Tobu World Square, Miniature park in Kinugawa Onsen, Japan
Tobu World Square is a miniature park in Nikko displaying more than 100 scale replicas of worldwide landmarks at a 1:25 ratio. The models stand in themed areas accessible by walking paths and represent different continents.
The idea came from Nezu Kaichirō II around 1986–1987, and Tobu Railway's leisure development division drew up the plan. Tobu built the park as a project marking its 95th anniversary in 1992, at a total cost of about 14 billion yen, and it opened on 24 April 1993. Tobu ran it directly until March 2002, when operations passed to the subsidiary Tobu World Square Co.
The geographic sections of the park display structures from different world regions with details such as trees, streets and public squares rendered in miniature. Visitors can view the reproductions up close and observe the construction techniques of each culture.
A visit works well as a half to full day activity depending on interest in the models. Photography is allowed and restrooms with rest areas are located throughout the grounds.
The park opened on 24 April 1993 with 102 models, a play on the Japanese reading of "Tobu" (10-2). Some miniatures outlast their originals: the old Imperial Hotel, the World Trade Center and Notre-Dame cathedral stand here though the real structures are gone. A 1:25 Tokyo Skytree, 26 m tall, was added on 24 April 2010, two years before the real tower was finished.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 92,765 contributors worldwide.
