“Godzilla Intercept Operation Awaji” is the world’s largest Godzilla theme park area, located in Nijigen no Mori on Awaji Island in Hyogo Prefecture, Japan. The island is easily accessible by public transport, and is just half an hour from Kobe and one hour from Osaka. This vast Godzilla-themed area is filled with exciting attractions, museum, restaurant, a shop, and more, including the world’s largest 120-meter-long life-sized Godzilla statue. With so much going on, fans of the popular monster movie won’t want to miss this on their next Japan trip!
Enjoy the world of the movie “Godzilla” by experiencing the Godzilla attractions, eating Godzilla-themed food, and having fun shopping for Godzilla goods. The theme park has been developed jointly with Toho Studio, the production company of the Godzilla movies.
Table of Contents
- Explore the Godzilla Theme Park Area “Godzilla Intercept Operation Awaji”
- Learn More About Godzilla and the Theme Park with a Short Movie
- Exciting Godzilla-themed Attractions: National Awaji Island Godzilla Disaster Research Institute
- Godzilla Museum
- Godzilla Goods and Cute Souvenirs at Mori no Terrace
- Godzilla Studio
- Godzilla Kids Park “Kaiju no Mori”
- Godzilla-themed Collaboration Food at Mori no Terrace
- Located in Nijigen no Mori, on Awaji Island, Japan
- Godzilla Collaboration Room at GRAND CHARIOT Hokutoshichisei 135°
- Closing
Explore the Godzilla Theme Park Area “Godzilla Intercept Operation Awaji”
Godzilla Intercept Operation Awaji – National Godzilla Awaji Island Research Center is the world’s first permanent Godzilla-themed attraction. It opened in October 2020, and since then has garnered attention internationally as a remarkable Cool Japan facility. Additionally, the nearby restaurant, Mori no Terrace, features a collaboration menu, blending Godzilla-inspired elements into their dishes. There is also a dedicated store where visitors can purchase exclusive limited-edition merchandise, perfect for unique gifts and souvenirs.
Learn More About Godzilla and the Theme Park with a Short Movie
The Godzilla attraction begins with an original Godzilla short movie created by Toho Studios. Witness the powerful footage of Godzilla landing on Awaji Island in a high-quality theater room. The seven-minute film tells the story behind Godzilla’s appearance at this attraction, and features an all-star cast.
The cinematic introduction includes a detailed report on the monumental moment when Godzilla made his dramatic appearance. Immerse yourself in the world and the story as you gear up for the upcoming attractions!
As the adventure unfolds, visitors next bravely take on missions to infiltrate the massive body of a life-sized Godzilla.
Exciting Godzilla-themed Attractions: National Awaji Island Godzilla Disaster Research Institute
At the Godzilla theme park, visitors are invited to become members of the National Awaji Island Godzilla Disaster Research Institute (NIGOD). In NIGOD, you will take on various missions to monitor Godzilla’s activities.
Getting Ready: Belongings and Luggage Storage
Before gearing up for the Godzilla zipline experience, you must leave your belongings in the storage lockers at Mori no Terrace, the restaurant by the Godzilla theme park area. In the midst of your travels, and carrying your suitcase to Awaji Island? Luggage storage is available at the large storage lockers here too!
For this attraction, we recommend not wearing a dress or a skirt.
Godzilla Zipline – Enter Godzilla’s Body
The next part of the mission is ziplining into the mouth of the roaring monster. Choose either the “Inner Body Observation Course” or the “Outer Body Observation Course” to approach Godzilla by zipline and explore the lifeforms in the belly of the beast.
After getting ready and listening to a safety briefing, head up to the Godzilla zipline platform. You can choose to either zipline to the side of Godzilla in the “Outer Body Observation Course” (152 meters in length), or into the mouth of the inactivated Godzilla in the “Inner Body Observation Course” (162 meters).
A clear case with a neck strap is provided so you can take videos and photos without worrying about dropping your phone. However, you are not allowed to take photos during the actual zipline ride for safety reasons. The Godzilla Zipline is a must-try activity at the Godzilla theme park, so be sure not to miss it!
Godzilla Shooting Game – Battle the Godzilla Cells
After surveying Godzilla’s body, compete in a Godzilla shooting game to stop Godzilla from growing further by shooting at its cells. These cells are scattered next to the main body, and you must aim to inactivate them to get a high score. But beware! Since Godzilla might try to attack back, you must take cover before continuing your mission.
Godzilla Photo Spots
After saving the day in the shooting range, take some souvenir photos at the photo spots with fantastic views of the life-sized Godzilla.
Godzilla Museum
The last mission stop is at the world’s first permanent Godzilla museum near the Godzilla zipline.
