Walking around the town is fun! A stroll in search of "retro things" [Motomiya City, Fukushima Prefecture]

"Towns are more interesting when you walk around!" This is a series where we explore towns by actually taking a stroll around them and discovering their charm. This time, we searched for retro items in Motomiya City, Fukushima Prefecture, where the old-fashioned townscape remains.

Step into the alleyways, and you'll find nostalgic scenes and "retro" items that evoke a bygone era. Why not go on a quest to discover hidden treasures not found on any map, while reflecting on the history behind each place?

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Start from JR Motomiya Station

This trip takes place in Motomiya City, Fukushima Prefecture. We start atJR Motomiya Station.

A stone monument erected in the rotary in front of the station bears the words, "Welcome to Motomiya, the navel of Fukushima." The term "navel" is said to originate from the fact that Motomiya City is located almost in the center of Fukushima Prefecture and is a transportation hub—in other words, it is like the "navel" of the body.

There is a statue of Hideyo Noguchi next to the station building. It seems to have a connection to Motomiya Station, so it was an opportunity to learn about the achievements of this great man

Walk from the rotary in front of the station to the front of the Motomiya City-operated Kuwa North Parking Lot, then continue east andMayumi Streetturn left onto

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Stroll along Mayumi Street (north side)

I walked north along Mayumi Street, which runs north and south in front of the station

There are many houses lined up here and there, and here and there you can see businesses such as barber shops, Japanese restaurants, and chiropractic clinics. In addition to the houses and stores, you can also feel the history in each and every structure, such as the walls and storehouses

Further north, we came across a photo studio and bar. The retro exterior of "Abe Photo Studio" gave us a fresh feeling, as if we had traveled back in time.

Further along, you'll come across a large, retro building. You can see a sign for the "Motomiya City Historical and Folk Museum." This building was constructed in 1924 as the headquarters of Motomiya Electric Co., Ltd. It is said to be the oldest Western-style building in the city that is not made of wood.

Unfortunately, the Historical and Folklore Museum is closed for the time being, but the building is likely a symbol of the area

concert hallSunrise Motomiya, you will reach Motomiya Culture Street. If you continue west along the street,Izumiya Confectioneryyou will see the

Upon entering the shop, I saw a display case filled with delicious-looking fresh and baked goods. After much deliberation, I decided on "Anpan Manju" and "Yubeshi Manju."

The Yubeshi Manju's chewy, thick dough is incredibly satisfying! The Anpan Manju is characterized by its cute appearance, resembling a miniature Anpan. The outer layer is chewy, and the small body is filled with plenty of red bean paste. It has a nostalgic taste that makes you crave milk

Izumiya Confectionery ＜Information＞

• Name: Confectionery shop Izumiya
• Address: 10-3 Motomiya Yarai, Motomiya City, Fukushima Prefecture, 969-1129
• Phone number: 0243342111
• Official URL: https://www.kasidokoro-idumiya.com/

Google Map

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To the "Motomiya Shitamachi" area

Head east along Motomiya Bunka Street. After passing Heiwa Street, you will come to Prefectural Route 28. Many shops and restaurants line Prefectural Route 28. If you are accessing by car, the public parking lots located here and there are convenient

The photo shows "Shimomachi Smile Parking".

The northern part of the Shimomachi area begins at the Adatara River. After enjoying the sound of the river and the majestic mountain scenery, start your walk

The tiled road is lined with friendly shops, including pharmacies, teahouses, record stores, bookstores, and restaurants. There are also signs offering "rest areas" and "rental spaces," revealing the local character that values ​​places for interaction

shop with a particularly eye-catching large display windowKasho Kineya,. Inside, the shop has a lovely interior with Western-style furnishings. It seems that you can also eat and drink inside. In addition to Japanese sweets, they also have a wide selection of Western sweets, and I would like to try their signature cream puffs sometime.

