Yufuin Showa Museum — Attraction in Yufu

I highly recommend this awesome little museum. Based in Japan during its Showa era ( named after the Emperor's reign) which was actually 1926-1989, though I'd say this has a focus on the 50s-80s.

I thought this would be more gimmicky, but it is really well made. Every room is a theme and they're packed with items from that era. Some of them include : game arcade, pachinko, movie theatre , hair salon, 50s/60s style homes.

It's even interactive, with a working game arcade, working vintage pachinko machines, and working cork-gun ( shown in video ).

There's no foreign language signage, and given this is a living museum, I like that. I wish they had a map in English or even an audio tour, but even without you can just enjoy the experience of being ( depending on your age) transported back to Japan in a period that was perhaps your childhood, or a time you've only seen in the movies.

Regarding movies, they have a replica cinema with movies playing , followed by an arcade where you can play original Pacman, Donkey Kong,...

The Yufuin Showa Museum (Yufuin Showa-kan) is a nostalgic attraction in Yufuin, Oita Prefecture, Japan, that features recreations of Showa period streetscapes. It includes various establishments such as barber shops, camera stores, doctor's clinics, tiny bars, post offices, schools, public bath houses, and domestic interiors like kitchens and lounge rooms from the Showa 30s. The museum offers a delightful trip down memory lane, evoking feelings of nostalgia for those familiar with the Showa era.

Despite its small appearance from the outside, the Yufuin Showa Museum is brimming with fascinating exhibits and activities. The museum offers a wide array of retro games, allowing visitors to relive their childhood memories. A highlight is the school lunch set, which provides a nostalgic trip back in time. The museum is a treasure trove of Showa period recreations, making it a delightful and immersive experience for anyone interested in Japanese history...

Absolute must-see if you're visiting Yufuin!The museum is way bigger than my wife and I initially thought, and has awesome stuff you can interact with and play, including but not limited to retro video games, pachinko, and slot machines. The best but also the saddest part was that we were pretty much the only ones there, even though the main street was packed with tourists. So we could take our time in every room, play around, take photos, etc.That's why I'm writing this review. I want to give this awesome museum more exposure, and wholeheartedly recommend it...