The original 1954 Godzilla shook the earth as a marvel of filmmaking, spawning sequels, foreign adaptations, and creating the Kaiju genre as we know it. In fact, Godzilla is the oldest film franchise in history, with entries that still rock the film industry like the Oscar winning Godzilla Minus One (2023), and the dumb-fun, lizard-on-monkey brawling insanity that is the Monsterverse franchise.
Naturally, the IP has a history. Not just in filmmaking and special effects, but in its impact, its influences, and what Godzilla stands for from film to film. Back before Godzilla was duking it out with a robot Godzilla in Tokyo (yes, I know he’s called Mechagodzilla), Godzilla was a cautionary tale against nuclear weapons development in the aftermath of World War 2. The franchise has come a long way – and if you’re interested in exploring some of that history, you’re gonna want to stomp around the one and only Godzilla museum, located in Nijigen no Mori, Awaji Island.
A companion piece to the neighboring Godzilla Intercept Operation Awaji – in which you can fly into Godzilla’s mouth, and take part in a shooting gallery to control malicious Godzilla cells from spreading – there’s plenty here for a fan to get lost in the world of Godzilla.
Table of Contents
- Exhibiting the History of Godzilla in Japan
- Miniatures Used in the Godzilla Movies Exhibit
- Displaying the Story of “Godzilla Interception Operation”
- Concept Art from Toho Studios Exhibit
- Recreation of Iconic Scenes With Godzilla Models
- Around 100 Godzilla Figures On Display
- Godzilla Merch
- Visit the Godzilla Museum at Nijigen no Mori
- There’s So Much More on Awaji Island
Exhibiting the History of Godzilla in Japan
As the oldest film franchise, explore the history of Godzilla and Japan, both in-universe, and behind the scenes.
Godzilla Vs. Samurai Diorama
Godzilla rampaging through the streets of Tokyo, walking through buildings and tearing down skyscrapers is probably what you first envision when thinking about Godzilla. But what if Godzilla arrived earlier? Much earlier? Before the neon streets of Japan, and the Tokyo Tower?
As part of the backstory behind Godzilla Intercept Operation Awaji, observe the detail of this diorama depicting Godzilla arriving in Japan during the Edo period. Equipped with only bows, arrows, and horses, Samurai crowd on the beach as they valiantly face down the menace emerging from the sea. Above the diorama features a historical painting depicting the battle in true Edo period fashion.
Godzilla 1954 Prop Replica
Get up close to a replica of the weapon that defeated the original Godzilla, the Oxygen Destroyer. Terrified of the consequences of unveiling a new superweapon to the world, inventor Dr. Serizawa was initially reluctant to deploy the weapon against Godzilla, burning all evidence of the weapons existence. However, Dr. Serizawa ultimately relented and agreed to use it against Godzilla – under the condition that he die with it, leaving the secret of the Oxygen Destroyer to wash away in the ocean.
Charting Godzilla’s Path of Destruction
While Godzilla might look slow and stop-motion-y at times, Godzilla’s been quite the tourist. From Godzilla in Shinjuku, to the streets of New York, this exhibit shows just how wide his path of destruction spans. Can you guess how many times Godzilla has destroyed Tokyo?
Miniatures Used in the Godzilla Movies Exhibit
An impossible to miss exhibit is a massive diorama depicting a battle between Godzilla and Mechagodzilla as seen in Godzilla Against Mechagodzilla (2002) and Godzilla: Tokyo S.O.S. (2003). This diorama features the massive costumes of Godzilla and Mechagodzilla, as well as a massive model of Mothra ripped straight out of the movies. In fact, this diorama was built by Toho Studios themselves with the same techniques and materials they used when building sets for filming. Make sure you don’t miss the details of this diorama – get real down and close, and see the details of crushed cars and cowering citizens as they observe the battle above them.
Displaying the Story of “Godzilla Interception Operation”
If you’re spending your day at Nijigen no Mori, chances are you checked out (or are seriously thinking about trying) the zipline that flies right into Godzilla’s mouth. But what is Godzilla exactly doing half-buried in the middle of this family friendly theme park?
