Karakoro Plaza

Matsue City in Shimane Prefecture is famous for its centuries-old castle, Lake Shinji and the settings of historic ghost stories (among other things).

One of the best places to relax after a long day of sightseeing is Karakoro Plaza (Karakoro Art Studio). Located in the city center, it’s accessible from some of Matsue’s most famous sightseeing spots. Annual events, a souvenir shop and hands-on experiences ensure that there’s always something to do. Preserved from the first half of the 20th century, Karakoro Plaza is a hidden gem of Matsue’s architectural history.

History of Karakoro Plaza

Photo by: Laura Payne

This prominent stone building was originally a branch of the Bank of Japan. It was designed by architect Uheiji Nagano and constructed in 1938. Of all the buildings in Nagano’s career, the Bank of Japan’s Matsue branch stands out because it was one of the last designs created before his death.

Years later, in the 1980s, plans to demolish the Bank of Japan’s Matsue branch were announced. This sparked a preservation movement among local residents, which ultimately succeeded. The bank building was instead renovated and reopened in the year 2000 as a community space that highlighted local artisans.

Despite expansions and renovations, many elements of the original bank remain today. These include the entrance columns, metalwork details and parts of the bank vault—which visitors can still view in the building’s basement. In 2016, the building was named a national registered tangible cultural property.

Visiting Karakoro Plaza

Photo by: PIXTA/ スムース

Today, Karakoro Plaza describes itself as a “hub for food, culture and art.” Eateries surrounding the first floor serve meals made with local ingredients.

The terrace is also used as a venue for events such as festivals, live music or art installations. One annual installation featuring colorful umbrellas takes place from about the end of May to the end of July, roughly coinciding with Japan’s rainy season.

Karakoro Plaza also provides space for classes, tours and cultural activities. Matcha tea ceremony demonstrations and seasonal wagashi (Japanese sweets) workshops are two regularly-held activities. Visitors and locals alike enjoy participating in these because Matsue is one of Japan’s top three cities for tea and wagashi culture. Some activities require advance reservations, but others can accept same-day participants.