A shadow of the Showa era, but with a new look.

The townscape of Yunoyama has an old-fashioned feel to it.

Yunoyama, where vestiges of the Showa era remain, is a utopia for lovers of old things. However, the reality was harsh, such as the increase in vacant houses due to the decrease in tourists after the collapse of the bubble economy, and the decay of the buildings due to neglect.

In the midst of all this, Mr Kondo, who started a café in Yunoyama, stepped forward and took on the challenge of making a positive approach to Yunoyama.

Mr Kondo: “I think many people still have the image of Yunoyama as a deserted hot spring town that I used to have.

But now that I'm an adult, and I felt that Yunoyama is cool! I believed that even if this feeling was a minor thing, there would be people who could relate to it, so I began planning events that would make use of Yunoyama's resources. ”

A new view of Yunoyama

"Kimono Picnic".

Mr. Kondo: "First of all, I wanted to attract people to Yunoyama, which is a deserted area with few people to begin with. The first event was called Kimono Picnic, where people strolled around the town in kimonos worn in a more casual style, which is not unusual these days, and enjoyed an outdoor tea ceremony and live music at a riverside in the forest.

I was worried about how things would turn out for the first time, but I remember that the women in kimonos at that time looked really good in the location of Yunoyama. I also remember it was a big hit with the people in the hot springs community, and it had strong potential.”

In summer, Bon Odori events are filled with people dressed in yukata (light cotton kimono).

Since then, Mr Kondo has created many opportunities for people to come to Yunoyama in kimono.

He says that he has explored new ways to make Yunoyama attractive, such as turning an abandoned inn into a gallery space with art, and holding a summer festival that fuses Showa Kayo DJs and Bon Odori.

Bringing the desired scenery to life at the event

Among the experimental events, there are two established Yunoyama events. They are the Kamoshika Onsen Flea Market held around May and the Goennichi held at the end of August.

Both events have been held for more than 10 years, and both first-timers as well as regular participants who look forward to it every year have come to the event. A day when the staff and related parties enjoy Yunoyama while coordinating enthusiastically. A special time passes.

Live performance of "Kamoshika Onsen". Nice music is played in Yunoyama.

The "Kamoshika Onsen" is a great event to enjoy music, food, drinks in Yunoyama.

The event seems to be steadily spreading among the staff and related parties, with some people visiting Yunoyama for the first time.

"Goennichi" where "Dancable Showa Kayo" is played is a big frenzy with Bon Odori.

“Goennichi” is attractive because of its unique taste.

These events, which are filled with people in the tranquil space of Yunoyama, seem to be filled with attention to detail in every corner. This commitment to Mr Kondo's output seems to be shared by the food offerings as a café as well.