[Mino city, Gifu] "Udatsu-style Houses" 7 Recommended Spots

Mino City is located in the center of Gifu Prefecture. It is an area surrounded by the Nagara River, one of the clearest streams in Japan, and rich nature, and its representative tourist destination is the `` Udatsu-style Houses''.

This area, lined with historic buildings, has prospered as a production area for Mino washi paper with a history of 1,300 years, and the symbolic udatsu building is also a highlight.

Half a day is enough to explore the townscape on foot! This time, we will introduce recommended spots such as gourmet food and workshops using Japanese paper.

*Some stores may be temporarily closed, so please check the official website or call when you go out.

What is Udatsu-style Houses?

"Udatsu-style Houses" has been designated as a nationally important traditional building preservation district.

The `` Udatsu-style Houses'' is an area lined with merchant houses and paper wholesalers that flourished from the Edo period to the Meiji period as the production area for Mino washi, one of Japan's three major washi papers.

In addition, events such as the Mino Washi Akari Art Exhibition, which is held once a year using washi paper, and the Hanamikoshi Festival, which uses hand-dyed washi paper, are crowded with many tourists.

As the name suggests, the `` Udatsu-style Houses.

An udatsu is a fire wall with raised roof ends, and only the wealthy could afford to build an udatsu. Therefore, the udatsu seems to have been a symbol of longing and aspirations.

It seems that the origin of the phrase "Udatsu does not go up" comes from here.

A 300-year-old Japanese paper wholesaler
"Former Imai Family Residence"

An old private house that symbolizes the townscape of Udatsu. If it's a building with a lot of history, it's not just the exterior, but the interior as well.

Former Imai Family Residence is perfect for such tourists! While listening to the guide's explanation, you can tour the inside of the building while listening to explanations such as history.

The former Imai family is a 300-year-old building built in the middle of the Edo period. It is a Japanese paper wholesaler that has been in business for 13 generations and has the oldest Udatsu in Mino City. The Former Imai House, which was a Japanese paper wholesaler and also a headman, boasts the largest floor plan in the city.

There is also a rare facility called "Akaritori" in one of the rooms. The chimney that was used for the sunken hearth was remodeled in the Meiji era and replaced with glass to bring in the sun's light.

During the summer and winter solstice, the direction and length of the light coming in from the ceiling changes, giving you a sense of the season.

And one of the recommended spots here is the courtyard. The fresh greenery in spring and the autumn foliage in the garden are beautiful in autumn.

In addition, in the garden, there is also "Suikinkutsu", which was certified as one of the "100 Soundscapes of Japan" selected by the Ministry of the Environment. When you scoop up water with a ladle and pour it over it, you will hear a cool and delicate sound for a soothing moment...

Also check out the stone lanterns with heart marks that are auspicious for those in the know! It is located in the precincts of the shrine enshrined in the courtyard, and many reports have been received that if you touch the heart, you will be lucky... If you are interested, please touch it!

[Former Imai Family Residence]
Address: 1883 Izumicho, Mino City, Gifu Prefecture
Phone number: 0575-33-0021
Business hours: 9:00-16:30 (April-September)
9:00-16:00 (October-March)
Closed: Open everyday (March to November) / Closed the day after a public holiday (If Tuesday is a public holiday, closed the following day)
December 29th - January 3rd *Closed on Tuesdays from December to February
Admission fee: Adults (high school students and above) 300 yen, groups (20 or more) 250 yen
・For a combined ticket with Mino Washi Akari Art Museum, adults (high school students and above) will pay 400 yen
・If you have a combined ticket for the Mino Washi Akari Art Museum and Mino Washi Village Hall,
Adults (high school students and above): 800 yen

http://www.city.mino.gifu.jp/pages/2068

A cafe specializing in Japanese tea
"HAPPA STAND"

``HAPPA STAND'' is a cafe based on the concept of ``classy things that transcend the times,'' such as organic tea and original Mino-yaki pottery.

"HAPPA STAND" - a stylish item that transcends the times, originating from Mino City, Gifu Prefecture.

`` Udatsu-style Houses'' in Mino City, Gifu Prefecture. “HAPPA STAND” was opened in August 2017 in this location where historical scenery still exists. Based on the concept of ``classy things that transcend time,'' we promote traditional Japanese culture such as tea and tableware. There are 80 stores in Japan and 8 stores in LA...

2020.03.05

https://life-designs.jp

White paper lanterns that catch the eye in the store. Fashionable with Mino Japanese paper and original logo design!

The main store in Mino City, located in the Udatsu townscape, was opened in 2017 as a stylish store in a renovated old private house that was built more than 150 years ago.

"Roasted green tea latte 550 yen (hot)" *You can choose milk or soy milk.

The tea leaves used in HAPPA STAND are all grown in Ujitawara-cho, Kyoto Prefecture, where there is a contracted farmer.

The most popular item on the menu is the Hojicha Latte (hot or cold). In the cold season, the mellow and light taste of whipped cream and the scent of roasted tea with a refreshing aftertaste will soothe you.

In addition, "Matcha Latte 600 yen" is also very popular. Takeout is also OK, so you can also accompany your stroll!

● Top: Red (Hojicha) ● Green (Senjicha) ● Blue (Genmaicha) ¥1,500 each (100g) ●Bottom: From left: Hojicha, Genmaicha, Sencha, Gyokuro ¥1,800 each (Gyokuro ¥3,000)

As a souvenir, tea in a tea canister with a cute design is also popular. Ise tea is recommended for beginners with colorful tea canisters. It is light and easy to drink. The shimenawa design is also stylish.

