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Kurokabe Square: A Glass Art Wonderland in Nagahama

Explore Kurokabe Square in Nagahama: A historic district with stunning glass art, craft workshops, and local culinary delights.

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Kurokabe Square is a beautifully preserved historical district in Nagahama, Japan, famous for its black-walled buildings that house glass art galleries, workshops, cafes, and restaurants. Once a castle town and later a banking center, it's now a hub for experiencing glass art and local culture.

A brief summary to Kurokabe Square

  • 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

  • Book glass-making workshops in advance, especially during peak season, as they tend to fill up quickly.
  • Wear comfortable shoes for walking around the square, as you'll be exploring various shops and galleries.
  • Check the opening hours of individual shops and restaurants, as they may vary.
  • Try local delicacies such as Omi beef buns and black korokke for a taste of Nagahama.
  • Visit in April to witness the Nagahama Hikiyama Festival, featuring children's kabuki performances.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    Kurokabe Square is located a short 5-10 minute walk east of JR Nagahama Station. Upon exiting the station, proceed straight ahead along the main street. You'll find Kurokabe Square on your right, marked by the distinctive black-walled buildings. There are no tolls or special access fees for walking to Kurokabe Square.

  • Public Transport

    If arriving at Maibara Station via the Shinkansen, transfer to the JR Hokuriku Line to Nagahama Station. The journey takes approximately 10 minutes. From Nagahama Station, follow the walking directions to Kurokabe Square. The local train fare from Maibara to Nagahama is around ¥240.

  • Parking

    If driving, several parking lots are available near Kurokabe Square. Otabi Parking and Hama Chuo No. 2 are within a few minutes' walk. Parking rates typically range from ¥200-¥400 per hour. Availability may be limited during peak tourist season.

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Discover more about Kurokabe Square

Kurokabe Square, located in Nagahama, Shiga Prefecture, is a captivating blend of history and art. The area's name, meaning 'black wall,' comes from the black plaster used on the buildings, particularly the former Nagahama branch of the 130th National Bank, now the Kurokabe Glass Shop. This Western-style building, dating back to 1900, serves as the centerpiece of the square. Originally a castle town under Hideyoshi Hashiba (later Toyotomi), Nagahama flourished as a commercial center. The buildings in Kurokabe Square, constructed from the Edo to Meiji periods, have been repurposed into museums, galleries, workshops, restaurants, and cafes. This transformation began in the late 20th century when local volunteers and the Kurokabe Corporation revitalized the area, preserving its traditional architecture. Today, Kurokabe Square is renowned as one of the largest glass art exhibition areas in Western Japan. Visitors can explore various glass art forms, from traditional European glassware to contemporary designs. The square also offers hands-on workshops where you can create your own glass art, including glass blowing, stained glass, and sandblasting. In addition to glass art, Kurokabe Square features local cuisine and Shiga specialties.

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