A Home of Kishu Lacquerware for More Than 400 Years
The history of lacquerware production in Kuroe is believed to date back to the Muromachi period. Woodworkers known as kijishi are said to have settled in the area and begun producing household items and lacquerware.
During the Edo period, the industry developed significantly under the protection of the Kishu Domain. Kishu lacquerware became widely appreciated for its combination of beautiful glossy finishes and durability, allowing it to be used not only as a luxury craft but also as practical everyday tableware.
Today, Kishu lacquerware is recognized as one of Japan’s four major lacquerware traditions. Its ability to combine traditional craftsmanship with everyday practicality remains one of its greatest strengths.
Kuroe’s Famous “Sawtooth” Townscape
A Unique Streetscape Created by Traditional Townhouses
One of Kuroe’s most distinctive attractions is its unusual “sawtooth” townscape. Around Kawabata Street, traditional houses, workshops, and merchant buildings were arranged diagonally in relation to the road. When viewed from above, the buildings form a pattern resembling the teeth of a saw.
This unusual arrangement is believed to have developed as a practical way to make efficient use of limited land while improving natural lighting and working conditions for lacquerware craftsmen.
Many traditional townhouses feature elegant renji-koshi lattice windows, plaster walls, and low gabled roofs. These architectural details create a charming streetscape that reflects the history of Kuroe as a center of traditional craftsmanship.
The preservation of this distinctive landscape has also received official recognition. In 2011, Kuroe became the first area to receive a Wakayama Landscape Creation Agreement, helping protect its historic character for future generations.
Explore Kuroe Along Historic Kawabata Street
The heart of Kuroe’s sightseeing area is Kawabata Street, which stretches for approximately 230 meters along the former Horikawa waterway.
The waterway once played an important role in transporting goods, supporting the development of Kuroe’s lacquerware industry. Today, the street is lined with lacquerware shops, traditional houses, cafés, museums, and historic sake breweries.
Walking through the neighborhood allows visitors to appreciate the architecture and atmosphere of the old town. For an even deeper experience, stop at local shops to see lacquerware up close, discover regional sake, or speak with craftspeople and shopkeepers.
Places to Visit in Kuroe
Kishu Lacquerware Traditional Industry Hall (Urwashikan)
Kishu Lacquerware Traditional Industry Hall, also known as Urwashikan, is an excellent starting point for learning about Kuroe’s most famous traditional craft.
Inside, visitors can learn about the history and production techniques of Kishu lacquerware. The exhibition and sales area offers a wide range of products, from traditional Negoro-style lacquerware to contemporary accessories.
With advance reservations, visitors can also try a makie lacquer decoration experience, creating their own original piece of lacquerware. This hands-on activity offers a memorable way to experience Japanese craftsmanship.
Kuroe Nuri-monokan
Kuroe Nuri-monokan is a traditional townhouse approximately 180 years old that has been renovated into a café and shop.
The historic building retains the atmosphere of the late Edo period. Visitors can enjoy lunch and café dishes served using lacquerware while experiencing what it is like to incorporate traditional Japanese lacquerware into everyday life.
The shop also sells practical lacquerware, antiques, and works by contemporary artists, making it a wonderful place to look for distinctive Japanese souvenirs.
Nakagoto Shrine
Nakagoto Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine associated with the origins of the name Kuroe.
During the Nara period, the area was known as Kuroushigata, a coastal inlet where dark-colored rocks appearing at low tide were said to resemble the shape of cattle. This is traditionally believed to be connected to the area’s name.
The shrine grounds are also home to Kuroshi no Mizu, a clear natural spring recognized as one of the famous waters of Kii Province. Surrounded by greenery and a peaceful atmosphere, the shrine provides a refreshing place to pause during a walk through Kuroe.
Jokokuji Temple
Jokokuji Temple, affectionately known as “Kuroe’s Gobosan,” is a historic Buddhist temple with strong connections to the town’s lacquerware culture.
The temple features an interior whose floors and ceilings were decorated by Kuroe lacquerware craftsmen, as well as a dry landscape garden designed to incorporate views of the surrounding scenery. The temple also contains fusuma sliding-door paintings attributed to Gion Nankai.
With its combination of craftsmanship, architecture, garden design, and art, Jokokuji offers an interesting insight into the cultural heritage of Kuroe.
Kuroshi Chaya
Kuroshi Chaya is operated by Namachojozo, a local sake brewery known for its sake brand Kuroshi.
Visitors can sample and purchase local sake while also discovering regional products such as sake lees, miso, and Japanese pepper. The shop is a popular place to take a break during a walk through the historic streets and to find distinctive local souvenirs.
Traditional Festivals Bring Kuroe to Life
Kishu Lacquerware Festival
The Kishu Lacquerware Festival, held annually on the first Saturday and Sunday of November, is the largest event in Kuroe.
The festival features exhibitions and sales of Kishu lacquerware, along with cultural activities, hands-on experiences, food stalls, and events that make use of the historic townscape.
It is an excellent opportunity to see the town at its liveliest while discovering the craftsmanship that has supported Kuroe for centuries.
Geta Market
Geta-ichi, or the Geta Market, is a traditional evening market held every year on August 14. With more than a century of history, it is one of Kuroe’s most beloved summer traditions.
The event recreates the atmosphere of a traditional Japanese summer festival, with stalls and local activities filling the streets. Visitors can experience a nostalgic side of Japanese community life that is increasingly rare in modern cities.
Discover Kuroe with Local Storytellers
Travelers who want to learn more about Kuroe’s history and culture can join guided walking tours organized by the Kainan City Storytellers Association.
Local guides who know the town intimately can explain the history behind traditional buildings, the development of the lacquerware industry, local legends, and stories that are easy to miss when exploring independently.
A guided walk can transform an ordinary stroll through the streets into a much richer cultural experience, helping visitors understand why Kuroe developed in such a distinctive way.
A Nostalgic Walk Through Traditional Japan
Kuroe offers a different kind of sightseeing experience from Japan’s major tourist destinations. Rather than spectacular modern attractions, its appeal lies in the quiet streets, historic buildings, traditional craftsmanship, and everyday local culture.
The distinctive sawtooth townscape, old wooden houses, lacquerware workshops, historic temples and shrines, local sake, and friendly atmosphere come together to create a town where visitors can slow down and appreciate the details.
For travelers interested in Japanese traditional crafts, historic townscapes, architecture, local culture, and slower-paced travel, Kuroe is an especially rewarding destination.
When visiting Kainan and Wakayama, take time to wander through this historic lacquerware town. By exploring its narrow streets, visiting its traditional shops, and discovering the stories behind its buildings and crafts, you can experience a quieter and more authentic side of Japan.