Yanagase
Yanagase (柳ヶ瀬) is a downtown covered shopping arcade that serves as the main shopping area in the city of Gifu in Gifu Prefecture, Japan.
History
Yanagase first gained nationwide fame when Kenichi Mikawa released Yanagase Blues in 1966.[1] As a result of the song, many visitors from throughout Japan came to Gifu to shop there. Gifu's position as a center of the fashion industry also contributed to Yanagase's popularity.
Location
Yanagase is located approximately 700m north of JR Gifu Station on the city's main street (Nagarabashi-dōri), which also forms its eastern border. It covers an area approximately 500m wide and is bordered on the west by Chūsetsubashi-dōri. Kinkabashi-dōri runs through the center of Yanagase, effectively dividing it into eastern and western portions.
Major Facilities
Gifu Takashimaya: This is Yanagase's primary department store. Sales reached a peak of 24.9 billion yen (approximately $184 million) in 1991 but had dropped to 15.6 billion yen (approximately $116 million) by February 2005. At that point, Takashimaya began renovating the store to boost sales. The renewal has since increased sales at Takashimaya. In December 2006, Takashimaya opened a branch of MUJI in a neighboring building.
MELSA: Part of the Meitetsu chain, MELSA primarily features women's fashion and gourmet foods. MELSA Hall, a concert hall, is located on the eighth floor. Daiso, a popular 100-yen shop, is located on the fifth floor.
See also
References
- ^ Gifu Yanagase & Gekijō-dōri North Shopping Area Website. (in Japanese) Accessed November 16, 2007.