Believe it or not, there’s a backstory (which I won’t spoil!) as part of a pre-mission briefing that explains how exactly Godzilla ended up on Awaji Island. And yes, flying into his mouth is a mission. A rather important one, actually.
For those wanting an up-close, and albeit a much less scarier look at the 75-foot Godzilla outside, this exhibit features a miniature version, based on Shin Godzilla (2015). Accompanied by a step-by-step briefing from the National Awaji-Island Institute of Godzilla Disaster (NIGOD), take your time to understand the mission and know your enemy.
Concept Art from Toho Studios Exhibit
Wondering what your favorite Godzilla designs looked like before the final product? This exhibit features concept art from Toho Studios, showing the first drafts of battles, Kaiju, and vehicles. From scrapped designs of the Super X2 from Godzilla vs. Biollante (1989) and even an original prototype clay model of Destroyah, get an up-close look at the creative process behind Toho Studios most iconic designs.
Recreation of Iconic Scenes With Godzilla Models
Keeping with tradition, this exhibit features a series of dioramas recreating iconic scenes, such as Godzilla breaking out of the iceberg in King Kong vs. Godzilla (1962) (not to be confused with the newer Godzilla vs. Kong). Speaking of newer movies, this exhibit features dioramas of more recent Godzilla entries such as Godzilla: King of the Monsters (2019), striking a charming balance of new and old Godzilla effects.
Around 100 Godzilla Figures On Display
The ultimate collection. Dubbed the ‘All Toho Monster Attack’, this exhibit has nearly 100 Godzilla figures on display for you to gawk at, made in collaboration with BANDAI SPIRITS. From new to old, popular to obscure, this celebration of Toho Studios’ monster designs will leave you touched as a perfect bow-tie ending to commemorate your Godzilla Museum pilgrimage.
Godzilla Merch
You came all this way for Godzilla. How about taking a little Godzilla back home? Get yourself a Godzilla shirt, a Godzilla plush, keychain, and much, much more – even a Godzilla tissue holder! There’s more than just Godzilla, too, such as Mothra toys, King Ghidorah toys, Destroyah toys – you get the idea! At this store, there is no shortage of interesting Godzilla merchandise. Get yourself – or Godzilla loving special someone – the perfect Godzilla gift to remember the time you went to the Godzilla Museum in Japan.
Visit the Godzilla Museum at Nijigen no Mori
Yes, there’s a ton of fun to be had for Godzilla fans here in Nijigen no Mori, from the Godzilla Intercept Operation zipline where you get to fly into Godzilla’s mouth, the Godzilla museum, Godzilla merch, and more. But while you’re here, why not check out the rest of the park? Featuring attractions from Naruto, Dragonquest, Crayon Shin-Chan, and many more, there are plenty of adventures to be experienced here in Nijigen no Mori. Bring your friends, bring your family, and make unforgettable memories!
| Park Name | NIJIGEN NO MORI |
|---|---|
| Address | 2425-2 Kusumoto, Awaji City, Hyogo Pref. 656-2301 |
| TEL | 0799-64-7061 |
| Website | https://nijigennomori.com/ |
| Reservations | https://ticket.nijigennomori.com/en/ |
| Operation Hours | Everyday10:00-22:00 *Each attraction has a different last reception time and closing time. |
Click here for details of NIJIGEN NO MORI
There’s So Much More on Awaji Island
It’s no coincidence Godzilla has nestled himself into Awaji Island – there’s so much to do here! A popular getaway spot for Japanese locals, Awaji Island is packed full of activities and destinations to get lost in. Interested in more Japanese pop culture? Check out the THREE Hello Kitty locations Awaji Island has to offer! How about the more serene, Zen side of Japan? Awaji Island’s got that covered too, such as Zenbo Seinei, a Zen meditation center designed by one of Japan’s most prolific architects. Just an hour away from Osaka, you can use a free shuttle bus that connects the northern area of Awaji so you can build your perfect itinerary.
Interested? Check out the rest of our website, where we take you through the best experiences Awaji Island has to offer.
