A Guide To Inside Japan’s Abandoned Disneyland

1. Park entrance

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Nara (or 'Dreamland') is one of Japan's most famous attractions. It gained popularity within the sixties, and this increased, following the abandonment of the park. When you see images of the park's entrance, the various stages of decay aren't as prominent as you'd think. Aside from some overgrown foliage, the park looks functional from a distance.

2. Roller Coasters

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Of course the most prominent feature of the park is the rides, especially the rollercoasters. With the sudden abandonment and neglect of Dreamland, it's no surprise that the roller coasters have been shrouded in wildlife. It has also been reported, that the majority of the rollercoasters, still have their carriages on the rails.

3. Cable car station

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Another notable element of the park, is its cable car station. When the park was still in operation, cable cars would transport visitors to different areas/rides in the park. Since its closure, the cable car station still remains, but has fallen into a complete state of disrepair.

4. Ticket booths

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Wrenee

As with any good attraction, there is a plethora of ticket booths located around the park, and they provide an eerie insight into the way the park used to operate. Unlike the cable car station, many of the ticket booths are (reportedly) in semi-decent condition, despite the years of neglect.

5. Ride entrances

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Another key element of the park, and its rides, are the different ride entrances. The majority of the entrances, have remained in pretty good condition, and just adds to the eerie atmosphere within the park. Some of the entrances have also been 'vandalized' by certain visitors.

6. Restaurants

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As with every good amusement park, there is always a range of restaurants/stalls to replenish you. Dreamland was no exception, but now these restaurants have a sinister aura. The park's restaurants are now reminiscent of something you would come across in Chernobyl.

7. Security

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Now, if you are considering visiting this wonderfully strange location, it is best to take into account the possibility of security and/or law enforcement. It has been reported, that law enforcement patrols the area periodically, and there have also been reports of arrests for trespassing.

8. The pink princess castle

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Keeping in line with its American counterpart, Dreamland features a large pink 'princess' castle, which was the main attraction within the park. From the park's entrance, the castle can be seen on the horizon. Of all the attractions, the castle seems to have remained in the best condition.

9. Haikyoists (urban explorers)

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If you do visit Dreamland, you may encounter other 'Haikyoists' (or 'urban explorers' in English). This is what locals call natives and foreigners, who enjoy weird and wacky attractions, which differ from the usual run-of-the-mill tourist attractions (within Japan).

10. Carousels

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When exploring the park, you're more than likely to come across a handful of carousels that range in size. The carousels are probably the most unnerving element of Dreamland, as they are reminders of a flourishing amusement, that has been left to rot and decay entirely.

11. Inspired rides

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Similarly to its American counterpart, Nara features 'inspired' rides. These rides take influence from movie characters, settings and objects found in a variety of Disney movies. These rides were all featured within their own unique, coinciding areas of the park.

12. Partial demolition

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Following its complete neglect in 2006, the park had certain areas demolished. Once the park had started to decay naturally, the government held back on complete demolition, and neglected the park for another several years, which lead to the increase in natural decay.

13. Various stages of decay

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When you walk around the entirety of the park, a key thing you will notice, is the various stages of decay. This ranges from rotting wood and rusted metal, to dilapidated buildings, and piles of demolition rubble. This decay is the result of the park's complete neglect.

14. Closed for years

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Dreamland has been closed for 17 years now, which really puts into perspective, its general longevity (following its initial opening in the 60's). It also puts a timeframe on the length of its general neglect, and how it (seemingly) has been forgotten about by the authorities.

15. Rapid decline in visitors

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One of the contributing, or possibly sole, factors in Dreamland's closure, was its rapid decline in visitors. This decline, followed the opening of Japan's official Disney World (located in Tokyo), as well as a handful of other amusement parks/attractions.

16. Alternative attraction

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Source: Kevin's Travel Blog

Since its closure however, Dreamland has become a popular attraction for alternative tourists (Haikyoists). It's perfect for adrenaline junkies, and anyone that wants to explore Japan's modern history (without the need for queuing, or hefty ticket prices).

17. Themed areas

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As with the inspired rides, Nara has themed areas (where many of the inspired rides, are situated). These themed areas feature characters, and objects, from some of Disney's most popular movies e.g. Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Snow White and Mickey Mouse.

18. Specific layout

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As mentioned previously, Nara has many features and elements, that reflect that of its American counterpart. This is no coincidence, as the park was purposely built to replicate Disneyworld. Dreamland was built to give the people of Japan a taste of Disney, and the world of dreams it had to offer.

19. Variety of attractions

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Following its initial opening, and ride unveiling, Nara added other attractions later on. This staggered introduction of attractions, was a cleverly devised tactic to bring in more visitors and overall revenue. The staggered introduction, also ensured some form of longevity for the park.

20. 1.7 million guests at its peak

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During its active operation, Dreamland had a steady stream of visitors (old and new). Within its peak, the park saw approximately 1.7 million guests annually. This staggering number, was something that had never really occurred previously for Japan's amusement industry.

21. Active from 1961-2006

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Dreamland remained in operation from 1961, up until 2006. During its 44 years of operation, the park garnered a fantastic following (and overall reputation). It quickly became one of Japan's top tourist destinations, for visitors both native and foreign.

22. 'Main Street'

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Keeping in line with its U.S counterpart, Nara has its very own version of 'Main Street' (the street which leads to the park's pink castle). During its active operation, this area of the park, would be a hive of activity; flooded with thousands of visitors.

23. Reclaimed space

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It comes as no surprise, that any wildlife in Nara has thrived, and completely reclaimed the areas. This includes general weeds and flowers in the ground, shrouds of ivy that has intertwined with the rides' infrastructures and the emergence of animal-based wildlife.

24. Full demolition

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If you were to visit the park now, you probably wouldn't find much other, than piles of rubble and debris. This is due to the park being demolished in 2016. However, you may still come across the odd piece of rollercoaster, restaurant or ticket booth.

25. Well-documented

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During Nara's early operation, it was relatively well-documented. Surprisingly, this documentation has carried on, since its closure. This documentation has mainly been produced via urban explorers (Haikyoists)- specifically photographers and travel enthusiasts.

26. Possibly haunted

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Via some Haikyoists, theories have emerged that the park may be haunted. Some people have reported hearing strange, unexplained sounds. However, it is more than likely, that these noises originate from wildlife that has inhabited the entirety of the park.

27. Group travel

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Due to the unpredictable nature of Nara, it is advised that you travel (and explore) with at least one other person. By travelling and exploring with someone, you can ensure increased safety, stability and general enjoyability (for yourself, and everyone else involved).

28. Six rollercoasters in total

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Within the park, there are six rollercoasters in total. One of these coasters is modelled on the 'Cyclone', located in Coney Island. Each coaster has its own unique structure, theme and colour scheme, which integrate perfectly into each area of the park.

29. Assortment of shops

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Whilst exploring the remnants of 'Main Street', you will more than likely come across, the various shops and stalls- located on either side of the walkway. Many of these shops/stalls, include gift shops and eateries. However, be prepared to be met with something reminiscent of a post-apocalyptic village.

30. 20 years of success

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Throughout its 44 years of active operation, Nara had very little-to-no competition to deal with. This lack of competition allowed the business to thrive, but ultimately led to new businesses wanting to emerge, and the eventual demise of Nara Dreamland.