FabCafe, the digital fabrication space that offers visitors the use of laser cutters and 3D scanner along with their coffee, has opened a new cafe in Hida (Gifu prefecture). The new space, located over 300 km west of the original Shibuya location, is opening its doors April 16, 2016 in a 100-year-old renovated Japanese townhouse known as a minka.
photos by Dan Rubin
FabCafe Hida has roughly 40 seats and, like it’s other locations, will offer digital fabrication tools to visitors. Specifically, they have a laser cutter, a 3D printer and a 3D scanner. But in keeping with it’s local look and fell it will also offer some local specialties like ongiri and cocktails made from local sake.
photo by Dan Rubin
The new cafe represents the first phase of an initiative put into place by Hidakuma, which was established last year. Over 90% of Hida is occupied by heavy forestation. But with older generations left without successors the forests are at risk of falling into disrepair. And local woodworking techniques like kumiki face being forgotten. By engaging with local designers and woodworkers, FabCafe Hida is part of a sustainable strategy to maintain the usage of Hida’s rich resource.
FabCafe Hida
6-17 Furukawacho Ninomachi, Hida (Gmap)
Weekdays 11:30 – 18:30 (closed Wednesday)
Weekends 10:00 – 17:00
photos courtesy Hidakuma
