【Showa Alley】Immersing in nostalgia on "Olympic Street" in Kofu City, where you can experience a time slip

The author, who loves spots where they can feel the nostalgia of the Showa era, headed to Olympic Street in Kofu City, Yamanashi Prefecture. Numerous shops line the narrow alley, creating a very nice atmosphere.

The nostalgic "Olympic Street" is

Olympic Street in Kofu City, born in 1964 when the Tokyo Olympics were held, is an alleyway. At the time of its birth during the period of rapid economic growth, it was bustling with many shops and customers, but the number of stores decreased with the collapse of the bubble economy in the early 90s. Currently, it seems there are only a few shops that remember those days, but I visited on this day just to experience the atmosphere.

Excited by the charming alleyway atmosphere

As I walked down the dimly lit alley, I encountered a place where charming signs were lined up overlapping each other, illuminated by the soft light of the arcade. The alley that winds between buildings evokes a sense of the Showa era.

There were several shop signs that probably appeared recently, with various genres. The contrast of new and old gives a sense of the flow of time.

The unevenly lined signs and the tangled electric wires, along with the silhouette of the protruding air conditioning units, create shadows under the arcade lights, symbolizing the alley that sleeps during the day. Even when the lights are off, it’s a very exciting space, and I felt it was a place where I wanted to see its different face when the shops are open.

There are many retro alleys in the street

and just off Olympic Street, there was another charm-filled alley. Taki Street connects to an alley inside a building called New Ginza, which has many dining establishments lined up, making it a popular spot. In the vicinity of the back of Kasuga Street and Benten Street, there are many nostalgic alleys like this, and just walking around makes it hard to choose where to go next. For those seeking deep spots, Kofu is recommended.

Just by walking, it feels like time travel; next, I want to try at dusk.

As you move away from the alleys, there are large buildings and hotels, and the atmosphere suddenly feels like a business district. It feels somewhat like coming back from a time slip. This kind of gap is unique to traveling in unfamiliar places and is a moment that makes you realize you have arrived in a strange land.

It was just a few hours of walking, but it felt like I breathed in the air of the Showa era, creating a sense of satisfaction in that space. Next time, I plan to step into the alleys after dusk when they come alive, and immerse myself deeply in the world beyond the door.

Interview and text by Kazuma Tanaka

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