Shōwa

Explore Uno Pharmacy, a nationally registered tangible cultural property in Osaka. This 1933 wooden building showcases rare "Kanban-Kenchiku" (signboard architecture) with Spanish-style tiles, Art Deco elements, and distinctive porthole windows—a unique survivor of prewar Japanese commercial design.

Discover Gengahashi Onsen, a 1937 Showa modernist bathhouse in Osaka featuring an iconic Statue of Liberty and shachihoko roof ornaments. Learn about Japan's first registered cultural property public bath and its unique architectural legacy.

Discover Shotokukan, a registered tangible cultural property in Osaka featuring exquisite Japanese-Western fusion architecture, rare timbers from across Japan, and Art Deco craftsmanship from the 1930s.

Discover Hazama House, a beautifully preserved 1932 luxury nagaya row house in Osaka's Miyakojima district. This Registered Tangible Cultural Property features a unique hybrid design with reinforced concrete basement and wooden upper floors along the scenic Okawa River.

Discover Takegawara Onsen, a Registered Tangible Cultural Property in Beppu, Japan. Experience traditional sand baths and soak in healing waters inside this stunning 1938 wooden bathhouse with karahafu architecture. Complete visitor guide with access, hours, and tips.

Discover the Former Kato Family Villa, a registered tangible cultural property representing Japan's pre-war wooden modernist architecture. Built in 1929, this Karuizawa villa features innovative sun rooms, billiard room, and stone fireplace - a must-see for architecture enthusiasts visiting Japan.

Discover Koshibu Bridge, a registered tangible cultural property in Oshika Village, Nagano. This elegant 1957 Lohse girder arch bridge offers stunning views of the Southern Alps and represents the pinnacle of mid-century Japanese bridge engineering.

Discover Rokuzan Museum Rokuzan Hall, a registered tangible cultural property in Azumino, Nagano. Explore Japan's pioneering modern sculptor Ogihara Moriei's masterpieces in a stunning church-inspired building designed by architect Imai Kenji, set against the backdrop of the Northern Japanese Alps.

Explore the Ishitani Residence, a National Important Cultural Property in Tottori Prefecture. This magnificent 3,000-tsubo estate features 40+ rooms, stunning Japanese gardens, and showcases the finest craftsmanship of early 20th-century Japanese architecture. A must-visit for architecture and history enthusiasts.

Discover the Former San'in Godo Bank Neu Branch, a beautifully preserved 1927 Western-style bank building along the historic Izumo Highway. This newly registered Tangible Cultural Property features neoclassical design elements including grand pilasters, decorative pediments, and elegant tile work in the charming post town of Neu, Tottori Prefecture.

Discover Hayabusa Station, a 1929 wooden railway station in Tottori Prefecture designated as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property. This nostalgic Showa-era station on the Wakasa Railway has become a sacred pilgrimage site for Suzuki Hayabusa motorcycle enthusiasts worldwide, hosting an annual festival attracting thousands of riders.

Discover the Tsuwano Catholic Church Priest's Residence, a registered cultural property built in 1917. This charming two-story wooden building blends Western and Japanese architectural styles in the historic samurai district of Tsuwano, Shimane Prefecture.

Discover Ohashi Saryo, a registered cultural property in Tokyo featuring five exquisite tea houses including a replica of National Treasure Joan. Experience authentic Japanese tea ceremonies in this urban oasis near Kamiyacho Station.

Discover ICU's Diffendorfer Memorial Hall, a registered tangible cultural property designed by Vories Architectural Office in 1958. Explore its modernist design, early aluminum sash windows, and rich heritage on the tranquil Mitaka campus.

Discover Mitsubishi Electric Takanawa-so, a Registered Tangible Cultural Property in Tokyo's prestigious Shirokanedai district. This historic estate features three early Showa-period buildings showcasing the finest Japanese-Western hybrid residential architecture of the 1930s.

Discover the Chikugo River Lift Bridge in Kyushu—Japan's oldest vertical lift bridge. Designated as an Important Cultural Property, this 1935 engineering masterpiece spans Fukuoka and Saga prefectures and offers stunning sunset views.

Discover Wakato Bridge, a National Important Cultural Property in Kitakyushu, Fukuoka. Once Asia's longest suspension bridge, this stunning crimson landmark offers breathtaking illuminated night views, retro waterfront districts, and unforgettable industrial night cruises.

Discover Kyu-Daigaku-yu, a 1932 bathhouse-turned-cultural hub in Fukuoka's Hakozaki district. Explore this registered tangible cultural property that served students for 80 years and now hosts creative events near historic Hakozaki Shrine.

Discover Kobe College's stunning Okadayama Campus, featuring 12 Spanish Mission-style buildings designed by William Merrell Vories in 1933. This rare architectural masterpiece—the only complete Vories campus designated as Japan's Important Cultural Property—survived WWII and the Great Hanshin Earthquake. Learn about visiting opportunities, architectural highlights, and nearby attractions.

Discover the American House (Former Hamway Residence), a National Registered Tangible Cultural Property in Kobe's historic Kitano Ijinkan district. This early Showa period Western-style residence showcases exceptional architectural design and stands next to the famous Moegi-no-Yakata.