Exploring Japan's Retro Charm in Golden Gai, Railroads, and Hot Springs

Golden Gai, the Soho district loved by the cultured

If you are looking for bars in Tokyo, Golden Gai is a must-visit. Nearly 300 small restaurants can be found in this area of Kabukicho in Shinjuku. It was founded around 1950 after World War II and became famous in the 1960s as a gathering place for writers, journalists, filmmakers, and other cultural figures. The area temporarily became a ghost town around 1991 due to violent acquisition of land by the real estate sharks, but with the subsequent opening of new stores by young people, it is now a popular spot among Japanese people to enjoy a retro atmosphere that retains the elegance of decades past.

Each and every restaurant in Golden Gai is unique. You can choose the one that best suits your taste, such as "Inoshikacho" with its interior that evokes an old Japanese atmosphere, or "DEATHMATCH IN HELL," a hard-core bar with a B-movie and metal theme. You can also choose according to the atmosphere of the restaurant, such as "ALBATROSS G" with its bright red interior and shining chandeliers, or "totobar," where you can enjoy original fish dishes and a large variety of sake in a cramped but cozy space. Even if it is your first time at any of these restaurants, the staff will warmly welcome you, and you’ll get along with other Japanese customers and have an exciting time. Come and try to find your favorite go-to restaurant in Golden Gai.

Retro train ride to the azure scenery

Facing the Pacific Ocean, Hitachinaka City in Ibaraki Prefecture is brimming with retro charm and abundant nature. The Hitachinaka Kaihin Railway Minato Line, which runs along the coast from the center of the city, is a line that has supported the local people for more than a century. From the windows of the train, visitors can enjoy the tranquil rural scenery of Japan and encounter unique retro trains. Hitachi Seaside Park, located by the sea, is famous for its beautiful seasonal flowers. From mid-April to early May, the park is known for its azure scenery of nemophila flowers in full bloom. Come and enjoy retro trains and rural scenery in the suburbs, just a short distance from Tokyo.