The Black-Walled Bank of Nagahama
The Main Building of the Kurokabe Glass Hall (former 130th Bank Nagahama Branch) (黒壁ガラス館本館（旧第百三十銀行長浜支店）) is a former bank in the earthen-walled storehouse style of 1900 in Motohamacho, Nagahama City, Shiga Prefecture, and was registered as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property (structure) on December 20, 1996 (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
The Agency records a two-storey timber building with a tiled roof and a building area of 169 square metres; registration number 25-0001.
A Storehouse-Style Bank with Western Touches
The Main Building of the Kurokabe Glass Hall (former 130th Bank Nagahama Branch) is based on the traditional earthen-walled storehouse style, with Western details at key points such as the cornice, the sash windows and the ceiling decoration (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
Its black plastered exterior earned it the nickname Kurokabe, the Black Wall (Agency for Cultural Affairs). According to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, local backers set up Kurokabe Co., Ltd., a public-private company, in 1988 to preserve and use the building.
Why It Was Registered
The Agency notes it as one of the earliest examples in Shiga of the many Meiji-era banks built in the storehouse style, and registered it for its contribution to the historic landscape.
What to Look For
Look for the black plaster walls and the Western details, such as the cornice and sash windows, set against them (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
Visiting
It is owned by Kurokabe Co., Ltd. (Agency for Cultural Affairs). No official information on opening hours was found.
Q&A
- When was the building built?
- In 1900 (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
- Where does the name Kurokabe come from?
- From its black plastered exterior.
- What was it originally?
- The Nagahama branch of the 130th Bank.
- When was Kurokabe Co., Ltd. founded?
- In 1988 (Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism).
- When was the Main Building of the Kurokabe Glass Hall (former 130th Bank Nagahama Branch) registered?
- On December 20, 1996 (Agency for Cultural Affairs).
Basic Information
| Name | Main Building of the Kurokabe Glass Hall (former 130th Bank Nagahama Branch) (黒壁ガラス館本館（旧第百三十銀行長浜支店）) |
|---|---|
| Location | 12-38 Motohamacho, Nagahama City, Shiga Prefecture |
| Designation | Registered Tangible Cultural Property (Structure) |
| Year Designated | Registered 1996/12/20 (Heisei 8) |
| Quantity | 1 building |
| Dimensions | Timber, 2 storeys, tiled roof, 169 m² |
| Owner | Kurokabe Co., Ltd. |
| Public Access | No official information on opening hours |
References
- Main Building of the Kurokabe Glass Hall (former 130th Bank Nagahama Branch) (Database of National Cultural Properties, Agency for Cultural Affairs)
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/heritage/detail/101/00000059
- Tourism Charisma 100 (Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, Japanese)
- https://www.mlit.go.jp/sogoseisaku/region/kanko100/pdf/052.pdf
Last verified: 2026.10.19