Local Guide
From traditional crafts to crafts, 7 recommended souvenirs from Aizu Wakamatsu

The Aizu region is home to many traditional crafts such as "Aizu lacquerware" and "Aizu cotton" as well as folk crafts such as "akabeko" and "okiage koboshi (koboshi). Lacquerware and cotton fabrics, which are made by preserving traditional methods of production while incorporating new designs, are well suited to modern life and add a touch of color to everyday life.

Akabeko, a papier-mâché folk art representing Aizu

Akabeko come in seven sizes, with the smallest (approx. 10 cm long) starting at 600 yen.
Akabeko come in seven sizes, with the smallest (approx. 10 cm long) starting at 600 yen.

Akabeko" is a folk craft representative of Aizu, with its lovely swaying neck. Akabeko, which means cow in the dialect of the Tohoku region, has taken root locally not only as a toy but also as a good-luck charm, and can be seen here and there in Aizu Wakamatsu City. Akabeko is a papier-mâché toy made by papering a handmade wooden form with Japanese paper and removing the wooden form. Because they are made entirely by hand, no two are alike. Compare the expressions and find your favorite. In addition to the standard figurines, goods such as key chains are also available.

Folk Art Shop Bansho
  • Address 1-6-3 Wada, Aizuwakamatsu City, Fukushima Prefecture MAP
  • Direction 10 minutes drive from JR Aizuwakamatsu Station
  • Direction From JR Aizuwakamatsu Station, take the "Akabee" city tour bus. 1 minute walk from the "Wada" stop.
  • Business Hours 9:00-17:00 (enter by 16:00 for Experience), 9:30-16:00 on Sundays and national holidays in winter (enter by 15:00 for Experience)
  • Closed No holidays
  • Admission Fee Experience fee: 900 yen for painting akabeko
  • TEL 0242-27-4358
  • Parking Free of charge
  • Age limit 3 years old and up (preschool children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian)

Aizu style is to buy one for each person in your family.

The smallest one is about 2 cm high. Five sizes are available, from 120 yen.
The smallest one is about 2 cm high. Five sizes are available, from 120 yen.

The oldest folk craft from the Aizu region is the "kiageuri koboshi" (koboshi). KOBOSHI is loved as a good-luck charm for perseverance and good health, as it rises up even after falling down seven times. It is said that the first kigari koboshi was made about 400 years ago by Ujisato Gamo, the feudal lord of the time, who had his samurai make them and sell them at New Year's. Even today, kigari koboshi are sold every year in the Aizu region. Even today, in the Aizu region, the first market is held every New Year's Day, and local people have a custom to buy one more than the number of family members and display it on the altar to pray for an increase in family size and wealth, as well as to protect themselves against illness and misfortune.

Yamada Mingei Kobo
Yamada Mingei Kobo
Yamada Mingei Kobo
  • Address 12-35 Nanokaicho, Aizuwakamatsu City, Fukushima Prefecture MAP
  • Direction 5 min. drive from JR Aizuwakamatsu Station
  • Direction From JR Aizuwakamatsu Station, take a bus to "Machikata Densetsu Kan Ame" and walk about 3 minutes.
  • Business Hours 8:00-17:30
  • Closed Closed on weekends and holidays
  • TEL 0242-23-1465
  • Parking Free of charge

Tasteful pottery perfect for daily use

White cups start at 1,800 yen. All other cups are from 2,000 yen
White cups start at 1,800 yen. All other cups are from 2,000 yen

Aizu Hongo ware is known as a traditional craft of Fukushima Prefecture. There are 13 pottery studios in the Hongo area of Aizu Misato-cho, Onuma-gun, and one of the best is "Jyunone Kobo," where a local artist and his wife create unique works.
The "shinogi" pattern, in which clay is molded and the surface of the vessel is scraped with a canner to create vertical stripes, is well known for its ease of use as it suits a variety of occasions. The reasonable price of 800 yen and up for a small dish is another secret of its popularity. Chopstick rests in the shape of an up-turned Koboshi (spilt bean curd) or a house also make great souvenirs.

Kinoto Kobo
  • Address 3272-1 Aza-Setomachi Kou, Aizu Misato-cho, Onuma-gun, Fukushima MAP
  • Direction Approximately 24 minutes by car from JR Aizuwakamatsu Station
  • Direction From JR Aizuwakamatsu Station, take the bus bound for "Hongo" and get off at "Setomachi" stop. 2 min. walk from the stop.
  • Business hours 9:00-17:00
  • Closed No holidays
  • TEL 0242-56-5098
  • Parking Free of charge

Stylish original products using traditional Aizu cotton

Azuma bags 2,420 yen and Analog stoles 6,380 yen
Azuma bags 2,420 yen and Analog stoles 6,380 yen

Aizu cotton was used in daily life because of its sturdy plain weave and suitability for work. IIE Lab. weaves Aizu cotton on a loom that was manufactured about 100 years ago. The store and workshop, which utilizes an abandoned kindergarten, allows visitors to observe the process of weaving. Taking advantage of the characteristics of Aizu cotton, which is soft to the skin and resistant to washing, traditional patterns are made into scarves and skirts. Washing improves the texture of the fabric. It is also very durable, so it has a reputation for being easy to use as kitchen utensils such as cloths and bags. Colorful shades and stylish designs are also a feature of this store.

