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Hours |
Hours vary, but generally Mon-Fri 9:30am-5pm, Sat-Sun and holidays 9:30am-6pm (check with the tourist office) |
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Location |
Kashikojima, |
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Transportation |
Station: Ugata (Kintetsu Line), then a bus that runs 2 or 3 times per hour; or Kashikojima Station, then a bus that runs once an hour. Both buses cost ¥360 for the 15-min. ride |
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Phone |
0599/57-3333 |
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Prices |
Passport admission to most attractions ¥4,800 adults, ¥3,800 seniors and children 12-17, ¥3,200 children 4-11; extra charges for gaming houses and flamenco show. Admission only, which includes the museum and most shows but no rides (which you can purchase separately for ¥200-¥600 per ride), ¥2,800, ¥1,800, and ¥1,200 respectively |
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Closed |
Closed last 2 weeks of Feb |
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You may wonder what this Spanish village is doing in southern Ise Shima. Mie Prefecture has a sister relationship with Valencia in Spain, a relationship that is exploited to the hilt in this ambitious theme park. A huge facility that employs about 40 Spanish-speaking natives, the amusement park includes a shopping area specializing in products from Spain; a plaza that stages dances, festivals, and other outdoor entertainment; a coliseum that features folk dancing and singing; a 360-degree cinema; a clown circus; and amusement rides that range from an adventure lagoon ride through a world of fantasy to the fastest roller coaster I'll ever care to ride (and one of the longest, lasting more than 3 hair-raising min.). Although the park opened to much fanfare in 1994, it has suffered declining attendance ever since, which is bad for business but means there's virtually no waiting time for rides, except during school holidays.
Most educational is the Museo Castillo de Xavier, a reproduction of the castle where Francis Xavier was born (Xavier later brought Christianity to Japan); it presents a brief overlook of highlights in Spanish history, though in Japanese. Still, there's no mistaking the replica of prehistoric drawings from the Altamira caves, the model of the Santa Maria that Columbus sailed to America, and a replica of the entrance to the Prado Museum. A film introduces Spain's greatest artists, including Goya, Velázquez, and El Greco. There are amusements geared to all ages, as well as numerous restaurants. Plan to spend about 3 hours here.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without
notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before
planning your trip.
