Godzilla: 5 Places in Japan to Meet the King of Monsters

Meet Godzilla in Japan

The King of Monsters is here! Godzilla has invaded Japan and seeks vengeance, ready to wreck the cities while baring his teeth!

You can find exciting locations across the country offering a wide range of Godzilla-related activities. From hiking active volcanic islands with black deserts to bustling cities and Godzilla theme parks, you are sure to come across this gigantic creature.

In this article, we introduce a variety of activities and locations where Godzilla can be spotted. Witness the many different faces of Godzilla in Japan and, who knows, maybe he will be where you visit next!

5 Places in Japan Where You Can Meet Godzilla

1. Godzilla Interception Operation Awaji: Zipline and Face Godzilla Head-on!
2. Kurihama Flower Park: A Monster Surrounded by Flowers
3. Godzilla Invades Tokyo
4. Japan's Coastal Lines: 6 Rock Formations from Nagasaki to Hokkaido!
5. Izu Oshima Island: The Return of Godzilla

1. Godzilla Interception Operation Awaji: Zipline and Face Godzilla Head-on!

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The first Godzilla theme park in Japan! Godzilla Interception Operation Awaji is a fascinating and interactive attraction that has been installed on Hyogo's Awaji Island. The attraction includes exciting activities such as ziplining, shooting games, and the world's first Godzilla museum.

Picture courtesy of PR Times

Godzilla can be found emerging from the earth at Nijigen no Mori Park. Baring his teeth, Godzilla's figure is extremely detailed from the scales on the mutant lizard's back to the textured teeth.

Roaring with fog rolling from the depths of his throat and glowing blue, Godzilla seems to be charging his atomic breath attack, a powerful blue beam! Take him head-on and find the courage to zip line into his mouth if you dare! If you want to play it safe and get a different view of the monster, take the zipline that runs alongside the giant.

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Godzilla Interception Strategy: Take on this mission and shoot the anti-Godzilla cells surrounding Shin Godzilla's body! Make sure to avoid the counterattacks by crouching down and build up points to reach a new high score.

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After a day of ziplining, head on over to the Godzilla Museum, the world's first-ever permanent Godzilla museum! The installation includes scenes, suits, and buildings that were originally used in the movie set for Shin Godzilla 2016. The museum displays an array of different monster figures, with over one hundred of them originally owned by Toho Studios, the studio behind the successful filming and creation of the movies.

Marvel over the fascinating content and detailed displays and appreciate the effort that goes into creating these magnificent movies.

Choose from over two hundred Godzilla items at the museum's shop, and purchase original goods, a paradise for Godzilla merchandise collectors!

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Stroll on over to the special effects studio and make your own movie with Godzilla! Edit videos and co-star with the king of monsters inside the museum. Feel like a movie director inside this professional-looking shooting studio, and have the special opportunity to see the original Godzilla suit that was used in the 2004 movie, "Godzilla FINAL WARS."

Godzilla Interception Operation Awaji
Location: Hyogo, Awaji, Kusumoto 656-2301
Hours: 10:00- 20:00
Official website: https://nijigennomori.com/en/

2. Kurihama Flower Park: A Monster Surrounded by Flowers

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Look into the glaring eyes of this Godzilla up close as he bares his claws! Kurihama Flower Park located in Yokosuka, Kanagawa Prefecture, has a gigantic Godzilla slide surrounded by a field of flowers.

A perfect location for families and a fun trip day trip away from Tokyo, enjoy Yokotsuka's friendly and international atmosphere and unique attractions!

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Nemophila flowers can be found in the fields blooming in May around the installation. Beside the park's pathways, they flourish on top of the hill giving an illusion that the world is painted in blue, connecting with the sky.

Photo by Pixta

This stunning spot has views of the ocean and the local townscape. The destructive aura of the King of Monsters against the background of delicate flowers and the ocean scape is a rare site to behold!

Surrounded by flowers, this Godzilla is willing to get in touch with his gentle side. Don't miss this whimsical location when visiting Yokosuka!

Photo by Pixta
in the Kurhihama Flower Park, streams of colorful carp kites can be seen hanging above the flowers around Golden Week, Japan's series of national holidays in early May! Combined with the one million poppies blooming in spring, Yokosuka is full of color and cheer in spring!

Photo by Pixta

Although Godzilla and flowers may seem like a strange combination, it makes a relaxing day out for all the family and friends. Take a photo with Godzilla and watch as he towers over Yokosuka City ready to conquer it!

There are various Godzilla slides and parks in Japan from Izu Oshima Island to Biwanokage Sports Park in Fukushima, but by far the largest and most impressive is the slide and park that can be found here, in Kurihama Flower Park.

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Slide down his back and tail! The slide is a fun and amusing attribute to the park, some may even say it's the star of the show!

