Nagano's Gondo District undergoes transformation amidst resident and tourist boom
- Adam German
- Jul 12
- 3 min read
According to a Nikkei Shimbun article on July 11th, Gondo-Cho, Nagano City’s once-fading entertainment district, is experiencing a remarkable revitalization.
After years of decline post-1998 Winter Olympics, the area is transforming with new residential and hotel developments, highlighted by a major arcade renovation this past June. Stakeholders are optimistic these changes will restore Gondo's vibrancy.
Nagano Gondo Shopping Arcade Entrance off Zenkoji Omotesando Street. Photo courtesy of NaganoGondo.com
The approximately 440-meter-long Gondo arcade, a landmark since 1961, recently completed a 65-million-yen renovation. Its new transparent roof now bathes the street with natural light, a symbol of the district's renewed appeal.
Once a leading commercial hub, Gondo's second-generation arcade, built in 1995, had shown significant wear. Despite discussions of removal due to maintenance costs, its vital role as the shopping district's lifeline led to the city-subsidized renovation. "If the image improvement transforms Gondo into a town where young people can enjoy shopping and dining, that would be wonderful," said Nobuyuki Ichimura, chairman of the Gondo Shopping District Cooperative.
The broader Gondo area is rapidly changing. Following the closure of Ito-Yokado in 2020, a Watashin Super Center opened in its place in 2022. This past February saw the completion of a 17-story, 112-unit condominium building.
Further reshaping the urban landscape is the Brillia Nagano Kita Ishido ALPHA RESIDENCIA, a 267-unit complex from developer Tokyo Tatemono, set to open in August 2027. Located a five-minute walk from JR Nagano Station, this significant residential addition is poised to bring a substantial influx of new residents, creating a fresh customer base for Gondo's businesses.
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Beyond residential growth, Gondo is bolstering its tourism infrastructure. Kyoritsu Maintenance plans to open its 150-room "Onyado Nono" hotel by fiscal year 2027, with construction slated for 2025. With approximately 150 rooms and no dinner service, the hotel aims to support nearby restaurants.
Complementing this, Design Farm Shinshu (DFS) is pursuing a "town-as-hotel" concept, converting vacant properties into lodging. Their first renovated inn, "Yadoya Gondo Aioi," opened in 2024 and boasts an 80% occupancy rate, confirming strong accommodation demand.
DFS aims to open about 10 such establishments early on, but many candidate properties are old, and some face challenges in meeting building and fire codes during renovation. Nevertheless, four projects are currently undergoing pre-construction surveys and adjustments, with a second inn expected to open by the end of the year.
Gondo's resident population is also increasing, driven by these new residential developments. With a 46% rise in population and 79% increase in households over 30 years (reaching 869 residents and 505 households as of July 1), these new residents offer a stable customer base for local shops and eateries.
NBS Nagano Broadcasting news spot on the Gondo Shopping Arcade roof renovation, aired June 26th, 2025. Japanese language audio but the visuals throughout the piece give a sense to what Gondo was versus what it is now.
Despite some remaining empty storefronts, Gondo now hosts about 100 operating businesses, including an increasing number of stylish bars and shops catering to a younger demographic.
Related content: Read how Patience Capital Group’s Myoko Kogen investments are benefitting the Nagano & Niigata areas.
Nagano City is also positioning the wider Nagano area as a hub for regional tourism, including destinations like Hakuba and Nozawa Onsen. "If the opening of condominiums and hotels broadens our customer base, the town's atmosphere will change. I'd be delighted if Gondo once again becomes a beloved town, as it once was," Chairman Ichimura concluded.
For more details on the Brillia Nagano Kita Ishido ALPHA RESIDENCIA development, you can visit Patience Realty's website.
Source:
Nikkei Shimbun (Japanese only; paywalled)
