It has been one year since the closure of Gifu Takashimaya, the only department store in Gifu Prefecture. While foot traffic in the central Yanagase shopping district continues to decline, new businesses are opening, showing signs of revitalization.

At the end of July last year, Gifu Takashimaya closed its doors after 47 years in business.

“We hope that as many people as possible will remember that Gifu Takashimaya was here. Thank you for your support on our final day.”

The store opened in 1977 within the Yanagase shopping district and was beloved by locals for nearly half a century. However, due to declining profits and aging infrastructure, it ultimately shut down.

With its closure, Gifu became the first prefecture in the Tokai region without a single department store.

A year later, the building remains standing. While demolition is expected, negotiations between the building owner and Takashimaya over costs are ongoing, and no final decision has been made.

According to a survey by Gifu City, foot traffic in the shopping district decreased by 13.7% on weekdays and 9.1% on weekends in September compared to the same period in 2022.

Miwaya Yanagase, a restaurant that relocated after Gifu Takashimaya’s closure.

Miwaya, a Japanese restaurant that once operated on the 11th floor of Takashimaya, was forced to relocate after the department store closed.

“It was like a bolt from the blue—a real shock.”

The new location is about 350 meters away, still within Yanagase. August marks exactly one year since the move.

While their popular bento boxes previously sold for around ¥2,400, they now offer new options priced around ¥1,000, and sales have been strong.

“There’s still hope. Yanagase still has name recognition. Gifu must not let the name Yanagase fade away. We have to keep pushing forward.”

Go Hachi An Yanagi, a new shop that opened in Yanagase after Takashimaya’s closure.

The closure of Takashimaya has also brought new energy to the Yanagase shopping district.

The chairman of the Yanagase Shopping District Promotion Association noted that the past year saw the highest number of new store openings in the last decade.

“Twenty new stores opened in one year—a first in my ten years here. With Takashimaya gone, rents have become more reasonable, attracting many entrepreneurs.”

One of the new shops, Go Hachi An Yanagi, specializes in handmade sweets blending Japanese and Western flavors, such as “yokan cheesecake” and “anko canelé,” which have gained popularity.

“It wasn’t just about Yanagase—I fell in love with this location at first sight and decided immediately.”

The owner previously operated at markets without a fixed storefront. Now, thanks to social media promotion, many customers visit intentionally, minimizing the impact of reduced foot traffic.

“After being called ‘Japan’s most deserted shopping street,’ Yanagase has actually gained attention. Now is the perfect opportunity.”

The owner hopes the entire district will thrive again.

“It’s true that more shops are opening. I want people to visit Yanagase and explore multiple stores. Before, they might have only come for Takashimaya, but now the shopping district can showcase its unique charm.”

Concept image of “Yanagase Plaza,” planned for the former Nagasakiya site (provided by Gifu City).

The local government is also taking action. Kin Park, near the former Takashimaya, was renovated in 2023 with a spacious lawn area to

Gifu Takashimaya

Gifu Takashimaya is a department store located in Gifu City, Japan, part of the prestigious Takashimaya chain, which was founded in Kyoto in 1831. The Gifu branch offers a wide range of high-quality goods, from fashion to gourmet food, reflecting Takashimaya’s long-standing reputation for luxury and customer service. While the store itself is modern, it upholds the traditional values of Japanese retail culture, blending contemporary shopping with historical elegance.

Yanagase shopping district

The Yanagase shopping district, located in Gifu City, Japan, is a historic shopping area that flourished in the mid-20th century as a bustling hub for fashion, entertainment, and daily goods. Known for its retro Showa-era charm, it features narrow streets lined with vintage shops, cafes, and theaters, reflecting its past as a vibrant commercial and cultural center. Though it has declined in recent decades, efforts are underway to revitalize the district while preserving its nostalgic atmosphere.

Miwaya Yanagase

Miwaya Yanagase is a historic shopping district in Gifu City, Japan, known for its traditional charm and vibrant atmosphere. Established in the early 20th century, it flourished as a bustling market area and remains a popular spot for local shops, eateries, and cultural events. The area reflects Gifu’s rich merchant history and offers a blend of old-world nostalgia and modern vibrancy.

Go Hachi An Yanagi

“Go Hachi An Yanagi” (五八庵柳) is a historic willow tree in Japan, famously linked to the Edo-period poet Matsuo Bashō. According to legend, Bashō rested under this tree during his travels, drawing inspiration for his haiku. Today, it is a cultural landmark, symbolizing the connection between nature and classical Japanese poetry.

Yanagase Plaza

Yanagase Plaza is a vibrant shopping and entertainment district located in Gifu City, Japan, known for its retro Showa-era atmosphere. Historically, it flourished as a bustling black market after World War II before evolving into a popular commercial area with shops, cafes, and theaters. Today, it retains nostalgic charm while blending modern attractions, making it a unique cultural spot in the city.

Nagasakiya

Nagasakiya was a historic Japanese trading company established in the 17th century during the Edo period, primarily dealing in imported goods such as silk, sugar, and medicines. It played a key role in Nagasaki’s trade with China and the Dutch, who were restricted to Dejima during Japan’s isolationist policy (sakoku). The company declined after the Meiji Restoration (1868) when Japan opened to broader international trade.

Kin Park

Kin Park, located in Grande Prairie, Alberta, Canada, is a popular recreational area known for its sports facilities, playgrounds, and green spaces. Established to serve the community’s outdoor and athletic needs, it has become a hub for local events, sports tournaments, and family activities. While its exact founding date is unclear, it remains a cherished public space for residents and visitors alike.