Although the Showa Retro Park is a blast from the past, in many ways it celebrates change. It is seemingly dedicated to the entire Showa Period, during the reign of Emperor Hirohito, from 1926 to 1989. In particular it celebrates the Showa 30s (1955-1965), an era of radical shifts in Japanese history.
After the end of World War II, life changed suddenly for Japanese people, when massive economic growth and the import of American culture changed how they ate, dressed, worked and got from place to place. See this change, and how people lived, memorialized in the things they did and had.
Wander down the museum’s two alleys, lined with alcoves depicting different public and private buildings that were centers of social and cultural life in the period. See hamburgers, new to the country, being dished out in the cafeteria, next to the sake bottles still lining the walls of the small bar. Peek into the police station, where mannequins show off changing uniform styles. Take a photo in a variety of different clothes in the photo studio.
Listen to the blend of American-style and Japanese-style music on sale in the record shop or look at the exciting range of products newly available in the electronics shop.
Enter the reproduction of the Japanese house, one of the places most affected by upheavals as women began to work outside the home. On the way out, purchase snacks and candy from the little shop, harkening back to an earlier era.
Showa Retro Park is located at the eastern end of Yufuin, a 15-minute walk from Yufuin Station. Drive from the station in 5 minutes. Walk from nearby Kinrin Lake in about 5 minutes. Rickshaws are available for hire throughout the town. A bike rental service is offered at the station. Parking is available in a few metered lots nearby.
The museum is open daily during normal business hours. Note that the park’s entrance fee can be combined with some other area museums. Additional fees are applied for certain special exhibits. Feel free to take photos inside the museum.
