Museum • 1-chōme-6-1 Kudanminami, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 102-0074, Japan
Situated in the heart of Tokyo, in Chiyoda's Kudanshita, Showakan stands. This building vividly depicts the lives of Japanese people before and after the Pacific War, serving as a precious historical treasure. As a rare place where one can experience the tumultuous Showa era from the perspective of common people, it continues to attract many.
The exhibits at Showakan cover a wide range of eras, from the harsh wartime lives to the post-war reconstruction period. Through displays of actual household goods and daily necessities, the lifestyle of people at the time is vividly conveyed. The permanent exhibition room, with its carefully structured displays along the timeline, invites visitors into the world of Showa.
On the 5th floor, there is a space to view photographic and video materials, allowing for deeper learning about the Showa era. Additionally, the library room on the 4th floor offers detailed information about this era, becoming a valuable resource for researchers and history enthusiasts alike.
The 2nd and 3rd floors regularly host special exhibitions, spotlighting various aspects of Showa. Attractive features include surprising exhibits like a railway photo exhibition called ‘Super Express through Showa’.
Located right next to Kudanshita station, it is often visited in conjunction with a visit to Yasukuni Shrine. Exiting the No.4 exit of Kudanshita Station, you will immediately see Showakan, ensuring easy access without getting lost.
By tracing the changes in wartime and peacetime lives through the exhibitions at Showakan, one can feel the importance of peace anew. Visiting together with nearby 'Shokeikan' and 'Peace Memorial Exhibition Hall' offers a more multifaceted understanding of the Showa era.
Showakan is not merely a museum. It is a window into the era lived by our grandparents and parents, providing many insights for those living in the modern age. Why not take a visit and feel the breath of Showa?