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Takegawara Koji Arcade

Oita Prefecture · Japan

7 story sections

Takegawara Koji Arcade is an atmospheric retro alley and shopping street in Beppu, Oita Prefecture, Japan, known for being the oldest timber arcade in the country. It leads to Takegawara Onsen, a well-known hot spring, and is lined with retro-style shops, including coffee houses, massage parlors, and bars. The arcade is said to have been built to allow tourists to reach the onsen without getting wet from the rain.

History & cultureBY TELLBY

Contents

7 sections · tap a section for its opening lines
  1. 1Orientation

    Welcome to the central urban heart of Beppu City, specifically the nostalgic expanse of the Takegawara Koji and its surrounding arcades. While Beppu is globally famous for its hot springs, its downtown district offers a scholarly…

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  2. 2Yayoi Tengu Dori — The Guardian of the Arcade

    Our exploration begins at the Yayoi Tengu Dori, a prominent shopping arcade defined by the massive, red-faced mask of a Tengu—a legendary winged creature from Japanese folklore known for its long nose and supernatural powers.…

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  3. 3Takegawara Onsen — The Architectural Masterpiece

    At the heart of the district lies the Takegawara Onsen, perhaps the most architecturally significant building in Beppu. Originally built in 1879 and reconstructed in its current form in 1938, the bathhouse features a magnificent…

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  4. 4Sol Paseo Ginza — The Nightlife and Flavor Hub

    Continuing through the network of arcades, we enter Sol Paseo Ginza. This section is known for its high concentration of restaurants and bars, making it the center of Beppu’s nightlife. …

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  5. 5Local Artisans and the Confectionery Tradition

    Among the modern storefronts of the arcade, a few traditional artisans continue to operate, offering a scholarly window into the region's craft history. One of the most unique stops is a specialized shop dedicated to…

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  6. 6Beppu Tower and the Urban Horizon

    As we emerge from the covered arcades toward the coast, we encounter the Beppu Tower, the city's iconic landmark. Built in 1957, it is the third-oldest high-rise tower in Japan, following the Nagoya TV Tower and Tsutenkaku in…

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  7. 7Closing

    Our journey through the Takegawara Koji Arcade and the surrounding streets of downtown Beppu concludes where the city's heart beats loudest. We have walked under the watchful eye of the Yayoi Tengu, marveled at the temple-like…

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What is Takegawara Koji Arcade?

Takegawara Koji Arcade is a place in Oita Prefecture · Japan with 7 story sections on Tellby. You can read the opening of each section on this page; the sound plays in the app.

Key facts
LocationOita Prefecture · Japan
TypeActivity
Story sections7
Text languageEnglish
Coordinates33.2771, 131.5060
Last updated

Nearby places

within a 5-minute walk
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