Inside haunting theme park left abandoned for 18 years with empty stadium and decaying Ferris wheel
Despite almost two decades having passed, an empty landscape reminiscent of 1800s America still remains.
Advertisement
12
Western Village theme park has been abandoned for 18 years
Credit: SWNS
12
The former attraction is located in Japan
Credit: SWNS
12
The park featured a Mount Rushmore-esque replica
Credit: SWNS
Urban explorer Lukka Bradburn, 28, had been investigating ghost towns left behind following the 2011
The dad-of-two from Manchester discovered an entire derelict colonial American town area with hotels, churches and restaurants.
It originally opened in 1973 and was inspired by classic American and Italian Western movies,
Advertisement
Read more Travel stories
Ultimately, the park later closed as a result of competition from Tokyo Disneyland.
Lukka found an intact replica of Mount Rushmore, as well as a stadium where crowds once watched jousting and other sports.
12
Kejonuma Leisure Land had a decaying ferris wheel
Credit: SWNS
12
Kejonuma Leisure Land also has a derelict carousel ride
Credit: SWNS
Advertisement
12
Western Village's arcade has the original machines
Credit: SWNS
The site also
features
mannequins depicting life in 'Wild West' America, while the gift shop was boarded-up and heavily damaged.
Lukka found a prop gun on the floor and also an arcade with all the original machines.
Most read in News Travel
He also explored the remains of fellow attraction Kejonuma Leisure Land.
Advertisement
This had once attracted 200,000 visitors in the remote Tohoku region, until shutting in 2001.
Lukka found a decaying ferris wheel, children's train rides and carousels.
It closed following falling demand and the struggling Japanese economy.
I visited eerie abandoned theme park once filled with laughter but now left frozen in time…it's like the apocalypse hit
Lukka had been visiting
Japan
with some exploring friends when he found the parks after researching on Google Maps.
Advertisement
Revealing both sites were easily accessed, he said: "The Western one had a bit of a fence but you could pretty much just walk in.
"There was no security or anyone watching over it; it was just left to rot."
Lukka added: "As we got to one park it was heavily snowing and we were having to get through all these bushes. It was quite overgrown."
12
Western Village features mannequins reminiscent of its Wild West theme
Credit: SWNS
Advertisement
12
The park shut its doors back in 2007
Credit: SWNS
12
Western Village contained buildings included churches and restaurants
Credit: SWNS
He and his friends came across another urban explorer - a Japanese man who revealed he used to visit the park as a child.
Advertisement
The man spoke limited English, but told the group how he'd returned to take photos of the park.
Lukka is planning a return to
Japan
next
year to explore more red zones - as well as abandoned island.
Use these tips on your next theme park trip
Next time you visit a theme park, you may want to use our top tips to make the most of your adrenaline-inducing day out.
Go to the back of the theme park first. Rides at the front will have the longest queues as soon as it opens.
Go on water rides in the middle of the day in the summer - this will cool you off when the sun is at its hottest.
Download the park's app to track which rides have the shortest queues.
Visit on your birthday, as some parks give out "birthday badges" that can get you freebies.
If it rains, contact the park. Depending on how much it rained, you may get a free ticket to return.
It comes as an abandoned UK theme park
Adventure Wonderland opened in
Bournemouth
in 1992, with rides and rollercoasters based on Alice in Wonderland.
Advertisement
The park was forced to close all of its outdoor rides back in 2023 due to "rising costs".
New plans that
have been submitted will see the theme park become a smaller adventure
.
12
Lukka found the sites while researching on Google Maps
Credit: SWNS
12
Kenjonuma Leisure Land closed back in 2001
Credit: SWNS
Advertisement
12
It closed after falling demand and the struggling Japanese economy
Credit: SWNS
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Irish Independent
9 hours ago
- Irish Independent
Today's top TV and streaming choices: What Happened at Hiroshima, Lady Bird and King of The Hill
