A 25 year old theme park set in the natural beauty of Hokkaido and one of the most attractive era in Japanese history. Highlighting the Edo Period (1603-1867) when Emperor Meiji took power of Japan by ending the Samurai controlled Shogunate rule and naming it Edo, the old name of Japan which became the capital of Japan during this era.

As we walked into the lovely and clean park, simultaneously we viewed the distinctive historical structures and landscape and lingered around to capture some shots. Later, we entered the quite dark/gloomy Ninja Maze/House which resembled a hammer house of horror. At the point of stepping into one of the rooms, we were literally caught off guard. Not only the panels started twisting, we felt as though the floor was slanting sideways. If not for quickly holding on to each other, I bet we would have tumbled down. Quite an experience actually.

Carefully making our way out of house, I especially ran to the nearby wooden hut for the warmth from the kerosene lamps. Dear me. Winter in Hokkaido is death deifying. Just wondering how on earth people actually withstand such a weather? Honestly, I almost died. Anyhow, regaining my composure, within the next 20 minutes, we were already in the theater for the winter limited action packed and loud Samurai show. Sure, a thought-provoking swordplay. Initially I was all excited. However boredom soon kicked in. I didn't know what was going on. How can I possibly understand Japanese language? So, I was more interested looking at the audience who seemed fixated to the stage.

Once the show ended, we followed the line of people to another theater where we sat on the floor for the Oiran show. Fairing a whole lot better compared to the sword brandishing samurai show, Oiran show injected with fun and laughter depicted the Edo social life – Oiran concubines, merry making and production elements coupled with audience participation.

Struggling to stand up after 40 minutes as by then my legs were cramped up, lunch was next at the close-by restaurant. Back again to another piping hot and cook yourself steamboat, it was all the way self service even for the porridge, rice and drinks.