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

" Walking around town is fun! " is the theme of this series, where we explore the charms of towns while strolling around them. This time, we looked for retro things in Motomiya City, Fukushima Prefecture, where traditional townscapes remain.

As soon as you step into the alleys, you'll be greeted by nostalgic scenery and " retro things " that evoke a bygone era. Why not go searching for treasures that aren't on the map while thinking about the history of each place?

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Start from JR Motomiya Station

This trip will take place in Motomiya City, Fukushima Prefecture, starting from JR Motomiya Station .

A stone monument installed in the rotary in front of the station reads, " Welcome to Motomiya, the navel town of Fukushima ." The name "navel town" comes from the fact that Motomiya City is located almost in the center of Fukushima Prefecture and is a key transportation hub, which means it corresponds to 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 through the rotary in front of the station to the front of the Motomiya Municipal Kunawakita Parking Lot, continue east and turn left onto Mayumi Street

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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.

Continuing north, you'll see a photo studio and bar. Abe Photo Studio gives you a sense of freshness, as if you've traveled back in time.

Going further, you will come across a large, retro building. You will see a sign for the " Motomiya City History and Folklore Museum ." This building was constructed in 1924 as the headquarters of Motomiya Electric Co., Ltd. It is said to be the oldest non-wooden Western-style building in the city.

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

Sunrise Motomiya concert hall , you will come across Motomiya Bunka-dori. If you follow the road west, you will see the Izumiya Confectionery store .

When I entered the store, I saw delicious looking fresh and baked sweets lined up in the display case. After wondering which ones to try, I decided on Anpan Manju " and the " 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.

Kasho Kineya , a shop with a large, eye-catching display window . The interior of the shop is beautifully decorated with Western-style furnishings. It seems that you can also eat and drink inside the shop. In addition to Japanese sweets, there is a wide selection of Western sweets, and I wanted to try the shop's signature cream puffs.

I bought the recommended " Cheese Roppongi

It's a cute looking snack with a round, cube-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 that are closely related to daily life, such as clothing stores, stationery stores, bakeries, electronics stores, and butcher shops, there are also some interesting places to visit Chef Ishibashi " and the cafe " e's cafe

This time, I was attracted by the retro sign and fixtures, so I stopped by Akitaya

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.

Koji Wadaya , whose stylish exterior caught our eye . Behind the modern sales area is a Japanese-style room with a Shinto altar, where you can enjoy smoothies, koji soft serve ice cream, amazake (sweet sake), 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 time I bought Koji Miso Walnuts Nukamo ," and consists of crispy, fragrant walnuts coated in flavorful miso. The miso has a sweet and salty taste, and its gorgeous flavor lingers. It is especially recommended for those who love nuts.

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 a building that caught my eye. the Motomiya Movie Theater . This wooden building, over 100 years old, looks as if time has stood still. I imagined that this building must have been visited by many people before television and other forms of entertainment became widespread.

you'll see the intriguing " Sugidama

the sake brewery " Otengu Sake Brewery Co., Ltd. " The impressive gate is a testament to its history. It seems unusual 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 and looked for retro things

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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