Beginning in the Edo period (1603-1868) and continuing through the Showa periods, eventually ending in 1950’s, the Shotengai*, located in the heart of Bungo Takada, flourished as the busiest ‘town”. Bungo Takada - “A Showa Town” began in 2001 to rehabilitate this shopping arcade wishing to once more resurrect the hustle and bustle of the 1950’s, a period when this Shotengai was alive. Feeling the atmosphere of the Showa period not found anywhere else.

*Shotengai is a commerical district engaged in commercail activities (shops, offices, theaters, resturants, etc.)