Former Nagano Store - Hokkaido

The Former Nagano Store (旧長野商店) is a heritage building turned museum. It is located at 30-5 Bentencho in Ishikari City in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan.

Former Nagano Store

Former Nagano Store Details

The Former Nagano Store, founded by Tokutaro Nagano, a native of Echigo, is a cultural landmark that reflects the prosperity and history of the town during the Meiji and Taisho periods. Established in 1894, this stone-built merchant shop has become a cherished symbol of Ishikari’s heritage, attracting visitors with its remarkable blend of history, culture, and architectural beauty.

The Former Nagano Store - Ishikari City, Hokkaido Prefecture

A Unique Fusion of Japanese and Western Architectural Styles

The Former Nagano Store is an excellent example of architectural fusion, blending traditional Japanese and Western design elements. Constructed using a timber-framed stone method, the store showcases a beautiful contrast between Western-style arched windows on the second floor and a traditional Japanese tiled roof. The interior, with its Japanese-style rooms, further emphasizes the harmonious integration of both styles, offering a visual testament to the cultural exchange of the era.

Former Nagano Store Facade

The Former Nagano Store and the nearby Ishikari Sand Dunes Wind Museum

A Historical Merchant Hub and Sake Brewery

Beyond its architectural beauty, the Former Nagano Store also holds significance as a merchant hub and sake brewery. The sake brewery, located on the right side of the store, produced fine local sake, adding to the region's rich brewing heritage. In addition to sake, the store was a vital resource for daily essentials such as rice, salt, kimono, and other necessities, playing a central role in Ishikari’s community life during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Inside the Former Nagano Store*

*I posted only a handful of photos of the exhibits, and I purposely didn't label them so that you would only get a glimpse of what the Former Nagano Store has to offer. Please visit it and enjoy it with your own eyes.

Visit the Former Nagano Store Today

Today, the Former Nagano Store offers visitors a fascinating glimpse into Ishikari's past. Its combination of historical importance and architectural elegance makes it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the region’s cultural and architectural history. Visitors can explore the store’s preserved interior, showcasing the fine craftsmanship of the era, or simply admire its beauty from the outside.

Team Nicerio visits the Former Nagano Store

On June 11, 2023, my daughter and I visited the Former Nagano Store for the first time, coinciding with my 587th day here in Japan as an ALT under the JET Programme. Interestingly, this historic building wasn’t part of our original itinerary due to my lack of research. However, thanks to the helpful staff at the Ishikari Sand Dunes Wind Museum, we discovered that our museum ticket also granted us access to the Former Nagano Store. Despite its modest size, my daughter and I were captivated by the well-preserved historical items inside the building.

Former Nagano Store Admission Fee

The admission fee of the Former Nagano Store is included with that of the Ishikari Sand Dunes Wind Museum

First, visitors need to pay an admission fee at the nearby Ishikari Sand Dunes Wind Museum. Adults need to pay 300 yen while junior high school students and younger can enter for FREE.

This ticket also allows you to enter and explore the Former Nagano Store.

Visitors can re-enter the museum as many times as they like on the same day by showing their receipt from the ticket purchase

Former Nagano Store Admission Fee

The Former Nagano Store is open from 9:30 AM – 5 PM. The museum is closed every Tuesday.

Why visit the Former Nagano Store?

The Former Nagano Store in Ishikari is more than just a historic site—it’s a gateway to the past, inviting visitors to delve into the cultural and architectural legacy of Hokkaido during the Meiji and Taisho periods. Despite its modest size, the store boasts a beautifully preserved interior that offers a captivating journey back in time.

Getting to the Former Nagano Store

From Sapporo Station, head to Kita 7 Jo Nishi 1 Chome bus stop and board the Ishikari Sen (Ishikari) bus operated by Chuo bus company. Board down at Ishikari Onsen mae bus stop.

Once there, the Former Nagano Store is just a few meters away.

Travel time: 1 hour

Fare: 840 yen

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