#Japan #Open House #Minakami

Minakami Mirai Marche: A Bright New Chapter in Community Revitalization

On October 11 and 12, 2025, an exciting evolution of a beloved event will take place in the scenic Minakami Onsen area of Gunma Prefecture. The 'Minakami Mirai Marche,' which follows the successful 'Haikyo Saisei Marche,' aims to engage the local community while embracing and revitalizing the area's historical structures.

The Evolution of The Marche

The 'Haikyo Saisei Marche' began as an initiative to uncover the hidden beauty of abandoned buildings within the Minakami Onsen area. Over the past four years, it has transformed into a social experiment designed to breathe new life into this traditional hot spring town. This year’s event marks the largest yet, with over 50 stores participating and an expansion from four venues to ten across a 1.5 km stretch from Minakami Station to the Mizukikoukan Road Station.

This year's concept focuses on a captivating journey through ten interconnected micro-markets. Each venue will tell its own unique story, showcasing community spirit while highlighting local crafts, dining, and cultural experiences. Significant locales include the 'Old Higaki Dormitory', a former onsen ryokan turned art space, and the commercial revival of ‘Walk On Water,’ a bookstore-turned-café.

A Focus on Sustainability and Community

The 'Minakami Mirai Marche' is not just an event but a step toward sustainable tourism and community revitalization. Initiatives like the rare opportunity to tour the interior of the 'Old Ichiyotei,' currently undergoing restoration, allow attendees to engage closely with the renovation progress. This building has historically represented the grandeur of Minakami Onsen and is now a focal point for its revival.

Furthermore, for the first time, a 'Slow Mobility' experiment will be launched. Attendees can navigate between venues via electric buses and share bikes, offering a leisurely way to explore the beautiful scenery while reducing their environmental footprint.

A Legacy of Transformation

As part of the ongoing 'Minakami Onsen Revitalization Project', initiated in partnership with Gunma Bank and Tokyo University, the event serves as a laboratory for cultural and civic interaction. Since its inception in 2022, the Marche has provided a platform for local artisans to demonstrate their crafts, engage visitors, and bridge the gap between history and modernity.

Previous editions attracted thousands, with each iteration drawing more participants and inventive displays. Last year's event hosted approximately 4,500 attendees, and the momentum has only increased this year. The unique aspect of the Marche is its community-driven approach—it's a joint effort between residents, artists, and scholars working toward a sustainable and vibrant future.

Community and Creativity Intertwined

The 'Old Higaki Dormitory' is at the heart of these community-building efforts. Once a dormitory for onsen staff, it has been transformed into a creative hub for artists and artisans. The ‘Trial Open Atelier #3’ will be featured again, allowing makers to showcase and sell their creations while encouraging cultural exchange. This burgeoning space thrives on creating opportunities for diverse individuals to collaborate and stimulate Minakami's cultural revitalization.

As the 'Minakami Mirai Marche' embarks on this exciting chapter, it invites all who seek to enjoy local flavors, art, and the rich history embedded in its ruins to partake in this immersive experience. This event not only aims to celebrate Minakami's past but also looks positively toward its future. Join the journey through tales of rejuvenation, community spirit, and artistic expressions that shape the narrative of this charming onsen town.

• ---