Photo: iStock/ Rossella De Berti
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5 Japanese historical parks that will take you back in time

3 Comments
By Adam Douglas

Japan has a long and rich history of colorful characters like samuraininja and powerful warlords. Fans of the past can find plenty to love in Japan, from manga and anime to well-stocked museums. To really get a feel for the country’s historical diversity, though, what better way than to experience it yourself at a historical park?

Scattered around the country are several must-visit parks that transport you directly into Japan’s distant past. Some are like open-air museums, buildings you can wander through, while others combine the excitement of an amusement park with historical accuracy. No matter your choice, you’ll have fun and learn something too.

Here are our picks for the five best historical parks in Japan.

1. Ise Azuchi-Momoyama Bunkamura (Mie)

Azuchi-Castle-in-Ise-City-Mie-ninja.jpg
The park features a reproduction of Azuchi Castle. Photo: Wikicommons/ Taro Nagoya

The Azuchi-Momoyama period lasted from 1568 to 1600 and encompassed the final years of the Sengoku period, the time of the Warring States. Relive this tumultuous era of warlords, samurai and ninja at Ise Azuchi-Momoyama Bunkamura, a theme park in Ise in Mie Prefecture.

Designed like a period town, the park features staff in era-appropriate costumes and ninja and oiran (courtesan) performances. There are also activities (with separate entrance fees), such as the Ninja Maze and Nyamage Theater. The one you’re really going to want to see is the reconstruction of Oda Nobunaga’s Azuchi Castle.

The Azuchi-Momoyama period is a particularly exciting time in Japanese history, so it’s well worth visiting the park. Kids will love it too.

Futamicho Mitsu 1201-1, Ise, Mie - Map

Admission: ¥3,600 general, ¥4,900 all-inclusive

www.ise-jokamachi.jp

2. Edo Wonderland Nikko Edomura (Tochigi)

istock-Takako-Hatayama-Phillips-Edo-Wonderland-Nikko-Edomura-tochigi.jpg
Edo period-style buildings line the streets and are often used for Japanese TV dramas. Photo: iStock/ Takako Hatayama Phillips

The Edo era began when Tokugawa Ieyasu united all of Japan, ending the long civil war. The resulting 268 years of peace were known as the Edo period, named after the city where Tokugawa set up his military government (now called Tokyo). That era is recreated at Edo Wonderland Nikko Edomura at Nikko in Tochigi Prefecture.

Click here to read more.

© GaijinPot

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3 Comments
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These are cheesy, overpriced, overcrowded tourist traps.

Better to walk the Nakasendo e.g Naraijuku,or between Tsumago and Magome post towns in Gifu,enjoy the ambience and eat some great food with welcoming locals.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

I loved Naraijuku. Someday I'm going to cycle the Nakasendo Post road.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Piskan

I was gonna comment the same about them being tourist traps, what are we like eh.

-3 ( +1 / -4 )

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