The stark contrast between the vibrant flowers and the towering, powerful stance of Godzilla is quite a rare sight to see. Bizarrely, they complement each other and create a fun and rare scene, perfect for Godzilla lovers, flower lovers, and families.

Photo by Pixta
To access Kurihama Park from Tokyo, take the train from Shinagawa Station and arrive in just 19 minutes at Yokohama Station! From there, take the blue-colored Keiyku Line to Keikyu Kurihama Station for 37 minutes. Once there, the KurIhama Flower Park is a 16-minute walk away.

Why not take a day or weekend trip to Yokosuka and experience stunning views and a slide down Godzilla's back? The beachside areas of Zushi and Kamakura are nearby! This area is easy to access and a great peaceful escape from the busy Tokyo!

Kurihama Flower Park
Address: Kanagawa, Yokosuka, Shinmeicho 239-0832
Hours: 8:30 - 17:30
Official website: https://www.kanagawaparks.com/kurihama/ (Japanese)

Bonus! See Godzilla's Footprint in Yokosuka

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If you are in Yokosuka and taking a stroll along Kannonzaki Beach you can come across Godzilla's footprint. Once where the original Godzilla slide was placed in 1958, the original was a lot smaller than the Kurihamas Godzilla slide. After gaining popularity the local community remade the attraction and placed it in Kurihama Park!

Due to this historical background, you can find Godzilla's foot imprinted into the concrete along this coastal front!

It's fun to imagine that Godzilla made it onto land after destroying a ship off the coast, then made his way onto land to cause havoc in Yokosuka before coming to destroy the not-so-far-away Tokyo.

Location: Kanagawa, Yokosuka, Kamoi 239-0813

3. Godzilla Invades Tokyo! Meet Him in Hibiya and Shinjuku

Originally using Tokyo as his battlefield destroying cityscapes as he fought his enemies, crashing into buildings, and leaving wreckage behind, Godzilla has visited cities around the world but is still strongly associated with his original roots of Japan. Wander through Tokyo and see famous landmarks that are included in the Godzilla franchise.

Here to restore balance to the world, Godzilla has been a hit since his first appearance in "Godzilla, King of the Monsters."

Released in 1954, not long after WWII, the movie depicts Godzilla being awoken from nuclear testing and seeking revenge upon Japan and its use of deadly and destructive nuclear weapons by attacking Tokyo. The running theme of nuclear weapons and radiation can be seen across the Godzilla franchise and serves as a stark reminder of the danger to the world from these hazardous weapons.

To this day, you can see Godzilla scattered throughout Tokyo such as this statue displayed in Yukuracho, Hibya Tokyo Midtown. Glowing a deep blue at night, the mutant lizard roars towards the sky, positioned in front of TOHO Cinemas Hibiya.

Hibya Tokyo Midtown
Location: Tokyo, Chiyoda, Yurakucho 1-2-2

Photo by Pixta
You can also see Godzilla roaring while looking down the streets of Kabukicho, appearing as if he were trapped in the Toho Cinema building and about to break through the infrastructure.

Make sure to watch your step and spot the Godzilla-decorated manholes as you approach the front of the Toho Cinemas building, a nice additional detail to this already Godzilla-fied area.

TOHO Cinemas Shinjuku
Address: Tokyo, Shinjuku, Kabukicho, 1-19-1 Shinjuku Toho Building Floor 3

Look up and see Godzilla towering over Shinjuku! This famous landmark is part of the Hotel Gracery Shinjuku building and can be seen from the streets of Kabukicho. This gigantic Godzilla looms over the cityscape making you feel as small as an ant!

Photo by Pixta

To get up close to Godzilla visit Hotel Gracery Shinjuku and take the elevator to the eighth floor. There you will find an observation deck where you can get a bird's eye view of Shinjuku and feel the menacing presence of this monster!

Picture from Godzilla Invaded Tokyo! Find The Giant Monster In Shinjuku And Ginza, courtesy of ©TOHO CO., LTD.
Stay at Hotel Gracery Shinjuku and take the fantastic opportunity to book one of the special Godzilla-themed rooms!

Come face to face with Godzilla and glare into his deep red eyes full of rage when staying in the GODZILLA VIEW ROOM, or choose the GODZILLA ROOM, decorated with posters from the Godzilla movie series throughout the years. This room is full of surprises such as hidden artwork that appears under black lights, glowing art, and statue

Immerse yourself in this Godzilla paradise and sleep under the enormous claws of the King of Monsters as he rips through the hotel building--a one-of-a-kind experience!

Hotel Gracery Shinjuku
Address: Tokyo, Shinjuku, Kabukicho 1-19-1
Official Website: https://gracery.com/shinjuku/godzilla-en/

4. Japan's Coastal Lines: 6 Rock Formations from Nagasaki to Hokkaido

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A creature that lives in the deep waters surrounding Japan, it should be only natural to be able to spot Godzilla across the country's coastal lines as he emerges from the ocean.

