Japan is home to gorgeous sites. It also has a surprisingly high number of places designed to feel like you’ve been transported to another country. Not the cultural enclaves you see worldwide, such as Yokohama’s Chinatown or Koreatown in Shin-Okubo. I mean themed areas designed to mimic, with varying accuracy, the look and feel of primarily European cities.
Why not just go to Europe?
Despite having the strongest passport in the world, only about 17% of Japanese citizens possess one. Even fewer use the one they have. Travel is expensive, particularly to places like Europe.
With the economy stagnating, it’s only getting tougher to afford trips abroad. You’d also have to take off quite a lot of time at work to make a trip worth it, something most companies frown upon. Then, you have to contend with the language barrier and notions of feeling unsafe.
The easier solution? Bring Europe to Japan.
This trend to stay home has resulted in a number of European-style attractions across the country. Here are a few of the most notable.
Metsa Village
Located in Hanno, Saitama, Metsa Villiage is an outdoor entertainment complex patterned after Scandinavian countries. The village has a large lake that is stunning, and traditionally carved canoes you can rent to take out onto the water.
There are several shops selling approximations of Scandinavian foods and goods with traditional Scandinavian motifs. Moomin Valley Park is also located inside Metsa Village.
For an additional fee, you can dive into the world of beloved Finnish writer Tove Jansson. They also hold an annual Midsummer celebration. It includes specialty food stalls, performances of traditional Scandinavian instruments and dances, and a giant bonfire lighting.
Funabashi Andersen Park
If you’d like a bit of Danish flavor or love fairytales, there’s Funabashi Andersen Park in Chiba. The park is dedicated to Hans Christen Andersen, the author of many famous fairytales. A statue of him is located inside.
The centerpiece is a large windmill. In spring, fields of tulips spring to life. The community center mimics the appearance of one in Denmark. They sell a variety of Danish treats and folk crafts at the shops.
The play equipment in the park also has a Danish flair. There’s a children’s museum that puts on fairytale reenactments and a petting zoo.
Tokyo German Village
Much like the Tokyo airport, Tokyo German Village is located in Chiba. This charming amusement park is a country farm. Goats roam the park freely. You can even ride ponies.
The German-style buildings and rolling greenery feel like you’ve left Japan. There are also small roller coasters, a Ferris wheel, putt-putt golf, and even archery.
The park has local food. However, there are also plenty of German treats like imported sausage and beer.
Tokyo German Village is also home to a fantastic Christmastime light show, a staple of Japanese winter holiday celebrations.
Lockheart Castle
As a big fan of Outlander, I was excited to learn of a Scottish castle, not in the highlands, but in Gunma.
Built in 1829 in Edinburgh, the castle was dismantled and reconstructed in Takayama Gunma in 1993. The outside retains its original beauty. However, the interior was renovated to make it less Scottish history and more an indiscriminate love letter to the UK. There’s a variety of memorabilia on display from Scotland along with England and Ireland.
Lockheart Castle has a few museums. The Santa Museum is full of Saint Nick dolls if you can’t get enough of Christmas. Also, one is for teddy bears, and one is for rocks painted to look like other things. It’s a bit eccentric.
Lockheart offers Princess dress experiences, which is probably why they don’t allow cosplay. If you visit the castle with a special someone and ring their bell, the legend is that you’ll stay together forever. (A good place to go if you accidentally rode the swans in Inokashira Park, perhaps.)
British Hills
If you’re a bit of a teaboo (raises hand), British Hills in Fukushima has you covered.
Originally an English language school, they decided the best way to learn English was to be in England – but, you know, in Japan.
The resort’s buildings are based on real English designs and use British materials. English-speaking staff are plentiful for that authentic feel.
They offer accommodations at all price points, including dormitories reminiscent of British boarding schools. Enjoy afternoon tea or a night at the pub, and put on your nicest clothes for dinner at the Refectory. It’s all very posh.
Those who want a magical experience without the stain of transphobia attached to it can attend “Arcana Academy” with the Fantasy Academy Plan.
Shima Spain Village
What if Disneyland was Spain-themed? That seems to be the concept behind Shima Spain Village. It’s a typical amusement park with lots of rides, food, and attractions, all with a Spanish flair (or at least a Spanish-sounding name).
The buildings are based on authentic edifices in Spain, like the birthplace of Japan’s first Christian missionary. There are also shows like flamenco, juggling, a street musical, and a parade featuring some slightly offputting mascots for kids.
Porto Europe
If you need a bit more of the romance languages, Porto Europe Theme Park in Wakayama boasts full-scale reproductions of streets from Italy, Spain, and France. It’s advertised as romantic. Honestly, though, its attractions are what you’d expect from an amusement park. So, it’s more suited for fun family outings.
The architecture is beautiful. The park overlooks the sea, a view that enhances the atmosphere. Perfect for those “I’m on the Riviera” photoshoots without the pricy flight.
Huis Ten Bosch
Nagasaki has a long history with the Dutch. During the isolation period, Japan’s contact with the outside world was limited to the Dutch on Dejima Island. What better way to honor that than a resort town modeled after Holland?
Huis Ten Bosch says the area is based on medieval Europe though it looks a bit modern to me. The buildings and surrounding areas do a very good job of immersing you in the feeling of Holland.
The attractions are a mixed bag of traditional experiences like horse carriages and canal rides and modern delights like VR missions. There’s a hot spring to ease away your cares, and a cafe dedicated to the Dutch rabbit character Miffy. (Yeah, she’s Dutch – who knew?)
Little World
Little World is an anthropological museum created to expose you to different cultures from around the globe. It’s also a great way to travel the world in a day while eating delicious food from all over the globe.
Little World boasts cool reproductions of traditional houses from each country. Being global, it’s less Eurocentric and features traditional cultures from the Americas, Asia, Africa, and Europe. The museum also features traditional homes of the native Ainu and Ryukan peoples. Traditional garb is available to try on as well.
The exhibits are educational, discussing subjects like man’s evolution, language development, and the different spiritual beliefs found worldwide.
If you’re craving a change of scenery or a two-for-one vacation, give one of these parks a visit.
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