Showa Roman-gura
Showa Roman-gura in Showa no Machi is a complex of museums and exhibit spaces comprised of three warehouse buildings that were once owned by the Nomura family—one of the most prominent merchant families in Oita prefecture. This Bungotakada landmark was remodeled into a retrospective space dedicated to showcasing the charms and treasures of the Showa era (1926–1989), making it the perfect fit for the theme of the town’s shopping district.
One of the restored warehouses is home to the Sanchome Museum, which includes a replica of a Showa-era street with an elementary school classroom and a traditional home, complete with sound effects. Retro games can also be played there including shooting games and pachinko (a mechanical game similar to pinball). The Dagashiya no Yume Museum is also located on the premises and features 60,000-odd items from the Showa era. Digital art collective teamLab have also opened an interactive exhibit there, where visitors can draw and color an image of a person, which is then projected onto the walls and performs the traditional Kusaji Odori song and dance.
A display of retro cars is located outside the warehouses and includes a bus from the 1950s. The bus is used for free sightseeing tours on weekends and national holidays. The Showa Roman-gura also includes a restaurant specializing in local dishes like toriten (deep-fried tempura chicken) and other Japanese set meals and desserts. Souvenirs such as retro toys and snacks are also available at stalls outside the museum.
