Nagaragawa Department Store

Opened in 2016, this store features traditional crafts that Gifu is proud of. Nearby is Nagara River, which is said to be one of the three cleanest rivers in Japan. The surrounding area is lined with Japanese houses over 100 years old, long-established hot spring inns, and hotels. The traditional atmosphere of the past still remains. During the cormorant fishing season on the Nagara River, the area is crowded with many tourists.

The store features Mino washi paper, bamboo lanterns, fans, Japanese umbrellas, and other handicrafts with stylish designs, and visitors can actually touch these carefully selected items. Each product was designed with a refreshing blue color reminiscent of the clear Nagara River, and would make a great souvenir.

Here, visitors can also take a hands-on tour of the traditional crafts born and developed along the Nagara River. You can enjoy a fascinating experience such as the "Lantern Painting Experience" where you can draw your own favorite pictures on the plain lanterns carefully finished by the craftsmen of Gifu Lantern, and the "Japanese Umbrella Badge Making" where you can make metal plate badges using Mino washi paper pieces.

In addition, ”ORGAN Kimono” in the building has a selection of retro and cute antique kimonos from the Showa era, and you can rent and wear kimonos. It is fun to dress up and explore the former castle town of Gifu.