■Self-Introduction
Hello, my name is THEINGI HTET and I am from Myanmar. During my university years in Myanmar, I met people from a Japanese company involved in robot development and when I heard about a robot project from them which sparked my interest in Japan. I wanted to work in Japan if given the chance, so I started learning about the country and its culture on my own. Thanks to the support of my parents who encouraged my dream, I was able to study abroad in Japan. I am currently attending a CAD drawing vocational school to gain foundational knowledge in architecture, preparing for employment in Japan. My future goal is to become a system engineer.
Hobbies: Reading, listening to podcasts, and skiing
■Have you heard of Tobu World Square in Nikko City, Tochigi Prefecture?
Today, I would like to introduce Tobu World Square, a world architectural museum located in Nikko City, Tochigi Prefecture. This theme park showcases famous buildings and world heritage sites from around the world, reproduced at a 1:25 scale. Visitors can enjoy a global tour and learn about history and culture. Before visiting, I thought the entrance fee of 2,800 yen was expensive. However, after experiencing it, I was amazed by how meticulously the details were recreated. I soon felt the 2,800 yen was quite reasonable for the experience. Here, I will share the highlights and my recommended points of Tobu World Square.
■The appeal of Tobu World Square
Attraction 1: Overwhelming Scale
The biggest charm of this theme park is its overwhelming scale. The park features replicas of famous buildings from around the world, such as the Eiffel Tower in France, the Pyramids in Egypt, and the Statue of Liberty in the USA, all scaled to 1:25 with intricate details. Visitors are left in awe as they witness these finely crafted miniatures.
★The Most Impressive Exhibit I saw:The exhibit that left the strongest impression on me was the miniature models of the three great pyramids in the Egypt zone. I have always been curious about how the ancient Egyptians built such massive pyramids after seeing them in movies. I closely examined the models of the three pyramids, including the Great Pyramid of Giza(the Pyramid of Khufu), and read the captions. I realized that the details in the Egypt zone were reproduced so faithfully that it sparked my curiosity to learn more about the pyramids.
Attraction 2: Tiny Inhabitants Standing 7 cm Tall
The second charm of the theme park is the 7 cm tall miniature figures. If you look at the pictures, you’ll notice tiny human-shaped figurines around the models. These 140,000 tiny figurines are placed throughout the park and look so realistic that they make you feel as though you’re peering into the lives of the people depicted. These small details add to the realism of the scale models. Some of the figurines even recreate scenes from movies, so be sure to take a closer look when you visit.
■A Delightful Discovery!!
What made me the happiest during my visit to Tobu World Square was discovering a replica of the Ananda Temple from the Bagan Archaeological Zone, which was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2019. Bagan is one of Myanmar’s most important Buddhist sites, and the Ananda Temple is considered one of the greatest examples of Myanmar temple architecture. The replica at Tobu World Square is a 1:25 scale model, and its exquisite craftsmanship made me feel as if I was experiencing the temple’s sacred atmosphere. Seeing it filled me with joy and reminded me of my homeland.
★Key Highlight : The Pagoda (Stupa):A pagoda is a tower used to house relics or teachings of the Buddha, and it is an important place for devout followers. The pagoda inside the replica of the Ananda Temple is finely detailed with intricate decorations and beautiful patterns, allowing visitors to appreciate its beauty. When you visit, be sure to observe the fine details.
■Important Notes for Visiting Tobu World Square
• Be aware of potential crowding.
• Dress according to the weather (especially your footwear!).
• Familiarize yourself with the rules at the venue.
Since Tobu World Square is a popular tourist destination, it can get crowded during holidays, long weekends, or special events. It’s a good idea to check crowd predictions before your visit. The park has many outdoor areas, so dress appropriately for the weather and wear comfortable shoes. Also, there are rules for photography and eating in certain areas, so be sure to check the official website in advance.
■How to Get to Tobu World Square
Please refer to the official website for access information:
■Conclusion
I hope you enjoyed learning about Tobu World Square and its attractions in Nikko City, Tochigi Prefecture. Tobu World Square is not just a museum with miniature models; it offers a wonderful opportunity to learn and experience different cultures. The park also hosts seasonal events, so you can visit any time and enjoy a unique experience with family or friends. I highly recommend you visit and explore the charm of Tobu World Square for yourself! Thank you for reading until the end.