Hakushū: A Slow-Paced Japanese Valley Attracts Newcomers and Artisanal Ventures
Hakushū, nestled in Japan's Southern Alps, is undergoing a revival as individuals from Tokyo and overseas seek its refreshing climate and laid-back lifestyle. Just two hours from Tokyo, this area boasts the historic Shichiken saké brewery, which has been operating for nearly 300 years, alongside the award-winning Suntory whisky distillery established in 1973. In 2023, Koma, a deli, was launched by Dawid Nowosadzki and Ayako Ono in her hometown. According to real estate agent Yudai Komiyama, around 10% of prospective homebuyers are foreigners. On weekends, many tourists visit the Suntory distillery and Kinseiken, a confectionery with a legacy of 124 years. The region is also home to Château Charmant (founded in 1919) and newcomers like Esoto, Itoma, Eighten, Albero, and Listude, further boosting its charm.
Key facts
- Hakushū is in Japan's Southern Alps, a two-hour drive from Tokyo.
- The Ojiragawa River flows from Mount Kaikoma through the forested valley.
- Shichiken saké brewery has operated for nearly three centuries.
- Suntory whisky distillery in Hakushū has been operating since 1973.
- Dawid Nowosadzki and Ayako Ono moved from London to Hakushū in 2023 and opened Koma deli.
- About 10% of house hunters in Hakushū are foreigners, according to real estate agent Yudai Komiyama.
- Kinseiken is a 124-year-old confectionery shop known for shingen mochi.
- Château Charmant, founded in 1919, produces koshu grapes and French varieties.
- Recent arrivals include Esoto, Itoma, Eighten, Albero, and Listude.
Entities
Artists
- Dawid Nowosadzki
- Ayako Ono
- Yamamoto Masahiko
- Yudai Komiyama
Institutions
- Shichiken
- Suntory
- Koma
- Inaka Life
- Kinseiken
- Château Charmant
- Esoto
- Itoma
- Eighten
- Albero
- Listude
Locations
- Hakushū
- Japan
- Southern Alps
- Mount Kaikoma
- Ojiragawa Valley
- Tokyo
- Yamanashi Prefecture
- Edo
- London
- Hokuto
- Minami Alps
Sources
- Monocle —