Tobu World Square is the quirkiest stop on the Nikko map, a park where more than a hundred of the world's best-known buildings stand in 1:25-scale miniature. Landmarks are grouped by region, so you can walk from Egypt's pyramids to the Eiffel Tower and Big Ben in a few minutes, and Japanese sights such as Toshogu and Himeji Castle are included. The models are strikingly detailed, with tiny figures and landscaping around them, and the park also has more than 20,000 bonsai trees. It is flat, easy and suited to children and anyone who enjoys detail. The park is open every day, with longer days in summer and shorter hours in winter, usually 9:30 to 4 pm, and it has its own railway station on the Tobu Kinugawa Line, one stop from Kinugawa Onsen. An advance ticket helps if you want to skip the ticket line.
The best way to enjoy the park is slowly. Pick a handful of models you know and walk around each to see the details, looking for the small human touches around each building. Check the park's calendar for any special events, because it closes in the late afternoon in winter.
Practical details
Entry is a standard day ticket, and the last admission is one hour before closing. The route is almost entirely flat, so strollers and wheelchairs manage well, but it is outdoors and cold in winter, so wear warm clothes. Allow two to three hours, a little more with children. The ticket sold through our booking link is a mobile ticket delivered to your accommodation in Japan, so you need to give the hotel name and address at checkout, and it cannot be changed or refunded.
Getting there is easy
Take the Tobu line one stop from Kinugawa Onsen, about three minutes, or a bus that takes about five minutes. The Nikko All Area Pass covers the bus. Tobu World Square pairs naturally with Edo Wonderland on a Kinugawa day, and with an evening in the onsen town. It is also a very good wet-weather choice when a hike or the high-country sights are out.
What to expect
The experience
A flat outdoor walk past 1:25-scale models of world landmarks, grouped by region, with a bonsai display.
Best time
Weekday mornings; in winter the shorter hours mean you should start early.
How long
Two to three hours.
Tips
Wear warm clothes, note that the last admission is one hour before closing, and give your hotel details at checkout, because the ticket is delivered to your accommodation.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Families and travellers who love detail and landmarks.
- Families
- A very good fit: flat, visual and easy for children to enjoy.
- Couples
- A light-hearted stop rather than a romantic one.
- Pair with
- Edo Wonderland and a night in Kinugawa Onsen.
- Time needed
- Two to three hours.
Good questions
What is at Tobu World Square?+
It has 1:25-scale models of famous buildings from around the world, grouped by region, plus a large bonsai display.
Is it open every day?+
Yes, there are no regular closing days. Hours are longer in summer and shorter in winter, typically 9:30 to 4 pm.
How do I reach it?+
It has its own station on the Tobu Kinugawa Line, one stop from Kinugawa Onsen, about three minutes. A bus also takes about five minutes.
How does the ticket work?+
The ticket we link to is a mobile ticket delivered to your accommodation in Japan, so you must supply the hotel name and address. It is non-refundable.
How long do I need?+
Two to three hours is usual, longer with children or if you enjoy photographing the models.
