[Latest 2025] 10 Showa Retro Spots in Tokyo

Spot
2022.11.08

Everyone, do you know the phrase “Namenna yo”?

It refers to a cat character dressed in the fashion of the 1980s Japanese biker gang culture that originated in Nagoya. The full name is “All-Japan Bokan Union Namenna Yo,” commonly known as “Name Neko” or “Nameneko.” The photo-card version of its “license” with the words “Valid until death” became an explosive hit, with people carrying it in their wallets or in coin purses.

Also, recently, the members of The Drifters, known for their popular TV show “8-ji Da Yo! Zenin Shugo” (8 PM! Everyone Gather), which aired from October 1969 to March 1971 and again from October 1971 to September 1985, passed away. The show was a comedy program that featured the Drifters members and guests, and it was an enormous hit.

The world of fun and joy from that time has made a comeback as part of the popular Showa Retro boom!

This retro boom seems to be continuing, with many Showa-era spots still alive in Tokyo. They offer a nostalgic world reminiscent of a beautiful movie.

In this article, we will introduce Showa retro spaces where you can experience the atmosphere of the 1980s in Tokyo. Let’s time travel in search of the scent of Showa!

Promide Marubelldo (Asakusa Station)

“Promide Marubelldo” was founded in Asakusa in Taisho 10 (1921), and it was the store that made “promide” (photographs of celebrities) famous in Japan. Around 2,800 stars have been photographed by Marubelu-do, and the total number of publications of bromide is about 85,000. You can find retro photos of famous actors and singers from the Showa era, such as the Candies, Izumi Pinko, The Tigers, the Checkers, Kyoko Koizumi, and Naoko Ken.

This nostalgic Showa scent isn’t only popular with those who lived through the Showa era, but also with younger generations who are fascinated by retro promodes, including the Heisei and Reiwa generations.

Promide Marubelldo (Asakusa Station)
Location
1-30-6 Asakusa, Taito Ward, Tokyo
Access
5-minute walk from Asakusa Station A4 exit (Toei Asakusa Line)
3-minute walk from Asakusa Station 6th exit (Ginza Line)
5-minute walk from Asakusa Station front ticket gate (Tobu Line)
10-minute walk from Asakusa Station A1 exit (TX Line)
Business
【Weekdays】11:00-16:30
【Sat, Sun, Holidays】10:30-18:00

Antique Goods Nakanoya (Koenji)

“Antique Goods Nakanoya” is an antique shop located in the Koenji Nakamichi shopping street, with a nostalgic Showa atmosphere.

It has a collection of items from the Showa era, such as old record players, Showa-era songs on vinyl records, magazines, toys, and dolls. There are many rare items from the past that adults may find nostalgic!

Antique Goods Nakanoya
Location
Yokose Heights A shop, 3-3-10 Koenji Kita, Suginami Ward, Tokyo
Business
11:00-19:00. ※Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays 16:30
Closed
Wednesdays, and the 1st and 3rd Thursdays

Vintage Clothing FunnyFace (Tabata Station)

“Vintage Clothing Funny Face” is a colorful vintage store full of Showa retro vibes located in Tabata. The exterior and interior of the store resemble a Showa-era Western-style clothing store, and you can immerse yourself in a sense of nostalgia.

The store mainly carries 1970s Japanese clothing, allowing you to feel like a Showa-era star just by wearing it!

Vintage Clothing Funny Face
Location
Kyo-da Building 1F, 4-27-25 Higashi-Ogiku, Arakawa Ward, Tokyo
Access
10-minute walk from Tabata Station (Keihin-Tohoku Line, Yamanote Line)
3-minute walk from Akatsuchi Elementary School Station (Toneri Line)
Business
Check the website for details

Damingu Damira (Nogata Station)

“Damingu Damira” is a quirky select shop located in the Nogata Cultural Market, featuring mysterious Showa-era items. The store is based on three principles of “Damin-gu”: 1. Things that tend to be discarded by parents, 2. Items that you know are unnecessary but still want, and 3.

When you hold them, you feel like you are protecting an endangered species. It feels like stepping into a different dimension. Why not visit this magical space?

Damingu Damira
Location
Nogata Cultural Market A Building 1-2F, 5-30-5 Nogata, Nakano Ward, Tokyo
Access
3-minute walk from Nogata Station (Seibu Shinjuku Line)
Business
15:00〜21:00
Closed
Mondays and Tuesdays

Tokyo Retro a.m.a.store (Shimokitazawa Station

“Tokyo Retro a.m.a.store” is a retro store in Shimokitazawa that sells vintage furniture and goods. It offers a wide selection of Showa-era lamps, Karimoku tables, kitsch plastic chests and shelves, enamel pots and kettles, as well as dinnerware and home appliances to help you create a Showa-era retro atmosphere in your home.

