In a wave of excitement for local food lovers, the beloved restaurant "Aji Dokoro," known for its delicious taiyaki, is set to relocate following the closure of Nagano Tokyu Life on March 31, 2025. This popular eatery has long been a staple of the Nagano community, and its move has sparked considerable interest among fans eager to continue enjoying its offerings.
The new location for Aji Dokoro is in Nagano City, specifically in Nakagoe, at a site that previously housed a bento shop. As the restaurant prepares for its opening, which is scheduled between late April and May 2025, the anticipation among local residents continues to grow. The bright red exterior of the new building makes it easily recognizable, promising to attract both loyal customers and new visitors alike.
Meanwhile, another exciting event is on the horizon at the Nagano Tokyu Department Store, located in front of Nagano Station. From April 23 to May 6, 2025, the store will host a special "DEAN & DELUCA POP UP STORE." This pop-up event will feature a curated selection of delicious products from the renowned New York-based gourmet food retailer, DEAN & DELUCA.
During the pop-up, shoppers can expect to find a variety of delectable items, including cherry pies, Granny Smith apple crumble pies, cookie tins, and an array of frozen foods such as black-haired wagyu roast beef and jambalaya. Additionally, kitchen tools and miscellaneous goods will be available, making it a must-visit for culinary enthusiasts.
One of the highlights of the pop-up will be the "happy bags," which will be offered in two installments. These bags will contain a selection of popular DEAN & DELUCA items, providing customers with a delightful surprise.
The pop-up will run daily from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM, with the final day, May 6, 2025, seeing an earlier closing time of 5:00 PM. Admission to the event is free, and the venue will be located on the 5th floor of the Nagano Tokyu Department Store's main building, at 1-1-1 Minamichitose, Nagano City, Nagano Prefecture.
As Nagano residents reflect on the closure of Nagano Tokyu Life, which had served as a community hub for many years, the relocation of Aji Dokoro and the upcoming DEAN & DELUCA pop-up store offer a glimmer of hope and excitement for the local food scene. The fond memories associated with the former department store will undoubtedly be complemented by the new experiences awaiting customers at these fresh ventures.
For those eager to catch the latest updates on Aji Dokoro's opening, the Nagano Tokyu Life homepage provides essential information, including the restaurant's new address and anticipated opening period. As the community looks forward to enjoying the nostalgic flavors of taiyaki once again, the relocation of Aji Dokoro marks a significant moment in the local culinary landscape.
In the meantime, the DEAN & DELUCA pop-up store promises to bring an exciting culinary experience to Nagano, showcasing a wide range of gourmet foods that cater to diverse tastes. With the combination of these two events, residents and visitors alike will have plenty to look forward to in the coming weeks.
As the excitement builds, local food enthusiasts are encouraged to mark their calendars for both the opening of Aji Dokoro and the DEAN & DELUCA pop-up store. Whether it's indulging in the rich flavors of traditional taiyaki or exploring the gourmet offerings from DEAN & DELUCA, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
With the vibrant food culture in Nagano continuing to thrive, these developments signal a positive shift for the community, bringing new opportunities for culinary exploration and enjoyment.
