Kurokabe Glass Shop

Kurokabe Glass Shop is an art museum housed in a black-walled traditional warehouse in Nagahama. The building displays handcrafted glassware across two floors, including contemporary and classical designs alongside glass pieces sourced from Italy, Germany, and Austria.

The building was originally constructed in 1900 as a bank branch and served the financial sector for decades. In 1989 it was transformed into a specialized museum dedicated to glass art and craftsmanship.

The name refers to the black walls that once shielded merchants from unwanted attention. Visitors can experience how the traditional storehouse creates a setting where glass art from different countries is displayed with care.

The museum is located about a 5-minute walk from JR Nagahama Station and is easy to reach. Opening hours run from 10:00 to 18:00, with reduced hours during the period from November through March.

Visitors can participate in glassmaking workshops where they create their own pieces such as sun catchers or sand-blasted decorations. This hands-on experience lets you discover the craft directly while working with glass.

Location: Nagahama

Inception: 1900

Official opening: 1989

Architectural style: dozō

Address: 滋賀県長浜市元浜町12-38

Website: https://kurokabe.co.jp/shopping/glasshouse

GPS coordinates: 35.38068,136.26708

Latest update: December 8, 2025 21:07