Fumufumu, nostalgic dining in Tamba’s refurbished schoolhouse

In the quiet realm of Tamba City, Hyogo Prefecture, a unique venture, ‘FOREST DOOR,’ seeks to strike the delicate balance between tradition and progression. The project is breathing new life into a former school, connecting the dots between the natural surroundings and community needs.

FOREST DOOR – the Former Kagura Elementary School – debuts their new restaurant, Fumufumu, today. Nestled within the structure of a renovated classroom, the culinary venture follows a “local production for local consumption” model, featuring Tamba’s bountiful produce in an assortment of palatable delights.

Fumufumu’s menu is tailored around the locale’s agrarian riches, ranging from the high-quality Kagura rice, famous in Hyogo Prefecture, to local freshwater fish, Amago, known as the queen of the stream. Paired with Tamba chicken and pesticide-free vegetables from their own farm, it sets a standard for a wholesome and earth-friendly diet.

The name Fumufumu is a clever play on the community’s roots and its academic heritage – a combination of “Fumuro,” the location of FOREST DOOR, and “Fumu,” the map symbol for schools. By championing local produce and providing a relaxing, timber-clad space, the restaurant aims to enhance local engagement and contribute to a vibrant region where people and nature thrive side by side.

This project adds a new chapter to the site’s rich narrative, which started its next act back in October 2022. With an aim to further harness the potential of the region’s forest resources, a comprehensive renovation transformed the former schoolhouse into a multifunctional space. It now offers co-working spaces, lodging and training facilities, direct sales of wood products, a showroom for wooden architecture, and a dedicated consultation space for forest management.

This forward-looking initiative does not forget the challenges of the future. With 75% of Tamba City covered by forests, adequate forest management is crucial to avert potential natural disasters. This concern underscores the importance of maintaining and managing such community sites, even after they have ceased their initial function.

FOREST DOOR is hence poised at an interesting intersection, weaving together the strands of regional economy and natural resources. Their commitment to sending out messages about wood and forest conservation from Tamba City to the nation is an homage to their desire to be the “gateway” between forests and people’s lives.

The Tamba experience, enhanced by the tranquil landscapes, wood-enriched spaces, and taste of the local cuisine, is an embodiment of the region’s resilience and adaptive spirit.