I heard that there is a place in Harunocho, Tenryu Ward, Hamamatsu City that is called “Tenryu’s Karuizawa.” Once a month, you can enjoy freshly baked pizza made in a wood-fired oven. The name of the shop is Harubaru.

 

Let's go "Harubaru"

This is a small shop started by two women who were born and raised in Haruno Town. The reason behind Karuizawa remained a mystery, but he advised me, “If you go there, you’ll understand.” “Harubaru” is located in the Isagawa district of Haruno-cho, Tenryu-ku, in the northern part of Hamamatsu City.

Haruno-cho is a place rich in nature located about an hour and a half by car from JR Hamamatsu Station towards the mountain side. You probably have a strong image of being in the mountains, where you can go camping, playing in the river, driving, etc. as if you were on a short trip.

Even if you say, “You’ll understand if you go there,” it’s not far enough to casually go to buy some side dishes. I decided to aim for the day when the monthly wood-fired pizza is baked.

Aging and depopulation have long been said to be issues in the hilly and mountainous area of ​​Tenryu Ward, which includes Haruno Town. When I heard that they make pizza in an area with an aging population in the mountains and also deliver within the area, I wanted to meet these two people from all the way.

Deli shop Harubaru was started three years ago in 2018 by Haruno Town natives Haruyo Niimura and Yukiko Akimoto. Every Thursday, they produce and sell side dishes and bento boxes that incorporate plenty of local ingredients, and they also sell homemade Kinzanji miso at roadside stations. Occasionally, they offer special menu items like wood-fired pizza, as well as events.

In mid-December, information about “Wood-Oven Pizza Day” was posted on “Harubaru” Instagram. It is said that it is only burned for two days at the end of the year.

[Some of the menu photos. The actual photo also includes the ordering phone number for the delivery service, so please contact us.]

On December 26th, I drove to Sunagawa, Haruno-cho for the first time.

1 and a half hours by car. Turn right from National Route 362 and follow Prefectural Route 58, then enter a side street. “Is this a mountain road?” I was nervous, but there was no place so narrow that cars could pass each other. Just when I was starting to feel anxious, I was relieved when I saw a sign saying “2 kilometers left to Harubaru” and “Just a little more to go.” You can get a glimpse of the warmth of the people of Haruno.

I found a “Harubaru” sign and a pizza banner.

On wood-fired pizza day, an orange banner will mark the event. You can also park your car here. Now, where is Karuizawa? When I went up the hill, I found the staff working on making pizza under a semi-outdoor roof.

[Everyone takes orders together without having time to stop]

Even though it was our first time there, we were greeted as if we were acquaintances, and Haruyo’s husband, Mr. Gonbee, guided us Harubaru until our portion was baked.

There is plenty of firewood on the premises of the store. There’s even a chicken coop and a vegetable garden. I’m sure it will be exciting not only for children but also for adults.

[The oven in which the pizza is baked is also handmade by Mr. Gonbee.]

The smell of pizza burning in the oven wafted through the air, and my stomach suddenly growled.

As I watched, a pizza with avocado topping and plenty of cheese was also baked. They seem to be happy to accommodate requests for items not listed on the menu. I can see myself becoming a repeat customer.

He also showed us around the back of the store.

My vision suddenly opened up. The back mountain is not a Tenryu cedar or cypress forest, but a Quercus grove where acorns grow.

There are also wooden tables, benches, swings, and a small stage. Everything is handmade by Haruyo’s husband, Mr. Gonbee. It is also a playground for children, and events such as outdoor mini-concerts are also held there.

When you look out over the mountains in the distance from the Quercus grove, it feels like a highland resort, and you’ll want to call it Karuizawa. Many people order pizza delivered or take it home, but it’s also nice to eat freshly baked pizza here.

[Teriyaki chicken pizza with plenty of chopped seaweed]

This authentic pizza is made with carefully selected local vegetables, homemade sauce, and handmade dough, and is surprisingly priced at 800 yen each.

The home-made chewy dough pizza, which allows you to enjoy the fragrant scent that only comes from a wood-fired oven, was more satisfying than I expected with just one slice.

[Preparing for delivery of freshly baked wood-fired pizza. Yukiko Akimoto]

We asked both of them why they started the shop. “Regional revitalization!” was the immediate response. “There’s no place to gather here,” he said. “My neighbors walk to me, but many of them are too old to drive or don’t have the legs.” That’s why we also deliver to neighboring areas.

“Harubaru” attracts local people of all generations and also serves as a place for communication with immigrants from outside the prefecture. On this day, a young woman who had immigrated three years ago and her small children were also helping out with cooking and serving customers.

There are approximately 90 residents in the Isagawa area. However, it is said that 200 wood-fired pizzas can be sold in two days. The number of tickets sold makes one suspect that depopulation is occurring. It’s definitely a measure against aging and depopulation! It’s not like he’s putting all his strength into his shoulders. It feels like people who love Haruno Town have come together naturally and are having fun running the business without straining themselves. That’s why it’s so warm and inviting. Unfortunately, starting this year, “Wood-Oven Pizza Day” will no longer be held on a regular basis. However, in addition to “wood-fired pizza”, “Harubaru Ramen” and “Harubaru Cafe” are also planned.

Please check out “Harubaru”‘s Instagram and give it a visit. In addition to this, an event called “Haruno Jin Meguri” is held twice a year in Haruno Town. Last year’s event was canceled due to the coronavirus, but it is an event where you can experience the life and charm of Haruno. It is said that as many as 200 people come “Harubaru” over two days.

[The two people who manage the trip are Ms. Yukiko and Mrs. Haruyo from the left. With Haruyo’s husband, Mr. Gonbee]

The name “Harubaru” has the meanings of “Haru” for Haruno Town, “Haru” for Mrs. Haruyo, and “Thank you for coming all the way to Haruno Town.” It was an encounter that brought me closer to both Tenryu Ward and Haruno Town.

I am also looking forward to the next “Wood Oven Pizza Day” and this year’s “Haruno Tour”. I’m also looking forward to the “Harubaru Ramen” made by Mr. Gonbee, a former ramen shop owner. If you are from all over the world and love to host people, please come and enjoy the delicious food made with plenty of local vegetables and the feel of a highland resort.

Deli shop “Harubaru”

 

55-2 Sunagawa, Haruno-cho, Tenryu-ku

Instagram: 「https://www.instagram.com/harubaru.y/」