The boutique [Marure], which has long been a favorite of locals, took the opportunity of the closing of the Seibu Otsu store to open as a café & boutique in a renovated old private house built in 1914.

In September 2019, we changed our name from "Marulet Boutique" to "Marulet" and decided to close the Seibu Otsu store just as we were about to start working hard. We were worried about the future, but we decided to put down roots and continue to operate in our hometown," said Mr. Yagi, the president.

The boutique, which has been well received to date, is now located on the second floor, and a new café has been added on the first floor. The interior, which makes use of beams and mud walls to recreate the original beauty of a machiya, has a courtyard at the back where you can feel the seasons, and the counters and tables are decorated with Japanese paper to create a modern Japanese-style space.

Cannoli, bread, baked goods, and o-hagi (rice cakes) will also be available at the café, which has a stone kiln.

Be sure to keep an eye on the new "Marle".