Traditional Arts and Crafts
The exquisite craft of Aizu-nuri has a history of 400 years. Lord Gamo Ujisato was the original promoter of this craft which requires high quality wood and lacquer both found in Aizu.
Renaissance architecture is incorporated into the building of this store constructed in 1913. Various kinds of items from table ware such as soup bowls and plates to jewelry boxes are available here at reasonable prices. The display room on the second floor has maintained its original decor from the Taisho Period (1912 - 1926) and features exquisite lacquer works. The museum floor exhibits references of Aizu-nuri's history and the craft's process. Admission is free.
1-2-10 Omachi, Aizu Wakamatsu-shi / 0242-22-0203
This 160 year-old store carries everything from table ware such as chopsticks and bowls to high quality furniture. Juxtaposed to the store is a reference library where detailed descriptions of lacquer processes are disclosed. The building of this establishment was originally a lacquer craft storehouse.
1-3-28 Chuo, Aizu Wakamatsu-shi / 0242-22-0680
The beautiful candles are all handcrafted and are suited for souvenir gifts. Each stick has an extraordinary design of a flower such as a peony or a chrysanthemum. One may be reluctant to light such a beauty.
The simple yet atmospheric store has maintained its business since the Meiji period (1868 - 1912). Emphasis on traditional techniques can be appreciated in each and every candle (available at a set of two sticks from 1,000 yen). If you give advance notice, the store will help you paint your own design on the candle for 800 yen a piece.
6-27 Nishi Sakae-machi, Aizu Wakamatsu-shi / 0242-27-0652
Akabeko is a representative Aizu toy and talisman made of wood and wrapped in decorative paper. The cute little okiagari-koboshi are only 3 centimeters tall. They represent nanakorobi yaoki, a Japanese saying that symbolizes undefeatable determination.
As you step into the store, a red tojin-dako kite with its tongue sticking out will attract your attention. The number of displayed merchandise that cover every corner of the store is overwhelming. The charming crafts can decorate your home as well as entertain you as toys. The narrow building represents Aizu's oldest store fronts. Tojin-dako kites are available from 1,500 yen.
1-2-7 Chuo, Aizu Wakamatsu-shi / 0242-22-1068
The beautiful black stucco walls of the warehouse-style store complements its akabeko and okiagari-koboshi displays. The back room features displays of valuable antique lacquer ware. A dispute during the Boshin Civil War (1868 - 1869) left a sword scar on the main beam.
1-9-3 Omachi, Aizu Wakamatsu-shi / 0242-22-0151
Specialities
The prominent warrior Minamoto Yoshitsune (1154 - 1184) is said to have stopped by to eat this Gorobe-ame jell cake during his escape to Hiraizumi. Thick malted syrup from Aizu's glutinous rice is used to create the distinctive flavor of the cake.
7-11 Ekimae-machi, Aizu Wakamatsu-shi / 0242-22-5759
Refined Sake
Eisen Shuzo / 0242-22-7530
Konohana Shuzo / 0242-28-0150
Suehiro Shuzo / 0242-27-0002
Tsurunoe Shuzo / 0242-27-0139
Hanaharu Shuzo / 0242-26-3000
Miyaizumi Meijo / 0242-26-0031
