Awaji World Park ONOKORO

Miniature World: Famous Landmarks in Miniature

The Miniature World area recreates 18 famous architectural landmarks from around the globe at approximately 1:25 scale. Walking among these carefully constructed models gives visitors the feeling of taking a journey around the world in a single afternoon.

The collection includes the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the Acropolis, the Colosseum, the Taj Mahal, Saint Basil’s Cathedral, Masjid-i Shah, the Great Wall of China, Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Alcázar of Segovia, Peterhof Palace, Neuschwanstein Castle, Wat Arun, the Temple of Heaven, Christchurch Cathedral, Chillon Castle, Buckingham Palace, Sungnyemun Gate, and the Arc de Triomphe.

The miniature buildings provide an accessible introduction to architecture from different countries and historical periods. They are also popular subjects for photographs, making this area especially enjoyable for families and travelers who want memorable pictures of their visit.

World of Ancient Ruins

The World of Ancient Ruins area features sculptures and displays inspired by ancient civilizations, including those of Iran, Egypt, Mexico, and Colombia. These exhibits introduce visitors to artistic traditions and historical cultures from different parts of the world.

The setting offers a change of atmosphere from the miniature architecture area, inviting visitors to imagine the distant past and discover the artistic heritage of ancient societies.

Fairy-Tale Forest

Fairy-Tale Forest brings familiar stories to life through eight outdoor scenes inspired by famous fairy tales from around the world. The displays create a playful, imaginative environment where children can explore storybook settings and adults can enjoy a nostalgic glimpse of classic tales.

With its colorful scenery and fantasy-inspired displays, this area is particularly appealing to families with young children.

Rides and Amusement Attractions

Awaji World Park ONOKORO offers a variety of rides and activities for visitors of different ages. Attractions listed at the park include Bayside Kart, the ONOKORO Ferris Wheel, World Cruise, Fantasy Train, Romantic Drive, grass sledding, the Onokoro sightseeing eco-train, a merry-go-round, a three-story maze, and a French café.

Other attractions include Ice Adventure, children’s rides such as Safari Pet and battery-powered cars, additional maze experiences, and a zip-line adventure. The combination of gentle rides, outdoor activities, and more adventurous attractions makes it possible for families and groups with different interests to spend several hours exploring the park.

The Ferris wheel provides an elevated view of the surrounding area, while the sightseeing train offers a relaxing way to travel around the grounds. Visitors should check which rides are operating on their chosen day, as availability may vary.

The Tatsunetsumaru Event Stage

A distinctive feature of the park is the Tatsunetsumaru, a full-sized wooden sailing ship built in 1984. The ship forms the centerpiece of an event stage where various performances and special events are held.

The vessel evokes the history of traditional Japanese coastal shipping and provides an unusual contrast to the park’s international miniature landmarks. When events are scheduled, the stage adds another dimension to the park’s entertainment program.

Kaoru Kanetaka’s Travel Museum

The park previously housed a travel museum dedicated to Kaoru Kanetaka, a Japanese journalist and broadcaster renowned for her international travel reporting. From 1959 to 1990, she researched and narrated the television program Kaoru Kanetaka’s Travels Around the World, documenting journeys to approximately 150 countries. Her reported total travel distance was equivalent to circling the Earth 180 times.

The museum displayed materials related to her travels and introduced visitors to the countries and cultures she explored. However, the facility closed on February 28, 2020, following declining visitor numbers and the deterioration of the building. Its exhibits were scheduled to be returned to the Kaoru Kanetaka Foundation. Travelers should not expect to visit this former museum as an operating attraction.

Dining, Shopping, and Visitor Facilities

Awaji World Park ONOKORO provides facilities to make a visit comfortable for families and other travelers. The park has dining options, including a restaurant where visitors can enjoy a meal while taking in the surrounding scenery. Shops sell souvenirs and other items that make convenient keepsakes of a trip to Awaji Island.

With miniature landmarks, themed displays, rides, and places to relax, the park offers a mixture of entertainment and cultural discovery suitable for a family outing or a stop on a wider sightseeing tour of the island.

Access to Awaji World Park ONOKORO

By Bus

Highway buses connect the park with major transport hubs, including Shin-Kobe Station, Kobe-Sannomiya, Gakuen-Toshi Station, and Kosoku Maiko. Services operated by Awaji Kotsu, Shinki Bus, Honshi Kaikyo Bus, and West Japan JR Bus serve the area. Get off at the World Park ONOKORO bus stop, located near the park entrance.

Local transport options also include the Awaji Kotsu Jukan Line and Route 11 of the Awaji City community sightseeing bus, known as Awajin Awahime Bus, which operates on a southern sightseeing loop. Check current timetables before traveling, as bus services and schedules may change.

By Car

The park is approximately 15 minutes by car from Tsuna-Ichinomiya Interchange on the Kobe-Awaji-Naruto Expressway, via National Route 28. Free parking is available, with space for approximately 1,000 vehicles, making driving a convenient option for families and groups.