1. Tsurunoco

Tsurunoco opened on November 11, 2023.

An old sake brewery complex that retains a strong sense of the local history and culture has been renovated and reborn as a new shared space.

It combines the warmth of wood with tradition and a modern lifestyle.

It has been brought back to life by the hands of woodworkers and is now a warm and welcoming place for all visitors.

The name “Tsurunoco” comes from the Japanese proverb “The Crane’s Return of Favor.”

Tsurunoco is adjacent to Tsurufusan Chinzoji Temple, which handed down the story of “The Crane’s Return,” a representative Japanese folktale, as the origin of its founding.

The name was chosen with the hope of creating a place where we can “give back” to the local community and those who use the facility.

2. The charms of Tsurunoco

(From the official website of Tsurunoco, an old house regeneration share space)

The greatest appeal of Tsurunoco is that it enjoys change and is always incorporating new ideas.

It is a fascinating space that offers new discoveries and encounters every time you visit.

With new shops opening and different events being held each season, you’ll never get bored, no matter how many times you visit.

Now, let us introduce the facilities at Tsurunoco.

① Exchange Hall

As soon as you enter through the entrance, the community hall spreads out before you.

The central stage is used to hold a variety of events, including handpan concerts and Okinawan Eisa dance performances.

At the back of the stage is an upright piano that anyone can play.

The lovely melodies played by the children who had come to play echoed throughout the building.

In fact, this is also a refurbished piano that has been given new life.

Items that were no longer being used at home were brought to Tsurunoco, and have now been transformed into pianos that are loved by many people.

② Free space

One of the attractions of Tsurunoco is the abundance of spacious areas where you can relax freely.

Free space is provided as a place of relaxation where everyone can feel comfortable and relaxed.

The round table in this free space was also reused from another accommodation facility that was no longer in use.

Takahashi Woodworking’s restoration techniques are used throughout the building, and I was impressed by the craftsmanship and ideas.

③ Shared Kitchen

A kitchen with a sink that can be used for various purposes.

The shared kitchen space can be customised to suit the type of event, and chairs and tables can be arranged accordingly.

Advance reservations are required, so please see here for details .

④ Outdoor event space

An outdoor event space where you can experience the nature of each season.

There are benches and tables available for you to relax in the abundant nature, making it a great place to read a book or enjoy some takeaway delicacies.

On weekdays, it is frequented by locals and children on their way home from school, and on weekends it is bustling with visitors from inside and outside the prefecture.

In one corner of the outer garden there is an object with the Tsurunoco logo.

This is also a recommended place for photos.

When you visit, be sure to take a commemorative photo here.

3. Tenant shops

Tsurunoco was originally intended to function as a community facility, such as a co-working space or a community center, but as various connections have expanded, it now houses six shops (as of October 2024).

① Tea Ceremony Cafe Seikaiha

Tea Ceremony CAFE Seigaiha lets you experience new ways to enjoy Japanese tea.

This shop was opened with the wonderful idea of allowing customers to spend a relaxing time here.

This counter, which exudes an elegant atmosphere, is actually made of wood.

The warmth of wood blends into the sophisticated space, providing comfort to all visitors.

After you order, the owner will prepare the tea for you one by one.

You can relax and enjoy a soothing moment while watching the owner’s beautiful manners.

On this day, I had a warm Macha green tea latte.

This is a masterpiece that is served at the most delicious time.

This latte, with its creamy foam and deep green Macha green tea, is a visually stunning drink.

The bittersweetness of Macha green tea, combined with the natural sweetness of milk, creates a delicate taste in the mouth.

The dried sweets are soft and have a light texture, flavored with amber sugar and brown sugar.

No matter how many times you visit, they always serve their sweets with care, ensuring that you will always discover new sweets.

We also had the chance to try Affogato’s new Macha green tea.

The rich flavor of the vanilla ice cream and the bitterness of Macha green tea go perfectly together.

