Population maintenance is currently a pressing issue in Kakogawa City(加古川市), Hyogo Prefecture（兵庫県）. This concern extends to the area surrounding JR Kakogawa Station(JR加古川駅), which is not an exception. Numerous redevelopment projects have been taking place primarily on the south side of the station, and there are plans for future redevelopment on the north side as well.
In the rapidly developing area around JR Kakogawa Station, there still exists a traditional shopping street that has preserved its historical charm, serving as a testament to the past. Today, we will explore the history and current state of the “Jikemachi Shopping Street(寺家町商店街)”, located on the south side of JR Kakogawa Station.
The Flourishing of jikemachi Shopping Street(寺家町商店街) Empowered by Nihon Keori
jikemachi Shopping Street (寺家町商店街:Jikemachi Shotengai) is an arcade shopping street located in Kakogawa City, Hyogo Prefecture. It branches off from the “Bell Mall,” a shopping street situated on the south side of JR Kakogawa Station, and extends approximately 500 meters from east to west, making it one of the largest shopping streets in the Higashi-Harima region(東播磨区:higashi-harima ku).
The history of Jikemachi Shopping Street dates back to the Edo period. At that time, the area where the present-day shopping street is located flourished as a bustling post town along the old Nishikuni Kaido, a major highway of the time. The area was adorned with buildings known as “Jin’ya,(陣屋)” which served as lodgings for travelers, and traditional townhouses.
Jikemachi Shopping Street gradually developed from this prosperous background, and a significant factor contributing to its growth was the prominent presence of Nihon Keori (Japan Wool), which was thriving during that era.
In the location where the Nihon Keori factory once stood, a commercial facility called “Nikke Park Town(ニッケパークタウン)” was built. Nowadays, it presents a typical suburban scene, attracting numerous families and couples. As the name “Nikke” suggests, it appears that Nihon Keori is still involved in the management of this facility.
While Nihon Keori hasn’t entirely withdrawn its presence from Kakogawa, the actual factory now sits on the opposite side of the area where Jikemachi Shopping Street and Nikke Park Town are located. The factory is separated by a river, which has created a distant relationship with the bustling commercial centers. Nevertheless, it is fortunate that Nihon Keori has continued to maintain a presence in Japan.
Let’s go back to the topic. Due to external factors such as the emergence of large commercial facilities and the downsizing of the Nikke factory, as well as internal factors like aging shop owners, Jikemachi Shopping Street no longer boasts the prosperity it once had. Now, I will share the current situation of this shopping street along with some photographs. It’s worth mentioning that information about the history of Jikemachi Shopping Street can be found on its official website(written in japanese), which may provide a better understanding of its background (however, beware of numerous spam comments in the comment section).
The Present State of Jikemachi Shopping Street: Japan Wool Factory Gone
Having delved into the history and background of Jikemachi Shopping Street, let’s now explore its present condition. Upon exiting the south exit of JR Kakogawa Station and walking through the Bell Mall, Jikemachi Shopping Street unfolds before you. At present, extensive construction is taking place on the left side (south side) of the shopping street, where commercial buildings once stood. These buildings will soon be replaced by apartment complexes. It is a bittersweet sight, especially considering that this area used to house the annex of Kakogawa Sogo (now known as Yamatoyashiki Kakogawa store), making it a fascinating place to visit in the past.
(I am sorry for the tilted photos.)
Let’s venture into Jikemachi Shopping Street. Despite its convenient location just a 3-4 minute walk from JR Kakogawa Station, it is undeniable that the foot traffic is not particularly high. With the construction of the new apartment complexes, there is a mix of excitement and apprehension about how it will change the dynamics of the shopping street. Will it bring in more visitors, or will it alter the familiar atmosphere? Only time will tell, but there is a sense of both anticipation and concern among the shop owners and residents.
I took a look at the map of Jikemachi Shopping Street. While it’s not necessarily lacking in the number of shops, considering its 500-meter scale, it’s safe to say that the density is not as high as one might hope. With the disappearance of the Industrial Hall as well, there seems to be little choice but to place hopes on the upcoming apartment complexes. Yes, that’s true.
Next to that map of Jikemachi, there are already shops with their shutters down… It’s tough for businesses like these in the face of declining birth rates and a shrinking population.
And right nearby, there is yet another massive shutter standing tall. No, this one is even more substantial. It seems they must have been quite wealthy in the past.
As I actually take a stroll through the shopping street, it’s true that there are a few shops still operating. However, these shops seem to lack significant foot traffic, and everywhere appears somewhat idle and quiet. One shop owner in the area mentions, “It’s not like we’re doing nothing, but…” In reality, Jikemachi Shopping Street used to hold a popular event called the “Flea Market,” which attracted a decent number of visitors. However, due to the impact of a certain virus, the flea market is currently on hold.
I take a photo of Jikemachi Shopping Street from the opposite side, facing towards JR Kakogawa Station. While the shops are indeed open for business, there is an undeniable sense of sparseness. Unlike the more bustling atmosphere around Sanx Hirao shopping street(サンクス平尾商店街:sankusu hirao shotengai), the narrower roads here seem to accentuate the melancholic feeling. Hyogo Prefecture holds the unfortunate record of being ranked as the 6th worst in terms of population decline nationwide, which is quite unusual for the Kansai region. This strain is perhaps manifested in places like this shopping street.
I cross the wide pedestrian crossing of Prefectural Route 18 and continue further ahead. At first glance, it may appear to be a different shopping street, but it is still part of the same “Teragemachi Shopping Street.”
Unfortunately, on this side, the scenery was even more disheartening than before. Various factors have contributed to this situation, such as the distance from JR Kakogawa Station, being surrounded by a river and main roads, and the presence of Nikke Park Town right next door, all of which have narrowed the business area. It is truly a lonely sight.
Indeed, this area appears to be facing considerable hardships. While the current situation allows us to witness nostalgic scenes reminiscent of the Showa era, there is a bittersweet feeling knowing the reasons behind it. It’s a case of finding some solace in the unintended beauty amidst the challenges, but still, it leaves a sense of sadness.
And sure enough, even houses that look quite old are still present in Jikemachi Shopping Street. It’s hard to say whether it’s a good thing or a bad thing…
The “蚤の市(nominoichi:Flea Market),” which served as a weapon for revitalizing Jikemachi Shopping Street, became a major event attracting 700 to 800 visitors each time, thanks to promotion through blogs, social media, and other channels. However, due to the impact of a certain virus, the event is currently suspended. It’s uncertain when it will be able to make a comeback. Given the challenging situation for the entire shopping street, the revival of this event is eagerly awaited.
