BUNGO TAKADA SHOWA–NO–MACHI / Bungotakada City

The so–called Bungo Takada Showa–no–Machi (Showa Town) in Bungo Takada City showcases the bustling shopping streets of 1950s Japan. Strolling through the streets, you will find vintage signs and retro buildings from the Showa era (1926–1989), along with retail stores and even a candy shop, who all continue to run their businesses to this day. You may even encounter the classically designed “bonnet buses” which cruise through the streets, evoking even more nostalgia.

Following World War II, Japan recovered rapidly, resulting in local city high streets bursting with vibrancy once again. However, in–line with the advent of large shopping centres, more traditional high street areas have been gradually declining. In an attempt to restore the vitality of these shopping hubs, the city, The Bungo Takada Chamber of Commerce, and residents have been working together to revitalise the town, keeping the shopping area’s nostalgic atmosphere as a core part of the rejuvenation, and creating the atmosphere of the “Showa–no–Machi” (Showa Town). The town now attracts many tourists, and is charming in that regardless of knowledge of history it allows both children and adults to feel the warmth and nostalgia of days gone by.