The museum is co-created with Toho Visual Art Company. It showcases over 100 exhibits, including iconic costumes, props, and production art from various Godzilla films. Take a look at the dioramas that faithfully recreate legendary scenes from Godzilla’s cinematic history.
The museum also displays some original artwork for the movie’s monsters and a clay model preserved in a humidified glass box.
The seasonal exhibition is worth seeing and taking some commemorative photos of, since it is most likely a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Even if you’re not a Godzilla fan, the museum inside the Godzilla theme park area is sure to impress you.
Godzilla Goods and Cute Souvenirs at Mori no Terrace
Adjacent to the Mori no Terrace food court, store packed with original goods awaits! Here, visitors can explore and purchase original and exclusive Godzilla items and souvenirs. Open to all, this shop invites everyone to drop by and browse through its enticing selection, ensuring that all visitors can take home a piece of the Godzilla experience.
The wide range of goods available includes Godzilla shirts, stuffed animals, key chains, tissue holders, and more. In addition to Godzilla, there are also Mothra toys, King Ghidorah toys, and Destroyer toys. If you love Godzilla, don’t miss your chance get the perfect Godzilla souvenir to remember your trip.
Godzilla Studio
At the “Awaji Island Special Effects Studio,” the special effects studio just beyond the Godzilla Museum exhibition hall, you can take videos and photos with Godzilla.
Inside the studio, there is also a diorama set where you can take a movie with Godzilla. Highlights include the Godzilla suit used in the 2004 movie “Godzilla Final Wars,” and a photo spot where you can take photos like a movie director using Toho Eizo Art’s clapperboard and box horse.
Godzilla Kids Park “Kaiju no Mori”
Kids Park “Kaiju no Mori” is a playground for small children who do not meet the minimum requirements to ride the zipline. There are two play areas exclusively for children. The first playground has many Godzilla figures. Children can build cities with wooden blocks and recreate battle scenes between Godzilla and his enemies.
The second playground has buildings made of soft blocks and a ball pool. Children can become monsters and play by destroying and rebuilding.
Godzilla-themed Collaboration Food at Mori no Terrace
Godzilla Curry, Godzilla Cream Puffs and More
After enjoying yourself in the attractions, recharge at Mori no Terrace. This charming eatery offers a wide selection of original menu items featuring Godzilla. Two of the most delectable options are the “Jet-Black King of the Monsters Godzilla Curry” and the “Mothra White Curry”.
Furthermore, don’t miss out on the adorable Godzilla cream puffs, known for their cute appearance. Godzilla’s strawberry teeth are complemented by the sweet but light custard cream.
Located in Nijigen no Mori, on Awaji Island, Japan
Nijigen no Mori is an anime theme park that immerses visitors in the world of Japanese 2D content like anime and video games. In addition to Godzilla, this theme park has attractions based on popular franchises like Naruto, Dragon Quest, and Crayon Shin-chan.
This anime theme park has been a tourist hot spot since it opened in 2017. Going to the park and the gift stores is free, as is the parking. However, the attractions themselves do have individual fees.
Beyond Nijigen no Mori, there’s plenty to explore elsewhere on Awaji Island as well. A free shuttle bus takes you all around the Awaji West Coast locations. If you’re interested in more Japanese pop culture, check out Awaji’s three Hello Kitty locations. Looking to escape the tourist crowds in big cities for some peace and tranquility while immersed in nature? Zenbo Seinei, a Zen wellness facility designed by renowned architect Shigeru Ban, offers afternoon tea, guided meditation sessions, and more.
| 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
Godzilla Collaboration Room at GRAND CHARIOT Hokutoshichisei 135°
Staying over on Awaji Island to explore? Don’t miss the opportunity to stay in the Godzilla collaboration room at GRAND CHARIOT, a luxury hotel next to Nijigen no Mori. The “Monster Land” room’s interior and amenities feature Godzilla characters, as well as welcome gifts such as fresh fruit and Godzilla goods. There are other character rooms featuring beloved characters such as Hello Kitty, Dragon Quest, Naruto and Crayon Shin-chan as well.
| Name | GRAND CHARIOT |
|---|---|
| Adress | 2425-2 Kusumoto, Awaji City, Hyogo Pref. 656-2301 Located at Nijigen no Mori in Hyogo Prefecture Awajishima Park |
| Tel | 0799-64-7090 |
| Website | https://awaji-grandchariot.com/ |
| Reservations | https://www.booking.com/hotel/jp/guransiyariobei-dou-qi-xing-135deg.ja.html |
Click here for details of GRAND CHARIOT
Closing
With its easily accessible location just an hour away from Osaka, Nijigen no Mori and the Godzilla Interception Operation Awaji theme park area are must-visit sites for anime and Godzilla fans. Escape from the everyday hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy an immersive experience on this island getaway on your next trip to Kansai!
| 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
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