The life-size EVA Unit 01 at the Evangelion Base in Toei Kyoto Studio Park has added a new attraction called “Splash! Evangelion Kyoto Base 2022“. Did anyone have “EVA Unit 01 will be used to keep the people of Japan cool” on your Summer 2022 bingo card? I didn’t.
Initially opened in 2020, the attraction was to commemorate the impending release of Evangelion: 3.0+1.0: Thrice Upon a Time. The 2022 version of the attraction has a new addition: angel attacks and water gun fights. Yes, seriously. Guests will fight back with EVA Unit 01-themed water guns and ponchos, with AT Field shields. Check the commercial below!
Framed under the story of NERV having open recruitment, guests will be put through a series of pilot aptitude tests (a simple quiz on the series) to measure EVA synchronization score, and then go through the Entry Plug boarding test. While small in scale, it’s a nice little diversion and a welcome break from the current summer heat in the northern hemisphere. Splash! Evangelion Kyoto Base 2022 also features the life-size bust of EVA Unit 01 in the pool of LCL, a life-size Entry Plug, and some cutouts of the Evangelion pilots in Edo period costumes. There’s a small special effects show to simulate a battle too. Finally, a nice little cafe with Evangelion themed food and drink complete with a gift shop that contains exclusive products rounds off any visit.
https://twitter.com/EVA_kyotobase/status/1504367558295957507
Splash! Evangelion Kyoto Base 2022 is a must-see for Evangelion fans, especially for the incredible photo-ops. The water gun battle with the Angels that guests participate in seems to be good cheesy fun and I’m sure both the actors and guests enjoy the cooldown. The attraction will be open every day from July 23rd, 2022, to August 14th, 2022, then every weekend through September 3rd, 2022. Tickets are 2,400 JPY for adults, 1,400 JPY for students, and 1,200 JPY for children. It’s a good time to be a fan of mecha with all the life-size replicas being made!
