Kurokabe Square

(Trip was made back then on 28 Nov 2019, 2 years before the Covid-19 Pandemic hit) Stayed overnight at Nagahama and visited their Kurokabe Square, which was said to be a bustling tourist area popular with the locals. But instead of a street bustling with activity, we were greeted to a quiet, almost empty street. It seems what was once a lively town with crowds streaming down the streets, now lay barren as many merchants struggle to stay afloat while many others have closed, with some sections of the street having already turned into a ghost town. We thought it was because we arrived on a Thursday afternoon, but we were greeted with the same scene when we returned the following Friday morning. It is actually a pretty townscape, with historical architecture dating back to the Edo and Meiji era. Many interesting shops lined the streets, each with their own individual character and charm. It’s very disheartening to see such places fade away. Hopefully the local government and community can revitalise this lovely little town.

It is a fun area. A shopping street which feels pretty private as it is not as famous as Nishiki market or anywhere else in Kyoto or major city. So i prefer this one. It offers a lot of local delicacy too. I bought many things here. Unfortunately, maybe due to covid situation, some shop are closed. It is beautiful during the winter.

It's very popular for shopping of glass material at glass museum shop and one Turkish amazing shop is there.

Cute old town area with some interesting shopping but unfortunately a lot of places were closed on a weekday afternoon. Looks like it might be a lively weekend getaway sort of place

Good place to have food and shopping forn afternoon