Nara Dreamland, inspired by Disneyland in California, was a popular theme park near Nara, Japan, when it first opened in 1961. Unfortunately, on August 29, 2006, the theme park closed permanently because of low visitor numbers, possibly due to the popularity of Universal Studios Japan, which opened in nearby Osaka, and it’s been abandoned ever since.
5. Had Its Own Mascots
Believe it or not, the park also had its own mascots that were semi-inspired by Disney characters: Ran-chan and Dori-chan, which were basically two kids dressed as bear-skinned guards.
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4. Popular with Urban Explorers
Nara Dreamland is a popular destination for haikyoists, or urban explorers. Many have reported hearing strange noises near the park’s boats, and speculate that it may be caused by a running water pump or a type of bull frog.
3. Had 9 Attractions Before Closing
Before the park closed in 2006, it contained several rides, including: Aska, a wooden roller coaster based on The Cyclone at Coney Island; Screw Coaster, an Arrow Development designed double corkscrew steel roller coaster; Bobsleigh, a steel roller coaster modeled after the Matterhorn Bobsleds; Fantasy Coaster; Kid’s Coaster; Figure-8 monorail; carousel; a Jungle Cruise styled ride, and a log flume.
2. Had a Matterhorn-Style Ride
It also had a Matterhorn-type mountain (with a Matterhorn Bobsleds-type ride, called Bobsleigh), and the skyway running through it, as well as an Autopia-type pubs and a monorail.
1. Entrance Designed to Look Like Disneyland
The entrance to the park was designed to look almost identical to Disneyland, including the Train depot, a Main Street, U.S.A. and the familiar Sleeping Beauty Castle at the hub.