Na Féilte Tine RTÉ One, 6.30pm The series examining our ancient seasonal festivals ends with Lúnasa, which continues to be celebrated via modern events across the country. There's also a chance to find out how Edwina Guckian's Irish Culture Retreat carries on certain traditions in Leitrim. BBC One, 8.30pm To mark the 80th anniversary of atomic bombs being dropped on the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, reporter Jordan Dunbar meets the world's only nuclear explosion survivors. They discuss their experiences while also revealing their fears for the possible future use of such devastating weapons. The Veil RTÉ2, 10.40pm Emir's arrival in Paris causes problems for Max, while Adilah's concerns for her daughter's safety prompt her to tell Imogen a revealing secret — something she may live to regret. Lady Bird TG4, 9.30pm Greta Gerwig's acclaimed comedy-drama benefits from a brilliant performance by Saoirse Ronan as the titular teen who is about to face family issues and romantic difficulties. King of The Hill Disney+, streaming now Between this and the return of South Park, it's 1997 all over again (if only). Hank and Peggy return to Arlen after building their retirement fund in Saudi Arabia (peddling propane, obvs), while Bobby now lives it up in Dallas as a chef. For more grown-up animation, there's also Eyes of Wakanda. Hunting The Yorkshire Ripper Prime Video, streaming now Not to be confused with Jack the Ripper, Peter Sutcliffe shared a taste for misdirection and was ultimately facilitated by a Wearside Jack, whose notes and tapes led the police astray back in the 1970s. Fifty years later, retired detective Chris Gregg assembles a cold case team to hunt the impersonator who kept Sutcliffe's crimes alive. Trainwreck: Storm Area 51 Netflix, streaming now Frankly, I don't mind that they're starting to get repetitive; it's still appointment viewing every week in Chez McGinley. In 2019, a joke Facebook event to 'storm Area 51' went viral, drawing millions and triggering warnings from US authorities. Indeed, it does sound exceedingly similar to last month's Real Project X instalment, but I'm still here for it. Conversations with a Killer: The Son of Sam Tapes Netflix, streaming now 'Tis the turn of David Berkowitz's police tapes to get an airing. This chilling docuseries unpacks the Son of Sam killings, exposing Berkowitz's disturbing mindset he unleashed on 1970s NYC. Brady and the Blues Prime Video, streaming now Prime appears to be chasing some of that Welcome to Wrexham magic with a new sports docuseries featuring NFL icon Tom Brady. Mind you, this could be entirely different given Brady, at 3.3pc, is very much a minority stakeholder in Birmingham City FC. Perfect Match Netflix, streaming now Netflix's biggest reality stars – from Love Is Blind to Too Hot To Handle – head to paradise to search for love (or more followers) in a strategic dating showdown. So, like Battle Camp but with more bikinis. For more 'unscripted' drama, WWE: Unreal takes fans inside the writer's room for a look at the chaos behind the curtain. Leanne Netflix, streaming now Leanne Morgan's world flips when her husband leaves after 33 years. Menopausal and newly single, she leans on her family – especially her fierce sister Carol (Kristen Johnston) – to tackle this next chapter with Southern grit and lashings of 'jello salad'. Chuck Lorre is involved, so it can't be too bad.
The Irish Sun
15 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Loni Anderson dead: Burt Reynolds' ex-wife & 80s actress dies aged 79 after ‘prolonged' illness as family pays tribute
WKRP in Cincinnati aired from 1978-1982 and was set in a lagging Ohio radio station trying to reinvent itself with rock music. STAR GONE Loni Anderson dead: Burt Reynolds' ex-wife & 80s actress dies aged 79 after 'prolonged' illness as family pays tribute Loni Anderson, who played a struggling radio stations empowered receptionist on the hit TV comedy WKRP in Cincinnati, has died. The star passed away on Sunday, just days before her 80th birthday. Advertisement 5 Loni Anderson has passed away Credit: Getty 5 American actress Loni Anderson poses for a portrait in Los Angeles, California, circa 1980 Credit: Getty 5 WKRP in Cincinnati cast member Loni Anderson who played the part of Jennifer Marlow Credit: Getty 5 WKRP in Cincinnati aired from 1978-1982 Credit: Getty Anderson died at a Los Angeles hospital following a prolonged illness, said her longtime publicist, Cheryl J. Kagan. "We are heartbroken to announce the passing of our dear wife, mother and grandmother," Anderson's family said in a statement. WKRP in Cincinnati aired from 1978-1982 and was set in a lagging Ohio radio station trying to reinvent itself with rock music. The cast included Gary Sandy, Tim Reid, Howard Hesseman, Frank Bonner and Jan Smithers, alongside Anderson as the sexy and smart Jennifer Marlowe. Advertisement As the stations receptionist, the blonde and high-heeled Jennifer used her sex appeal to deflect unwanted business calls for her boss, Mr. Carlson. Her efficiency often kept the station running in the face of others incompetence. The role earned her two Emmy Award and three Golden Globe nominations. Anderson starred on the big screen alongside Burt Reynolds in the 1983 comedy Stroker Ace and the two later married and became tabloid fixtures before divorcing in 1994. Advertisement Anderson is survived by her husband Bob Flick, daughter Deidra and son-in law Charlie Hoffman, son Quinton Anderson Reynolds, grandchildren McKenzie and Megan Hoffman, stepson Adam Flick and wife Helene, step-grandchildren Felix and Maximilian.
