Campervan Through Retro Japan
#tourist-spots
Visiting Japan and experiencing its modern culture is great—but how about taking a trip back in time too? With a campervan, you can enjoy the freedom of the road while exploring places full of retro charm. In this blog, we’ve picked out some nostalgic spots where you can enjoy both the journey and the vintage vibes of old Japan.
At JAPAN ROAD TRIP, we have branches all across Japan, so you can choose the location that best fits your travel plans. We also offer early bird and long-term rental discounts to help you save more. Be sure to check them out and take advantage of the deals!
Seibuen Amusement Park in Saitama
Are you looking for a place where you can travel back in time? Seibuen Amusement Park might be just what you need. It’s located in Tokorozawa, Saitama, not far from Tokyo.
As soon as you enter, you’ll feel like you’re in Japan during the 1960s. The park has a full retro town, with old-style shops, vintage signs, and staff in classic outfits. Because of this, it feels like a movie set from the Showa era.
Besides the look, the food adds to the fun. You can enjoy cream soda, Napolitan spaghetti, and croquettes, just like in the past. Moreover, there are fun rides for all ages. Classic characters like Godzilla and Ultraman even have their own attractions.
If you’re traveling by campervan, this is a great stop. Not only is there parking, but there are also hot springs and peaceful spots nearby. So, after a day at the park, you can relax and enjoy the area.
Overall, Seibuen Amusement Park is a fun and nostalgic place. Whether you’re a fan of retro Japan or just want something different, this spot is worth adding to your trip.
For more details, visit their website:
https://www.seibuen-amusement-park.jp/english/guide/
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Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum in Tokyo
The Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum is a great place to visit. It’s located inside Koganei Park, in western Tokyo.
The museum features around 30 real buildings from different periods. Some are from the Edo era, while others are from the early to mid-Showa period. As a result, you can see how Japanese life and design changed over time.
You’ll find old homes, bathhouses, shops, and even a photo studio. Most importantly, you can go inside and explore the rooms. Because the streets are laid out like a town, it feels like you’re walking through old Tokyo.
In addition, the museum holds special events throughout the year. These include summer light-ups, tea ceremonies, and traditional festivals. These events make the visit even more exciting.
The entrance fee is affordable—around 400 yen. Moreover, there’s a café and gift shop on-site, so you can relax and grab a snack.
Overall, the Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum is full of charm and history. Whether you’re into architecture, culture, or just looking for something unique, it’s a perfect retro stop for your campervan journey.
For more details, visit their website:
https://www.tatemonoen.jp/english/
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Showa no Machi in Oita Prefecture
If you’re traveling through Kyushu by campervan and love retro spots, then you should visit Showa no Machi in Ōita Prefecture. It feels like stepping back to Japan in the 1950s and ’60s.
Showa no Machi means “Showa Town.” It is a 500-meter-long shopping street in Bungo-Takada city. Here, you’ll find old candy stores, dry-goods shops, and cozy cafés. Many of these shops are original from that time. So, walking here feels like traveling back in time.
One special place is Showa Roman Gura. It is a warehouse filled with over 60,000 vintage toys. In addition, there is a recreated Showa-era classroom. You can also visit a museum about dagashiya, the old candy shops loved by many.
On weekends and holidays, you can ride a restored 1957 bonnet bus. Best of all, the ride is free and takes you around the district. It’s a fun way to see the area.
There is a central parking lot nearby. However, the streets are narrow, so it’s best to park and walk.
Showa no Machi is a great quick stop. Even if you only have one or two hours, you will enjoy the retro atmosphere. Plus, it pairs well with visits to nearby hot springs and seaside drives.
So, next time you’re in Kyushu, don’t miss this little time capsule. It will add old-school charm to your road trip.
For more details, visit their website:
https://www.city.bungotakada.oita.jp/site/showanomachi/
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Shōwa-kan in Nagoya
This museum shows life during the Showa era, from 1926 to 1989. It feels like stepping back in time.
At Shōwa-kan, you will see many interesting exhibits. For example, there are old household items, vintage toys, and old advertisements. You can also walk through recreated rooms and streets. These help you imagine how life was back then.
The museum often holds special events and educational programs. So, there is always something new to learn.
While Shōwa-kan itself doesn’t offer dedicated campervan parking, there are several nearby facilities that can accommodate larger vehicles like Nagoya Castle Bus Parking Lot or Nagoya Port Parking
Shōwa-kan is open from 10 AM to 4:30 PM. However, it is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Therefore, check their website before you visit. Tickets are affordable, with discounts for students and seniors.
There is also a café and a gift shop on site. So, you can relax and buy souvenirs.
If you want to see Japan’s history up close, Shōwa-kan is a great place to visit in Nagoya.
For more details, visit their website:
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Retro Cafés & Kissaten (Nationwide)
If you love cozy spots with a nostalgic vibe, then exploring Japan’s retro cafés and kissaten is a must! These classic coffee shops take you back to the Showa era with their vintage décor, slow-brewed coffee, and warm atmosphere.
Kissaten are traditional Japanese coffee houses where time seems to slow down. Inside, you’ll find wooden furniture, old-fashioned coffee pots, and sometimes even jazz or Enka music playing softly in the background. They’re perfect places to relax, enjoy a carefully brewed cup of coffee, and soak up the retro charm.
Many of these cafés serve homemade cakes, thick toast with butter and jam, and rich coffee siphoned or poured drip-style. Whether you’re in Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, or smaller towns, you can find kissaten that feel like stepping into a different era.
So next time you want a break from the busy city or modern cafés, hunt down a kissaten. It’s not just about coffee—it’s about savoring a little piece of Japan’s past.
Example of Kissaten that you can visit:
Kayaba Coffee in Tokyo
Kayaba Coffee is a charming, vintage-style café in Tokyo that offers delicious coffee and homemade treats, all served in a warm and nostalgic atmosphere that takes you back in time.
For more details, visit their website:
https://tabelog.com/tokyo/A1311/A131104/13019585/
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Junkissa American in Osaka
Junkissa American is a cozy retro café in Osaka where you can enjoy delicious coffee and classic Japanese café dishes in a warm, vintage atmosphere.
For more details, visit their website:
https://www.junkissa-american.com/english.html
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Coffee House KAKO in Nagoya
Coffee House KAKO is a cozy retro café in Nagoya known for its fresh, house-roasted coffee and nostalgic atmosphere.
For more details, visit their website:
https://tabelog.com/aichi/A2301/A230101/23005509/
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Summary
In this blog, we shared 5 places we think you’ll enjoy. But there are many more spots where you can travel by campervan and feel the retro vibe. If you want more recommendations or want to visit any of the places we mentioned, you can contact us by mail, WhatsApp, or Messenger. We look forward to helping you!
