Leisurely Stroll Through the Feudal-Era Merchant Town Street Lined with Wooden Arcade Komise
About this spot
Kuroishi's main street that preserves the atmosphere of the feudal era, where wooden eaves 'komise' line the fronts of merchant houses. The komise is a Tsugaru-style arcade built to protect passersby from snow and intense sunlight, and examples that remain in their original form and continue to function today are rare throughout Japan. The street has been selected as one of Japan's One Hundred Best Roads and designated as a National Important Group of Traditional Buildings Preservation District. Lined with charming establishments including the National Treasure-designated Takahashi Family Residence (高橋家住宅), sake breweries displaying large cedar balls, and miso and soy sauce breweries, the interplay of light and shadow filtering through the komise columns creates a picturesque scene at every turn. As you walk beneath the eaves, conversations naturally settle into the leisurely pace of old-time tales.
Tips
About a 10-minute walk from Kuroishi Station on the Konan Line (弘南鉄道弘南線). If driving, use the parking area near the street. Remember that the komise arcade is also a living thoroughfare for local residents, so be considerate not to obstruct traffic when taking photographs. Some sake breweries and miso warehouses allow visitors to tour the premises, so feel free to peek into any shop that catches your interest.
Best time to visit
Allow approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. The morning, when light filters through the komise columns, is the quietest and most pleasant for walking.
Access & map
〒036-0377 Aomori Prefecture, Kuroishi City, Nakamachi
Model course featuring this spot
Kuroishi Komise Street and Kokeshi Doll Village Walk
Aomori
Explore features & model courses
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