Shojuken Nagasaki

Shojuken Nagasaki: A Historic Wagashi Shop on the Old Fujikawa Highway

Tucked away at a distinctive bend in Route 52—the old Fujikawa Highway—in the Barazawa district of Minami-Alps City, Yamanashi Prefecture, stands Shojuken Nagasaki, a traditional Japanese confectionery shop that has been serving wagashi since 1891 (Meiji 24). Officially registered as a Tangible Cultural Property of Japan since 1998, this two-story kura-zukuri (storehouse-style) building is far more than a sweet shop—it is a living piece of the region's rich commercial and architectural heritage.

For international visitors seeking authentic cultural experiences beyond the well-trodden paths of Tokyo and Kyoto, Shojuken Nagasaki offers a rare opportunity to encounter a beautifully preserved example of early modern Japanese commercial architecture in a setting steeped in Edo-period trade history.

The History of Barazawa: A Thriving Post Town

To truly appreciate Shojuken Nagasaki, one must understand the historical significance of its location. The Barazawa area was once an important post town (shukuba-machi) along the Sunshin-okan, a secondary highway that connected the provinces of Suruga (present-day Shizuoka) and Shinano (present-day Nagano) through the heartland of Kai Province (present-day Yamanashi).

During the Edo period (1603–1868), the Fujikawa River transport system (Kajikazawa funun) transformed this region into a bustling center of trade and commerce. Rice from the provinces of Kai and Shinano was carried along the highway to the Kajikazawa river port, loaded onto boats, and shipped down to the port of Shimizu, and ultimately to Edo (modern-day Tokyo). In return, salt, seafood, and indigo from the coast were transported upriver and distributed through towns like Barazawa. This dynamic flow of goods—known as "sage-mai, age-shio" (rice going down, salt coming up)—brought tremendous prosperity to the area.

Historical records from 1705 show that Barazawa had 210 households with a population of 596 people, along with 77 merchants engaged in trade related to the highway. The town buzzed with pack horses carrying goods between the coast and the mountains, and regular markets were established to serve travelers and local communities alike.

Why Shojuken Nagasaki Is a Registered Tangible Cultural Property

Shojuken Nagasaki was registered as a Tangible Cultural Property of Japan on January 16, 1998, in recognition of its architectural and historical significance. The current building, constructed in 1926 (Taisho 15/Showa 1), is a two-story structure built in the kura-zukuri (storehouse construction) style, with a total building area of 102 square meters.

The building's significance lies in several distinctive architectural features. Its hip roof (yosemune-zukuri) with tile roofing and flat entry (hirairі) configuration exemplifies the machiya (townhouse) style adapted with storehouse construction techniques. The white plastered walls (shikkui shiage) give it an appearance reminiscent of the storehouse-style commercial buildings found in Osaka and other major commercial centers of western Japan.

Particularly noteworthy is the three-tiered corbel-style eave treatment (mochiokuri-jo), which creates a distinctively imposing and dignified facade. This kind of elaborate architectural detail reflects the prosperity and ambition of the merchant families who built along important trade routes. The building stands as an important example of how commercial architecture in rural Japan was influenced by urban styles from major cities.

Although some renovations have been carried out over the years to address aging, the exterior retains much of its original appearance from the time of construction, making it a valuable record of early Showa-period commercial architecture in Yamanashi Prefecture.

Highlights and Attractions

Visiting Shojuken Nagasaki offers a multi-layered experience that combines architectural appreciation, historical exploration, and culinary delight.

Nearby Attractions

The area around Shojuken Nagasaki is rich in cultural and natural heritage, making it an excellent base for a day of exploration in Minami-Alps City.

• Ando Family Residence (Important Cultural Property) — An approximately 300-year-old thatched-roof residence of a former village headman family, designated as a national Important Cultural Property. The beautifully preserved interiors and gardens offer an intimate glimpse into Edo-period rural life. Open daily except Tuesdays.
• Kocho-zenji Temple — Founded in 1316 by the renowned Zen master Muso Soseki, this temple is the family temple of Ohi Fujin (Lady Ohi), the mother of the famous warlord Takeda Shingen. The temple houses a designated Important Cultural Property statue of Muso Soseki and features magnificent 700-year-old Chinese juniper trees planted by the master himself.
• Fruit Orchards — Minami-Alps City is renowned throughout Japan for its fruit production, including cherries, peaches, plums, and grapes. Depending on the season, visitors can enjoy fruit-picking experiences at numerous local orchards.
• Minami-Alps UNESCO Ecopark — The entire city was registered as a UNESCO Ecopark in 2014, recognizing the outstanding natural environment that includes Japan's second-highest peak, Mount Kita-dake, and a rich ecosystem stretching from alpine zones to fertile lowlands.

Seasonal Highlights

The experience of visiting Shojuken Nagasaki and its surroundings varies greatly with the seasons. Spring brings cherry blossoms and plum blossoms to the surrounding orchards, creating a picturesque backdrop. Summer offers lush greenery and the chance to enjoy fresh peaches and other local fruits. Autumn paints the nearby mountains and temple gardens in vivid reds and golds, while the annual Barazawa Summer Festival features traditional hayashi music that has been passed down since the Edo period. Winter, though quiet, offers clear views of the majestic South Alps mountain range dusted with snow.

Access Information

Shojuken Nagasaki is located along Route 52 (Fujikawa Highway) in the Barazawa district of Minami-Alps City. By car, the nearest interchange is the Minami-Alps IC on the Chubu Odan Expressway. From JR Kofu Station, take the Yamanashi Kotsu bus bound for Kajikazawa and alight at the Furuichiba or nearby bus stop. The nearest JR stations on the Minobu Line are Higashi-Hanawa Station or Ichikawa-Daimon Station, from which the area can be reached by taxi in approximately 15 minutes.

Please note that Shojuken Nagasaki is a privately owned and operated confectionery shop. Business hours and availability may vary, so visitors are encouraged to check locally before planning their visit.