Japan

Enjoy a Food Tour in Aizu-Wakamatsu! 9 Popular Eats Along Nanokamachi Street and More

Aizu-Wakamatsu is a popular tourist destination where you can enjoy “street food” amidst its historic streets. Along Nanokamachi Street and around Tsurugajo Castle, you’ll find retro cafes, long-established Japanese confectionery shops, and renowned spots where you can easily savor local flavors. This article introduces recommended spots perfect for “Aizu-Wakamatsu street food” by category. From sweets to miso dengaku, enjoy a culinary journey alongside your stroll through the city.

Sweets & Cafe Tour Along Nanokamachi Street

Nanokamachi Street in Aizu-Wakamatsu is a treasure trove for foodies. Lined with historic buildings, this street offers sweets and cafes to enjoy amidst a retro atmosphere. Cafes serving sweets made with local specialties and offering specialty coffee are scattered along the way, making it easy to pop in while strolling. It’s packed with spots that are irresistible for anyone with a sweet tooth, and you’re sure to discover something new every time you visit. The next section details some highly recommended cafes and sweets shops.

Aizu Ichibankan|Take a break at this retro cafe with the scent of the Meiji era lingering in the air

抹茶アイス・コーヒー・チーズケーキ
〈出典:会津若松観光ビューロ

Located on Nanokamachi Street in Aizu-Wakamatsu, Aizu Ichibankan is a retro coffee shop that strongly retains the atmosphere of the Meiji era. Stepping inside, you’re greeted by warm wooden interiors and furnishings that preserve the charm of that time. Here, you can enjoy traditional coffee shop culture, with the homemade cakes and coffee being particularly popular.

Highly recommended are the fluffy chiffon cakes and parfaits generously topped with rich cream. Each item is meticulously handmade, characterized by a gentle sweetness that highlights the natural flavors of the ingredients. The coffee, made from carefully selected beans, offers a fragrant and satisfying cup. The calm atmosphere inside allows for a leisurely time, making it the perfect spot to take a break during sightseeing.

Furthermore, Aizu Ichibankan often displays local artworks, so you might discover something new each time you visit. Why not enjoy a special moment here, savoring heartwarming sweets while feeling the history around you?

根津柚花

Enjoy aromatic coffee and handmade sweets while spending a peaceful time!

Taroan Confectionery Warehouse Nanokamachi Confectionery Shop|Enjoy the Famous “Aizu Tenjin-sama” Sweets While Walking Around

和菓子
〈出典:お菓子の蔵 太郎庵 七日町菓房

Located on Nanokamachi Street in Aizu-Wakamatsu, “Okashi no Kura Taroan Nanokamachi Kabo” is a beloved Japanese confectionery shop among locals. Its signature “Aizu no Tenjin-sama” sweets are especially popular with tourists for their beautiful appearance. A fluffy dough envelops a refined sweet red bean paste filling, and one bite of its gentle flavor soothes the soul.

Inside the shop, traditional Japanese sweets line the shelves, each exuding the warmth of handmade craftsmanship. Their perfect bite-sized portions make them ideal for enjoying while strolling through the area. The shop’s atmosphere is also calming, with charming Japanese-style interior design. Even the time spent selecting sweets feels like a delightful little excursion.

Walking down Nanokamachi Street while holding your “Aizu Tenjin-sama” sweets, historic buildings and charming streetscapes catch your eye. Be sure to stop by during your snacking stroll. You’ll surely enjoy a wonderful moment filled with the traditions of Aizu.

根津柚花

I had a wonderful time choosing sweets in the lovely store!

Coffee Warehouse Nuri no Sato | A Healing Cafe Experience Surrounded by Aizu Lacquerware

伝統的な会津若松の料理
〈出典:珈琲蔵ぬりの里

Located on Nanokamachi Street in Aizu-Wakamatsu, Coffee Kura Nuri no Sato is a tranquil cafe surrounded by Aizu lacquerware. Beautiful lacquerware crafted by local artisans lines the interior, warmly welcoming visitors. Here, you can enjoy authentic coffee made from carefully selected beans, with each aromatic cup soothing the soul.

The café menu also features an extensive selection of handmade sweets. Particularly recommended are tarts made with seasonal fruits and traditional Japanese sweets (wagashi) that highlight Japanese ingredients. They pair perfectly with the coffee, making this spot ideal for taking a break during a stroll.

Furthermore, you can purchase lacquerware pieces directly from the shop, allowing you to experience Aizu’s traditional crafts while enjoying a special moment. Why not take a break during your sightseeing and savor a heartwarming café experience at “Coffee Kura Nuri no Sato”?

根津柚花

Enjoy a special moment where the aroma of coffee fills your heart!

