Convenience stores (hereafter referred to as “convenience stores”) are now found not only in urban areas but also in the suburbs. They could even be called essential infrastructure for daily life.
However, there were no convenience stores in the Bikan Historical Area, where traditional streetscapes remain. Was this because it is a Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings? The reason was unclear, but I had vaguely assumed it might be due to things like illuminated signs and noise.
Then, on Thursday, May 29, 2025, a convenience store, Lawson S Kurashiki Ivy Square Store, opened in the Bikan Historical Area.
It is on the grounds of Kurashiki Ivy Square, so strictly speaking it is “next to” the Bikan Historical Area, but it is a much-anticipated convenience store for tourists as well as people working nearby.
What circumstances and aspirations led to its opening?
We went to speak with Nakakubo Ryoji of Kurashiki Ivy Square Co., Ltd., who worked hard to make the opening happen.
The information presented here was current when this article was published in June 2025. Please note that it may differ from current information.
What Is “Lawson S Kurashiki Ivy Square Store”?
Lawson S Kurashiki Ivy Square Store is a convenience store that opened on the grounds of Kurashiki Ivy Square.
The space, which was formerly occupied by a workshop shop, was retrofitted for earthquake resistance and renovated into a convenience store.
The premises cover about 150 square meters and may seem small at first glance, but the selection is almost the same as at a typical Lawson.
In addition to onigiri, bread, boxed meals, drinks, and daily necessities, it also has a Loppi multimedia terminal.
Features of “Lawson S Kurashiki Ivy Square Store”
In terms of function, it is an “ordinary convenience store,” but because it is located in the Bikan Historical Area, it has several distinctive features, including consideration for the surrounding landscape.
- The sign is made of unobtrusive wood, and exterior decorations such as illuminated signs are kept to a minimum
- The wooden building’s pillars stand out
- Souvenirs such as denim products and kibidango are also available
- It is not open 24 hours; business hours are 8:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
- The “Roumura” sign will be on display until the end of 2025
The sign is made of unobtrusive wood, and exterior decorations such as illuminated signs are kept to a minimum
When you think of Lawson, you probably picture its “blue-and-white sign,” but the sign at Lawson S Kurashiki Ivy Square Store is made of wood.
This design was chosen out of consideration for the landscape of the Bikan Historical Area.
The wooden building’s pillars stand out
Although earthquake-resistance work was carried out, the store continues to use the wooden building that formerly housed the workshop shop.
As a result, pillars inside the store give it a different feel from a typical convenience store, creating a distinctive atmosphere.
Souvenirs such as denim products and kibidango are also available
As a convenience store, it naturally sells onigiri, boxed meals, drinks, snacks, and more.
In addition, it also sells souvenirs from Okayama and Kurashiki, such as denim products and kibidango, which is a distinctive feature of its product selection. In fact, many customers stopped to take a look.
It is not open 24 hours; business hours are 8:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Convenience stores are usually open 24 hours, but Lawson S Kurashiki Ivy Square Store is open from 8:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
The Ivy Square gates close at 10:00 p.m., but the store also limits its nighttime hours to avoid disturbing nearby residents with noise.
The “Roumura” sign will be on display until the end of 2025
The sign at the entrance that stands out the most reads “Roumura.”
This sign was put up in connection with a collaborative commercial by KDDI Corporation and Lawson, Inc. We were told that “this is probably the only one in all of Japan.”
The collaborative commercial is scheduled to air “until the end of fiscal 2025,” so the sign will also be on display only until the end of 2025.
Nakakubo Ryoji, who worked hard to make the opening happen
The person who worked hard to make the opening of Lawson S Kurashiki Ivy Square Store happen was Nakakubo Ryoji, head of the Culture Business Division at Kurashiki Ivy Square Co., Ltd.
In addition to coordinating the various arrangements leading up to the opening, he continues to oversee the store as its manager while working on the shop floor.
In early June 2025, about 10 days after the store opened, we spoke with him about how the store came to open.
How the convenience store came to open
Could you tell us how the convenience store came to open?
Nakakubo (surname only)
Guests staying here and tourists often asked us, “Where is the nearest convenience store?” Even when we gave them directions, they would say it was “too far.” We also heard many people working nearby say, “It’s inconvenient not having a convenience store.”
We used to have a staff cafeteria, but it was removed to make way for the large banquet hall, Ivy Emerald Hall, which was completed in 2018. So we thought that if we had a convenience store—which customers had been asking for—we could use it too for our employees.
Around the same time, we noticed that the area from the West Gate inside Kurashiki Ivy Square to Courtyard Plaza was not being put to use. The president also wanted to redevelop and revitalize the area, so we began considering opening a convenience store.
When did you start taking concrete steps toward opening?
Nakakubo
After the start of 2024.
In fact, our company also operates the Lawson Kurashiki Central Hospital Store, so we were in a position to consult easily with Lawson headquarters.
When we brought up the idea, Lawson was also eager to make it happen. They came here, conducted various surveys, and began considering the location and other details.
There are several convenience store chains. Was Lawson the choice from the outset?
Nakakubo
No. However, their willingness to respond flexibly to things like preserving the townscape was an important factor.
Also, personally, the good selection of sweets was important too (laughs).
Consideration for the Scenery and Townscape
What specific measures were taken to preserve the scenery and townscape?
Nakakubo
We moved forward while consulting with Kurashiki City about the scenery.
The first sticking point was the blue-and-white sign typical of a street-front store. We were asked, “Could it be made to look like wood?”
When we consulted Lawson, they responded very flexibly, and the sign we have now was created.
The signs installed at the West Gate and elsewhere are also custom-made.
We also set the store’s hours to 8 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., rather than operating 24 hours a day.
One reason is that Kurashiki Ivy Square’s gates close at 10 p.m., so we don’t expect many customers, but we also decided to avoid operating at night.
However, I’m sure guests staying at the hotel will say that the convenience store closes early. There is something called a “convenience store vending machine,” and we are currently considering installing one in the accommodation building.
It has only been about 10 days since opening (the interview took place in early June 2025). How has the response been?
Nakakubo
Thankfully, so far we haven’t received a single complaint.
We’ve also heard welcoming comments from local residents saying, “We’re grateful,” so I’m truly glad and happy that we were able to open.
Also, there are an incredible number of foreign tourists. I realized that they use convenience stores just like everyone else.
Do you have a final message?
Above all, I hope local residents will become regular customers.
Unlike an ordinary street-front store, we have the downside of not staying open late, but I’d be happy if people used us when they want to buy a few things.
From the Writer
I visit the Bikan Historical Area regularly, and I’ve often thought, “I wish there were a convenience store here.” At the same time, I also thought, “Given the need to preserve the scenery, it would probably be impossible to build one.”
That’s why, when I heard a convenience store was going to open, I imagined that there must have been all kinds of challenges along the way.
Hearing Nakakubo’s story gave me some insight into those challenges. Of course, it’s wonderful that the area is now more convenient, but I feel that we shouldn’t let the story end there.
Problems may arise in the future.
However, this is a convenience store not only for tourists, but also for local residents and people who work in the area. We will need to work together to help it become a convenience store that fits in with the Bikan Historical Area.
I hope it will become a beloved convenience store rooted in the community.
Lawson S Kurashiki Ivy Square Store Information
| Name | Lawson S Kurashiki Ivy Square Store |
|---|---|
| Address | 7-2 Honmachi, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Contact | 086-424-2160 |
| Parking | None |
| Hours | 8 a.m.–9:30 p.m. |
| Closed | None |
| Payment methods |
|
| Website | Lawson S Kurashiki Ivy Square Store |
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