From Nagasaki up to Hokkaido, Godzilla can be seen around Japan due to the natural rock formations formed by weather along Japan's seafronts! Read on to learn about the most popular and scenic coastal spots to see Godzilla in its mighty form.

① Oga Peninsula Coast in Akita

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A giant monster breathing fire at sunset! Probably the most famous Godzilla rock formation in Japan is located on the coastline of the Oga Peninsula in Akita Prefecture. This is one of the most photogenic of the Godzilla rock formations due to its amazing sunsets.

In fact, this beach is ranked the second best place to see beautiful sunsets in Japan! As the sun goes down, the Godzilla Rock turns into a silhouette and looks like it is breathing fire! Capture the perfect moment when the sun sets and can be seen through his mouth, creating the illusion of Godzilla charging his atomic breath!

Located close to the Namahage Statue, a popular tourist attraction shaped like a gigantic Oni demon, this rock formation is not too difficult to access and offers plenty to do. Truly a prefecture belonging to the demons and monsters of Japan, next time you are in Akita why not see these chaotic creatures and beautiful coastlines?

How to Get to the Oga Peninsula

Location: Akita, Oga, Funagawaminato Honzanmonzen Babazaki Map
If you are already exploring the region of Oga then we have good news for you! This amazing scenery is only a 17-minute drive from Oga City in Akita Prefecture, or a 36-minute bus ride and a one-minute walk.

② Shiretoko Peninsula in Hokkaido

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Another giant Godzilla rock is located in the northeast of Hokkaido in the Shiretoko Peninsula. Covered in vegetation, this Godzilla is on the land looking out to the ocean. Due to it being directly on land, you can walk close to the rock formation and feel exactly how enormous Godzilla would be in real life!

This area is perfect for hiking enthusiasts and those visiting by car due to being so remote. The Shiretoko Peninsula is home to the largest population of bears and nearly the whole peninsula is a UNESCO world natural heritage site.

How to get there

Location: Hokkaido, Shari District, Shari, Utorohigashi 51 Map

Due to the location of the Hokkaido Godzilla, we recommend flying to Memambetsu Airport and Kushiro Airport and then going by car or traveling via bus and staying in the local area.

③ Cape Suzu in the Noto Peninsula, Ishikawa

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Trudging off into the ocean waters, this Godzilla is located on the coastal front of Suzu, Ishikawa. How about renting a car to see this monster with your own eyes while exploring the wonderful nature in Cape Suzu?

How to Get to Cape Suzu

Location: Ishikawa, Matsunagimachi, Suzu Map

We recommend going by car from Kanazawa or Ishikawa's Komatsu Airport to Cape Suzu.

④ The Izu Peninsula near Tokyo

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On the coastal line of Nishiizu, you can experience stunning beaches, caves, and views of Mt Fuji! Izu is the perfect weekend retreat from Tokyo. When visiting the region and its stunning scenery make sure to stop by Ohtago Beach and see this contemplating Godzilla!

How to Get to the Izu Peninsula

Location: Shizuoka, Kamo district, Nishiizu, Tago 2649-2 Map

This Godzilla rock formation is the closest to Tokyo, as it is located in Izu, Shizuoka Prefecture. It only takes 11 minutes to arrive at Ohtago Beach from Nishizu by car, or you can take an 18-minute bus to the beach.

⑤ Nagasaki's Godzilla Rock

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Enjoy a peaceful sunset with Godzilla! Often aggressive and destructive by nature, this time this famous monster looks like he is relaxing by the ocean shores admiring the sunset. Already a place full of history and stunning landscapes why not visit Godzilla on your next trip to Nagasaki?

How to Get to the Godzilla Rock, Nagasaki

Location: Nagasaki, Tegumamachi 142, Godzilla Rock Map

Traveling to this location will take around 40 minutes via bus from Nagasaki Station's South Exit to the town Teguma and then an 8-minute walk. Otherwise, if you are exploring the beautiful region of Nagasaki by car, it is only a short 20-minute drive from the center of Nagasaki.

⑥ The Snow Monsters in Towada-Hachimantai National Park

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From Kyushu to Hokkaido this gigantic monster makes a great appearance, emerging from the waters of Japan's coastal lines. However, he can also be spotted in the natural mountains of Japan. Bracing all types of landscapes and environments, his wrath cannot be stopped! Towada-Hachimantai National Park, sprawling across the Akita, Aomori, and Iwate prefectures, is one such location.

Photo by Pixta

Just look at this army of marching Godzillas frozen by the snow, which reminds us of the film "Godzilla Raids Again" where he is buried by ice! Find the best-looking Godzilla and snap a picture!

