[OGZ's Yamato Town Exploration Report Vol. 09] Nagano Azumino Edition - Exploration Report on the outdoor shop "LEISURES"
Written by Yasushi Hisatomi
I went to the Azumino Outdoor Shop, and last time I introduced "ITOMIZU" which opened in July, but this time I would like to introduce "LEISURES", which also opened in April 2024 in the same Azumino area that I went back and stopped in the way. We also interviewed this in mid-July, so there is a high possibility that the selection has changed. Thank you for your understanding.
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A spectacular selection that will inspire kids who love mountain equipment from all over the country that will make you want to go and explore them from time to time.
The shop is located less than 10 minutes after the last ITOMIZU. A trailer house with a beautiful logo that gives it a warm wooden exterior.
No, it's not a comparison, but it's a small shop, unlike the previous ITOMIZU.
However, just because it's a trailer house, you shouldn't be completely scrutinized. Are you ready to be surprised? Now enter the store!
Even though I came without an appointment, when I opened the door, the owner, Sakurai, was immediately greeted with the friendly smile as usual.
Actually, I've known him since I was a business at an outdoor brand before I started this shop.
But I didn't know at the time. I never knew he was such a serious through-hiker who loved the tools he had so sharp that he would have opened his own shop.
It's rude to write about it here, so check out Sakurai's profile here.
https://www.leisures-hcls.com/about
The inside of the shop was filled with more than twice as much density as outdoor gear had imagined. A one-room store, about 7 tsubo, is lined up in a crammed space with carefully selected mountain tools, ranging from 60 domestic and international brands.
However, if you're a little addicted to the mountains, you'll immediately see the photo above that these overflowing items didn't blindly line up just the line-selling items.
Basically, the shop is full of ultra-light gear, but it really reflects the individuality and commitment of the shop owner Sakurai, who was a leading through-hiker, and just recently a member of an outdoor manufacturer and a genuine tool lover.
For example, when it comes to backpacks, we have a wide selection of cutting-edge, cutting-edge models from all over the world, such as Zpacks backpacks, which leads UL gear in North America and around the world, Trailbum, which has led Japan's UL packs, and the latest popular brand, LITE WAY.
Furthermore, you can meet new brands that are just now in the world. This is a DCF backpack from Asia, where interesting UL brands are being born one after another recently, and by South Korea's "HIKER WORKSHOP."
This isn't the only thing that impressed me.
Looking at shoes, next to the classic Zero Drop shoe brand popular among the UL, there is a CRV from Caravan, a domestic brand that is not often found in UL-like shops (right of the photo below).
I think it's a noble choice, like purchasing something that's not just about new or good looking things, but as long as the content is solid and good, it's definitely a good choice, regardless of whether the brand is new or old or large or small.
There are also many other popular gear that are ready to be completed online, and glittering accessories that will make any hiker who loves tools want. To be honest, I never thought I could kill this much time in such a small space lol.
TMR industries' aluminum cookers are now waiting for stock.
The thin, strong and convenient DCF stuff sack "UJMT."
"Fluffy Lacquer KOMLA" is a washable mug made of washi paper and lacquer, which is ultra-lightweight and earth-friendly.
Our recommendation at the time was Naked Labo's ultra-lightweight, heat-retaining and cold-intaining bag with extra-thick Thinsulate. There are various sizes and shapes to suit what you put in, making it a convenient product that was unlikely to be available as an ultra-lightweight, compact soft-type cooler.
This is also a "SotoLabo Dry mesh Kitchen Tool case" that can stand and dry, making it easy to find. The soft case has good storage capacity and the hard case stability.
In terms of clothing, everyone loves STATIC and Trailbum, there are some lightweight yet reliable functional items that are sure to make a mistake for hikers.
[Latest information on Autumn/Winter 24th: More popular brands and items arriving one after another! 】
I've just got a look at the store recently, so I'll add it here. There are even more interesting items available than when I visited last time (July)!
It's everyone loves "Hyperlite Mountain Gear."
STATIC also comes with winter items. Oops, this is the highly anticipated "ADRIFT DYNEEMA MITTEN." The selection is also perfect for the snowy mountains.
We also discovered the latest accessories from Field Record, which has been featured on this site many times.
They also stock the items such as "noicoyamaico" and "LEISMOR," which were also featured in the Yamato Town project "Mooka Edition" the other day As expected.
There are also outdoor parasols and trekking poles from ANTCAUS, a well-known shelter pole. There are also many other interesting gear I've learned about here for the first time.
summary
Anyway, the store owner, who is well versed in through hiking and solo camping, carefully selected excellent gear from not only in Japan but around the world, is a spectacular selection, and you won't get bored of it no matter how many hours you stay.
What's even more amazing is that we offer a repair service for bringing in mountain tools, not only those purchased from the store, but also repairing, filling, and modifying various mountain tools! We also accept such things. This is a shop that is truly something that can be found to fulfill all the wishes of hikers.
In fact, the concept of the store is "light & challenge." As the shopkeeper said,
For a light and comfortable walk.
To travel long and far away.
Great tools to enjoy the outdoors.
Take the challenge with light tools.
This shop was truly filled with this feeling. If you like long trails or solo hiking, you'll definitely be able to hit us, and Sakurai will surely be able to answer any concerns you'd like to talk to or have doubts about purchasing.
Personally, it was a restaurant that made me want to check out the restaurant regularly every season. Hikers all over Japan should definitely stop by someday!
For detailed information about the store and online shopping, check the store's official online shopping site and the official Instagram.
■Official online shopping site
https://www.leisures-hcls.com/
View this post on Instagram
