Showa no Machi: Stroll and Eat
An eating tour of Bungotakada’s Showa no Machi feels like taking a step back in time and is a popular way to experience the nostalgic, retro atmosphere of the area. A number of stores offer delicious snacks including deep-fried croquettes, ice pops, locally produced peanuts, soba senbei (buckwheat crackers), yaki imo shakes (milkshakes made with roasted sweet potato), and agepan (fried bread). These items can easily be eaten on-the-go and can be enjoyed while exploring and taking in the atmosphere of the Showa-themed shopping town.
Many of these snacks are a nostalgic treat for generations of Japanese people, who perhaps ate them at festivals or on special occasions during their childhood. A food stroll through Showa no Machi can be like returning to the days of one’s youth. One restaurant in the area offers nostalgic dishes such as school lunches from the 1950s and 60s. Some shops offer their edible treats packaged as omiyage (souvenirs) for easy gift-giving.