In the heart of Ozu’s castle town, a retro wonderland suddenly appears.

Step inside, and you’ll find yourself in the Showa era of 60 years ago.

Every weekend, the mysterious shopping street "Pokopen Yokocho (market)" emerges as if from a dream.

For that day, adults can relive their childhood, returning to the simple joys of the past.

Welcome to Pokopen Yokocho, Where Showa Retro Lives On

Step through the entrance and prepare to be transported.

Pokopen Yokocho, hidden within Ozu’s historic castle town, offers a nostalgic escape to 1960s Japan. Lined with vintage signs and bicycles, the atmosphere feels like stepping into a time capsule.

Watch as children play with classic toys like spinning tops and hula hoops, while under the eaves, retro toys and old-fashioned tools are on display.

Pokopen Yokocho is a unique space where adults can revisit the past, and children can discover something entirely new, all wrapped in the charm of Japan’s Showa era.

This alleyway is a must-visit to experience the authentic retro vibe that still lingers in Ozu.

Pokopen Yokocho comes alive every Sunday (except the second Sunday) from the third Sunday in March through November, and on the third Sunday of each month from December through February. On these special days, local families and tourists alike flock here, indulging in nostalgic fun.

Special events are also held during Japan's Golden Week in May and the autumn festivals, adding even more excitement to your visit.

Memory Warehouse: Discover Treasures of the Past

Tucked away at the back of Pokopen Yokocho, the "Memory Warehouse" is a treasure trove of antiques. Explore a collection of vintage toys, furniture, appliances, and even classic cars and bicycles, all carefully preserved.

The warehouse recreates scenes from old Japanese homes, traditional candy shops, and barbershops, giving you the surreal feeling of stepping into a bygone era.

The Origins of the Mysterious Shopping Street "Pokopen Yokocho"

Even many residents of Ozu may not know how Pokopen Yokocho came to be.

It all started with a few locals who shared a passion for antiques and all things retro.

Whether it was vintage cars, collectible action figures of old heroes, or charming old knickknacks, these enthusiasts found each other through their hobbies, forming a bond over their shared love for nostalgia.

They wanted to create a space where they could feel at home, and this desire brought them together.

In the late 1990s, they transformed the Ozu Akarengakan into a Showa-era-themed space, hosting the first event that would eventually become the prototype for Pokopen Yokocho.

The event was a huge success, and soon there were calls to make it a regular occurrence.

At the time, the site where Pokopen Yokocho now stands was just an empty lot where a furniture store used to be.

The event evolved into a recreation of a Showa-era street, but it didn’t have the covered structures you see today—it was just an open space.

On Pokopen Yokocho day, people would start setting up at 5 a.m., hauling out items from storage and erecting beams and poles to prepare the area.

By evening, everything would be packed away, returning the lot to its original state.

It was truly a "phantom shopping alley"that appeared only once a month.

In 2004, a turning point came for Pokopen Yokocho.

As part of the "Ehime Townscape Expo" held in the Nanyo region of Ehime Prefecture, they were asked if they could set up permanent booths with roofs and host the event every weekend. 

With the addition of these lockable, covered stalls, setup and takedown became much easier, allowing them to improve the quality of the event.

The Ehime Townscape Expo ended on a high note, and Pokopen Yokocho continued to evolve, adding a central dining space and a stage, gradually taking on the shape it has today.

The Spirit of Pokopen Yokocho

Back in the Showa era, children would gather in the neighborhood squares to play "Pokopen," a popular children’s game.

If a fight broke out, the local adults would scold the kids, teaching them to look out for one another.

This sense of community, where everyone watched over the children and they could play freely, is the spirit that lives on in Pokopen Yokocho.

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In this nostalgic street, you’ll see children learning how to play with spinning tops from the shopkeepers, playing with hula hoops and soap bubbles without a care in the world, and sometimes even parents joining in on the fun.

Some of those children have grown up and now help run Pokopen Yokocho, passing on the traditions and memories to the next generation.

Pokopen Yokocho is a place full of warmth and community spirit—why not come and experience it for yourself?

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For more information on Pokopen Yokocho (market):

For more information on the Memory Warehouse: