My (white US American) mom grew up in Japan from 1954-1963. She went back once, in 1978. I just convinced her to go with my partner and I when we travel later this year. We have never been before so are doing a pretty conventional Tokyo – Kyoto – Hiroshima itinerary with added complexity of having a toddler.
What are some places I can take her that might have the vibes of that era? Are there museums of that era, or restaurants or neighborhoods that feel pretty similar (besides the really old historic districts, which we are definitely seeing)?
I feel like a lot of the recommendations are the super old stuff and the super new stuff and not much in between. Really want to make this trip special for her, as she will probably never go again and she never travels for leisure.
Thanks in advance!
4 comments
I think that it’s called Showa era and pretty sure there is a Tokyo neighborhood that has that feel. Now that you have that term, you can search it more easily.
The [National Showa Museum](https://www.showakan.go.jp/) seems right up her alley. [English guidance here](https://www.showakan.go.jp/pdf/showakan_en.pdf).
Any of the [shitamachi](https://livejapan.com/en/article-a0001893/) areas will also probably scratch the itch you’re looking for.
Cat Street (Yanaka Ginza, Yanesen) has a great mid-century vibe. Not crazy touristy.
The Shitamachi museum is more 20s/30s but some parts show postwar life.
Hit up Jinbocho (also called Book Town) area in Tokyo to browse through used bookstores, specialty retro book stores, and some retro kissaten (coffee shops).
She’ll also be happy to know that dagashiya (penny candy stores) are coming back into vogue. Can often be found around schools and parks.