【Kurokabe Square】A glass-making town utilizing traditional architecture

A spot you’ll want to visit for creating memories

Kurokabe Square is located along the old Hokkoku Kaido, a highway that has been bustling since ancient times. The historical atmosphere combined with stylish shops and delicious gourmet food has attracted the attention of many visitors, and tourists continue to visit this area without interruption.

With hands-on experiences, such as glass blowing making stained-glass/cut-glass works, and decorating music boxes, Kurokabe Square is an attractive destination for both adults and children. The unique atmosphere of the town, different from that of a city, and the depth of glass art will make you want to visit this spot again and again. Create memories that can’t be found elsewhere.

Nostalgic streetscape that blossomed because of the challenges of the glass business

The 130th Bank Nagahama Branch, completed in 1900 was affectionately known as the Kurokabe Bank or Kurokabe-san due to its black plaster exterior. The name Kurokabe Square is derived from this building. 

From 1954 to 1987, it was also used as a Catholic church. However, around 1965, the shopping district began to decline due to competition from larger stores. In 1988, after the church relocated, the third-sector company Kurokabe acquired the building and opened the Kurokabe Glass Shop in 1989. Soon after, two more establishments opened, marking the beginning of Kurokabe Square’s history.
The revitalization of the area is a result of tireless efforts to contribute to the local prosperity by repeatedly visiting and procuring items from domestic and international locations, nurturing discerning eyes, and attempting to engage in glass-related businesses.

All the buildings belonging to the Kurokabe Group Council and Kurokabe-operated shops are repurposed from existing structures. The area is divided into several streets, including an arcade that is convenient for rainy days and streets with retro scenery that make for picturesque views. The streets are now bustling with locals and tourists, making it hard to believe that this area was once filled with shuttered storefronts.

Must-see attractions and gourmet spots in Kurokabe Square

First, there’s a popular hidden gem with a huge impact: a massive “vertical kaleidoscope” that stretches towards the sky. The entrance is a bit hard to find, so it’s best to ask a local for directions. The kaleidoscope is about eight meters tall, and its top is adorned with colorful feathers. Light reflects off the feathers, creating various colors and patterns. You can look up from the hollow interior of the main body. By turning the handle, the feathered object will rotate, so be sure to give it a try. This new type of kaleidoscope is sure to captivate you with its fantastical charm.

For a break, try the visually entertaining Kurokabe Soft, a black soft serve ice cream from 96cafe. It’s made with a mix of five types of black grains: black rice, black soybeans, black sesame, and black pine nuts, as well as bamboo charcoal and cocoa powder inspired by Kurokabe. Despite its appearance, it has a sweet chocolate flavor that is popular with children. The café also offers popular curry and omelet rice dishes made with local ingredients, so having lunch on the open deck is a great option. For those who prefer Japanese cuisine, there’s Soba Hachi, which serves delicious soba noodles ground on a stone mill every morning. Their most popular menu item, Jurokumon, allows you to taste and compare five different types of soba. The set includes small-sized servings topped with grated radish, grated yam, rolled omelet, tempura, and nameko mushrooms, and you can choose between Kansai-style and Kanto-style soup stock. Be sure to try their limited daily offering of grilled mackerel sushi as well.

Explore and find captivating souvenirs as you wander!

When it comes to Kurokabe Square, glass products are a must see. The symbol of this is the chic and well-known landmark Kurokabe Glass Shop. The store offers a wide range of tableware, interior items, and accessories from both domestic and international brands that will add color to your daily life. You might find time flying by as you explore the various glass ware and imagine what kind of food or drink would best suit them.

In addition, there are many unique souvenirs available in Kurokabe Square, such as the Venetian glass pen, with its distinctive spiral design, sold at Kurokabe Glass Shop; the Omi beef rice sauce sold at Kurokabe AMISU, which matches the umami of Omi beef with miso; and the Lake Biwa Nagahama Blue liquor, which is inspired by the clear blue color of Lake Biwa. Be sure to find your favorite souvenir during your visit.