to its black plaster exterior, it was commonly called the Kurokabe [Black Wall] Bank.
In the middle of the Showa Era, large stores opened in the suburbs one after another, and Nagahama became less prosperous. At about the same time, fearing that the Kurokabe Bank would be demolished, concerned citizens in the community began a movement for its preservation by forming the Kurokabe Co., Ltd. This was the beginning of efforts to revitalize the community.
The Kurokabe Bank became the Kurokabe Glass Shop when it was newly opened in 1989.
The area where glass shops, workshops, cafes, and other businesses are gathered around the Kurokabe Glass Shop is called Kurokabe Square, and it is now one of the largest sightseeing spots with nearly 2 million visitors each year. Many tourists from outside the prefecture visit on holidays.
Kurokabe Glass Shop: All types of glassware from both Japan and abroad are found here
Designated a Tangible Cultural Property, the interior of the Kurokabe Glass Shop is the same as it was when it was the Kurokabe Bank. Domestic glass items are displayed on the first floor and foreign glass items are offered on the second floor.
The same glass items will have different designs and colors depending on the country from where they come. On a fine day the glass objects are especially beautiful when bathed in sunlight.
The glass pens at Kurokabe Glass Shop are especially popular. These finely detailed works of art are made entirely of glass.
There are also flowers made of glass that will never wilt....
Cute pill cases with finely detailed flowers are sure to tickle a girl's heart.
-
Kurokabe Glass Shop黒壁ガラス館
- Address 12-38 Motohama-cho, Nagahama City, Shiga Prefecture
- Phone Number 0749-65-2330
Open: 10:00 a.m. ~ 6:00 p.m. (Until 5:00 p.m. November ~ March)
Closed: Open daily
Kurokabe Glass Studio: watch artisans at work!
You can actually observe glass artisans crafting art objects in the Kurokabe Glass Studio that is adjacent to the Kurokabe Glass Shop.
Currently there are about 10 glass artisans working here. Watching the artisans blowing glass, making stained glass, and etching glass is so enjoyable that it is easy to lose track of the time.
-
Kurokabe Glass Studio黒壁ガラススタジオ
- Address 12-38 Motohama-cho, Nagahama City, Shiga Prefecture
- Phone Number 0749-65-2330
Open: 10:00 a.m. ~ 6:00 p.m. (Until 5:00 p.m. November ~ March)
Closed: Open daily
Lunch at Torikita: Locally popular Oyakodon [chicken and egg rice bowl] shop at a price you cannot beat!
About now it is time for lunch. There is one shop in Nagahama where you really get good value for your money in spite of being in a tourist area. So without further ado, let’s go there!
Torikita is just a few minutes’ walk along the Ekimae Avenue extending from JR Nagahama Station. On holidays and weekends there is already a long line of people waiting to get in when the shop opens at 11:30.
The shop is famous for its Oyakodon and Kashiwanabe. These cost only 580 yen and 420 yen (tax included in both)! And you can order both dishes together for just 1,000 yen, which is really reasonable. Originally the shop served torisuki (sukiyaki made with chicken) at tables on tatami mats, but a few generations ago it switched to its current shokudo [diner] style.
They kindly allowed me into the kitchen so I could observe how they made the popular oyakodon.
The soup stock mixed with other condiments is put into a pan together with domestically raised chicken and onions and then cooked.
Less than 30 seconds after the egg has been poured into the pan, the contents are then slid onto a bowl of hot rice. It happens in the blink of an eye. This timing is the secret to the deliciously soft and fluffy texture of the oyakodon.
The egg and rice blend perfectly with each bite. The flavor of the chicken is gentle yet firm. Mixing the egg yolk in the center first further gives it a rich flavor.
The Kashiwa-nabe [vegetable hot pot] has ginger in it which gives it a fresh taste. This dish also has a minimum of seasoning to allow the full flavor of the chicken and soup to come out.
The taste is out of this world! If you visit Nagahama you should really be sure to visit this shop. Try to come in the evening on a weekday as you are more likely to get a seat then.
-
Torikta鳥喜多
- Address 8-26 Motohama-cho, Nagahama City, Shiga Prefecture
- Phone Number 0749-62-1964
Open: Monday, Wednesday ~ Friday 11:30 a.m. ~ 2:00 p.m., Saturdays, Sundays, holidays 11:30 a.m. ~ 1:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m. ~ 6:00 p.m.
Closed: Tuesdays, Obon, New Year’s holidays
Marui Shokupan Specialty Shop: Long-established Local Bakery
If you walk south along the Hokkoku Kaido from Torikita you will come to a shop with an impressive signboard.
This is the Tsuruya Pan Marui Shokupan Senmonten that opened in April 2016. Literally translated, the name of the shop in English would be “Tsuruya Table Bread Round Bread Loaves Specialty Shop”.
This shop sells only round loaves of bread. Once you see them you will never forget their distinctive round shape.
Tsuruya Bread is famous nationally for its “Salad Bread”.
Various types of bread, including vegetable bread and rusks, are arranged and displayed at the front of the store.
These make excellent snacks as well as good souvenirs. With so many delicious items to choose from you may want to buy quite a few.
-
Tsuruya Pan Marui Shokupan Senmontenつるやパン まるい食パン専門店
- Address 15-31 Asahi-cho, Nagahama City, Shiga Prefecture
- Phone Number 0749-62-5926
Open: 7:00 a.m. ~ 5:00 p.m.
Closed: Wednesdays, end of the year and beginning of new year
Kaiyodo Figure Museum: Showcasing nostalgic heroes of yesterday to popular characters of today!
Heading back in the direction of Kurokabe Square this time we will go to the shopping district.
