
Yanagase Shopping Arcade Gifu
A nostalgic journey into Gifu's Showa-era past, Yanagase Shopping Arcade offers vintage charm and a unique, slightly eerie atmosphere.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Experience the unique nightlife

Yanagase Shopping Arcade Gifu
Best Time
Experience the unique nightlife

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A nostalgic journey into Gifu's Showa-era past, Yanagase Shopping Arcade offers vintage charm and a unique, slightly eerie atmosphere.
"It's becoming increasingly abandoned. The flag of Numaru Okuyanagase is a clever name."

🚶♂️ Explore with an Open Mind
Yanagase has a unique, sometimes eerie charm. Embrace its retro vibe and explore its history.
⏰ Check Business Hours
Many shops have limited hours. Plan your visit accordingly to catch what's open.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Showa Era Nostalgia
Step back in time with vintage storefronts and a unique, slightly eerie atmosphere that whispers tales of the past.

The 'Creepy Spot' Appeal
Discover the intriguing, abandoned sections and the remnants of its former glory, offering a unique photographic opportunity.

Local Eateries and Bars
Experience the remaining snack bars and drinking establishments that still buzz with local life and offer a taste of old Gifu.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Retro Charm
Timing is Key for Exploration
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♂️ Explore with an Open Mind
Yanagase has a unique, sometimes eerie charm. Embrace its retro vibe and explore its history.
⏰ Check Business Hours
Many shops have limited hours. Plan your visit accordingly to catch what's open.
📸 Capture the Atmosphere
The arcade's vintage aesthetic and abandoned sections offer great photo opportunities.
🌃 Experience Evening Buzz
The arcade comes alive in the evening with local bars and eateries.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♂️ Explore with an Open Mind
Yanagase has a unique, sometimes eerie charm. Embrace its retro vibe and explore its history.
⏰ Check Business Hours
Many shops have limited hours. Plan your visit accordingly to catch what's open.
📸 Capture the Atmosphere
The arcade's vintage aesthetic and abandoned sections offer great photo opportunities.
🌃 Experience Evening Buzz
The arcade comes alive in the evening with local bars and eateries.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Yanagase Shopping Arcade offers a unique, nostalgic experience with its vintage charm and remnants of Showa-era Japan. While some areas are showing their age and have been demolished, the arcade retains a captivating, albeit sometimes eerie, atmosphere that appeals to photographers and those seeking a glimpse into the past. It's a place with a rich history, still holding onto its unique character.
"Good"
bbhom singh
"I went to see Yanagase after seeing a TV program featuring the area.
On the program, the far right corner was half-destroyed, but it had been demolished without me noticing."
Santa Dx
"It's becoming increasingly abandoned. The flag of Numaru Okuyanagase is a clever name.
Behind the former Moulin Rouge cabaret."
ohitorisama go
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Yanagase Shopping Arcade is easily accessible by public transport. From JR Gifu Station, you can take a bus towards Yanagase or walk approximately 15-20 minutes. It's a central location within Gifu City.
Yes, there are several parking lots and garages available near the Yanagase Shopping Arcade. However, public transport is often recommended due to potential traffic and parking fees.
Walking is the best way to explore Yanagase. Take your time to wander through the main arcade and its side streets to discover hidden gems and soak in the atmosphere.
Yes, Yanagase is a great addition to a day trip to Gifu City. It's conveniently located near other attractions and easily accessible from JR Gifu Station.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Yanagase Shopping Arcade is a public street and does not require an entrance ticket. You can freely walk through and explore its shops and atmosphere.
The arcade itself is always accessible, but individual shop hours vary greatly. Many shops open around 10 AM or 11 AM and close by 6 PM or 7 PM. Evening hours are more active for bars and restaurants.
Generally, there are no entrance fees for the arcade itself. However, individual establishments like bars, restaurants, or any remaining entertainment venues may have their own cover charges or minimum spending requirements.
Yes, Yanagase Shopping Arcade is open on weekends, though some individual businesses might have different operating hours. Weekends can be busier, especially in the evenings.
Yes, you can visit Yanagase at night. The atmosphere changes significantly, with many bars and eateries becoming more active. Some of the more 'creepy' or abandoned sections are also more atmospheric after dark.
