Seibuen Theme Park in Japan gives the impression of being a knock-off of Disney, though on a smaller scale. But the problem with that assumption is that it’s actually a little older than Disney; is it possible that it could have influenced Disney instead? Anyway, while you might notice some similarities, Seibuen also has its own unique flavor.

After driving for 45 minutes or so through the Japanese countryside, we arrived at the park, where, after paying admission, the first thing we did was invest in some of the park’s own currency, which is required for any purchases inside. A clever gimmick, as it makes the money seem less real– and maybe of less value than it actually is, thereby loosening the purse strings; and some people, having a little left over at the end of the day, might take some home for souvenirs instead of cashing it in.

Main Street

After entry, we walked down a little Main Street type of pedestrian thoroughfare lined with quaint shops and store window displays of antique knickknacks and memorabilia. A street performance was in progress; the performers, in accordance with COVID protocols, were wearing masks or face shields, but that didn’t cramp their style one bit. They were all sharp, perky entertainers who put on a great show. Like all the personnel we encountered, they were friendly and top-notch professionals.

Naturally, we rode all the rides we could (the Ferris wheel, for one, was closed), even though some of them were really targeted toward patrons who were, shall we say, a little younger than us. But hey, that’s part of the fun of going to these places.

The rides included an observation tower, a carousel, a flying jenny, the obligatory spinning teacups, and the pendulum ship “Viking”, accompanied by music from Pirates Of The Caribbean (wonder what Disney has to say about that).

There was also a train ride especially for kiddies; and being kiddies at heart, we partook of it. It traveled through some kind scenario that had something to do with children being missing, but then found. A bit odd, maybe, but at least there was a positive outcome.

Another ride was a roller coaster that was intended mostly for younger kids, but to us it seemed a bit intense for them. It was themed after the old Japanese TV series Astro Boy, which brought back some memories for us. Dennis saw the premiere of Astro Boy on TV when he was a kid. And when our son Zephyr was a toddler, we found an Astro Boy tricycle in a secondhand shop. We took it with us when we began touring the country as entertainers. He rode Astro Boy in many a state, from sea to shining sea.

After having an excellent lunch in one of the little restaurants on the premises (using some of the park’s currency, of course), we went back at it. More rides, more shows – including one in which the performers encouraged the audience to dance, and we obliged.

But the real highlight of the day was clearly one of the last we indulged in: Gojira (Godzilla), an immersive “4-D” motion simulation ride. The introduction is a film clip, made to look like old news footage, that shows the famous beast attacking, and a live actor, clad as a soldier, enters to give you your marching orders.

Inside the ride, you’re strapped into your seat in front of one of those huge curved 3-D screens, and then the real adventure begins. The experience simulates seats inside a high-tech all-terrain military vehicle that is in pursuit of the monster , across all kinds of terrain, including the smoking remnants of a city he’s attacked Not only do you feel the bumps and jolts and not only do the near plunges look very convincing, but you also feel the heat, the cold, and the mist. You can almost smell the putrid remains of less fortunate creatures on the beast’s breath. It was so much fun that we immediately turned around and did it again.

Then, it was alas about time to start making our way back home. When we passed down the “main street” again, some acrobats were performing, and they were quite amazing.

On the way home, we stopped for dinner, and it was quite satisfying as well. Another fine Japanese meal, another memorable Japanese attraction, and another unforgettable day with our gracious and hospitable Japanese hosts.

3/1/2023