Edo Wonderland Nikko Edomura
North of Tokyo is a little wonderland that will take you back in time, back to the Edo period, a time when Samurai and Ninja walked Japan.
Edo Wonderland Nikko Edomura is an amazing theme park where you can roam the streets with Samurai and Ninja and explore what life was like in the Edo period (1603-1868). There are lots of shows, experiences, photo opportunities and of course food!
If you feel like being completely absorbed in the theme there are experiences to dress in kimono and for the younger kids (5-12 years) they can dress as a ninja or samurai or policeman and have ‘work experience’ in their chosen profession.
Try to find your way out of the ninja maze (look out for the secret doors!) and the disorientating ninja trick house.
There are a number of shows, however, they are all in Japanese. Check out the Nina show or for an amazing lights and sounds display (even without understanding Japanese) or the street show, the theatre or the water show (Mizugei-za).
Try your hand at fighting a Samurai…
…or throwing a ninja star or shooting a bow and arrow.
After all that excitement you will have worked up an appetite but never fear, you will find amazing street food to satisfy hungry ninja and samurai!!
If you prefer a slower pace activity, take a trip on the boat down the river and you can truly appreciate why this park is used as a movie set.
After you have checked out all the activities, browse through the souvenir shops. Our boys were super keen to purchase wooden swords and keyrings with their name engraved on the back.
Who would enjoy this…
This is one of our families most memorable trips. It is a little out of the way from Tokyo but well worth the visit. It is not really geared for English speakers and all the shows are in Japanese, but we managed to understand enough to appreciate everything. There is so much for kids to do, the boys loved it. This theme park gives an opportunity to experience Japanese ninja and samurai all in an Edo themed setting. Families will enjoy this the most, however, there is something for everyone here. If you are looking for authentic streets from Old Japan then perhaps Kyoto is the place to go rather than Edo Wonderland, remember, this is a theme park and movie set.
Tickets
Children 5 years and under are free
Children 6-12 years ¥2400
Adults (13 and older) ¥4700
Tickets can be bought at the gate, there is no need to pre-purchase tickets.
Opening Hours (If you can, arrive at opening to see the opening ceremony performance)
9am to 5pm from Mid March to November
9am to 4pm December to Mid March
Closed Wednesdays except national and school holidays. Closed 8th to 21st December for maintenance.
How to get here
From Shinjuku take the train to Kinugawa-Onsen Station (Kinugawa limited express approx 2hrs 15 mins). Then take the bus (15 mins) or a taxi (10 mins) to Edo Wonderland.
We hired a car and drove from Tokyo which was about a 2 hour drive. Parking costs ¥800.
Address
〒321-2524
Tochigi Prefecture, Nikko City,
Karakura 470-2
TEL: 0288-77-1777
Need more info?
Edo Wonderland official site.
Japan Guide