(Photo courtesy of Edo Wonderland Nikko Edomura)
When you think of Japan, images of samurai, ninja, geisha and Kabuki actors may come to mind. But, many of these figures didn’t appear in Japan until the Edo Era from 1603 to 1867.
Due in part to Japan’s closed-door policy and isolation from influence of outsiders, the country’s unique culture and traditions thrived with the samurai capital of Edo (old Tokyo) at its center.
Relive those times with a trip to Edo Wonderland, a theme park in Nikko. Stroll the park in a kimono, samurai suit or era clothing while taking in the scene straight out of old Edo.
The elaborately reconstructed streets have samurai and artisans, residents, a sekisho checkpoint, ninja village, shrines, theaters and more to recreate the feeling of living during the Golden Age of Japan.
(Photo courtesy of Edo Wonderland Nikko Edomura)
(Photo courtesy of Edo Wonderland Nikko Edomura)
(Photo courtesy of Edo Wonderland Nikko Edomura)
(Photo courtesy of Edo Wonderland Nikko Edomura)
(Photo courtesy of Edo Wonderland Nikko Edomura)
(Photo courtesy of Edo Wonderland Nikko Edomura)
(Photo courtesy of Edo Wonderland Nikko Edomura)
(Photo courtesy of Edo Wonderland Nikko Edomura)
(Photo courtesy of Edo Wonderland Nikko Edomura)
(Photo courtesy of Edo Wonderland Nikko Edomura)
(Photo courtesy of Edo Wonderland Nikko Edomura)
(Photo courtesy of Edo Wonderland Nikko Edomura)
(Photo courtesy of Edo Wonderland Nikko Edomura)
(Photo courtesy of Edo Wonderland Nikko Edomura)
(Photo courtesy of Edo Wonderland Nikko Edomura)
(Photo courtesy of Edo Wonderland Nikko Edomura)
Edo Wonderland also hosts many family-friendly attractions and hands-on workshops to help visitors experience the era. Grab a seat for some of the shows, including a ninja-themed one, an oiran courtesan procession and traditional water magic demonstration. You can enjoy a samurai sword training experience, indigo dying or shamisen lessons to feel like a true native of the Edo Era.
If you get hungry, eat like an Edo Era local and try soba noodles, yakitori, wasabi mochi, wagashi sweets and kakigoori shaved ice in a beautiful wooden building replica or from the street vendors.
On April 13-14, the park will stay open late for its Edo Wonder Night. The event gives visitors a spectacular sight as the Edo town is illuminated with traditional lanterns. The on-site Sakura blossoms will be at their peak during the event, so you’ll want to be there for this picture-perfect weekend.
Many activities and shows are scheduled for the Edo Wonder Night weekend including fireworks and the park will stay open until 8 p.m.
Plan your visit to Edo Wonderland in Nikko for a trip back in time to see some of the symbolic figures of Japan’s past.
EDO WONDERLAND NIKKO EDOMURA
Location: 470-2 Karakura, Nikko City, Tochigi Prefecture
Hours: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Admission: (one-day passport): Middle schoolers or older, 5,800 yen ($38), elementary schoolers, 3,000 yen, (a half-day [afternoon] passport): Middle schoolers or older, 5,000 yen, elementary schoolers 2,600 yen
Tel: 0288-77-1777