Enjoy local flavors on the go! Aizu’s famous street food

Strolling through Aizu-Wakamatsu offers a convenient way to savor local flavors. The city boasts beloved local specialties that remain popular with residents and tourists alike. Particularly perfect for eating on the go are charcoal-grilled miso dengaku skewers, sauce-coated pork cutlet skewers, and miso-grilled rice balls. These delicacies aren’t just easy to enjoy; they also let you experience Aizu’s traditions. Be sure to try them when you visit. Savoring local flavors while soaking in the town’s atmosphere is the charm of Aizu-Wakamatsu.

Dengaku Manda-ya|Established Shop for Charcoal-Grilled Miso Dengaku

田楽満田屋の内装
〈出典:田楽満田屋

Among Aizu-Wakamatsu’s street food delights, Dengaku Manda-ya stands out as a particularly popular choice. This long-established shop boasts a rich history since its founding, specializing in miso dengaku slowly grilled over charcoal. The tofu and konjac are crispy on the outside and fluffy inside, perfectly coated with a special miso sauce.

The calm atmosphere inside makes it a perfect spot to relax during sightseeing. Takeout is also available, so savoring it while strolling along Nanokamachi Street is highly recommended. This flavor, cherished by locals for generations, offers a taste of Aizu’s culinary culture. Be sure to stop by when you visit.

根津柚花

The aroma of charcoal fire blends with the sweetness of miso, letting you savor the warmth of Aizu with all five senses!

Tsurugajo Kaikan|Fill up on sauce-katsu skewers and miso-grilled rice balls

鶴ヶ城の近くにあるお食事処の外観
〈出典:鶴ヶ城会館

Located right near Aizu-Wakamatsu’s famous sightseeing spot, Tsurugajo Castle, the “Tsurugajo Kaikan” is the perfect place to grab a bite during your sightseeing break. Here, you can easily enjoy local specialties, with the sauce-katsu skewers and miso-grilled rice balls being especially recommended.

The sauce katsu skewers feature tender pork skewered and seasoned with a special sauce. Enjoy a crispy exterior and juicy interior. Their satisfying portion size is perfect for relieving travel fatigue and makes them ideal for eating on the go. The miso-grilled rice balls are another standout: fragrantly grilled rice balls generously coated with Aizu’s special miso. Simple yet deeply flavorful, they are a beloved item among locals.

At Tsurugajo Kaikan, you can easily enjoy these local specialties. Its calm atmosphere also offers a relaxing break during your sightseeing. We invite you to stop by and experience the history of Aizu-Wakamatsu.

根津柚花

The savory taste of miso is unforgettable once you try it!

Shirokujaku Shokudo|Enjoy our signature sauce katsu don flavor conveniently as takeout

どんぶりからはみ出しているソースカツ丼
〈出典:白孔雀食堂

Among Aizu-Wakamatsu’s street food scene, Shirokujaku Shokudo’s sauce katsudon stands out as a particularly popular choice. This beloved local institution is a long-standing establishment, offering generously portioned katsudon conveniently available for takeout. The juicy pork cutlet, encased in a crispy coating, pairs perfectly with their special sauce, making it irresistibly appetizing.

Beyond the katsu don, Shirokujaku Shokudo offers a wide selection of side dishes. Their lunch boxes, featuring miso soup and pickles, are also popular value options. Stopping by during sightseeing to easily enjoy local flavors is one of the true joys of eating your way through the city.

When ordering takeout, you can also soak up the shop’s atmosphere, so be sure to stop by at least once. Enjoy a wonderful eating experience at Shirokujaku Shokudo, where you can easily savor Aizu-Wakamatsu’s famous dishes.Among Aizu-Wakamatsu’s street food scene, Shirokujaku Shokudo’s sauce katsudon stands out as a particularly popular choice. This beloved local institution is a long-standing establishment, offering generously portioned katsudon conveniently available for takeout. The juicy pork cutlet, encased in a crispy coating, pairs perfectly with their special sauce, making it irresistibly appetizing.

Beyond the katsu don, Shirokujaku Shokudo offers a wide selection of side dishes. Their lunch boxes, featuring miso soup and pickles, are also popular value options. Stopping by during sightseeing to easily enjoy local flavors is one of the true joys of eating your way through the city.

When ordering takeout, you can also soak up the shop’s atmosphere, so be sure to stop by at least once. Enjoy a wonderful eating experience at Shirokujaku Shokudo, where you can easily savor Aizu-Wakamatsu’s famous dishes.

根津柚花

The crispy, hearty cutlet and special sauce are just what tired legs need after a long walk!

Aizu Sweets to Savor at Souvenir Shops & Cafes

Aizu-Wakamatsu has many sweet shops perfect for a break during sightseeing. First is the historic Japanese confectionery shop “Aizu Aoi Honten.” Here, the traditional Japanese sweet ‘kasutean’ is popular, characterized by its moist texture and refined sweetness. Next is “Kyuyo-tei,” where you can enjoy elegant sweets and matcha. You can spend a relaxing moment in its calm atmosphere. Then, at “Akabeko Cafe,” which offers an array of cute sweets featuring the red cow motif, it’s recommended to enjoy Instagram-worthy sweets while capturing a memorable photo. Why not spend a wonderful cafe time while savoring Aizu’s sweets?

