🗺️ Nakamachi Komise Street

Nakamachi Komise Street is located in the central area of Kuroishi City, Aomori Prefecture. It is said to be the only wooden arcade street in Japan that has completely preserved the appearance of a market from the feudal era. Its distinctive feature is the use of a construction technique called "Gangi-zukuri," which creates a continuous wooden arcade designed to ensure passage even on snowy days. This type of streetscape was once common along the Japan Sea coast of Honshu, but now only Nakamachi Komise Street and certain areas of Niigata Prefecture retain such scenery. In 2005, it was designated as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings. Along the street, there are traditional buildings such as sake breweries that have been passed down through generations, as well as former merchant residences designated as Important Cultural Properties. Among them, "Tsugaru Komise Station" is a grocery store selling local specialties and folk crafts. The store hosts two free performances daily where visitors can enjoy Tsugaru shamisen music at the "Komise Live Performance." The unique fast-paced and resonant tones of the Tsugaru shamisen provide a distinctive artistic experience. From late April to early October, performances are held twice daily (at 11:00 and 14:00), while from mid-November to mid-April, performances are only held on Saturdays, Sundays, and national holidays.

The wooden arcade streets that retain the appearance of the feudal era market. Traditional buildings such as sake breweries, old mansions of wealthy merchants, and tea houses are scattered along the street. Don't miss the free live performance of Tsugaru shamisen held at the Tsugaru Kōmise Station.