Izu Wild Kingdom: Before & After

What was once a roadside attraction featuring stuffed animals from all over the world is now a thrift store filled with junk. The building remains the same as well as some of the interior decorations (fake palm trees and blue painted sky background), but it now houses racks of used dishes, clothing, broken electronics, and stuff that looks like trash. Back in 2004, I was fortunate enough to visit Wild Kingdom just before it closed down for good. I remember us being the only people there, and half the animals were dried up and falling apart. I didn't think it would last long.

Maboroshi Hakurankai

Some more pictures from Maboroshi Hakurankai. Here's a reproduction of a seventies toy store. There are some new toys in there as well, but it's a pretty good display considering the other exhibits consist of junk and trash (literally).

Maboroshi Hakurankai

Took another trip to Maboroshi Hakurankai in Izu. Here are some more pictures of the "Yasui Big Circus" taxidermy and mannequin pile-up.

Ultraman vs. Hidora Exhibition

Izu's Shaboten Park was the location for the Ultraman episode "Terror On Route 87" which was filmed in the late 60s. The bird-like statue in the episode was actually an attraction at the park, and is still standing today. Shaboten Park features a live action "Ultra Heroes" show in the summer, and this year they set up a small Ultraman vs. Hidora (the monster in the episode) exhibition. The exhibition showcases Hidora (Hydra in the English version), and includes a small prop display and an Ultraman timeline. There's also a stage set up for photographs and exclusive Ultraman items available. Ultraman geeks might find this pretty interesting.

Maboroshi Hakurankai Part 2

Some more pictures of Maboroshi Hakurankai.

Maboroshi Hakurankai Part 1

Maboroshi Hakurankai is a new "theme park" in Izu. It just recently opened (July 16th) at the site of the Izu Green Park, which closed about 10 years back. Izu Green Park was pretty much in ruins (and still is) until Japanese publisher Data House took over and created this crazy attraction. Maboroshi Hakurankai is a "museum" featuring 3 areas in 3 separate buildings of the park: Ancient Civilization, the Showa Period, and Post War Japan. There are no food or souvenir stands, only a tiny bookstore featuring books on topics such as: how to kill yourself, sex techniques, famous killers, penguins, and stupid Americans. I can't even describe this place, everything inside is pretty much recycled junk, a lot of which came from two pretty amazing adult museums which are now closed: the Ganso Kokusai Hihokan and the Toba SF Miraikan, both in Mie Prefecture. The now clothed sex mannequins still stand in their sultry poses but no longer in adult situations. Yeah, they kinda go along with the themes of their respective areas, but half of the displays make no sense at all. Sounds like the last place you'd want to visit on a vacation to Izu. NOT. This place is heaven. There is just so much craziness going on it blows the mind. I can't even begin to describe the strange sensation and fear of just walking through the exhibits. The sights, smells, the mystery, the creepiness. I hope these pictures can better describe the insanity of Maboroshi Hakurankai.

Whac-A-%$#@

The Atami Adult Museum added this piece to its collection last year. It's a modified version of the classic whac-a-mole arcade game, with the moles replaced with men's and women's private parts. One more reason to visit.

Roadside Japan

ちょっと贅沢なビールです。

Shirakaba Lake Ruins

I have this image of Shirakaba Lake being a bustling resort area during the 80s, with lots of hotels lining the artificial lake, souvenir shops, and small restaurants. Of the dozen or so hotels in the area, fewer than half of them remain open. And the ones that didn't make it stand there rotting through the years. It's amazing how they allow them to stay there, only boarding up a few windows and doors. Looking through some of the windows, you can still see the lobbies and coffee shops exactly the way there were the day the doors shut for good.

Summer Is Yokai Season

Kappa Boogers

Kappa no Hanakuso (Kappa Boogers). Found these in Nagano Prefecture a while back, crunchy chocolate balls filled with peanuts. Cool packaging and a funny idea, but they get a low scone on taste. Or are these supposed to taste like real kappa boogers?

Fruit Orchestra

This is the "Fruit Orchestra" playground at the Hamamatsu Fruit Park in Shizuoka Prefecture. The highlight of the playground is the long slide extending from the top of the four story high pineapple. As it's designed for kids, the slope is pretty mild. I wasn't able to make it down without stopping one or twice along the way. The Fruit Park also has several groves, where you can pick your own fruit depending on the season.

Cute Samurai Award

Meet Hachimaru, Nagoya City's samurai mascot. He just happened to be visiting Matsumoto Castle last week while I was there. Hachimaru was born the same time as Nagoya City about 400 years ago. He has 3 dorky friends which fortunately did not come to Matsumoto with him. Hachimaru was super friendly, throwing poses and taking photos with anyone who wanted one.

Goofy Mascot Award

This is Mokko, mascot character of the Alps Azumino National Government Park in Nagano Prefecture. She's 14 years old and likes birdwatching. Nice try, but not even close. This character is far from cute, which is a requirement for any mascot in Japan. The park was great, just please send Mokko to the wood chipper.

Metal Beetle

This huge metal beetle is located at Flower Park Fiore Kobuchisawa in Yamanashi Prefecture. The park also has a huge insect museum displaying tons of butterflies and beetles from all over the world. It's about 2 or 3 hours outside of Tokyo, well worth a visit if you can make it out there.