These are the snow monsters of Mount Odake (1,585 m), trees covered in frost and snow in the winter. If you embark on this adventure, please make sure you are properly dressed for sub-zero temperatures and wear proper winter hiking shoes.

How to Get to Mt. Odake

Location: Aomori, Towada, Okuse, Towada-Hachimantai National Park

Take the Hakkoda Ropeway, which allows great views of the snow monsters from above. Consult with the location tourist information staff if you wish to go closer to the snow monsters.

5. Tokyo's Izu Oshima Island: The Return of Godzilla

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Izu Oshima Island is the largest and closest of a string of seven islands off the coast of Tokyo. They can be accessed by ferry and jetfoil and are just a short trip from the busy city. Oshima is an inhibited active volcano island loved for its beautiful parks and museums, magnificent views of the ocean, and, of course, its significance to Godzilla.

The active volcano at the center of the island, Mt Mihara, is known for erupting every 100-150 years. In the movies, it appears as a place that imprisoned Godzilla. In "Godzilla Returns," the volcano erupts and releases Godzilla, allowing him to seek his revenge!

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Believed to be created by the mighty eruption of Mt. Mihara in 1986, you can find Godzilla on the hiking trail near the Mihara Shrine! This Godzilla natural formation is said to be created by the lava that solidified after cooling down. The natural phenomenon looks out onto stunning views of Mt. Fuji on clear days.

Making his come back from Mt. Mihara, Godzilla appears to look vengefully towards Japan, roaring, and easily recognizing the land that once disturbed him. Join Godzilla and admire the stunning views of Mt. Fuji watching as boats pass by. Who knows, he may be choosing which boat will be the next victim of his wrath, just like his first attack in the Godzilla movie "The Return of Godzilla" (1984).

Photo by Pixta
Stare into the active volcano's crater at the very peak of the island, once a place known to trap Godzilla. The incredible power of Mt Mihara is a force to be reckoned with! The mountain is known for its several eruptions and is surrounded by Japan's only black desert, creating another worldly feeling straight out of a Godzilla movie.

On the way to the peak of the mountain, stunning views can be seen of Mt. Fuji, the ocean, and the unique landscape of Oshima, known to be the first place to be crowned as a geopark in eastern Japan. Thick fog can be seen at times rolling around the crater, giving the image of a volcano gearing to erupt!

There are various hiking routes to Mt. Mihara: the longest hiking course takes 65 minutes and the shortest is 10 minutes depending on which location you start your adventure from on the island. No matter which course you take, we are sure you will enjoy this wild landscape in all its glory.

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A Godzilla stone can also be found in Naganehama Park in the Motomachi area of the island. Convenient and easy to access, this carved stone is close to the Motomachi Port, one of the two ferry terminals on Izu Oshima.

The local town in the Motomachi area has restaurants, hotels, beaches, a library, and a museum. Surrounded by mountain scapes we recommend renting a car to access all areas easily on the island. The local bus service is also very convenient as it can be used with an unlimited bus ride pass. There are also places where you can rent a bike, so fear not if you cannot drive!

Oshima has excellent hot springs, amazing beaches, and breathtaking natural scenery. In the summer, you can enjoy snorkeling and other activities.

So take a trip to this prehistoric-looking island and explore its fascinating areas, and while you are there search for Godzilla!

Accessing Izu Oshima Island
Not far from mainland Tokyo, Oshima can be accessed via ferry. As of May 2023, the price for a one-way ferry ride from Tokyo to Oshima Island is 5,010 yen. Please note that the timetable and price change throughout the year so be sure to check the official website of the Tokai Kisen Ferries.

Taking a Tokai Kisen Ferry, you'll reach Oshima in just one hour and around 40 minutes. There are other different places you can board from, such as Atami in Shizuoka Prefecture.

Location: Tokyo, Izu Oshima Island
Local bus tickets:
- Oshima Bus One-Day Ticket: adults 2,050 yen, children (12 or under) 1,030 yen.
- Oshima Bus Two-Day Ticket: adults 3,100 Yen, children (12 or under) 1,550 yen.

Bus tickets can be purchased on: https://ticket.jorudan.co.jp/oshima-bus/en/

Ferry website: https://www.tokaikisen.co.jp/en/
Island websites:https://www.town.oshima.tokyo.jp/
http://www.izu-oshima.or.jp/play.html (Japanese)

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Explore Japan and Meet Godzilla!

Across the world today Godzilla is loved by many and seen as an important attribute of Japan and the country's famous creations.

From enemy to an antihero, the relationship of mankind with Godzilla has changed through the years of movies and content creation. Originally using Tokyo as his battleground, destroying cityscapes, and leaving wreckage and chaos behind, Godzilla has shown many different faces and in recent years he is depicted as more of an antihero here to save humanity from other monsters.

Take an adventure and check out these excellent locations on your next trip! Which Godzilla will you see?

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