In the variety show ‘Encounter with Roads,’ which specializes in roads across Japan, road enthusiasts introduce their recommended roads. This time, we explored “Yanagase,” which has supported Gifu’s development. (This article summarizes only the road information.)
At its peak, there were 11 cabarets and over 300 bars
Yanagase has long supported Gifu’s economy. Built on the foundation of the Kanazu pleasure quarter established in 1888, it flourished to the point of being called “the number one entertainment district in the Tokai region” at its peak. During its heyday, it is said that there were 12 theaters and movie theaters, 11 cabarets, and over 300 bars in the Yanagase area.
However, today, the “Star Place Yanagase Shopping Street,” commonly known as “West Yanagase” on the west side of Kinkabashi Street, has declined to the point of being called Japan’s number one shuttered shopping district. The number of operating stores has drastically decreased, and some buildings have partially collapsed, leaving their interiors exposed.
“Yanagase has arcades covering everything. This is extremely rare even on a national scale,” said a road enthusiast.
Yanagase Bathhouse
The Yanagase Bathhouse is a historic public bath (sento) located in the Yanagase shopping district of Gifu City, Japan. It was established in the post-war Showa era, a period when such facilities were vital community hubs for residents without private baths. While many traditional sento have closed, Yanagase Bathhouse remains a cherished local institution, preserving the classic atmosphere and social tradition of Japanese public bathing.
West Yanagase
West Yanagase is a historic shopping arcade in Gifu City, Japan, known for its retro Showa-era atmosphere. It was originally developed in the post-war period as a bustling commercial and entertainment district. Today, it retains its nostalgic charm with traditional shops, eateries, and a distinctive covered roof.
Kanazu pleasure quarter
The Kanazu Pleasure Quarter was a designated entertainment district established in the late 17th century in what is now Hakusan City, Ishikawa Prefecture. It served as a major cultural and social hub for the region’s elite, including samurai and wealthy merchants, during the Edo period. Today, its preserved teahouses and lattice-windowed buildings offer a glimpse into the historical architecture and licensed pleasure quarters of feudal Japan.
Kinkabashi Street
Kinkabashi Street, also known as the “Golden Bridge Street,” is a historic shopping arcade in the Asakusa district of Tokyo, Japan. It was traditionally known for its many metalworking and hardware shops, a legacy from the Edo period when the area served craftsmen working at the nearby Senso-ji Temple. Today, it retains its old-world charm while offering visitors a mix of traditional goods and modern retail.
Star Place Yanagase Shopping Street
Star Place Yanagase Shopping Street is a historic and vibrant shopping arcade in Gifu City, Japan, known for its retro Showa-era atmosphere. It was originally established in the post-war period and has since evolved into a popular covered arcade featuring a mix of traditional shops, restaurants, and modern retail. The area serves as a nostalgic cultural hub that reflects the city’s commercial history and community spirit.
