Hello,
I recently visited KITO Forest Market Shimoichi, an interactive multi-purpose facility that opened in Shimoichi Town, Yoshino District, located almost in the center of Nara Prefecture. The facility is housed in a former elementary school that was closed down.
こんにちは〜
先日、奈良県下市町にある「KITO Forest Market Shimoichi」に行ってきました！
ここ、なんと廃校になった小学校をリノベーションしてできた複合施設なんです。
Shimoichi Town is a nature-rich area surrounded by beautiful mountains, where you can hear birds chirping and the gentle murmur of the Akinogawa River. The facility, set in this tranquil environment, includes a shop, restaurant & café, market, brewery, gallery, and kids’ space—making it enjoyable for people of all ages. Many visitors, like us, came from outside the prefecture. Since the facility used to be a school, it has a nostalgic atmosphere that gives you a warm, gentle feeling.
下市町は自然がいっぱいで、鳥のさえずりや川の音が心地よくて、とっても癒される場所でした。
施設の中にはショップ、カフェ＆レストラン、マルシェ、ブルワリー、ギャラリー、キッズスペースまであって、大人も子どもも楽しめる内容盛りだくさん。
元小学校ってことで、どこか懐かしくてあたたかい雰囲気なのも◎
The gymnasium has been transformed into a “Wood Park” where parents and children can play together. The maze is made from straw bales filled with wood offcuts that are left over from chopstick production. There is also a “climbable bookshelf” where you can enjoy reading.
体育館は「ウッドパーク」に変身してて、割り箸の端材で作った迷路や、登れる本棚があってめちゃ面白かった〜
The facility is operated by PAL Group Holdings, the company known for the brand 3COINS. Shimoichi Town is said to be the hometown of the company’s founder.
Address: 664-1 Zenjo, Shimoichi Town, Yoshino District, Nara Prefecture, 638-0003
Opening hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Restaurant: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM)
If you ever visit Nara, I highly recommend stopping by.
Until next time!
運営してるのは、あの「3COINS」で有名なパルグループ。なんと、創業者の出身地がこの下市町なんだとか。
〒638-0003 奈良県吉野郡下市町善城664-1
🕘 営業時間：9:00～17:00（レストランは11:00〜17:00）
奈良観光のついでにぜひ立ち寄ってみて〜！また行きたい場所がひとつ増えました。