In Higashimatsushima City, Miyagi Prefecture, a new facility called "Nobiru-ga-oka Sustainable Commons" opened in the autumn of 2022, within walking distance of Roopt's share house (Roopt Okumatsushima).
The Nobiru area is popular with families raising children, and there are many new shops and commercial facilities. I felt a premonition that the establishment of "Nobiru-ga-oka Sustainable Commons" would make it even more livable than before.
Although I knew the name, I couldn't imagine what kind of facility it was, so I decided to visit it, as "seeing is believing."
I've written about the location and shops of Nobiru-ga-oka Sustainable Commons, so please take a look if you're interested.
*The author visited and photographed in spring 2023
First, what kind of facility is Nobiru-ga-oka Sustainable Commons?
The official website features the following introduction:
We are creating a sustainable commons (a timeless, community-rich district) on the Nobiru plateau where everyone can achieve a "relaxed and vibrant life." It will feature maisonette-style rental apartments for families and apartments for singles, allowing for a relaxed living experience, as well as 10 custom-built detached houses with flexible designs to realize everyone's ideal home. In the center of the district, cafes, gelato shops, microbreweries, and retail stores will open to enrich daily life and welcome residents. Additionally, a pedestrian space (community road) running through the north and south, along with landscaping, hedges, streetlights, and parking, will be arranged to create a unified, environmentally rich space with architecturally excellent buildings. We believe that this kind of town planning will allow residents, from singles to families and elderly households, to experience a "relaxed and vibrant life" and enjoy living in this community-rich area for a long time. From the official website of Nobiru-ga-oka Sustainable Commons (https://www.nobirugaoka.co.jp/)
By concentrating rental apartments, custom-built detached houses, and dining establishments in a specific area, it creates an atmosphere like being in a single town, and because of the close proximity, it's a place where people can help each other and enjoy pleasant times together.
When I actually walked around, I felt, in a good way, that "everything can be completed in this one place."
In Japan, where the population decline is accelerating, residential spaces integrated with local communities like this may become more common.
Address: 2-13-1 Shintome, Higashimatsushima City, Miyagi Prefecture 981-0413 Access: 5-minute walk from Tome Station on the JR Senseki Line
Now, let's introduce Nobiru-ga-oka Sustainable Commons.
It is divided into three areas, and I will introduce each of them.
The apartment area is primarily for those who wish to live under a rental contract.
You can live comfortably in what feels like a new property, and since it's a maisonette-style plan similar to a detached house, you won't have to worry about your neighbors' lives as much as in a typical apartment or condominium.
Additionally, the center house has a desk space available for residents, accommodating situations like telework where a quiet environment is needed.
This is a welcome feature for singles or those who have just moved, as it allows them to live in a detached house while also fostering interaction with neighbors.
This "107kitchen Sanone" operates as a deli cafe, and as the name suggests, it's a place where you can enjoy cafe services and purchase deli items!
They prepare healthy deli dishes in the kitchen, which you can take home hot or enjoy right there in the store!
In addition to deli items, they also have meal options like set meals and curry, so if you're hungry, it's a good place to start.
At the gelato specialty shop "H&H Labo," you can enjoy a wide variety of gelatos, from classic flavors to those made with local ingredients!
You can choose up to two flavors, and it's fun to think about the combinations (I chose Higashimatsushima Kinako & Raw Chocolate Coffee).
"Beer Base Campanella" is a shop that offers a mariage experience of local food and alcohol, including beer made with "Kibo no Omugi" (Barley of Hope) from Higashimatsushima City.
The brewery is located within the store, so beer lovers can enjoy freshly brewed beer, which is irresistible.
I was driving that day so I couldn't, but Tome Station is nearby, so it's reassuring to know you can drink at "Beer Base Campanella" and then take the train home.
View this post on Instagram A post shared by Beer Base Campanella (@beerbasecampanella)
This area is currently selling land with building conditions, aiming to create a sustainable town where a community is formed even with individual houses.
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