The center of Yame City is filled with old townhouses built with thick earthen walls in the traditional dozō-zukuri style. Some of these townhouses have been converted into izakaya (Japanese pubs) as well as other kinds of drinking and dining establishments with great value for money, offering a thoroughly fun nightlife to locals and visitors alike. Do try the locally-brewed Japanese sake and beer with your dinner!
How to get to Yame Fukushima (downtown Yame City)
https://en.yame.travel/access/
After lunch:
Head to Yame Fukushima
White-walled buildings constructed in the traditional, dozō-zukuri style line the streets of this former castle town that was founded more than 400 years ago. Today, stores and traditional craftspeople’s studios still occupy these historical structures, along with variety shops, modern cafés, and long-established teahouses. Take in this pleasant fusion of the modern and the old as you stroll around the area.
This former sake brewery, built over 150 years ago, was converted into a gallery to introduce the history and allures of the Yame Fukushima townscape. The in-house café offers green tea produced in Yame and hosts events where visitors can experience the fascinating aspects of Japanese green tea.
Traditional crafts such as Buddhist altars for homes, washi (Japanese handmade paper), paper lanterns, and bamboo ware are both exhibited and sold here. Generations of artisans in Yame have been passing down their craft for the past 200 to 400 years, and today, visitors can watch regular demonstrations of altar- and bamboo ware-making and observe the intricate production methods up close. The gold-leafed Buddhist altar, the largest of its kind in Japan, is a must-see!
Find a wide range of Yame specialties such as Yame tea, boutique sake, famous confections, and agricultural products here. Be sure to get the latest information and maps at the adjoining Tourist Information Center.
Evening to night:
Set off to experience the nightlife!
This bar is attached to the Nipponia Hotel Yame Fukushima Shōya-machi and serves Japanese sake and shōchū (distilled spirits) made by the local brewery Kitaya. The bar owner is more than happy to teach visitors about sake and Yame, including stories about sake and what kinds are best paired with what kinds of dishes. His private lessons on sake are most recommended but available by reservation only.
Time-slip into bygone decades the moment you step into this retro-style diner filled with endearing knickknacks from the Showa era. Lunch is on offer during the day and liquor at night. The specialty here is the owner’s curry made with authentic spices.
The owner was so charmed by Mexico that he decided to recreate the Mexican atmosphere in Yame. Immerse yourself in the lively and happy vibe here as you savor authentic tacos, burritos, chili con carne, and many more dishes. A wide range of drinks, from tequilas to a variety of non-alcoholic cocktails, is also available.
This yakitori restaurant, which serves grilled chicken on skewers, is run by an owner who cherishes Yame above everything else. Enjoy the expertly cooked skewers that are carefully cooked according to each cut. The Tori Nyumen (chicken and thin noodles in warm soup) is a popular dish to finish off the meal.
Eating and drinking establishments as well as variety stores crowd the shopping arcade, giving off a distinctly retro feel to the area. This is a unique market in Japan, in that it is located within the grounds of a shrine, the Dobashi Hachimangū. It has become a popular spot to take eye-catching photos in recent years. Take a walk and visit these local watering holes and eateries at night as well!
(Japanese only)