A base for sightseeing in Kuroishi! Community Space [Matsunoyu Koryukan] [Kuroishi City, Aomori Prefecture

  • Aomori
  • Sightseeing
Exterior view of Matsunoyu Koryukan

Matsunoyu, a former public bathhouse

Matsunoyu, which prospered as a public bathhouse (in 1932)
Facing the charming Nakamachi Komise Street in the center of Kuroishi City, Matsunoyu Koryukan is impressive with its pine trees piercing through the roof. The building was built in the feudal era, and the pine tree is estimated to be about 350 years old.
It was used as an inn (ryokan) during the Edo period (1603-1867) and as a public bath "Matsunoyu" during the Showa period (1926-1989), and has been well known to the residents. In the past, many people went to the public bathhouse every day because they did not have a bath at home. Chatting and bartering with neighbors, the sento became a place of communication in the community.
Later, with the spread of baths to ordinary homes, the public bathhouse "Matsunoyu" ceased operations in 1993. About 20 years later, the building was rebuilt as the Matsunoyu Koryukan, which functions as a tourist exchange and a local disaster prevention center, while inheriting its role as a place of exchange for local residents. It is now an important place where not only local residents but also tourists stop by.
Bathtub and retro signboard

Newly renovated as a community space

Kuroishi Information with remnants of a public bathhouse
The current Matsunoyu Koryukan includes the Citizens' Salon, Kuroishi Information, Koryu-no-Ma, and a rest area. The citizens' salon is the largest space in Matsunoyu Koryukan and is usually open to the public as a free rest area. It can also be rented out for meetings, events, and cultural activities for 20 to 30 people.
Kuroishi Information, as the name suggests, is a place where visitors can obtain information about the city through monitors and pamphlets. The bathhouse's former guard stand, bathtub, scales, and changing baskets have been preserved, allowing visitors to recall the bathhouse of the past.
The Koryu-no-Ma and Okashido are Japanese-style rooms where you can relax and eat or drink tea or boxed lunches brought by guests. The 8-mat and 6-mat rooms are often reserved for small meetings, so please check in advance if you wish to use them.
Resting area where you can eat and drink

Machiaruki tour organized by a local group

A tour of the town
The NPO Yokomachi Jumonji Machisodatekai manages Matsunoyu Koryukan on consignment, and offers tours of the community organized by the NPO. There are currently three tours starting and ending at Matsunoyu Koryukan. One of the tours, the "Merchant House Narawai Rear Tour," takes visitors deep into the doors of merchant houses and long-established stores along the city's roads, which are normally not seen, to learn about the history of Kuroishi, which prospered as a merchant town during the feudal domain era. The tour is very popular among participants because it allows them to explore Komise-dori from a maniac's point of view that is not included in guidebooks. Advance reservations are required, so please see the official website at the bottom of this page for details.

Stylish coffee shop in a storehouse

Authentic coffee shop in a warehouse
The Matsunoyu Koryukan has an adjacent warehouse, which now houses "ab Coffee," a specialty coffee shop that roasts its own coffee. The owner's specialty coffee is very popular, and many regulars from Kuroishi City and beyond frequent the store. Enjoying a cup of coffee in an atmospheric warehouse is a luxurious experience. For those who don't like coffee, we also offer mild soy latte and hojicha latte. Please stop by during your stroll in the city.

Please stop by at Matsunoyu Koryukan, the base for sightseeing in Kuroishi City, to get the hottest tourist information and enjoy a stroll around the city.
The owner's special roasted coffee
For the website of Matsunoyu Koryukan, click here
For the link to ab coffee, click here
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