Here is located a figure museum operated by the world-famous figure-maker Kaiyodo.
Kaiyodo Figure Museum Kurokabe Ryuyukan is the world’s first museum devoted solely to figures. It opened in 2005 to introduce the attractions and production process of figures to everyone.
In particular, you can enjoy thousands of figures ranging from animals and dinosaurs and other creatures to nostalgic heroes, the latest anime characters and Buddhistic statues.
-
Kaiyodo Figure Museum Kurokabe Ryuyukan海洋堂フィギュアミュージアム黒壁 龍遊館
- Address 13-31 Motohama-cho, Nagahama City, Shiga Prefecture
- Phone Number 0749-68-1680
Open: 10:00 a.m. ~ 6:00 p.m. (April ~ October), 10:00 a.m. ~ 5:00 p.m. (November ~ March)
Closed: at unscheduled times
Admission fee: Adults 800 yen, Children 500 yen (both prices include tax)
Convenient spots for taking a short rest and buying souvenirs
There are many good places to visit in the Nagahama area.The 96CAFE, which is pronounced “Kuro Cafe” in Japanese, and the Kurokabe AMISU are two such places located next to the Kurokabe Glass Shop mentioned earlier. There are good places to take a short rest and look for souvenirs.
This casual cafe has a menu featuring local Shiga dishes and is open at all hours.
-
96CAFE96CAFE
- Address 11-28 Motohama-cho, Nagahama City, Shiga Prefecture
- Phone Number 0749-65-4844
Open: 10:00 a.m. ~ 6:00 p.m. (Until 5:00 p.m. November ~ March)
Closed: Open daily
Kurokabe AMISU across the street has a large selection of special products and handicrafts from all parts of Shiga Prefecture. The items offered were selected for their fine craftsmanship.
-
Kurokabe AMISU黒壁AMISU
- Address 8-16 Motohama-cho, Nagahama City, Shiga Prefecture
- Phone Number 0749-65-2330
Open: 10:00 a.m. ~ 6:00 p.m. (Until 5:00 p.m. November ~ March)
Closed: at the end of the year
The Nagahama area is easy to get about because everything is close together. This is a place that is ideal for a day-trip because there are so many things to see and do. Visiting the many shops you are certain to feel the history and culture of this famous old town.
Text by:Ishihara Ai
- Area
- Category
*Prices and options mentioned are subject to change.
*Unless stated otherwise, all prices include tax.
Recommended places for you
-
Yodobashi Camera Multimedia Umeda Store
Shopping Malls
Umeda, Osaka Station, Kitashinchi
-
Menu
ISHIDAYA Hanare
Yakiniku
Kobe, Sannomiya, Kitano
-
Jukuseiniku-to Namamottsuarera Nikubaru Italian Nikutaria Sannomiya
Izakaya
Kobe, Sannomiya, Kitano
-
Goods
Yoshida Gennojo-Roho Kyoto Buddhist Altars
Gift Shops
Nijo Castle, Kyoto Imperial Palace
-
Kamesushi Sohonten
Sushi
Umeda, Osaka Station, Kitashinchi
-
Kyoto National Museum
History Museums
Kyoto Station, To-ji Temple
-
Enjoy a Deeper Connection to Japan With Fascinating Cultural Experiences in Kyoto and Osaka
by: James Davies
-
What to Do in Osaka & Kyoto in November: Top Events, Festivals, Fall Foliage & Illuminations
by: Kaori Kimura
-
Don’t Miss the Autumn Fireworks Festivals! Enjoy Fun Displays & Competitions Across Japan
by: Kaori Kimura
-
Your Trip to Shiga Prefecture: The Complete Guide (Activities, Hotels, Savers & More)
-
Top 11 Must-Try Foods in Osaka's Tennoji and Abeno for 2024: From Okonomiyaki and Kushikatsu to Sushi, Experience the Best Local Flavors!
-
Nara’s Heritage: Enjoy a Special Journey into Japan’s Traditional Soul
Inspiration for Accommodations
-
Charming Hotels to Enjoy the Spectacular Views of Arashiyama's Autumn Leaves from Your Room
-
Spacious Family Hotel in Namba: 20 Comfortable Stays for Family Fun
-
Experience Stunning Views of Osaka Castle from Private Spaces: Top Hotels Near Osaka Castle
-
Recommended by Visitors! Arashiyama's Best-Rated Hotels
-
Family-Friendly Universal Studios Japan Hotel with Excellent Access
-
Enjoy Night Views from Your Room! Recommended Hotels in Namba Area
-
Enjoy a Comfortable Stay in Osaka! 10 Hotels with Convenient Airport Shuttle Services
-
Top 10 Recommended Hotels Near Namba Station with Great Access
-
8 Unfamiliar (But Totally Normal) Customs in Japan!
-
Complete Guide to Buying Japanese Medicine in Japan: Phrases and Vocabulary You Need to Know
-
Inside Kobe Tower: Fun Things to Do at the Symbol of Kobe
-
3 Best Izakaya In Osaka Where You Can Enjoy Drinks and Local Dishes, Recommended by Locals
-
10 Major Cities in Japan: Which One Should Top Your Bucket List?
-
Kichijoji – Explore Tokyo’s Top-Rated Stylish Suburb in Half a Day!
- #best gourmet Osaka
- #things to do Osaka
- #what to do in kyoto
- #what to bring to japan
- #best gourmet Kyoto
- #new years in Osaka
- #what to buy in nanba
- #Visiting Osaka
- #onsen tattoo friendly arima
- #daiso
- #Visiting Kyoto
- #best japanese soft drinks
- #japanese fashion culture
- #japanese convenience store snacks
- #japanese nail trends