The Irish Sun
19 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Rita Ora teams up with Netflix to secretly record new song for massive series
Find out which A-list rapper and singer appeared in the ring at WWE's Summerslam STAR'S NEW TRACK Rita Ora teams up with Netflix to secretly record new song for massive series RITA ORA sure has her fingers in a lot of pies. I can reveal the singer/actress/presenter has recorded a new song for the upcoming second series of Netflix hit Love Is Blind UK. Sources tell me Joy is a powerful track about finding inner peace and is expected to be released in the coming days. Rather than being on her upcoming fourth album, Joy will be a stand-alone song that will debut in a TV trailer for the dating show then drop on Spotify and Amazon Music. A source said: 'It's no secret that Rita loves love so she jumped at the chance to record a track for Love Is Blind UK. Joy is very much a mini side-project rather than being part of the new album. 'The song will be used on the show and be available to stream but there are no plans for a video or to send it to radio.' Honestly, I don't know when Rita finds the time. 7 Rita Ora has recorded a new song for the upcoming second series of Netflix hit Love Is Blind UK Credit: Getty MARIAH'S PRIDE 'N' JOY 7 Mariah Carey glitters as she hits the stage to headline Brighton Pride Credit: Getty 7 American diva Mariah in a shiny ombre dress and pink jacket Credit: Getty MARIAH CAREY glittered in front of thousands of fans in four different figure-hugging outfits as she hit the stage to headline Brighton Pride. The American diva arrived in a shiny ombre dress and pink jacket, which featured the phrase 'protect the dolls' on the back, as she pledged her support to the trans community. Later, during her 90-minute set, she changed into another dazzling minidress, as well as a gold shift and floor-length black gown. Mariah told the crowd: 'The LGBTQ+ family, both as a community and as individuals have been here for me for so long. I just want you to know that I'll always, always be there for you.' Mariah Carey, 56, wears FOUR figure-hugging outfits and puts on leggy display as she headlines Brighton Pride The show, which featured hits including Fantasy and her new single Sugar Sweet, topped off a day of festivities, ahead of the second day yesterday which was headlined by Sugababes. Earlier on Saturday, Attitude magazine kicked off the annual event with a party at the i360 tower which was attended by Dame Kelly Holmes, Caity Baser and Rob Rinder. CARDI'S FLOP RAP 7 Cardi B is preparing to go fight or flight in this bird-themed feathered outfit Credit: Splash LOOKS like Cardi B is preparing to go fight or flight in this bird-themed feathered outfit. The rapper looked ready for take-off as she entered the ring to kick off the opening night of the WWE Summerslam 2025 wrestling extravaganza in New Jersey on Saturday. But rather than singing or fighting, Cardi was simply there to launch the event, teasing music from her upcoming second album Am I The Drama? As she strutted to the ring, a new Cardi track was blasted through the stadium, sending fans into a meltdown online. Her long-awaited follow-up to 2018's Invasion Of Privacy is out on September 19. Hope it's worth the wait. GAGA IN TRIBUTE TO OZZY 7 Lady Gaga reached out to Kelly Osbourne's family Credit: Getty DESPITE being in the middle of a world tour, Lady Gaga is finding time to support others. I'm told she was so moved by the death of Ozzy Osbourne that she sent a huge bouquet to his grieving wife Sharon and the family. The move is a full-circle moment for the two women after Sharon branded the hitmaker an attention-seeker in 2013. That came after Gaga locked horns with her daughter Kelly Osbourne after she criticised the singer for not stopping to greet fans. A source said: 'The flowers must have cost hundreds but Gaga wanted to reach out. 'Gaga has always been a huge fan of Ozzy and the Osbournes – before she was famous she even used to strip to Black Sabbath's Black Sabbath. "She once told Ozzy – he found it hilarious.' The kind gesture comes after Gaga closed her San Francisco show last month by belting out Ozzy's 1980 hit Crazy Train as a tribute. CHAPPELL SLINKS IN 7 Chappell Roan slipped into Oasis's latest London gig undetected Credit: Getty - Contributor SHE'S one of the biggest stars on the planet, but Chappell Roan was able to slip into Oasis's latest London gig undetected. The singer, who released new single The Subway last week, was seen in the crowd at Wembley on Saturday – singing away to the hits. Frank Lampard and Nicole Appleton also snubbed a swanky suite to mix with regular fans. OASIS fever is still sweeping the UK. Yesterday the Y Not Festival in Derbyshire was forced to upgrade tribute act Noasis to the main stage. They were due to play an 800-capacity slot but bosses had a rethink after more than double that number of guests saved the slot on their festival app. The Diana Mixtape musical @ Outernet, London ★★★★☆ 7 Hear'Say's Noel Sullivan and actress Lucinda Lawrence Credit: Supplied YOU might think a stage musical about Princess Diana would be sad, yet The Diana Mixtape is anything but. With five world-class drag queens from RuPaul's Drag Race playing the People's Princess while singing classics from Kylie, Lady Gaga and Billie Eilish, it's utterly joyous from start to finish. The crowd at Outernet London lapped it up. A shout out also needs to go to Hear'Say's Noel Sullivan and actress Lucinda Lawrence, for their Charles and Camilla romp to Dua Lipa's Physical. Hilarious. Greatest Showman star Keala Settle brought even more fun as Elizabeth II, but ultimately it was the queens who shone brightest. It's on at Outernet until Sunday then The Lowry, Salford, from August 19-21. OLIVIA RODRIGO's 2021 album Sour is still breaking records. The release has become the first album on Spotify to have four songs with more than two billion streams each. Traitor, Drivers License, Deja Vu and Good 4 U have all passed the milestone. Not bad for an album the US star wrote when she was just 17.
