[Kawaramachi, Gifu] "Hanahisa", a Flower Shop that is Close to the Locals with Full of History

Kawahara-cho, located at the foot of Mt. Kinka in Gifu City, stretches westward from the Nagara River cormorant fishing boat pier. Kawahara-cho has long flourished as a port town, and even today it is a perfect spot for a stroll with its rows of old-fashioned town houses.

This time, we will introduce the flower shop "Hanahisa" in Kawaramachi, which is full of history.

Renovation of a townhouse over 100 years old

The latticework exterior won the "Gifu City Urban Landscape Award" in 2014. At first glance, it is hard to tell that this is a flower shop.

It opened in 2017 in a fully renovated townhouse that was once a paper wholesaler.

The name of the shop, Hanahisa, is derived from Kinka, which refers to this area, and the name of the owner, Hisayoshi Kato.

This building, which is said to be over 100 years old, retains its original beams and pillars and retains its charm.

Lively plants in a space that matches dark-colored counters and fixtures.

A flower shop close to the local community

– Please tell us how you opened your shop.

Mr. Kato: "I originally worked at a flower shop for about 12 years and wanted to open my own store. In my search for a property, this was a building that belonged to my grandfather and was vacant at the time."

– What is the store concept?

Mr. Kato: "Our theme is a local flower shop. We cater to the needs of local customers who live nearby, and we also offer Buddhist flowers and sakaki for the altar, which are indispensable in daily life. We want to be a more folksy florist than the florists of today."

– Do you have a preference for purchasing?

Mr. Kato: "I want people to enjoy fresh flowers, so I go to the flower market three times a week to buy high-quality flowers, even if they are expensive."

– The number of flowers in the store is rather small, but is it a reservation system for flowers?

Mr. Kato: "The COVID-19 has changed our business style considerably. We now do bouquets and arrangements by reservation, and we buy flowers according to reservations, so we have less in the store than before."

Although reservations are not required, early reservations are recommended if you have particular requests or needs.

– In addition to cut flowers, you also sell flower seedlings and foliage plants.

Mr. Kato: "We will purchase according to the customer's request, so if you tell us what you want, we will prepare it for you."

When we visited in June, hydrangeas with beautiful gradations were in stock.

Yellow, white, and green flowers are popular in summer.

A moss ball of Koumori-ran (Platycerium) can be hung to create a healing space. You will also receive detailed instructions on how to care for them.

A Mino-yaki with a presence. The store's lineup changes from time to time.

Order arrangement and bouquet

Gifts are finished after listening to the gender, age, and image of the recipient. He listen to the requests and suggest colors and designs, placing importance on communication with customers.

There are many orders for omakase (owner's choice), and he delivers the flower while considering the mood at the time.

Seasonal arrangement with anthurium and smoke tree.

The pink bouquet is accented with pretty small flowers.

It seems that there are many orders such as "Bouquet with blue color!"

By adding plenty of real flowers and pretty small flowers, it creates a natural atmosphere.

It is popular with customers of a wide range of generations and is used for various purposes such as birthdays, anniversaries, and memorial services. He told me that he doesn't stick to a fixed style so that he can meet any need.

What struck me when I heard Mr. Kato's story was that he "dares not to be particular". This is a sentiment that is very typical of Mr. Kato, just like the friendly name of his store, Hanahisa. It is precisely because he does not have a strong sense of commitment, but rather caters to the needs of the local people, that he is a well-loved and valued flower store in Kawaramachi.