Tokyo Retro a.m.a.store
Location
3-34-2 Kitazawa, Setagaya Ward, Tokyo
Access
5-minute walk from Shimokitazawa Station (Odakyu Line, Keio Inokashira Line)
Business
13:00～21:00

Sakaeya Milk Hall (Kanda Station)

“Sakaeya Milk Hall” is a Showa-era style diner in Kanda. The menu includes ramen, chashu ramen, bamboo shoot ramen, curry ramen, ramen and curry set, tan-men (winter), chilled Chinese noodles (summer), curry rice, rice, and beer only.

With nostalgic Showa flavors, this place will surely warm both your body and heart.

Sakaeya Milk Hall
Location
2-2-2 Kanda Tamachi, Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo
Access
2-minute walk from Kanda Station (Ginza Line)
3-minute walk from Kanda Station (JR Lines)
149 meters from Kanda Station
Business
【Mon-Fri】11:00～14:00,15:00～17:00 / 【Sat】11:00～14:00
Closed
Sundays and Holidays

Meikyoku Kissaten Lion (Shinsen Station)

“Meikyoku Kissaten Lion” is a classic café founded in the first year of Showa (1926).

The café’s antique and heavy speakers have been playing classical music, captivating visitors for decades. Although it was completely destroyed during the Tokyo air raids in 1945, it was rebuilt with the same design.

After the first owner and the second-generation manager passed away, the café was carefully maintained and continues to be loved today.

Meikyoku Kissaten Lion
Location
2-19-13 Dogenzaka, Shibuya Ward, Tokyo
Access
4-minute walk from Shibuya Station (Keio Inokashira Line, West Exit)
5-minute walk from Shibuya Station (Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line, Tokyu Den-en-toshi Line)
3-minute walk from Underground Passage No. 1 Exit
7-minute walk from Shibuya Station (JR Yamanote Line, JR Saikyo Line, Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
9-minute walk from Shibuya Station (Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line, Tokyu Toyoko Line)
333 meters from Shinsen Station
Business
13:00～20:00

Nishi Asakusa Kuronekotei (Asakusa Station)

“Nishi Asakusa Kuronekotei” is a Showa modern café located in the alleyways of the downtown area of Nishi Asakusa, Tokyo. It is a place where fans of Japanese mystery novelist Seishi Yokomizo gather.

The owner, a former patissier who looks beautiful in kimono, attracts regular customers dressed in kimono who come to enjoy Showa retro puddings and Japanese sake.

Nishi Asakusa Kuronekotei
Location
2-9-1 Nishi Asakusa, Taito Ward, Tokyo
Access
5-minute walk from Tawaramachi Station (Ginza Line)
8-minute walk from Asakusa Station (Tsukuba Express)
277 meters from Asakusa Station (Tsukuba Express)
Business
【Wed, Tue】 19:30～22:30 (L.O.）22:00
【Fri, Sat, Sun】 12:00～20:30 （L.O）20:00
Closed
Mondays and Tuesdays

Odaiba 1-chome Shopping Street (Odaiba Kaihin Park Station)

“Odaiba 1-chome Shopping Street” is a Showa-era retro space located inside Decks Tokyo Beach, offering a time travel experience to the Showa period.

There are Showa-themed events such as kendama and kamishibai, and stores selling nostalgic items like a haunted house set in a closed school and traditional candy.

Odaiba 1-chome Shopping Street
Location
Decks Tokyo Beach Seaside Line 4F, 1-6-1 Odaiba, Minato Ward, Tokyo
Access
2-minute walk from Odaiba Kaihin Park Station
5-minute walk from Tokyo Teleport Station
Business
11：00～21：00

Asakusa Hanayashiki (Asakusa Station)

“Hanayashiki” is the oldest amusement park in Japan, located in Asakusa! The Instagram-worthy carousel, swan boats, and carnival are especially popular!

Seasonal tie-up events are also held, and visitors can enjoy nostalgic Showa-era Japan with food stands offering tonkatsu, monja, and amazake in a retro atmosphere.

Asakusa Hanayashiki
Location
2-28-1 Asakusa, Taito Ward, Tokyo
Access
3-minute walk from Asakusa Station (Tsukuba Express)
5-minute walk from Asakusa Station (Ginza Line, Asakusa Line, Tobu Skytree Line)
Business
10：00～18：00 (Business hours may vary depending on season and weather)

Summary

We have introduced retro Showa spots full of nostalgic Showa vibes, especially from the 1980s, that can be experienced in Tokyo.

Feel free to incorporate Showa retro elements into your life by wearing Showa-era clothing or surrounding yourself with Showa-era furniture and goods to enjoy a peaceful and happy time!