Recommended for such people
・ I want to see a beautiful castle
・ I'm looking for a place where I can cosplay without hesitation
What is Taiyo Park?
Taiyo Park is a theme park that reproduces tourist destinations around the world in Hyogo Prefecture.
The scale is tremendous, and it is even a copy of the entire German "Neuschwanstein Castle", which is also a model of Cinderella Castle.
But for some reason, I would like to introduce the charm of Taiyo Park, which is full of B-class spots.
Class B spots are unusual tourist destinations.
Unlike famous tourist destinations that are passive and entertaining, you may need to have an attitude of enjoying yourself.
Recently, it is also called a "rare spot".
Stone area
The park has a "stone area" and a "castle area".
First, I will introduce from the stone area where famous places are lined up.
B-class spot feeling drifting from the entrance
A Chinese-style stone statue welcomes you from the entrance.
From this point on, I was excited to expect, "What is this facility !?"
Arc de Triomphe (France)
The first thing you see when you enter is the Arc de Triomphe in France.
Speaking of replicas of tourist attractions, this is it.
It's quite large, but don't worry about the overall omission of decoration.
Manneken Pis (Belgium)
Manneken Pis has been selected as one of the world's three most disappointing tourist destinations.
With this number, it seems that the stigma can be returned.
The reason for installing so many remains a mystery.
Moai statue (Chile)
There are also many Moai statues on Easter Island.
I feel that the eyes of the moai statue are too patchy, but it is said that the real moai statue also had eyes at the time of production.
Terracotta Warriors (China)
It is a "Heibayo" that was buried together so that the emperor would not be in trouble in the posthumous world.
I brought to Japan what was created at the "Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum" in China.
I thought it was a loose tourist destination, but suddenly I got serious about it.
The size of the doll is life-sized, so it is a masterpiece.
What is the difference from the previous exhibitions?
It's a gap attack, like the phenomenon that "if the defect looks a little gentle, it looks like a good guy".
Great Wall of China (China)
The Great Wall of China has been reproduced for about 2km.
The Terracotta Warriors are also here, probably because they were made too much.
Sotoji Temple (China)
It is a plaza that imitates "Sotouji" in China.
The founder's passion for China is tremendous.
Pyramid (Egypt)
After passing through the China zone, the next is the pyramid.
"Is the production cost exhausted?", The sphinx of the modeling that is worrisome protects.
Inside the pyramid is also a pharaoh's mask.
Gohyakuran
The production cost wasn't exhausted yet.
It is a stone statue of XNUMX Rakans (saints who have reached enlightenment) who are said to have gathered after the Buddha was destroyed.
Each one has a different facial expression and gesture.
This is the view from above.
There are so many stone statues that you can't count them on the way.
Seeing so many shaved heads will not be in my future life.
Castle area
Next is the castle area.
(There are various stone statues in the stone area other than those introduced this time, so please enjoy them locally.)
Swan castle
The German world heritage site "Neuschwanstein Castle" is reproduced in two-thirds the size.
It was built over 45 years with a total construction cost of 3 billion yen.
There is also a sign of the German Consulate General at the entrance, which seems to be officially recognized.
Also used for movie locations and cosplay events
It is often used for filming movies, and has appeared in "The Hero Yoshihiko," "Saiki Kusuo's Ψ Difficulty," and "GARO."
In addition, cosplay events are also held.
The Taiyo Park side is also fond of cosplay, and the changing rooms are free to use.
(Application is required in advance)
Cosplay Notes: Taiyo Park Official Website
Inside is trick art
For some reason, trick art is lined up in the castle.
For unknown reasons, we have no choice but to accept it as it is.
Let's enjoy what is there with all our might.
Recently, a dedicated app for trick art has appeared, and it is becoming more and more refined.
Trick Art: Taiyo Park Official Website
Operated by a social welfare corporation
Taiyo Park was originally established with the idea of "I want people with disabilities who have difficulty traveling the world to experience the feeling of traveling."
It is still operated by a social welfare corporation (Taiyo Welfare Group) and is also a place for employment of people with disabilities.
It may be mistaken for a religious corporation because of its appearance, but please be assured that there is no solicitation.
Recommended time and clothes
The stone area walks around, so it's best to avoid it in midsummer.
Make sure to wear shoes that are easy to walk in.
Since it is operated by a welfare facility, it is basically barrier-free.
Admission and travel time
Admission is 1500 yen for adults with a common ticket for the stone area and the castle area.
The time required is 90 minutes for the stone area + 60 minutes for the castle area, and I would like to secure a total of 2 hours and 30 minutes.
Access
It takes about 40 minutes by bus from "Himeji Station".
From Himeji Station, take the Shinki Bus bound for Hakuchodai and get off at Hakuchodai 3-chome.
Access: Taiyo Park Official Website
Finally
Taiyo Park is a tourist facility that even locals have never visited. (Former Hyogo prefectural survey)
It's hard to tell what kind of facility it is from the outside, but it's a normal (?) Tourist destination except that there are a few customers.
I personally love this place, but I think it's a facility for choosing people.
Let's go with someone who can make a fool of you, not on a date.
Tourist information around
Shoshazan Engyo-ji Temple
It is a temple of the Tendai sect, about 15 minutes by car from Taiyo Park.
It is counted as the 27th tour of the XNUMX places in Saigoku, and is also the location for the taiga drama "Gunshi Kanbei" and the Hollywood movie "The Last Samurai".
If you try to go from Taiyo Park by public transportation, it will take about an hour to take a detour, so we recommend a taxi.