As spring approaches, more and more tourists are visiting the Bikan Historical Area.
Since this is a sightseeing area where most visitors explore on foot, even if you want to take a break, shops in the central area may all have queues.
For times like that, here’s a place to know about: “Oishii-dokoro HITOYASUMI,” a shop open only on Sunday, March 17.
The information provided was accurate when this article was published in March 2024. Please note that it may differ from current information.
What is “Oishii-dokoro HITOYASUMI”?
In the eastern part of the Bikan Historical Area, in a neighborhood known as Higashimachi, there is a place called Nagura Residence.
Until 2022, it was used as the office of the NPO Kurashiki Machiya Trust, which researches, restores, and repurposes traditional townhouses in central Kurashiki City. Since autumn 2023, it has been open as a shared space.
It can apparently be used for a variety of purposes, including workshops and restaurants. When we visited on March 3, 2023, it was being used as a cafe for one day only.
The shop open for just one day, March 17, 2023, at Nagura Residence is “Oishii-dokoro HITOYASUMI” (a little break).
The only menu item is “Sakura Nyumen”
The menu is as follows:
- Sakura nyumen: 500 yen (tax included)
- Rice ball and garlic miso set: 650 yen (tax included)
- Drinks: 200 yen (tax included)
The main offering is “sakura nyumen” (warm somen noodles).
It is made with Kamokawa No. 1 Nobashi Hand-Stretched Somen from Kamokawa Hand-Stretched Somen Co., Ltd., based in Asakuchi City, Okayama Prefecture.
The rice balls are made with homemade Kinumusume rice.
The one-day-only shop “Oishii-dokoro HITOYASUMI” is run by Fujisawa Namie, who lives in Asakuchi City, Okayama Prefecture.
We asked her why the shop is open for only one day and why she chose somen.
Interview with the operator
We spoke with operator Fujisawa Namie and Saisho Yuka, who was planning to help out on the day.
Why did you decide to open a shop for just one day?
Fujisawa (surname only)
I currently teach art at a private junior and senior high school.
While teaching, I’ve also held art workshops at community centers for many years, but I’ve always dreamed of running a restaurant.
When I was thinking about that, Mr. Imada, who had supported me in my previous work as a teacher (Naoto Imada, the owner of Nagura Residence), asked me, “Would you like to try doing something here?”
My desire to do it and the encouragement came together, so I decided to give it a try.
Why did you choose somen?
Fujisawa
If I was going to run a restaurant, I wanted to serve something I truly thought was delicious. That’s why I chose Kamokawa Hand-Stretched Somen.
Kamokawa Hand-Stretched Somen is a company in Asakuchi, and since I live there too, I used to visit the shop as a customer, but I had no connection with the company itself.
Then someone I knew introduced me to them, and I told them, “I’d like to open a shop using Kamokawa Hand-Stretched Somen,” and they agreed.
So they’ve prepared specially made pink-dyed somen for the day, and I’m hoping to serve it in a springlike way.
Where did the name “HITOYASUMI” come from?
Fujisawa
When I thought about what I wanted to do going forward, I wanted a name that could be used for all sorts of things, including a restaurant like this and workshops.
I hope to offer a place where people can come, relax, and feel at ease.
Why did you get involved, Ms. Saisho?
Saisho (surname only)
We work together, and she would invite me to fun things like meals.
So when I heard she was opening a shop, I decided to help out.
Do you have a message for our readers?
Fujisawa
I’ve put together things that I personally enjoy eating and think are delicious.
I’m hoping to run the shop in a way that suits the atmosphere of Kurashiki, so I’d be delighted if you came by, even though it’s only open for one day.
From the Writer
The Bikan Historical Area, visited by many tourists, is home to a great many shops.
But I think it’s because people live and work there, as well as tourists visiting, that new ventures can take root in the Bikan Historical Area.
I wanted to support this new initiative starting in the Bikan Historical Area.
If you’re planning to visit the Bikan Historical Area on Sunday, March 17, be sure to stop by.
Oishii-dokoro HITOYASUMI details
| Name | Oishii-dokoro HITOYASUMI |
|---|---|
| Date | March 17, 2024 10:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m. |
| Location | 1-21 Higashimachi, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Admission (tax included) | Sakura nyumen: 500 yen (tax included) Rice ball and garlic miso set: 650 yen (tax included) Drinks: 200 yen (tax included) |
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