Many Japanese tourist attractions are changing things up at the end of this month. As March speeds toward its goal line, let’s see what we’re missing out on and what exciting attractions we can look forward to.
What is it with this month! Did the whole of Japan get sakura-flavored hay fever? Did everyone sneeze their sanity away? Oh, of course, it’s March. March means changes in Japan, as you might have figured out with all the final episodes you’ve been watching. New jobs, new assignments — everything gets a shakeup in sakura season. Let’s look at notable attractions that are closing now.
2024 is a Great Year for Tourists Heading to Japan
Some quick googling will bring up many Japanese attractions opening, expanding, or relaunching in 2024. With the pandemic fading away, Japan is throwing open its arms to international tourists again, and there is plenty to see and do. If Hokkaido Gals Are Super Adorable! didn’t spark an urge to visit Japan, then here are a few more Japanese tourist attractions that might:
- Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum is an extensive collection of dinosaur skeletons and exhibits displayed under a massive shiny dome. It’s the perfect place to contemplate the extinction-level-lack of dino-waifus in anime.
- Kobe Port Tower is reopening this year in April. It has a revolving deck with stunning views — assuming Gamera or Barugon aren’t blocking your view — of the harbor.
- There’s a Ghibli Museum and a Ghibli Park. And Howl’s Moving Castle! And you can have a lot of fun tracking down places that sell Ghibli merch in Japan. Many tourist-heavy areas do. If you can’t get to Japan, remember that J-List always has Ghibli goods in stock. Your Friend in Japan really has your back.
Gundam Factory Yokohama Signs Off
We’ve covered the Gundam Factory’s impressive RX-78 Gundam a few times, including its initial reveal and first test run. That makes this giant Gundam — er, I mean “life-size” Gundam — a familiar friend. The moving, walking marvel has been around for four years, and its run is now over.
According to TimeOut, there are rumors that the Gundam will be dismantled and set up at the 2025 Osaka World Expo, though this hasn’t been confirmed yet.
While unsure of its future, the RX-78 has served the world well. Four years ago, we plunged into lockdown, and the RX-78 has stood heroically as a beacon of humanity’s resilience through all that time. You’ve served well, RX-78, and we salute you.
Fuji-Q’s Do-Dodonpa Roller Coaster is Shutting Down, Permanently
It’s so fast it could snap your bones. Fuji-Q Highland’s blindingly fast ride, the Do-Dodonpa, once held the world roller coaster speed record, but now it’s closing for good. I suppose local inspectors had a… bone to pick with the Do-Dodonpa’s safety record. The roller coaster’s high velocity claimed more than a few victims, breaking their bones with extreme g-forces. Don’t neglect your calcium intake, folks.
Fuji-Q Highland was one of the first-ever attractions I visited in Japan after hiking up Mt. Fuji in the dark. Fuji-Q currently has Naruto-themed attractions that are a must-see for any franchise fan — including a Naruto Room. I wonder, do they only serve cup ramen?
If Not Japan, the World
Japan’s popular culture is loved — and has been adopted — worldwide. Are we seeing a trend in the globalization of Japanese tourist attractions? We’ve covered anime conventions in Africa, and now Saudi Arabia has a Dragon Ball theme park in the works. Peru celebrated the life and legacy of Akira Toriyama with a mural created by 50 artists. These examples represent vastly different production budgets and intentions, but both make one thing abundantly clear. If you can’t come to it, Japan might just come to you.
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I don’t think I’ll ever get used to the changes outside of January. But theme parks and attractions do evolve. All the time! Japanese tourist attractions must evolve to meet economic realities and to cater to customer tastes. Is there a ride you’ve missed out on? Or an attraction you loved that you wish you could experience again? Tell us in the comments!
“Attraction” is similar to “attractive” — that’s the word nerd explanation right there, folks — and “attractive” is a great adjective to describe Chizuru Mizuhara from Rent-A-Girlfriend. She’s ready for a night out on the town or on your shelf.