IIE Lab. Factory Store
  • Address 205 Aoki Miyata, Aizu Sakashita-cho, Kawanuma-gun, Fukushima MAP
  • Direction Approximately 23 minutes from JR Aizuwakamatsu Station by car.
  • Business hours Open 10:00-17:00
  • Closed Sunday, Holidays
  • TEL 0242-23-7808
  • Parking Free of charge

The "NODATE" series of Aizu lacquerware for outdoor use is popular

NODATE plate
NODATE plate" from the NODATE series: 3,000 yen, "NODATE choco" 4,000 yen, "NODATE mug" 4,500 yen and up (tax not included)

This select store mainly deals in crafts and sundries made in the Aizu region. The "NODATE" series, an original brand created with a focus on the fact that lacquerware was popular at tea ceremonies, banquets, and other outdoor gatherings, is well known. Lacquerware is lightweight and durable, and the more it is used, the more it develops its own texture. The NODATE series comes with a leather strap that can be worn around the neck or around the waist, making it easy to use in outdoor activities.

Bikodo
  • Address 6-30 Nishisakae-cho, Aizuwakamatsu City, Fukushima Prefecture MAP
  • Direction 5 min. drive from JR Aizuwakamatsu Station
  • Direction From JR Aizuwakamatsu Station, take a bus to "Hideyo Noguchi Seishun Hiroba Mae" (Hideyo Noguchi Youth Square). 3 min. walk.
  • Business hours 10:00-18:00
  • Closed Year-end and New Year's holidays
  • TEL 0242-27-3200
  • Parking Free of charge

Cute lacquerware that can be used casually every day

Circle Series: from 2,640 yen
Circle Series: from 2,640 yen

This pottery specialty store is located on Nanoka-machi-dori Street, a popular retro strolling street with its rows of kura (storehouses) and atmosphere. The shop offers a wide range of products, including glassware made by applying lacquer to glass using a unique technique, cups, plates, chopsticks, and sake cups. The cute designs of the products are all original, and the colorful shades of green, blue, orange, as well as vermilion and black, are also popular. The beautiful colors of cherry blossom and navy blue, which are difficult to produce with colored lacquer, are also beautifully reproduced. The texture of Aizu lacquerware, which is not found in wooden products, is also attractive. Since we do not wholesale, our products are only available at our directly managed store.

Aizu Utsuwa Koubou Suzuran
  • Address 3-29 Nanokaicho, Aizuwakamatsu City, Fukushima Prefecture MAP
  • Direction 6 minutes drive from JR Aizuwakamatsu Station
  • Direction Take a bus from JR Aizuwakamatsu Station, get off at "Shichinichicho Eki-mae" and walk about 1 minute.
  • Hours of Operation Open 12:30-17:00, Saturdays, Sundays, national holidays from 11:00
  • Regular holiday Mondays (closed the following day if Monday is a national holiday) Year-end and New Year holidays
  • TEL 0242-85-6654
  • Parking No parking (use the Nanokaicho Roman Deck Parking lot *Free 30-minute service coupon for purchases over 2,000 yen)

Modern lacquerware that fits in with modern life

Gorgeous
Gorgeous "dessert cups" (9 cm in diameter x 7 cm in height) with inner gold finish, 3,300 yen per piece

A long-established Aizu lacquerware manufacturing wholesaler established in 1919. Located on the nostalgic Nanakamachi Street lined with old buildings and warehouses, the shop offers traditional Aizu lacquerware as well as casual lacquerware that fits the modern lifestyle.
The "Dessert Cup" from the Modern Series is a colorful cup that incorporates the Aizu lacquerware technique and is popular as a gift or for celebrations. The beautifully curved lines of the wood, which is hollowed out by hand by craftsmen, fit comfortably in the hand. The cups can be used for a wide range of purposes, including as yogurt and ice cream cups, coffee and tea cups, and small bowls for cooking. In addition, there is the "Sobei Series," which preserves the traditional Aizu lacquerware, and soup bowls and chopsticks are standard souvenirs.
The store also has a gallery in a renovated storehouse, where visitors can view valuable Aizu lacquerware items.

Fukunishi Sohei Shoten
  • Address 1-1-45 Omachi, Aizuwakamatsu City, Fukushima Prefecture MAP
  • Direction 10 min. walk from JR Nanokaicho Station
  • Direction Take a bus from JR Aizuwakamatsu Station and get off at "Shiroki-ya-mae" bus stop.
  • Business hours 9:30-17:30
  • Regular holiday Closed during the year-end and New Year's holidays and on occasional holidays.
  • TEL 0242-27-0845
  • Parking Contracted Parking (NPC24H Omachi 1-chome Parking, Aizuwakamatsu) is available.

After enjoying sightseeing, how about relaxing at a resort hotel located at the foot of Mt. You can feel the history and culture of Aizu during your stay at the hotel.

An inn where you can fully enjoy Aizu culture and stay active all year round

Guest rooms based on the concept of
Guest rooms based on the concept of "Aizu Modern

Bandaisan Onsen Hotel by Hoshino Resorts is located in a place where "Bandaisan," one of the 100 most famous mountains in Japan, towers in front of you and Lake Inawashiro shines like a mirror below. With a heated swimming pool, spa, and hot springs, guests can enjoy a stay that brings them into contact with the unknown culture of Aizu. You can stay active from the season of fresh green to the season of blazing autumn leaves and deep snow. Enjoy a highland resort stay amidst magnificent nature and the changing seasons.

Bandaisan Onsen Hotel by Hoshino Resorts
The information in this article is current as of the date of the update. Please check before visiting as they are subject to change.