The crunchy texture of the cute, round pastel-colored toppings brings out a unique flavor.

In addition to eat-in options, there is also an extensive take-out menu.

It’s also nice to grab a seasonal drink and enjoy it in Tsurunoco’s free space.

A relaxing spot where you can discover new charms of macha green tea every time you visit.

Please be sure to visit it.

② ICHIMARUHACHI. Tsurunoco

ICHIMARUHACHI. Tsurunoco is a nail salon with a private space that feels like a hideaway.

It has become a popular place where you can enjoy professional nail services in a relaxing environment.

A private space where even those who are new to nail salons can feel at ease.

You can also have your nail concerns or worries addressed one-on-one.

“Due to my job, it’s difficult to have flashy nails.”
“If possible, a simple design…”

It is also recommended for those who:

Kids’ nails, which were a big hit at Tsurunoco’s opening event, are now also on the menu.

Perfect for kids who are starting to become interested in fashion.

If you would like to try nail treatments with your child, please make a reservation.

③ Yamasai

Yamasai is a rice ball specialty shop that carefully forms each rice ball using rice cooked in a hagama pot.

This shop uses local ingredients from Yamagata, Okitama, and Nanyo, and delivers the charm of the region through onigiri.

The onigiri menu displayed in the display case every morning changes with the seasons.

These rice balls are made using fresh, seasonal ingredients, capturing the full flavor of the ingredients.

They use Kurosawa Farm’s “Yumegokochi”, which won the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Award, and you can enjoy its soft and fluffy flavor.

All onigiri are made only after an order is placed.

This allows you to enjoy the deliciousness of freshly cooked rice without compromising its aroma or fluffy texture.

I was captivated by the brilliant handiwork.

This is a “Sukitama” rice ball.

This luxurious dish is made by grilling Yonezawa beef in a secret sukiyaki sauce and combining it with egg yolk.

The freshly made food tastes especially delicious when enjoyed in the eat-in space.

From the moment I put it in my mouth to the last bite, I was able to enjoy the sweetness of the rice and the umami of the ingredients.

A moment that fills both your stomach and your heart.

This is a restaurant where you can rediscover the charm of Yamagata through the familiar food of onigiri.

Both the rice balls and miso soup are available for take-out.

Why not find your favorite space and take your time enjoying it?

④ Kumanoko Bakery

At Kumanoko Bakery, you will be greeted by a cute bear.

This is a much-awaited bakery for Nanyo City.

Chef Boheme, which originally sold its products in Yamagata City, has newly opened as Kumanoko Bakery.

Kumanoko Bakery is a small bakery with a soft atmosphere based on a white theme.

Customers are greeted by a thick door that retains the atmosphere of a former sake brewery.

As soon as you step inside the store, the mellow aroma of freshly baked bread fills the air.

Apparently, the popular croissants and melon bread sometimes sell out before lunchtime.

This bread is made without additives or yeast and is made with ingredients that are safe for children to eat.

They listen to what the customers have to say and provide menus that are tailored to their needs.

Another thing to look forward to is the menu, which changes with the seasons.

“I wonder what kind of bread is on display today?”

You’ll want to visit again and again.

I bought a Danish pastry topped with seasonal fruits and a melon bread with an adult feel.

We enjoyed the meal in a free space inside Tsurunoco, where soft light streams in.

The freshness of the Muscat grapes and the crispy texture of the Danish are a perfect match!

The melon bread has a crispy texture that will have you hooked once you try it, and it was an unforgettable taste.

Please come and enjoy a relaxing time in our spacious space, savoring the taste of freshly baked bread.

⑤ Neko no Shippo

Neko no Shippo is a book café that opened in July 2024.

This is a shop where you can enjoy coffee or a light meal in a relaxing atmosphere while reading a book carefully selected by the owner.

The interior of the store has a nostalgic Showa retro atmosphere.

