Travel the World Within Japan
Japan is a country that loves to promote domestic travel.
Despite being a small island, the range between urban cityscapes, lush green forests and tropical beaches is quite diverse. As such, for a good chunk of the population, there’s no reason to leave the country, with many census sites citing less than 20% of the population being passport holders.
While large Western cities are no strangers to Chinatowns and Little Italies, Japan has specifically dedicated amusement parks all over the country emulating international world heritage sites and entire countries. What use do you have for a passport when only a shinkansen’s hop away is a stroll through the lush gardens and windmills of Huis Ten Bosch, Nagasaki’s own Netherlands?
Nestled in the heart of Nikko at Tobu World Square, you can wander through meticulously crafted 1/25th-scale replicas of iconic landmarks such as the Sagrada Familia, the Pyramids of Giza, and the Eiffel Tower. These replicas are so awe-inspiring, you'll almost forget that they’re half your size. Venturing further, the allure of Little World in Inuyama awaits. Here, a melting pot of cultures reveals itself through an amalgamation of villages inspired by nations across the globe. This microcosm invites you to traverse continents in a single day, as you meander from the bustling streets of Morocco to the tranquil gardens of Japan.
These parks are born from Japan's bubble period—a time of economic expansion and opulence. However, as the bubble burst, resourcefulness prevailed. Miniature worlds emerged, offering sustainable and captivating experiences. They captured nostalgia and provided temporary escapes from post-bubble anxieties.
These enchanting miniatures embody Japan's resilience and adaptability. They showcase a nation transitioning from excess to inventive entertainment. With meticulous craftsmanship, they offer wondrous adventures, reminding us that extraordinary experiences come in small packages.
