※This article was published at
September 2014.※
Noboribetsu at Hokkaido is a most famous hot spring resort in Japan.
Tons of people come every year just to enjoy the best hot springs, and also the most impressive scenery, hell valley.
However many people don’t notice that there is a theme park nearby called Noboribetsu Date Jidaimura.
The concept, of course, is no Disneyland or Universal Studio which has countless rides, but the attractive part of this theme park is that the park has everything built exactly as it was back in Edo period. You can see the actors walking around the park dressing like samurai, geisha, and in kimono everywhere.
It feels as if you stepped into a time-machine and sent back over 200 years!
There are different houses within the park. My personal favourite is the “Ninja Maze” where they have lots of mirrors and other optical illusions to make you feel dizzy or lost, and you have to find your way out of this building. Haunted house is my second choice.
Of course it is not scary compared to the one at fujikyu which is infamous for being possibly the scariest haunted mansion in the world, but worthwhile to exercise your heart beat.
The Edo-themed shopping streets have shops where you can buy souvenirs as well as eat-out spots. All the staffs are wearing traditional Japanese clothings, which helps create the atmosphere of the Edo period. There are plenty of shows for you to watch too, such as geisha shows, or ninja practicing skills on the targeting range.
While it may not be so truly authentic after all as you will see some light bulbs and speakers all around the park, it is a great place to have some fun exploring the Edo era.
Map:
Admission fee:
- Adult: 2,900 yen
- Child: 600 yen
- 09:00 to 17:00 April to October
- 09:00 to 16:00 November to March
By Train
10 minutes ride by Donan Bus bound for Noboribetsu Hot Spring from JR Noboribetsu Station to the Noboribetsu Date Jidaimura bus stop, then walk approximately 1 minute.
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