The best supermarket in Japan is hidden in the mountains of Gifu…

A local supermarket in Nakatsugawa City, Gifu Prefecture, has been named the best in Japan. We visited this store, located in a mountainous area, which reportedly has a selection as impressive as a department store.

In Tsukechi Town, Nakatsugawa City, Gifu Prefecture, where about 90% of the town is covered by forests, we ventured deeper into the mountains…

(Staff)
“Oh! There’s a supermarket in a place like this!”

We arrived at “Super Yamanishi.” When we entered the store… it was about half the size of a typical convenience store. At only 35 tsubo (about 115 square meters), it is extremely small for a supermarket. But this supermarket is actually amazing!

(Super Yamanishi, fourth-generation owner, Masato Nishio, 45 years old)
“When I heard about the award, I was like, ‘Why?!’ I had no idea why. I’m truly grateful.”

Gifu

Gifu is a city in central Japan, historically significant as a strategic location during the Sengoku period, most notably associated with the warlord Oda Nobunaga. He captured the mountaintop Gifu Castle in the 16th century, using it as a base to unify the country. Today, the city is famous for its scenic Nagara River, traditional cormorant fishing (ukai), and the reconstructed castle offering panoramic views.

Nakatsugawa City

Nakatsugawa City, located in Gifu Prefecture, Japan, is a historic post town that flourished along the Nakasendo, one of the five major routes of the Edo period (1603–1868). It served as a key stop for travelers and feudal lords journeying between Kyoto and Edo (modern-day Tokyo), and today preserves well-maintained sections of the old road, such as the Magome and Tsumago areas. The city is also known for its natural beauty, including the Kiso River and nearby mountains, as well as local specialties like chestnuts and sake.

Tsukechi Town

Tsukechi Town, located in Gifu Prefecture, Japan, is known for its scenic beauty along the Kiso River and its historic role as a post town on the Nakasendo road during the Edo period. The town features well-preserved traditional wooden buildings and is famous for the Tsukechi Gorge, a popular destination for hiking and enjoying autumn foliage. Its history as a resting point for travelers and samurai contributes to its cultural significance today.