[OGZ's Yamamachi Exploration Vol. 14] Nagano/Azumino Edition -YAU- Azumino Outdoor Gear & Equipment! [Information on store events in June 2025]
Written by yans
I originally wanted to report on shops in the Azumino area of Nagano sooner, but due to various circumstances, I was delayed and delayed until I realized it was already spring 2025. I had visited many shops at the same time as last year's Alps Outdoor Summit
Past event reports are here
Visit during the summit
The inside of the store is this wonderful space
I visited the store again at this time, when the products in the store are roughly switching over to the 2025AW collection, so I would like to introduce YAU, an outdoor shop in Azumino, Shinshu, once again
table of contents
YAU Azumino Outdoor Gear & Equipment
At the foot of these vast and magnificent Nagano mountains
YAU, there is
It is no exaggeration to say that this space itself is an outdoor field
There is also a terrace connected to the store where pop-ups, workshops and other events are held. Of course, you can also take a short break
Search the store!
Now let's begin our in-store exploration!
First of all, there are plenty of fire pits on the bottom shelf to the right of the store entrance
Among them, this one on the middle shelf caught my eye! It's the Wind Valley Fire Pit UL from Tool Manufacturing! It's an ultra-thin stainless steel fire pit weighing approximately 168g and can also be used as a trivet for an alcohol stove. It's roughly the size of two adult palms, so it's perfectly portable for the mountains. However, given the current situation, it's important to consider whether the mountain area allows the use of fire, and whether the conditions are right for use. In addition, each individual's awareness is called into question, such as properly cleaning up after themselves. As with anywhere, please be sure to follow the rules and etiquette, especially when using it in the mountains
Stylish and elegant brass oil lamps, LEDs are the norm, but these spacious items are sometimes necessary when outdoors
Power supplies and charging items are on the top shelf, so it's reassuring to have one no matter where you use it these days
Further inside, there is a wide selection of Evernew products, and YAU's selection tends to be geared more towards camping, but what sets it apart from your average camping gear store is that it seems to have a strong emphasis on weight. Therefore, it seems like there are many UL-oriented items that are suitable for use in the mountains
It's also nice that they display well-used tools as product samples, which is something I don't see very often
We also have a selection of frying pans in various sizes, from mountain to camping sizes
There are also kits that allow you to make your own cutlery. You can carve pre-finished cypress into any shape you like, and you'll grow to love it
The compact table also comes with a THOR. container, which has become a staple in the camping community
YAU is the only store in Japan that stocks this high-quality smoker, the Tachyon. It looks stylish and doesn't look like a smoking item. It can be used on induction cooktops, so it can also be used as a steamer.
If you turn around, you'll notice the sacoche/stuff sacks
There are also DCF accessories from UJMT., and I think it's great that the product features are clearly listed, making it easy to understand
The back of the store is filled with apparel. NOMADIX towels are quite large and can be used as blankets, so it's convenient to have one.
The clothing lineup includes Norikura brand clothing that is perfect for camping
There are other stamps
There were also accessories
Made in Japan , TAIKO offers a wide range of socks that can be used for everyday wear, running, trail running, and hiking.
If you continue down the U-shaped corridor, you will first find Mono tarps, LELEKA hammocks, and accessories that can be used with them.
We also carry cast aluminum pegs that you won't find anywhere else in the outdoor shop!
If you look down, you will see coffee beans from Brightfield, the guide to forests and coffee. More information on this later
This type of retort food is not often seen elsewhere, but if it's this size, it might be good for the mountains
If you look down further, you'll see the fascinating refrigerated section
Iyoshi Cola is cold!
On the back is NIKWAX. It feels like washing and water-repellent treatments for outdoor wear are finally becoming popular these days. Of course, Outdoor Gear Magazine has featured it in the past
Past event reports are here
Returning to the wall side, there are accessories, authentic yet easy and delicious instant pasta/ramen, and a curry series that can be made with just a little effort. I have tried both and they are quite delicious
I've reached the edge of the wall, in front of the cash register. It's a fire starter, Imabari's dust has become popular and can be used for camping or in the mountains
Oh, there was something a little strange next to the FIRESIDE match (wry smile)
Next to the register, we have a selection of used items that we have recently started selling
The cash register. You can see YAU's kindness in the fact that they allow you to communicate by writing
What is the origin of YAU?
