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Written by: Swastika Kusumawati

Japan, besides its modern yet high-technology architecture and technology, still keeping the historical and traditional customs and buildings. Some theme parks bring us to the old days of Japan, make you feel like travel through a time machine to the past to see ninja, samurai, and many more!

1. Edo Wonderland Nikko Edomura, Tochigi Prefecture

Like its name, this theme park brings you to step back into the Edo era in the 17th century where ninja and samurai still exist.

When you enter Edo Wonderland Nikko Edomura, you will find the buildings and cityscape are as detailed as it is in the Edo era, in addition to all staff wear clothes just like people at that time that make the ambiance real. You won’t feel like you are just in a theme park, you will feel like you are really back in the past!

In the park, you can rent costumes so that you can blend as one of Edo Wonderland Nikko Edomura’s citizens. Don’t miss the breathtaking performance by the ninja and samurai that will blow your mind with their marvelous skills and acting.

Access

Take the direct express from JR Shinjuku Station/ Ikebukuro Station/ Omiya Station to Kinugawa-Onsen Station and take the bus (15 minutes) or taxi (10 minutes) to Edo Wonderland.

Address 〒321-2524 Tochigi Prefecture, Nikko City, Karakura 470-2
TEL 0288-77-1777
Opening Hour 09:00~17:00 (open all year round), except during winter from December to March 09:30~16:00. Check the website for detail.
Admission Different depends on age, group, etc. Check the website for detail.
Website http://edowonderland.net/en

 

2. Noboribetsu Date Jidaimura, Hokkaido

The Edo period has its own charm that makes people willing to recreate all about the Edo in the middle of this era. Hokkaido also has its famous “time machine” so that we can go back and feel the Edo era in Noboribetsu. Everything was made perfectly like we are really walking in the cityscape of the era, wooden buildings, and museums that describe the history behind Noboribetsu.

You can also rent a kimono or ninja costume and looking around the site while watching performances.

Access

8 minutes ride by bus from JR Noboribetsu Station
3 minutes ride by car from Noboribetsu-Higashi IC

Address 〒059-0463 53-1 Naka Noboribetsu, Noboribetsu, Hokkaido
TEL 0143-83-3311
Opening Hour Summer (April 1 – October 31) 09:00~17:00, Winter (November 1 – March 31) 09:00~16:00 (open all year round). Check the website for the detail
Admission Different depends on age and group. Check the website for the detail
Website http://edo-trip.jp/en/

 

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3. Iga Ninja Village, Mie Prefecture

As we talk about the Edo era in Japan, surely we talk about ninjas who had strong existence with their unique and mysterious appearance. Recently, the ninja is known worldwide because of the impact of Japanese pop culture such as manga and anime, especially Naruto.

If you dream about becoming Naruto in real life, you can’t miss putting Iga Ninja Village in Mie Prefecture on your bucket list. Located near the JR Kansai Main Line which connects Nagoya and Osaka, Iga Ninja Village will be the perfect place to experience ninja life. There are 3 places to experience ninja in the Iga Ninja Village; Iga-Ryu Ninja Museum, Ueno Castle, and Ninja Henshin Dokoro (Ninja Transformation Spot).

Access

Get off at Ueno Station from the Iga Railway, Ueno Park is right nearby with the Ninja Museum of Igaryu.

Address Iga-Ueno Tourist Association 122-4 Ueno Marunouchi, Iga City, Mie Prefecture 518-0873
TEL 0595-26-7788
Opening Hour Different depends on the facility. Check the website for details.
Admission Different depends on the facility. Check the website for details.
Website https://www.iga-travel.jp/

 

4. TOEI Kyoto Studio Park (Kyoto)

TOEI Kyoto Studio Park is the only theme park where you can enjoy and observe the filming of period dramas (jidaigeki film). The park is designed with streets of the Edo period that are used for more than 200 films every year. Besides, there are a number of attractions such as transformation experience, Ninja Mystery House, The Haunted House, and many more. Also, you can enjoy Ninja Show “Sasuke” and the actor will guide you around the park.

Access

13 mins walk from JR Hanazono Station (Kyoto).

Address 10 Uzumasa Higashihachiokacho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto 616-8586
TEL 075-864-7716
Opening Hour 10:00〜17:00 (Close day different depends on the schedule. Check the website for detail)
Admission Different depends on the facility. Check the website for details.
Website http://www.toei-eigamura.com/global/en/

 

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7 Character-Based Museums and Theme Parks in Japan For Your Next Bucket List
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