Nikko Trip – Part1 : Tobu World Square

 Nikko Trip – Part1 : Tobu World Square

Whenever I travel to Nikko, my go-to spots are usually the iconic Toshogu Shrine or the serene Chuzenji Lake. But this time, I decided to do something different and visit Tobu World Square—a place I had long been curious about.

This fascinating theme park features meticulously crafted miniature replicas of famous buildings from around the globe. It’s the perfect destination for anyone who dreams of traveling the world but can’t hop on a plane—especially with the current weak yen making overseas trips a bit more challenging for many Japanese travelers.

Around the World in Two Hours

Tobu World Square is divided into zones representing different regions of the world. You can stroll through modern Japan, hop across the ocean to the United States, then head to Egypt, Asia, Europe, and back to historical Japan—all in one afternoon.

Here’s a glimpse of our journey:

Modern Japan Zone

We started with Tokyo Station, beautifully recreated to reflect its original 1914 design by architect Kingo Tatsuno. Next, we spotted Narita Airport with Tokyo Tower visible in the background—though the actual distance between them is, of course, much farther in real life.

USA Zone

Crossing the "ocean" brought us to the United States. One interactive display let us insert a coin to watch the water rise and fall—mimicking a functioning canal system.

The New York City skyline was especially impressive, featuring a model of the World Trade Center as it stood before the tragic 9/11 attacks.

Egypt Zone

In the Egypt Zone, my daughter enjoyed riding a camel in front of the Pyramids. The Sphinx, recreated with exquisite detail, was one of the most photogenic spots.

Europe Zone

The Europe section was filled with iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, the Palace of Versailles, and the Colosseum—which was even constructed with detailed interior arches.

The Sagrada Familia was another highlight, capturing the spirit of Gaudí’s masterpiece beautifully.

Asia Zone

What stood out in the Asia Zone was the sprawling Great Wall of China. Its scale, even in miniature form, was stunning and gave a real sense of grandeur.

Japan Zone

We ended our tour in the Japan Zone, where historical landmarks such as Byodoin Phoenix Hall and Engakuji Temple’s Shariden were on display. These models are particularly helpful for students, as it's often difficult to grasp the distinct architectural features of temples just from textbook images.　

There is also Japanese festivals, allowing you to learn about local customs.

Final Thoughts

Our walk through Tobu World Square took about two hours, and we thoroughly enjoyed every minute. If you’re planning a trip to Nikko and have a little extra time, I highly recommend adding this unique spot to your itinerary. It’s a fun, educational experience that feels like a world tour—all in a single afternoon.

Stay tuned for Part 2 of my Nikko trip!

For more details, please see official website below;

Tobu World Square