Here we will hear from YAU's Osari about setting up the shop
"The idea to launch YAU came about in the spring of 2020. It was right around the time of the COVID-19 pandemic, when camping was booming and many manufacturers from other industries were entering the outdoor goods market, resulting in an overflowing market of gear. We felt that outdoor activities were shifting from the focus on nature, the field, to the focus on objects, and that this was changing into an activity where we one-sidedly enjoy and consume the blessings of nature. So we decided to open a store that would communicate that camping and other outdoor activities should be activities that are enjoyed in nature, as well as activities that allow us to learn and grow!"
"I think that running a shop near an interchange or station, or along a national highway, would bring in more customers, but YAU is located in the forest at the foot of the Northern Alps, away from the city, so that it can function as a gateway to nature. We hope that people will find the time spent in nature, such as relaxing in a hammock, drinking coffee, or having a bonfire in the forest next to our store, to be "comfortable" and "fun," and that it will spark a deeper interest in nature."
Scenery from the terrace event
"We searched for a location that could fulfill this function for about two years, and finally found our current location, which opened in June 2023. Now, we hold various workshops and events, mainly on weekends, and many people who don't go camping or mountain climbing come to visit!"
A photo from the field event
"When selecting products, we are conscious of the fact that they are simple, have functional beauty, and can be used for a long time. By visiting manufacturers and exhibitions across the country and interacting directly with them, we are able to stock many items that are only available at YAU nationwide! We think this is another reason why our customers enjoy visiting our store."
YAU is a wonderful store that not only sells products, but also respects nature and always suggests ways to have fun in the outdoor field
Dishes that can be cleaned with just water!?
The thing that caught my eye the most about YAU is this series of tableware that can be cleaned with just water!
I wrote it in permanent marker because they were going to demonstrate what it was like
Just spray it with plain water in a spray bottle
Wow! It comes off just by rubbing it with your finger!
All you have to do is wipe off the marker that has mixed with the water and it will be back to normal! Apparently, water gets in between the plate and the marker, causing the dirt to float away. And it can be used about 10,000 times (!), so you could say that the effect is semi-permanent. Because it's made of stainless steel, it's not super light, but it's not heavy by any means, so it's definitely a good item to have around if you want to keep one. YAU is also the only physical store that carries this
Bright field!
And here are some details about the coffee beans mentioned earlier, Bright Field
"Bright field's Yasuda-san works under the theme of 'A cup of coffee is the catalyst for connecting people with the forest,' and he has been a regular at YAU since the store opened, providing forest guide services at events. Currently, he opens a shop at the store for two days, on the weekend, once a month, providing a chance to enjoy a leisurely cup of coffee in YAU's forest."
Brightfield is now an indispensable guide to the forest and coffee at YAU
Finally, information about YAU events in 2025!
On June 14th, 2025, we will hold an event that goes beyond the "fun of the outdoors" of seeing, learning, and feeling, and helps people feel the "connection between nature and daily life"! From Osato again
"YAU doesn't just sell camping and mountain climbing equipment; we also focus on the field itself, and we run our business every day with the belief that outdoor activities should not be just about consuming nature, but should be about learning and nurturing it. As part of that, this event allows people to learn about the problem of wildlife damage in the Northern Alps region!"
A hunter who used to be in charge of a wild game processing facility will give a talk on hunting, and there will also be a demonstration of butchering a real deer, as well as explanations on how to cook wild game dishes outdoors and camping in hammocks, so it's sure to be a special day that you won't find anywhere else. A LELEKA pop-up will also be held at the same time!
For details about the event, please click here : https://r.goope.jp/yau-outdoor/reservation/event/detail/31233
What did you think? -YAU- Azumino Outdoor Gear & Equipment. Although it is a little out of town, the store's appearance, which makes use of the natural surroundings, and its events activities, match the local area very well. A toast to the location with an Iyoshi Cola. The Nagano edition continues, so please continue to enjoy!
YAU Azumino Outdoor Gear & Equipment
・7350-46 Hotaka Ariake, Azumino City, Nagano Prefecture
・℡0263-74-5532
・Business hours: Weekdays 10:00-19:00, Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays 7:00-19:00 (April-November), 9:00-18:00 (December-March)
・Regular holidays: 2nd and 4th Wednesdays, and every Thursday
・Parking available
Official website : https://r.goope.jp/yau-outdoor/
Official Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/yau.outdoor/
Online store https://yauonline.theshop.jp/
yans
My love for gears has led me to write for Gearzine. I'm a hardcore gear enthusiast who loves modifying and building things, and I also love outdoor events. I'd like to focus on brand exploration and shop reviews
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