#Japan #Nakatsugawa #Machi Ai Nakatsugawa #HIGASHIMINO STAND #ぴよりん

Explore Local Culture at Machi Ai Nakatsugawa

Starting October 2, 2023, a unique and limited-time popup store called Machi Ai Nakatsugawa will open its doors at Nakatsugawa Station in Gifu Prefecture. This initiative, brought to life by Tokai Railway Company in collaboration with Machinaka Lab, is set to transform the waiting area of the station into a vibrant hub that connects local businesses and travelers.

The Concept of Machi Ai Nakatsugawa

The term Machi Ai translates to a space for “loving the city of Nakatsugawa.” It embodies the spirit of bringing together vendors and visitors, creating a fresh encounter that begins in the station's waiting room. Using the nostalgic atmosphere of a previous store, Machi Ai Nakatsugawa will feature diverse shops that rotate approximately every one to two weeks, allowing for a continuous stream of new experiences.

Key Features

1. Community Hub: This popup store serves as a point of dissemination for the culinary and cultural offerings of the Nakatsugawa area.
2. Diverse Encounters: It provides local vendors with new opportunities to showcase their products while offering visitors unique discoveries.
3. Preserving Retro Vibes: The design preserves the Showa-era ambiance of the former store, enriching the experience with a sense of history.

Popup Store Details

• - Name: Machi Ai Nakatsugawa (まちあい なかつがわ)
• - Duration: October 2, 2023, to around May 2026
• - Location: Inside JR Nakatsugawa Station, at 2-1-3 Ota-cho, Nakatsugawa City, Gifu Prefecture
• - Content: Rotating popup shops from various local businesses.

Vendor Highlights

One of the exciting participants in the Machi Ai Nakatsugawa popup is HIGASHIMINO STAND, set to be available from October 2 to October 14, 2023. This stand bar serves as a cultural nexus in Nakatsugawa, a region where the routes of Higashi-Mino, Kiso, and Hida converge.

At HIGASHIMINO STAND, visitors can indulge in tastings of local sake, craft beer, gin, and tea, all while seated in an atmosphere that celebrates the retro aesthetic of the store. Some menu highlights include:

• - Ena Mountain Sake from Hazama Brewery (Nakatsugawa)
• - Onna Shiro Nishikikoji from Iwamura Brewery (Ena)
• - Kozaemon Sake from Nakajima Brewery (Mizunami)
• - Nakatsugawa Gin from Nakatsugawa Distillery (Nakatsugawa)
• - Craft Beer from Kamado Brewery (Mizunami)
• - Tea Tastings from Ichikawa Tea (Nakatsugawa)

Note: Some items may not be available, and minor changes in menu and hours may occur.

Upcoming Attractions

Looking ahead, a special guest appearance from the renowned Piyorin, a chick-shaped pudding from Nagoya, is set for November 21 to November 24, 2023. It will team up with the seasonal delicacy Nakatsugawa Chestnut Kinton, a local specialty, promising exclusive flavors only available at Machi Ai Nakatsugawa.

With such a rich blend of culture, flavors, and nostalgia, come and experience the warmth of Nakatsugawa at Machi Ai Nakatsugawa! For updates and more information, follow Machinaka Lab's Instagram at Machinaka Lab Instagram.

Conclusion

Machi Ai Nakatsugawa stands as a testament to the cooperation between local businesses and the community, creating an innovative space that not only showcases how beautifully Nakatsugawa's history and culture intertwine but also invites travelers to be a part of its unfolding story.

Join us to uncover the local treasures and experiences that await in this historical setting!