The stylish black tea caddy has been a staple of Kyoto tea since the shop opened. A tea for seniors with a bitter and astringent taste.

In both cases, tea leaves are also sold as refills, so even if the contents are gone, it is fashionable to use them as interior decorations!

Roasted green tea + matcha tofu chocolate + OCHA (4 types mixed / 4 pieces) 880 yen * OCHA changes daily.

Also popular is the ganache “Tofu Chokoreto” made with soy milk. There are two types of roasted tea and matcha, and you can also try the difference between the two types of “deep” and “light” flavors.

In addition, there are sweets that are particular about organic and additive-free ingredients. In autumn, enjoy seasonal sweets such as chestnut kinton from Gifu paired with green tea.

[HAPPA STAND]
Address: 2300 Tokiwacho, Mino City, Gifu Prefecture
Phone number: 0575-46-8859
Business hours: 8:00-17:00
Closed: Wednesdays and Thursdays

https://happastand.jp/

Handwriting is fresh now! your own original
Soebumi Paper Workshop Experience

Have you been writing letters lately?

These days, it's becoming less and less common to write letters, but "Kamiyu" is a shop with an exciting space that makes you want to write such letters.

The store is located in a 70-year-old paper warehouse, and is a stationery shop that will make you want to go to stationery girls, such as letter paper and envelopes using Japanese paper, miscellaneous goods and accessories.

In addition to purchasing paper, you can also experience a workshop where you can make your own original “soebumi paper” using Mino washi paper.

A soebumi note is a mini letter that features a one-point design and the rustic texture of Mino washi paper.
It is a big hit product that sells 100,000 units a year.

At the workshop, just use a stamp or stamp in your favorite color on a plain cover sheet and press it down!

At first glance, it looks easy, but when I see the stamps in front of me, I worry about what color to use with which pattern, and I can't make much progress (laughs). You will receive 30 sheets of blank letter paper, so you can use different stamps on each page! You can press any number of them anywhere.

Envelopes are also included in the set, so you can press them freely!

Greedy and press various stamps and it's done! By the way, to commemorate the 15th anniversary of the current release (2022), we also prepared a special design belt with the 15th anniversary logo. If you wrap the obi around it, the appearance will be improved at once!

＜Soebumi Notebook Workshop＞
Reservation required. The fee is 500 yen per person. Time required about 30 minutes

In addition, you can spend cafe time with nostalgic "cream soda 550 yen" in the store.

If you order a drink, you can write a letter for free at the desk in one corner of the cafe space (one set per person). Stamps are also available, so it would be nice to write a letter here to someone important to you as a memory of your trip.

[Washi Paper Shop Kamiyu]
Address: 2296 Tokiwacho, Mino City, Gifu Prefecture
Telephone number: 0575-31-2023
Business hours: 10:00-16:00 (Monday, Thursday, Friday *Café last order 15:30)
10:00-17:00 (Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays *Café last order 16:30)
Closed: Every Tuesday and Wednesday (except public holidays)

https://www.shiyu.co.jp/shiyu
https://shiyu-minowashi.shop/ (Online shop)

A Japanese paper specialty store directly managed by a Japanese paper manufacturer
"Washi-nary"

"Washi-nary" is a shop staffed by "Washi sommeliers" with specialized knowledge of Japanese paper, with the idea of "enjoying the world of Japanese paper in the same way that you enjoy the world of wine."

It is a space where people who like Japanese paper, as well as those who are not familiar with Japanese paper, can come into contact with the world of Japanese paper.

Many lamps made of washi paper are hung from the open ceiling, bathing in soft light.

Even if you say "Washi" in one word, there are about 200 types on display alone, including those made by hand and machines, and differences in raw materials and processes. You can experience various charms of Japanese paper up close, such as its texture, texture, translucency and thickness, which can only be experienced here.

A panel that describes the thoughts of each craftsman. You can feel the passion for Mino Washi paper.

Currently, there are 17 Japanese paper craftsmen in Mino City. There are three main types of Mino washi paper, and among them, “Hon Mino paper” is registered as a UNESCO cultural heritage site because of its Japanese hand-making technique.

It also has a long history of 1,300 years, making it a traditional Japanese paper that is used for gifts to the imperial family and for repairing national treasure-class works of art.

Recently, the number of houses with shoji screens has decreased, but when you look at the shoji screens made of washi paper with different patterns and textures up close, it's nice to have a new taste.

Japanese paper origami given free of charge in the Minoseki Itokodori Campaign.

When you go up to the 2nd floor, you will find kaishi paper, origami paper, and masking tape, which is particularly popular among stationery. The original watermark Japanese paper pattern masking tape is also wonderful!

Furthermore, in the campaign until February 28, 2023, if you read the barcode at the target store and answer a simple questionnaire, you will receive a wonderful gift from the store.
By the way, at Washi-nary, I received Japanese paper origami!

[Washi paper specialty store Washi-nary]
Address: 1912-1 Motozumicho, Mino City, Gifu Prefecture
Phone number: 0575-29-6655
Business hours: 13:00 - 17:00 (Wednesday, Thursday, Friday)
10:00-17:00 (Saturdays and Sundays)
Closed: Every Monday and Tuesday

https://washinary.jp/