ABOUT | Nishiura・Fujiyoshida - NISHIURA（English）

The silk merchant town of Kinuya-machi in the heart of the textile trade in the Higashiura district.

西裏Part 1

Wholesale district to the east,entertainment district to the west.

The central downtown area of Fujiyoshida City, Shimo-Yoshida, was a town of weavers and merchants. At the heart of the town were three main streets: Honcho Street running through the center, and the parallel streets of Higashiura and Nishiura on either side. Life revolved around these three streets, especially during the heyday of the textile industry.

During the prosperous era of the textile industry, the sound of looms echoed from Higashiura, while from Nishiura, one could hear the laughter of revelers and the melodies of geishas playing the shamisen. At that time, Nishiura boasted over 200 shops, making it one of the leading entertainment districts in the Kanto region, attracting a large number of visitors from other areas

Honcho Street, around late1930s. In front of Ippindo (City Public Relations)
Nenokami, 1910s
Gekkoji, around late1930s. Pro-wrestling (City Public Relations)
Gekkoji, around late1930s. Pro-wrestling (City Public Relations)
Honcho Street, around late1930s. In front of Ippindo (City Public Relations)
Nenokami, 1910s
Gekkoji, around late1930s. Pro-wrestling (City Public Relations)
Gekkoji, around late1930s. Pro-wrestling (City Public Relations)

西裏Part 2

A town where the vibrancy of the Showa era people still lingers.

In the past, Shimo-Yoshida hosted various events, with the most exciting being the 'Miss Fuji Contest.' Shoppers in the shopping district clutched voting tickets distributed during purchases and cast their votes for their favorite candidates. The sight of beauties wearing tiaras and dresses, parading down Honcho Street in open cars, symbolized the lively atmosphere of Yoshida during this major event.

Additionally, on the monthly 'Power Outage Day,' a holiday for the weavers, lights adorned the streets until late at night. People dressed up and enjoyed shopping or watching movies. Nishiura was always bustling with people, and it's said that pedestrians walked shoulder to shoulder. Even in today's Nishiura district, traces of those who thoroughly enjoyed the Showa era can still be found.

織物商売の中心地だった東裏地区の「絹屋街」織物商売の中心地だった東裏地区の「絹屋街」織物商売の中心地だった東裏地区の「絹屋街」織物商売の中心地だった東裏地区の「絹屋街」

The scenes of the Shisei festival and beauty pageant parades. Memories of a vibrant town.

西裏Part 3

Gathering new generationsfrom the Heisei era to the Reiwa era.

With the decline of the textile industry, the streets of Nishiura also saw a decrease in human presence. As we entered the Heisei era, it eventually became a quiet neighborhood with vacant houses. However, in recent years, a new generation of individuals has opened shops and organized events in Nishiura, signaling a significant revitalization in the community.

1Nishiura street

Nishiura Street, where you can look up to the grand Mount Fuji at the end of the road.
Centered around this street, both sides are lined with tightly packed izakayas in the narrow alleys.

2Nenokami street

Both now and in the past, locals frequent this street. When the lanterns along this street light up, people from various places gather in the alleyways, and the long night in Nishiura begins. The local community takes great care in preserving the 'Neno shrine' on the street.

3Shinsekai kanpai street

At one point, the majority of the shops closed down, and it turned into an overgrown ghost town with weeds. However, since 2015, it has been gradually revitalized, and currently, eight establishments are in operation. You can enjoy a variety of shops on this street, including Italian restaurants, izakayas, snack bars, and bars.

4West King Street

A street lined with old-school snack bars. The establishments with doors that hide what's inside may seem a bit insider-oriented, but summoning the courage to step through reveals cozy places where friendly mamas await. In recent years, there have been new developments, with the younger generation opening their own establishments.

5West Queen Street

A narrow alley with vibrant neon lights, making for an impressive street. Korean izakayas and cabarets line the street.

西裏Part 4

The community's initiatives.

In recent times, various initiatives have been undertaken in the downtown area of Shimo-Yoshida, with a focus on local residents and newcomers. The Nishiura district, too, is experiencing renewed vibrancy as a hub for community activities. The latest updates on Nishiura can be found on news pages and social media. Please take a look.