Published by Jeremy. Last Updated on February 27, 2026.
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When you think of Japan, you may think of megacities, technological marvels, and more. But have you ever stopped to think about how modern-day Japan came to be?
There are, of course, many history museums across the country that showcase Japan’s long and storied history. But at the Takayama Showa-kan museum in Takayama, you get a chance to look back at the Showa Era- particularly the rebuilding period post-war that helped Japan become the country that it is today.
There are trips back in time, and then there is a trip back in time at Takayama Showa-kan.
A Look Into Life in the Showa Era
Before sharing what all you can see at this museum, it is perhaps most important to discuss the naming of eras in Japan for those who are not familiar.
To put it simply, the naming convention here aligns with the reign of each Emperor of Japan.
As of our 2026 visit, Japan is in the Reiwa era, named for Emperor Naruhito, who ascended to the throne in 2019. The Showa Era, by extension, corresponded to the reign of Emperor Hirohito from 1926 until his death in 1989. (The Heisei Era was in between until Emperor Akihito abdicated in 2019.)
Now, as you can imagine, there was a lot of history throughout the Showa Era, and it is important to note that Takayama Showa-kan does not necessarily highlight all of this. In fact, when visiting, it is likely best to treat this one as a reflection of post-war Japan- how the country grew out of the ashes of war and rebuilt into the country we know today.
As the museum itself has little signage, it is important to keep this place in mind as you walk through all the rooms.
In a way, this one feels a bit like a vintage museum preserving snapshots of life in Japan in the post-war era. As you explore the various rooms, you see what life was like at school, at the dentist, at home, and with video games, pop culture, and so much more.
The immersive nature of the museum is perhaps the biggest highlight. When you walk down an alley with restaurant displays, you aren’t just seeing a curated museum exhibit behind glass panels, but are living in it. It isn’t just art, but a full recreation of what it was like in every space.
Although I will admit that I would always like signage with further explanation, this was also one of those spaces that doesn’t necessarily need it. You really get a feel that you are inside history here.
Even better? Some of the experiences are a bit interactive. That old car in the middle of the museum? You can get inside it for a photo opp. The video game room showcasing historic games from an era long-past? Some are still working. The pachinko parlor? Yep, those work, too, and are quite fun to test out on free play mode. (This one made us want to go visit the Hida Takayama Retro Museum also in Takayama, but unfortunately, we didn’t have time.)
From there, it really was the minor details at this one that were perhaps the most interesting. Without signage, you can really be drawn to the smallest details in this one- like kids’ lunchboxes hanging up on the walls of the classroom or a specific piece of old-fashioned medical equipment amongst countless others.
So if you want to take a trip back in time in Takayama, don’t overlook a visit to Takayama Showa-kan- just be sure to take a close look around to truly appreciate all of the details at this one!
About Jeremy
About the Author: Jeremy is a full-time travel writer based in Pittsburgh and primary author of this site. He has been to 80+ countries on five continents and seeks out new food, adventure activities, and off-the-beaten-path experiences wherever he travels.