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Kurokabe Glass Shop: A Glimpse into Nagahama's Soul

Discover exquisite glass art in a historic black-walled bank at Kurokabe Square, Nagahama. A unique blend of culture, craftsmanship, and history.

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The Kurokabe Glass Shop, housed in a beautifully preserved former bank, is the centerpiece of Nagahama's Kurokabe Square. This iconic building showcases a stunning collection of glassware from around the world and offers a glimpse into the town's rich history as a merchant center. It's a must-see for art lovers and anyone seeking a unique cultural experience.

A brief summary to Kurokabe Glass Shop

  • Monday 10 am-5 pm
  • Tuesday 10 am-5 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-5 pm
  • Friday 10 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-5 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-5 pm

Local tips

  • Visit during the day to see the glass art illuminated by natural light.
  • Check the opening hours, as they are shorter from November to March.
  • Explore the Kurokabe Square for other craft shops, restaurants, and attractions.
  • Consider participating in a glassmaking workshop for a hands-on experience (reservations required).
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From JR Nagahama Station, exit and walk east along the main street. Kurokabe Square and the Kurokabe Glass Shop are approximately a 5-minute walk from the station. The shop is easily recognizable by its distinctive black-walled, Western-style building.

  • Public Transport

    Nagahama is accessible by the JR Hokuriku Line. From Maibara Station (where the Shinkansen stops), take the Hokuriku Line to Nagahama Station (about 10 minutes). From the station, follow the walking directions to reach the Kurokabe Glass Shop. The local city transit is the JR Hokuriku Line.

  • Parking

    If arriving by car, there are several parking lots near Kurokabe Square. Hou Park Parking Lot offers free parking for up to 3 hours, after which charges apply (150 yen/hour on weekdays, 200 yen/hour on weekends and holidays). Other options include Eki-Nishi Parking Lot (150 yen/hour on weekdays, 200 yen/hour on weekends and holidays) and Otabi Parking Lot (150 yen/30 min on weekdays, 200 yen/30 min on weekends and holidays). From any of these parking locations, it's a short walk to the Kurokabe Glass Shop.

Unlock the Best of Kurokabe Glass Shop

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Discover more about Kurokabe Glass Shop

The Kurokabe Glass Shop, also known as Kurokabe No. 1 Building, stands as a symbol of Nagahama's revitalization and artistic spirit. Housed in a Western-style building constructed in 1900, it originally served as the Nagahama branch of the Dai Hyaku-Sanju National Bank, affectionately nicknamed "Kurokabe Bank" (Black-walled Bank) by locals due to its black plaster exterior. After years of serving as a bank and later as business offices and even a Catholic church, the building was lovingly restored by local volunteers and reopened in 1989 as the Kurokabe Glass Shop. Today, it displays an impressive array of glassware from Japan and abroad, with domestic items on the first floor and international pieces, particularly European glassworks, on the second. The shop is a cornerstone of Kurokabe Square, a charming district filled with workshops, galleries, restaurants, and cafes, all housed in beautifully preserved traditional buildings. Visitors can explore the square, watch artisans at work, and even participate in glassmaking workshops to create their own unique souvenirs. The Kurokabe Glass Shop not only offers a visual feast of exquisite glass art but also serves as a reminder of Nagahama's rich history and commitment to preserving its cultural heritage.

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