Tag: Museum

Takayama Showa Museum

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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. 😛

Gassho-zukuri Houses

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This is definitely the main highlight for anyone visiting Shirakawa-go. It’s fascinating to learn about the fragility of the thatched roofs, and more importantly the effort and system in which they get repaired/replaced routinely, with a whole task distribution system that meant the entire village helps one another. Various professions were carried out in the houses back in the day, from silkworm cultivation to even gunpowder making! Some of the houses are still very much inhabited, but do make sure to pass by Wada House, one of the largest ones, and is open as a museum to the public.

Hida Takayama Retro Museum

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It was a very interesting visit. The museum may be small, but it’s packed to the rafters (literally, there’s a games – both retro consoles and old wooden games – room in the upstairs area!) with restored nostalgic items, outfitting various rooms of the era, from classroom, to doctor’s office, to barbers, to electronics stores, and everything in between. Lots of free slot machines to waste your time on, including ones that seem targeted at actual kids from the period. Come at lunchtime, and you can have a period school lunch from the 60s (though the spread isn’t as great as a full-fledged school lunch restaurant I visited years ago).

Oh, did I mention this isn’t even the only “nostalgia museum” in Takayama?

Gosho Aoyama Manga Factory

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While Aoyama-san made other manga series, undoubtedly most would know him for Detective Conan. Series fans definitely must make a day trip to Conan Town, stroll up Conan-dori (and visit the eateries and shops alongside) and finish with a long visit to GAMF, full of attractions, replicas and memorabilia!

Tottori Sand Museum

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It’s beautiful, intricate, and yet ephemeral, as the exhibits get rebuilt every year, with changing themes (this year it’s Ancient Egypt). Considering there isn’t a solid barrier separating visitors from exhibits, I’m quite surprised someone hasn’t simply pummelled the sand yet.

Sudah Lama Beta Tidak Berjumpa Dengan Kau

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TL: It’s been a long time since I’ve seen you.

With the new bullet train, I took this wonderful day trip to Bandung.

Sovereign Hill

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Went here last time when I was a lot younger, and the detail is very impressive, apart from the staff members wearing masks (understandably). From gold panning to candle making, a day is simply not enough.

Sovereign Hill