Places in Japan inspired by other countries

Who lives in Japan doesn’t need to leave the country to experience cultures from other countries. Japan is full of diverse tourist attractions rich in various cultures, in addition to neighborhoods, villages, and theme parks inspired by other countries.

Not to mention the diversity of food that extends across a gigantic number of restaurants serving dishes from all other countries, allowing you to experience cuisine from around the world.

In this article, we will explore various places that will help you experience world culture without needing to leave Japan. Discover villages, parks, and foreign places in Japan.

Little World – The World within Japan

Let’s start by talking about a park where you can visit most countries at once. Near Nagoya, you will find this small park that is a piece of the world. At the entrance of Little World, you will already find a museum, which at the time I visited had an exhibition showcasing all the civilizations of the world.

In the park, you travel through various locations that represent a piece of each country. Germany, Italy, Spain, Africa, Egypt, and many other places in the world all in one. Each country’s area has some architecture or building that resembles the country, in addition to products, clothing, costumes, and local cuisine.

Little World is very large and offers various world scenarios. One day is not enough to enjoy the entire place; I spent hours just in the entrance museum viewing the exhibition. We had to rush through each country in the park and still couldn’t see them all.

Also read: Little World – Getting to know countries without leaving Japan

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British Hills Yumemi Village – British Villages in Japan

There are two villages in Japan that closely resemble the United Kingdom. One of them is Yumemi Village, located in the mountains of Kameoka in Kyoto. The place is also known as Dreamton.

There you will find a collection of restaurants, shops, and inns in a British atmosphere different from Japan. You can also feel like you are walking through the old streets of the United Kingdom by visiting British Hills.

British Hills is a large area of about 70,000m² located in the village of Tenei in Fukushima. It is also a tourist neighborhood, so you can take a stroll through the UK without needing a passport.

Niji-no-sato – Canada and Great Britain

In Izu Province, in the city of Shuzenji, there is a place called Niji-no-sato that has some traditional Japanese villages and also another village from Great Britain called British Village.

In addition to the United Kingdom, Niji-no-sato has a Canadian Village, a fairy garden, a Japanese garden, and two local traditional Japanese villages.

Also read: Japanese Garden – Guide to traditional gardens in Japan

Mihama American Village in Okinawa

In Chatan, Okinawa Prefecture, you will find an American Village full of shops, restaurants, and supermarkets that resemble the West Coast of the USA. All the products, stores, and foods in the neighborhood focus on American Culture.

Also read: Okinawa – The archipelago of multiculturalism

Villa Santorini from Greece in Kochi

Located in Tosa, Kochi Prefecture, you will find a Resort Hotel based on the romantic village of Santorini located in Greece. A perfect place for those who want to enjoy a piece of Greece in Japan.

Shima Mediterranean Village from Spain in Mie

In Mie Prefecture, there is a place called Shima Mediterranean Village, which is a resort with a Mediterranean theme inspired by the castles and regions of Spain such as Castile, Sardinia, and Andalusia.

Sweden Hills – Sweden in Hokkaido

In Tobetsu, Hokkaido region, we find a small village that resembles the surroundings of Stockholm. About 500 people live in this village, and many houses can be rented for vacation stays.

Germany in Japan – German Village and Blumen Hugel

Around Tokyo, in Chiba Prefecture, specifically in Sodegaura, we find a quiet place with gardens, a zoo, an amusement park, and many facilities that resemble German architecture.

Another place that resembles Germany is Blumen Hugel located in Hino-cho, Shiga Prefecture. The place looks like a German farm and offers some foods imported from Germany such as cheese, bread, sausages, and especially the famous beer.

There are many other places that resemble Germany in Japan; in Hamamatsu, there is also a small square in the city center where you can eat a pretzel and drink German beer.

Also read: Travel to Japan – Hamamatsu, airplanes, yakiniku, and onsen

Netherlands at Huis Ten Bosch in Nagasaki

In the city of Sasebo, Nagasaki, there is a Dutch theme park called Huis Ten Bosch with life-sized Dutch buildings full of theaters, museums, shops, an amusement park, restaurants, and a windmill.

The Netherlands had a lot of influence in Nagasaki Prefecture, where the two countries maintained trade for several centuries. The place references one of the royal residences of the Dutch royal family in The Hague.

Lockheart Castle from Scotland in Gunma

In Gunma Prefecture, we find a legitimate medieval Scottish castle. It was literally bought by a Japanese actor named Masahiko Tsugawa and brought to Japan, where it was reconstructed over a period of 6 years.

Its original construction was in Carluke, near Edinburgh. It is currently often used in films, dramas, and wedding parties.

Denmark at Andersen Park in Chiba

Andersen Park is a recreation of a park with Danish scenery from the 1800s. It is located in Funabashi, Chiba Prefecture. Here you will find Danish buildings, a windmill, museums, and typical restaurants.

These are some of the places where you can enjoy the world without leaving Japan. There are many other themed places scattered throughout Japan. If you liked the article, don’t forget to comment and share it with friends.