Ride the Chuo Line from Shinjuku for about 60 minutes and you’ll be in Ome City. Over the centuries countless travelers and traders have passed through Omejuku, once a rest stop town on the Ome Kaido Road joining Edo (modern day Tokyo) with Koshu (modern day Yamagata Prefecture). Much of the historical townscape still remains, growing especially popular these days for its mid to late-20th century “Showa retro” flair.
In an eye catching old wooden building along the old Ome Kaido Road, everyday items from the 1950’s, 60’s and 70’s are displayed including toys, medicine, food and drink packages. Older people are sure to feel nostalgia while younger visitors can enjoy the retro atmosphere in new ways. The exhibition of signs from the era by the professional movie signboard painter Kubo Bankan is also stunning.
Showa Retro Packaging Museum Admission: Adults 350 yen
For the latest information, check the official Twitter.
| URL | https://twitter.com/gentokan |
Namio Coffee opened on the 1st floor in February 2022. Enjoy the finest coffee with handmade donuts in this relaxing space. Your latte will be topped with some feline foam art.
| URL | https://www.instagram.com/namiocoffee/ |
In the Annex near the Showa Retro Packaging Museum is a permanent exhibition of the sumie (black-and-white painting) artists Hiromi Arita and Chabo Arita. From vintage style pictures of cats to plush toy figurines and more, the space is filled with heartwarming pieces. Wonderfully nostalgic dioramas from the artist Yamamoto Takaki are also on display.
Showa Gento Kan Museum Admission: Adults 250 yen
For the latest information, check the official Twitter.
| URL | https://twitter.com/gentokan |
A mysterious signboard is found in the alley by the station: “Nya Nya Magari, the Showa Cat Town.” It seems that local people have started putting up cat decorations along this narrow winding road once called “The Alley of Seven Bends.” This curving, curious road keeps things exciting with cats on signs showing all manner of expression and ornaments of all sizes exuding handmade charm! Keep an eye out for pawprints.
Around 15 minutes’ walk from Ome Station is a movie theater opened in 2021. Registered as a National Tangible Cultural Property, this Former Tokyo Textile Research Center, while still retaining the warmth of its original wooden structure, has become a theater equipped with state-of-the-art technology. The attached café is open for non-movie goers as well so it’s an ideal spot to stop for a break on your stroll. Highly recommended is the cat-shaped French Toast, made with handmade bread from a local bakery!
Come discover your own meaning of “Retro” and “The Cat” through a leisurely stroll in the unique, nostalgic town of Ome.
Please check out the website for more information about Ome! https://www.omekanko.gr.jp/
| URL | https://cinema-neko.com/ |