If you are lucky enough to get a seat at the counter, you can enjoy your coffee in your favorite coffee cup.

I immediately brewed the Toraneko Blend in my favorite coffee cup.

It has a clean taste with a hint of seaweed and fruity aroma in the aftertaste.

I grew attached to the cup I had chosen and ended up wanting to stay for a while.

Behind the counter seats are a row of wooden chairs decorated with the Tsurunoco logo.

There is plenty of seating, making it a free space where you can relax with friends and family.

It is a place where people can spend their time however they like, whether that be immersing themselves in reading or enjoying a conversation with the owner.

And the bookshelves were impressive, with a wide variety of books in different genres.

It’s fun to discover new books and try books that you wouldn’t normally pick up.

There are also feature books and book events held every month, with new ones added every month.

You can deepen your relationships by talking about books and even make new connections through books.

On this day, it was very impressive to see the children picking up their favorite picture books and reading them intently on their way home from school.

And there are cats secretly hiding in various places in the shop.

Please come and find them.

⑥ CUORE RICCO

CUORE RICCO is a used-clothes shop that opened on October 5, 2024 .

The store is filled with sustainable and stylish second-hand clothing selected by the owner himself.

The store’s name, CUORE RICCO, comes from the Italian phrase meaning “rich heart.”

The brand is designed to inspire people to let go of preconceived ideas about how things “should be” and instead enjoy wearing clothes from the bottom of their hearts.

This sentiment is also reflected in the logo.

The design of overlapping images expresses the desire for people to “enjoy their own style with a free mind, without being bound by gender, style, or trends.”

CUORE RICCO carries items for both men and women.

They also welcome men to wear women’s items and women to wear men’s items.

They also have a wide selection of simple items to wear, and our assortment meets a wide range of needs.

Shopping at CUORE RICCO will give you the opportunity to add new perspective and joy to your everyday outfits .

Please take your time and enjoy your shopping.

4. New tourist spot in Nanyo City

Tsurunoco has evolved into an attractive spot not only for locals but also for tourists visiting Nanyo City.

There are plans to open an accommodation facility in the future, which will create a comfortable stay for people visiting from outside the prefecture.

Tsurunoco goods created by a designer from Nanyo City.

We hope you will pick up some of the merchandise that features motifs of local specialties from Yamagata and Nanyo as a lasting memory of your visit to Tsurunoco.

Tsurunoco spreads the charm of the region and attracts the hearts of many people.

It is sure to become a new tourist attraction in Nanyo City, attracting many people.

5. Message

Finally, Watanabe-san from Tsurunoco gave a message to everyone reading VISIT YAMAGATA.

“Tsurunoco is an old house that has been transformed into a modern space, and there are many attractive shops. We plan to open new shops and accommodation facilities in the future. We look forward to welcoming you.”

6. Basic information

~Tenant Information~
● Tea Ceremony Cafe Seigaiha
Hours
Weekdays : 11:00~17:00
Weekends and holidays : 10:00~17:00
Closed
Irregular
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● ICHIMARUHACHI. Tsurunoco
Hours
9:00~18:30 (last entry 17:00)
Closed
Irregular
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● Yamasai
Hours
8:00~14:00 (closes when sold out)
Closed
Wednesday
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● Kumanoko Bakery
Hours
10:00~17:00 (closes when sold out)
Closed
Monday
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● Neko no Shippo
Hours
10:00~16:00
Closed
Monday & 4th Sunday
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● Cuore Ricco
Hours
Weekdays : 10:30~16:30 (irregular weekday holidays)
Saturday : 10:30~17:00
Sunday : 10:30~16:30 (subject to change on public holidays)
*******************************************

● Miyauchi Printing Co., Ltd. Tsurunoco Office
Hours
9:00~18:00
Closed
Weekends and Holidays
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● Orihata Smart Agri Town Council
Office hours
Weekdays : 9:00~12:00 & 13:00~17:00