Machiya Café Miyake Shouten | Review by 王小鈞

If you come to Tsuyama, Okayama, and love trains, you really shouldn’t miss this place! The Tsuyama Railroad Educational Museum is a railway-themed museum that houses and displays many vintage railway vehicles. The outdoor roundhouse is especially impressive, with rows of diesel railcars and diesel locomotives. Just standing beside them makes you want to keep taking pictures.

I originally thought I would just take a quick look, but I ended up staying for 90 minutes and still felt like I hadn’t taken enough pictures! Each vehicle comes from a different era and has its own story. The vintage train bodies, railway equipment, and atmosphere of the entire roundhouse really make you feel like you’ve traveled back in time. In addition to the outdoor exhibits, there are railway-related displays indoors where you can learn more about the history and development of Tsuyama’s railways.

The most interesting thing is that this isn’t just a static exhibit. During your visit, you can also see trains that are still in service enter the adjacent area, stop, and even prepare to depart. Watching the trains move slowly suddenly brings the whole railway museum to life.

Rail fans will have a hard time leaving this place. Even if you’re not a rail fan, I highly recommend coming to experience the nostalgic charm of Japan’s old railways.

When visiting the home of Bizen ware, besides exploring the old streets and kilns, there’s also a very special shrine worth visiting—Amatsu Shrine.

The shrine’s greatest charm is how it incorporates “Bizen ware” into its everyday scenery. As you walk around, you can see creative touches of ceramic art everywhere, especially the Bizen ware pieces featuring various animals. They’re cute and detailed, and each one has its own character.

There’s no flashy or bustling tourist atmosphere. Instead, it feels quiet and down-to-earth. As you stroll through the shrine and look at the pieces made from fired clay, you realize that ceramics, which can seem cold, can become so lively in the hands of an artist.

If you like Japanese shrines, pottery, and distinctive small towns, Amatsu Shrine is definitely worth stopping by.

When visiting Mt. Washuzan, besides enjoying the beautiful views of the Seto Inland Sea and the Seto Ohashi Bridge, there’s also a very special place called Toki no Kairo. It’s relatively difficult to get to, but that’s exactly what makes it feel like you’ve made a special trip to come here.

The café has an outdoor seating area, but if you visit, I really recommend sitting inside! The moment you open the door, it feels like a completely different world. The interior has a very distinctive design, with classical music playing gently in the background. The entire space has a vintage, mysterious, and peaceful atmosphere that makes you naturally slow down and take in everything around you.

At the entrance, there’s a notice saying that talking is not allowed inside. I thought it was unusual when I first saw it, but after sitting down, I came to appreciate the thought behind it. Sitting quietly with a drink while listening to classical music and doing nothing at all is enjoyable in its own way. If you like unique travel destinations with character and a story, I highly recommend visiting Toki no Kairo and experiencing it for yourself.