Hanayashiki
May 9th, 2008 by Rob GossThe saddest amusement park in Japan, or a not-to-be-missed retro day out? Opinion tends to differ on the Asakusa Hanayashiki amusement park.
Originally opened in 1853 as a flower park, Hanayashiki wasn’t transformed into its current incarnation as an amusement park until 1949. Today, the park still contains early post-war relics among its 20 or so attractions and has made its name by steadfastly refusing not to move with the times, even in the face of Yakuza harassment.
photo: Mark A Buckton
Hanayashiki is a great afternoon out for little kids, and grandparents will revel in the nostalgia, but if you are used to amusement parks being like Disney, Hanayashiki can truly under-whelm. And while floating 45 meters above the ground on Bee Tower affords good views of Senso-ji and its surrounding structures, the sedate roller coaster and a haunted house with fewer surprises than a North Korean election are typical of the entertainment on offer.
Thrills, however, aren’t really the point at Hanayashiki. It is all about getting a taste of how Japan used to be.
Hanayashiki Info
To get to the park from any of the train lines that serve Asakusa, follow the signs for Senso-ji Temple. From Senso-ji, hang left and follow Hanayashiki Street for a couple of minutes until the Bee Tower and Space Shot loom before you.
Admission to the park is 900 yen for adults, 400 yen for children (5-12) and senior citizens, and free for the under 5s. Each ride requires two or three 100 yen tickets, or you can buy a free pass for 2,200 yen (2-12 1,900 yen, with separate admission fee). Open Wednesday to Monday, 10am to 6pm (10am to 5pm in winter).
