Discover ‘Japanese Retro-Chic Kawaii’ with Exploring Nanukamachi-dori Street in Aizuwakamatsu City

In these days, lots of Japanese people are fascinated with Retro-chic items, scenery and ambiance. Then, we focused on “Nanukamachi Street” at Aizuwakamatsu city in Fukushima prefecture. It had been the busiest shopping district in Aizu until the 1950s, but after that, it declined. Now, this street gathers attention as a retro-chic sightseeing spot. Here are 3 recommended spots allowing you to find your favorite retro-chic Kawaii along Nanukamachi Street.

“Showa Natsukashikan” to experience the street reproduced from the 1950s to the 1960s

“Showa Natsukashikan,” a museum where you can enjoy memories of the Showa era. It is on the second floor of ‘Kotto Club,’ an antique shop on Nanukamachi-dori Street. You will experience ‘the Showa period when people lacked money, but their hearts were enriched in hope.’ Nostalgic buildings in the 1950s (dim alleys at dusk, sushi restaurants, tobacco shops, public bathhouses, photo studios, etc.) will entertain visitors. Among them, you should go to a family home area. The display in the living room is accessible to all of you. Even the stains on the ceiling and walls have been beautifully recreated with the curator’s weathering. Those exhibits change seasonally, so you can enjoy new items each visit.

Hours	10:00AM – 6:00PM
Admission	200 yen
Address	1-1-46 Omachi, Aizuwakamatsu City, Fukushima Prefecture
Access	A 10-minute walk from Nanukamachi Station, one stop from Aizuwakamatsu Station on the JR Tadami Line A 15-minute walk from Aizuwakamatsu Washington Hotel
HP	https://www.aizukanko.com/spot/11

“Shirokiya Lacquerware Shop” deals in more than 1,000 varieties of lacquerware products founded 300 years ago

“Shirokiya Lacquerware Shop” sells original lacquerware products ranging from traditional pieces to modern accessories. This specialty shop was established about 300 years ago during the Keian period (1648-1652) and has continued to manufacture and distribute lacquerware products at the current place. Its products are highly evaluated both domestically and at overseas expositions. You will find your favorite products with over 1,000 varieties of lacquerware. Additionally, the building design incorporated a Renaissance style and was completed in 1914. It is a three-story Kura-zukuri structure (vestige architectural style of the Edo period). The white wall of this building is a popular photo spot because of its Taisho romanticism style of art.

Hours	9:30AM – 5:30PM
Address	1-2-10 Omachi, Aizuwakamatsu City, Fukushima Prefecture
Access	A 9-minute walk from Nanukamachi Station, 1 stop from Aizuwakamatsu Station on the JR Tadami Line. A 17-minute walk from Aizuwakamatsu Washington Hotel
HP	https://www.shirokiyashikkiten.com/

“Aizu Ichibankan” has an impressive cafe and a museum associated with a Japanese bacteriologist, Hideyo Noguchi

“Aizu Ichibankan” was built in 1884 as ‘Kaiyo Hospital,’ where Hideyo Noguchi had surgery in his childhood. Presently, the first floor is a café and the second floor is a museum. The interior of the cafe maintains an old-fashioned atmosphere with valuable style. As for the museum, you can learn about the history of Hideyo Noguchi’s journey to learn the fundamentals of medical science. Here is an excellent place to take a break during your outing. You can enjoy homemade cakes and various drinks. This cafe has a nostalgic atmosphere created by the lighting, making it a great place to take memorable shots.

Hours	Cafe: 8:00AM – 2:00PM, *Close on New Year’s Day Museum: 9:00AM – 6:00PM
Admission	100 yen at the museum
Address	4-18 Nakamachi, Aizuwakamatsu City, Fukushima Prefecture
Access	A 12-minute walk from Nanukamachi Station, 1 stop from Aizuwakamatsu Station on the JR Tadami Line A 17-minute walk from Aizuwakamatsu Washington Hotel
HP	http://www.uyou.gr.jp/aizu-ichibankan/