HYPER LOCAL NAGOYA
When you think of theme parks in the Tokai region, “Legoland Japan” probably comes to mind. But what if I told you there’s a place even more unique and, dare I say, bizarre? Enter Goshikien, located in the picturesque hills of Nisshin City, Aichi Prefecture—a Buddhist theme park unlike any other, featuring over 100 life-sized statues. This is Nagoya’s hidden gem waiting to be discovered.
Exploring the Park: A Journey Through Oddity
Situated on the outskirts of Nagoya, Goshikien’s entrance is as humble as it gets. Picture a gatehouse that looks more like a toll booth—so nondescript you might drive past it without realizing you’ve missed the gateway to Nagoya’s hidden gem theme park. And here’s the kicker: there are no entrance fees or admission gates. You can just waltz right in!
Goshikien sprawls across a whopping 20 million square feet, centered around the Goshikiyama Daianji Temple. That’s right, it’s bigger than both Legoland and Tokyo Disneyland. With so much ground to cover, it’s no wonder they’ve included accommodations for visitors. And yes, you can drive through the park—no need to worry about those pesky blisters from walking all day.
As you venture deeper into Goshikien, you’ll come across ponds, mysterious statues, and perhaps even wonder if you’ve wandered into an episode of “The Twilight Zone.” The lush grounds are home to a variety of plants and wildlife, including a pond where you can catch crayfish. It’s so surreal that even local kindergarten teachers bring their students here for crayfish-catching expeditions. Imagine that!
Continue exploring, and you’ll stumble upon relics from the Showa era, complete with rusty, forgotten playgrounds that look straight out of a dystopian film. The park’s atmosphere is so eerie and nostalgic, it feels like you’ve been teleported back in time. Some playground equipment is so decrepit you wouldn’t dare touch it, let alone let your kids play on it. The bizarre colors and shapes of the playground pieces are dizzying—how does one even play on these things?
Walking further, you’ll encounter scenes that might make you do a double-take. At first glance, you might think you’ve come across a Zazen seminar. But take a closer look, and you’ll realize these figures aren’t moving. They’re statues! It’s a little unsettling, to say the least.
A word of caution: whatever you do, don’t visit Goshikien after 5 PM! Rumor has it that when the sun sets, the statues come to life. Whether that’s true or not, I’ll leave it to your imagination. But why risk it, right?
So, if you’re looking for a theme park experience that’s off the beaten path and guaranteed to leave you scratching your head, Goshikien is the place to be. Just remember to visit during daylight hours, bring your sense of humor, and get ready for a journey through Nagoya’s hidden gem.
Visit Goshikien, where every corner holds a surprise and the ordinary becomes extraordinary. It’s a whimsical adventure you won’t soon forget at Nagoya’s hidden gem.
Goshikien （五色園）
Ichinohazama-932-31 Iwafujicho, Nisshin, Aichi