Aizu Aoi Main Store|The historic Japanese confectionery “Kasutean” is popular

半分に切ってあるかすてあん
〈出典:会津葵本店

Among the must-try street foods in Aizu-Wakamatsu, Aizu Aoi Honten’s “Kasutean” is especially recommended. This traditional Japanese sweet preserves Aizu’s time-honored production methods, featuring a fluffy texture and refined sweetness. Kasutean consists of a moist dough enveloping sweet red bean paste, presenting a beautiful appearance and the perfect size for eating on the go.

Aizu Aoi Honten is a long-established Japanese confectionery shop with a rich history since its founding, exuding a traditional Japanese ambiance inside. Each confection, meticulously crafted by skilled artisans, is carefully finished, offering new discoveries with every visit. The “Kasutean” is especially beloved by locals and is also a popular item among tourists.

You can purchase them in-store or take them out, making them perfect for enjoying while strolling along Nanokamachi Street. Savoring Aizu’s traditional flavors against the backdrop of historic streets is truly the essence of street food. When visiting Aizu-Wakamatsu, be sure to stop by.

根津柚花

The fluffy texture and elegant filling let me take a relaxing break!

Kyuyotei|A tea room where you can relax with refined sweets and matcha

九曜亭のランチ
〈出典:九曜亭

Kyoyotei is an essential stop for foodies exploring Aizu-Wakamatsu. This tea room is beloved by tourists and locals alike as a place to savor refined sweets in a tranquil atmosphere. The interior exudes a Japanese aesthetic, allowing visitors to enjoy a pleasant, peaceful moment as time passes quietly.

The charm of Kyoyotei lies, above all, in its array of sweets. Highly recommended are the Japanese confections that change with the seasons. Beautiful to behold, these sweets also boast delicate flavors that melt gently in your mouth. They pair exceptionally well with matcha; enjoying them together with fragrant matcha creates an even more luxurious experience.

Moreover, Kyoyotei offers takeout, allowing you to carry sweets along on your stroll. Savoring Kyoyotei’s wagashi while walking down Nanokamachi Street is a unique pleasure specific to Aizu-Wakamatsu. Against the backdrop of the historic streetscape, we invite you to experience a moment of heartfelt relaxation with sweets and matcha.

根津柚花

The calm atmosphere and sweet treats inside the shop soothe the fatigue from your stroll!

Akabeko Cafe|A popular spot featuring adorable sweets with the red cow motif

赤べこカフェの外観
〈出典:会津若松でのんびり生活

A must-visit spot for foodies in Aizu-Wakamatsu is the Akabeko Cafe. This charming cafe serves sweets inspired by Aizu’s legendary mascot, the red cow. The bright interior is decorated with red cow motifs, creating a soothing atmosphere that instantly relaxes visitors.

Particularly popular are the sweets shaped like Akabeko and the seasonal limited-time menus. For example, the fluffy pancakes and colorful fruit desserts are visually stunning and guaranteed to be Instagram-worthy. Furthermore, the selection of drinks, including coffee and matcha, is extensive and pairs perfectly with the sweets.

Akabeko Cafe is the perfect spot to take a break during sightseeing. It’s also a great place to visit with friends or family for a fun time together. This cafe, where you can enjoy adorable sweets while feeling the charm of Aizu-Wakamatsu, is an essential stop on any foodie journey.

根津柚花

Savor a moment of refined Japanese taste that fills your heart!

Aizu-Wakamatsu’s Top Foodie Spots for Strolling and Eating

Aizu-Wakamatsu is a tourist destination renowned for its historical backdrop and beautiful streetscapes, offering an abundance of gourmet food for strolling and sampling. Centered around Nanokamachi Street, spots where you can enjoy local specialties and sweets are scattered throughout, beloved not only by tourists but also by locals. Here, we introduce a collection of must-visit spots for strolling and sampling food in Aizu-Wakamatsu.

First, Nanokamachi Street is lined with retro cafes evoking the Meiji era and long-established Japanese confectionery shops, making every visit exciting. Don’t miss the confectionery store offering the famous “Aizu Tenjin-sama” sweets or the relaxing cafe surrounded by Aizu lacquerware. Additionally, spots perfect for eating on the go abound, like Dengaku Manda-ya, where you can easily enjoy local cuisine, and Tsurugajo Kaikan, famous for its sauce-covered pork cutlet skewers.

Furthermore, numerous cafes let you savor Aizu sweets, and there are tea rooms offering historic Japanese confections and refined desserts. Explore these spots to fully experience the charm of Aizu-Wakamatsu. Your food-walking journey is sure to become a wonderful memory.

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安藤 結菜
Hinotoriの安藤です。記事を通して地域の魅力や素敵なスポットを紹介していきます。誰かの「行ってみたい!」のきっかけになれたら嬉しいです。