A Journey to Experience the Charm of the Showa Era in Motegi Town

Motegi Town in Haga District, Tochigi Prefecture, is known as a spot where you can experience what feels like a time slip back to the Showa era. Particularly, “Showa Furusato Village” is a facility renovated from the former Kowata Elementary School, offering visitors a sense of nostalgia and fresh surprises. Here, you can enjoy a variety of activities such as farming experiences and pottery classes, making it popular among families and group travelers alike. Additionally, at “Motegi Showa Museum,” you can enjoy exhibitions themed around Showa retro, offering a glimpse into the history of Motegi Town, which flourished with the tobacco industry.

Furthermore, at the “Santa Löyly Sauna“, a healing time known as “totonoi” is offered, attracting many tourists seeking its effects. This journey allows you to refresh both body and mind in a nature-rich environment, away from the daily hustle of city life, becoming a meeting point of new discoveries and nostalgia.

Access to Motegi Town is convenient, located about 30 minutes by car from the Moka IC on the Kita-Kanto Expressway. Once you visit, you will surely be captivated by its unique charm.

A Journey to Slip Back to the Showa Era

In Motegi Town, Haga District, Tochigi Prefecture, there are unique tourist spots where you can experience the Showa era. These are “Showa Furusato Village” and “Motegi Showa Museum.” These facilities allow you to enjoy a nostalgic atmosphere as if you have slipped back in time from the present to the past.

Experience at Motegi Showa Museum

Motegi Showa Museum is conveniently located just a 5-minute walk from Motegi Station. Here, you can savor the “Showa Retro” atmosphere while feeling the history of the town that flourished with the tobacco industry. Exhibits include materials related to the former Japan Tobacco and Salt Public Corporation and old cigarette vending machines, offering a glimpse into the lifestyle of that era.

Visitors feel a nostalgic sensation from the exterior alone. Inside the building, old-fashioned shopping streets and school classrooms are recreated, and their realism is astonishing. You can also purchase handmade keychains as souvenirs. This place feels like time has stopped, providing many people with comfort and nostalgia.

Experience “Totonou” for Both Mind and Body at Showa Furusato Village

On the other hand, at “Showa Furusato Village“, you can experience “totonou” for both mind and body in a rich natural environment. This facility repurposes the closed former Kowata Elementary School, offering a campsite, pottery classes, soba-making experiences, and various activities. Notably, the Löyly session held at the “Santa Löyly Sauna” is remarkable.

Originating from Finland, löyly is a ritualistic experience conducted in a sauna where the temperature is raised with steam. It is said to lead to a deep state of relaxation, providing a “totonoi” effect. After the sauna, you can further enhance your relaxation by taking a cold bath or enjoying the beautiful natural scenery.

Handmade Experiences and Accommodation Facilities

“Showa Furusato Village” also emphasizes handmade experiences, offering opportunities to create your own pottery or soba. The pottery class is particularly popular. By learning techniques like wheel throwing and hand-building, you can take home your unique souvenir. The soba-making experience using fresh local ingredients is also appealing. The soba made on-site is exceptionally delicious.

Accommodation facilities include campsites and glamping areas, allowing you to spend leisurely time in the great outdoors. The luxurious time unique to this region is a precious experience not found in urban life. Each different theme park activity ensures that all visitors have a fulfilling time.

Convenient Access Location

Regarding access to this area, it is conveniently located about 30 minutes by car from the Moka IC on the Kita-Kanto Expressway. There are no issues with signal reception, allowing you to enjoy a digital detox away from the busy daily life.

Frequently Asked Questions About Showa Furusato Village

Q: Where is Showa Furusato Village located?

A: It is located in Motegi Town, Haga District, Tochigi Prefecture. The facility is a renovation of the former Kowata Elementary School.

Q: What experiences can you have at Showa Furusato Village?

A: There are a variety of activities including pottery and soba-making experiences, glamping, camping, and BBQ.

Q: How can you enjoy the Showa atmosphere?

A: You can feel the nostalgia of the Showa era in the retro wooden school building and the rich natural surroundings.

Q: What are the access methods when visiting?

A: If visiting by car, it is about 30 minutes from the Moka IC on the Kita-Kanto Expressway. Public transportation options include buses from the nearest station.

Q: What facilities are available on-site?

A: There are glamping tents with air conditioning and spacious auto-camping sites. The entire facility is designed for comfortable stays.

Q: What is the Santa Löyly Sauna?

A: It is a special sauna service where you can experience nostalgia while feeling “totonoi”. This sauna, with its unique aroma and atmosphere, is popular among many visitors.

Why not refresh both body and mind at Showa Furusato Village, slipping back to the Showa era in Motegi Town, Haga District, Tochigi Prefecture?

Summary

Motegi Town in Haga District, Tochigi Prefecture, is an attractive tourist destination offering experiences that feel like a time slip back to the Showa era. “Showa Furusato Village” is a facility renovated from the former Kowata Elementary School, where you can enjoy various activities. Especially at the “Santa Löyly Sauna,” many people visit seeking the deep relaxation obtained through the Finland-originated löyly session, known for its “totonoi” effect. Additionally, at “Motegi Showa Museum,” you can immerse yourself in the Showa retro atmosphere with exhibits showcasing the history of the tobacco industry. Access is also convenient, being about 30 minutes by car from the Moka IC on the Kita-Kanto Expressway. In this way, Motegi Town is an ideal tourist spot for families and group travelers. This journey, which allows you to refresh both body and mind away from the daily hustle of city life, offers a special opportunity to experience new discoveries and nostalgia simultaneously. Be sure to visit and feel its charm firsthand.