Takayama Showa Museum

Posted on May 16, 2024December 6, 2024 Posted in PicsTagged Cool, IRL, Japan, Museum, Old, Pachinko, Retro, Showa, Takayama

I consider the Showa Museum to be better in size and scope compared to the nearby Retro Museum. Showa doesn’t technically mean retro, but rather a time period from the mid 20s to mid 80s, in line with the emperor that ruled Japan during that time, which is why it definitely has a lor of similarities to what is considered “retro” today.

The lack of a lunch option is made up for with more space and rooms to explore and pose for photos. Lots of photo spots, less people, even a little cinema as well. There’s still slot machines and “Smart Balls”, though this place has a dedicated retro pachinko room, which I think is definitely more on brand for Japan. Add to that functioning 8-Track machines and additional retro consoles.

Still, if you have the time, I recommend visiting both. This one‘s a short walk away from the Retro Museum. Allow plenty of time, I easily spent half an hour on the free-play pachinko alone. 😛

Dinosaurs @ Fukui Station

Posted on May 9, 2024December 6, 2024 Posted in PicsTagged Animal, Cool, Dinosaur, Fukui, IRL, Japan, Station, Train

Fukui was pretty out of the way as Japanese cities go, though their famous dinosaur museum was a point of pride. As of mid-March, however, the city became a lot more reachable as a Shinkansen station was finally opened. Unfortunately, I was only stopping by so I didn’t get to see the museum proper, but these animatronic dinosaur statues are still a sight to see right outside the station. I’m quite interested in going to the museum in a future trip.

If you’re intrigued, the city is about 2 hours away from Osaka by train (1.5-hour express train and a 30-minute Shinkansen), and the museum is at the edge of the city. Definitely worth visiting alongside other stops in the Hokuriku Area.