📸 📸 Photography
The best photo spots include the vintage storefronts, the remnants of former entertainment venues like the Moulin Rouge, and the more dilapidated sections that showcase the arcade's history. The contrast between old and new can be striking.
Yes, photography is generally allowed in the public areas of Yanagase Shopping Arcade. However, always be respectful of private businesses and ask for permission before photographing inside shops or individuals.
A versatile lens, such as a 35mm or 50mm prime lens, is great for capturing the street scenes. A wider lens can be useful for the arcade's architecture, and a camera with good low-light performance is beneficial for evening shots.
Consider themes like 'Showa-era nostalgia,' 'urban decay,' 'hidden local life,' and 'contrasts of time.' The unique blend of the past and present offers rich photographic narratives.
Both daytime and nighttime offer different photographic opportunities. Daytime allows for clearer shots of the architecture, while nighttime brings out the neon lights and a more mysterious ambiance.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
You can find a variety of local eateries, including snack bars, izakayas (Japanese pubs), and small restaurants. While many are traditional, you might also find some modern cafes.
While Yanagase itself is more about the atmosphere, Gifu is known for Hida beef. You might find Hida beef skewers or other local specialties in restaurants around Gifu City, potentially near the arcade.
In the evenings, Yanagase becomes more vibrant with its snack bars and izakayas. These offer a more intimate dining experience with drinks and small dishes.
Yes, you can find some more casual eateries and snack bars that offer affordable options. Exploring the side streets might reveal local favorites that are easier on the wallet.
Finding dedicated vegetarian or vegan options might be challenging in traditional Japanese eateries. It's advisable to check with individual restaurants beforehand or look for places that offer simpler dishes like vegetable tempura or rice.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
📸 Photographers & Urban Explorers
Consider visiting during the 'golden hour' for dramatic lighting, or at night to experience the arcade's neon glow and more mysterious ambiance. Be sure to explore the side streets and alleys for hidden gems. Remember to be respectful of any operating businesses and always ask for permission before photographing individuals or interiors.
🕰️ Nostalgia Seekers
While some areas show their age, this only adds to the nostalgic charm. Seek out the remaining traditional snack bars and small shops that still operate, offering a taste of local life. The unique, slightly eerie ambiance is part of what makes Yanagase so memorable for those who appreciate retro aesthetics.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Allure of Yanagase's Retro Charm
The arcade is a testament to a bygone era of Japanese commerce and entertainment. While some sections have been revitalized or remain active with local businesses, others showcase a more melancholic beauty, with abandoned storefronts and remnants of former entertainment venues. This contrast between the living and the decaying is what gives Yanagase its compelling character. It's a place where you can feel the history and imagine the bustling crowds of decades past.
Visitors often describe Yanagase as a 'creepy spot,' but this is part of its allure. It's not about being genuinely frightening, but rather about the evocative atmosphere created by its aged structures and the stories they seem to hold. For those interested in Japanese urban landscapes and the evolution of commercial districts, Yanagase offers a truly unique and memorable experience.
Exploring Yanagase's Unique Atmosphere
Many visitors are drawn to Yanagase for its photographic potential. The juxtaposition of vibrant, active shops with the more derelict, abandoned sections provides a rich tapestry for capturing unique images. The faded neon signs, the intricate details of older shop fronts, and the overall sense of history create a visually striking environment. It’s recommended to visit during different times of the day to experience the changing light and atmosphere.
While some parts of the arcade may appear run-down, it's crucial to remember that it is still a functioning commercial area for many. Respect for the local businesses and residents is paramount. The 'creepy' aspect often referred to by visitors is more about the evocative ambiance of aged structures and the stories they tell, rather than anything truly sinister. Embrace the unique character of Yanagase, and you'll find a deeply rewarding experience.


Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit