Biwako Wanwan Oukoku, Dog theme park in Moriyama, Japan
Biwako Wanwan Oukoku was an amusement park in Moriyama dedicated entirely to dogs and their enthusiasts. The grounds stretched along the shore of Lake Biwa, with multiple zones where visitors could meet and play with 360 dogs representing 80 different breeds.
The park opened in October 1998 and welcomed around 700,000 visitors each year until its closure in January 2005. It emerged during a period when Japan saw growing demand for entertainment centered on pets and animals.
The establishment reflected Japan's growing interest in pet-friendly entertainment venues during the late 1990s, offering dog shows and parades.
Adults paid an entry fee of 1,800 yen and children 900 yen to access the dog interaction areas throughout the grounds. Visitors were required to leave their own dogs at the entrance, as only the park animals were allowed inside.
A wooden dog sculpture named Biwa Ko stood 13 meters (43 feet) tall and contained an observation deck built into its head. Visitors could climb inside to look out over the park and the nearby lake through the windows in the dog's face.
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