the recommended "Cheese Rokubo YakiI bought

It's a cute looking snack with a round, dice-shaped shape. It has a chewy pastry with refreshing cheese sandwiched in between. The cheese has no strong odor and is very fresh. It's also very smooth, and I finished the whole thing in no time

It has a long shelf life, so it is also recommended as a souvenir or offering

Kasho Kineya <Information>

• Name: Kasho Kineya
• Address: 45 Motomiya Shitamachi, Motomiya City, Fukushima Prefecture, 969-1132
• Phone number: 0243342341
• Official URL:https://www.okashi-kineya.jp/

Google Map

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To the "Motomiya Nakajo" area

The Motomiya Nakajo area, where Adachi Bridge meets, is lined with many retro-modern buildings

While there are shops essential to daily life, such as clothing stores, stationery stores, bakeries, electronics stores, and butcher shops, IChef Ishibashi" and the cafe "e's cafe'm also interested in the

This time, I was drawn to the retro sign and fixtures, soAkitayaI stopped by

There was also a space for a short break among the tasteful tea utensils and delicious tea leaves. The owner has a warm personality, and it's clear that this shop has become a relaxing spot for the local community

This time I bought Sencha tea. The time spent choosing tea while talking with the owner about his recommendations will surely become a fond memory of your retro trip

Akitaya <Information>

• Name: Akitaya
• Address: 20 Motomiya Nakajo, Motomiya City, Fukushima Prefecture, 969-1133
• Phone number: 0243332163

Google Map

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To the "Motomiya Kamimachi" area

Continue south to the Kamimachi area. There are also many retro shops here! Restaurants, bakeries, beauty salons, and more, all retaining the feel of an old-fashioned shopping street

with an intriguingly stylish exteriorKoji Wadaya,. Behind the modern retail space, there's a Japanese-style room with a Shinto altar where you can enjoy smoothies, koji soft serve ice cream, amazake (sweet rice drink), and more.

In addition to standard products such as miso and koji, the merchandise section also carries eye-catching items such as fruit amazake

This timeKoji Miso WalnutsI boughtNukamo," and features crispy, fragrant walnuts coated in flavorful miso. The miso has both sweetness and saltiness, and the vibrant flavor lingers. I especially recommend it to nut lovers.

Akitaya <Information>

• Name: Koji Wadaya
• Address: 22 Motomiyakamicho, Motomiya City, Fukushima Prefecture, 969-1133
• Phone number: 0243342140
• Official URL:https://www.koujiwadaya.co.jp/

Google Map

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Head west and head back to Mayumi Street (south side)

Leaving Motomiya-Kamimachi and heading west, I passed by an intriguing building: theMotomiya Cinema. This wooden structure, over 100 years old, seemed frozen in time. I imagined it must have been a place visited by many people before television and other forms of entertainment became widespread.

intriguing "sugidamayou'll come across the

the sake brewery "Daitengu Sake Brewery Co., Ltd." Its impressive gate is a testament to its history. It's rare to find a sake brewery so close to a train station.

The store space was lined with rare alcoholic beverages that were only available for a limited time or on a seasonal basis

This time I bought the special Honjozo "Daitengu." It has a refreshing taste and won't interfere with your meal. It seems to go well with sashimi and other dishes

Daitengu Sake Brewery Co., Ltd. <Information>

• Name: Daitengu Sake Brewery Co., Ltd
• Address: 18 Motomiya Kuwanawa, Motomiya City, Fukushima Prefecture, 969-1136
• Phone number: 0243332017
• Official URL:https://daitengusyuzo.com/

Google Map

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If you continue north on Mayumi Street, just before you reach the station, you'll see a retro-looking sign for "Ekimae Yokocho." At the end of the narrow alley, there appear to be several restaurants lined up. I'm intrigued..

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Walk around Motomiya City in search of retro items!

This time, we started at JR Motomiya Station andretro thingssearched for

A stroll through the town reveals many charming shops and encounters with friendly people. Discovering new charms will change the way you see the town. Why not try a leisurely stroll around the town at least once?

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