Abandoned Japanese Theme Parks Frozen in Time Capture Ghostly ‘Wild West’ Atmosphere
Two abandoned theme parks in rural Japan have been discovered and documented by explorer Lukka Bradburn, revealing a surreal glimpse into a bygone era. The Western Village park, near Nikkō, Tochigi, and Kejonuma Leisure Land, once thrived as popular attractions before their closures in 2007 and 2001. Now, overgrown and forgotten, these sites stand as eerie remnants of a past that has been left to rot.
Bradburn’s exploration uncovered the haunting remnants of a ‘Wild West’ atmosphere, complete with replica structures and mannequins from a forgotten frontier town. The Western Village, inspired by classic American and Italian Western movies, has stood virtually untouched since its closure, its sprawling grounds frozen in time like a ghost town straight out of the 19th century. Nature has slowly reclaimed the area, with vines crawling up church walls and snow blanketing abandoned porches.
The Kejonuma Leisure Land, once a vibrant destination in the remote Tohoku region, now lies in decay, its ornate Ferris wheel and carousel rides faded by time. Bradburn noted that both parks were easily accessible, with little to no security or maintenance, allowing nature to take over. He described the experience as both surreal and melancholic, capturing the stark beauty of abandoned landmarks in an otherwise untouched landscape.
The decline of these attractions was attributed to factors such as competition from major theme parks like Tokyo Disneyland and the struggling Japanese economy. The Japanese theme park industry, which saw a boom during the 1960s and 1970s, has since faced gradual decline. Bradburn, who has a passion for exploring hidden corners of the world, plans to return to Japan next year for further adventures, documenting the country’s unique history and abandoned sites.