The castle you see on the hill from Futami-no-ura Station is not the former residence of a famous shogun but a replica of Azuchi Castle in Edo Wonderland Ise, one of Japan's many theme parks. If you have youngsters in tow or if you haven't seen one of these period theme parks elsewhere in Japan, go to one -- they're fun! This one is among my favorites because, rather than try to re-create a village in Holland or Spain, it's centered on a specific time in Japan's history, the Age of the Warring States -- the Sengoku Era (1477-1573), when local warlords struggled for supremacy, and the Azuchi-Momoyama Era (1573-98), when Oda Nobunaga gained control of the land and finally put an end to civil war. In keeping with the theme of this Japanese equivalent of Dodge City, all the staff are dressed in 16th-century costumes, and attractions reflect the pre-Edo Era; visually, it looks just like a movie set. You can watch period dramas such as the action-charged antics of a ninja troupe, be spooked at haunted houses, try to negotiate 11 challenging obstacles in the Ninja Labyrinth, or try your hand at throwing ninja weapons at a target. There are no thrill rides here, but there are old-fashioned game centers, including shooting ranges using bows and arrows and other weaponry of the era. That gold-roofed castle is dedicated to Nobunaga, who built Azuchi Castle; its top-floor, lined with real gold, has a great views. You'll spend 2 to 3 hours here.