The world’s largest NARUTO theme park “NARUTO & BORUTO Shinobi-Zato” just an hour from Osaka, Japan. The theme is the popular ninja anime “NARUTO”. The vast area has attractions, ramen restaurants, shops, etc. Enjoy the world of NARUTO anime by playing at NARUTO attractions, eating NARUTO food, and buying NARUTO goods.
This is a popular theme park in Japan where you can enjoy a ninja experience with scrolls in your hands. Experience the ultimate realistic world of ninja anime “Naruto”. Now let me introduce you to the Naruto theme park.
After a 10-minute walk from the main parking lot and park entrance, you’ll come across the Naruto theme park, resembling the iconic gates of Hidden Leaf Village (Konoha). Once you pass through the gate, you’ll step into the world of Naruto.
Table of Contents
Naruto Attractions at NARUTO & BORUTO Shinobi-Zato
Okay there’s a lot to explain, so first let me take you through all the attractions you can enjoy here in ‘NARUTO & BORUTO SHINOBI-ZATO’. If you’re a true fan, and you have the athleticism, know-how, and spirit of a Shinobi, I’m sure you’ll have a blast tackling the many challenges this park has to offer.
Three-dimensional maze: Ten no Maki
The first test was whether I was as agile as a true Ninja (regardless of how much karaage I ate in the days leading up). Located behind a 11-meter tall real life Hokage Rock, this three story maze took me up, down, and sideways as familiar faces guided me how to progress. As I went through the maze, I stumbled across some of my favorite characters from Naruto and Boruto, who each gave me a stamp to collect on a scroll that I got before entering the maze. Make sure you don’t lose this scroll! Each stamp shows a unique hand sign, which I needed to perform at checkpoints in order to progress.
It’s a lot of fun to actually do hand signs and have them interact seamlessly with the environment. Not only that, I made sure to snap a photo with each character I stumbled across. Now I don’t want to spoil much, but while there are many chances for you to turn back around and give up on the maze, trust me – you’re gonna want to stick it out and see the end.
Mission Rally: Chi no Maki
Studied your hand signs while watching Naruto? Maybe practiced them in front of the mirror? (I have. Don’t tell my girlfriend.) Because you’ll need them here to complete this top-secret mission.
Suddenly I was tasked with dealing with defeating the forces of evil, which had set up shop in a spooky cave in typical bad guy fashion. I had to collect 12 stamps located around the village to defeat the enemy alongside fellow villagers.
Scattered around the village are 12 “marks” that must be sealed using hand signs. Much like ‘Ten no Maki’, I was handed a scroll and had to collect stamps in the correct sequence to progress the challenge. Following the clues each mark gave me, I learned the correct hand signs, and I completed the challenge. Afterwards I was led into the cave itself where I- [SPOILERS]
Mystery Solving Game: Gaiden
Geez, there’s a lot to do here. If you feel like getting your inner detective on, this is the challenge for you.
Chaos! Ahh! Someone broke a particularly important chakra seal, unleashing evil unto the world. Working with the ninjas of Hidden Leaf Village, I got to investigate this incident and restore peace to the village.
I was given a mystery solving kit, and I looked for hints around Hokage Rock to continue my investigation. Once I found all the clues and solved the case, I was given a gracious reward for my acts of heroism.
That’s it for the challenges! (But there’s more…)
Naruto Restaurant: Real-Life Ichiraku Ramen Shop
After so much running, jumping, and hand-signing, I was in desperate need of some food. So I got some in true Naruto fashion, at the real-life Ichiraku Ramen.
With a wide range of variations – from your classic soy sauce broth, to the fiery Akatsuki garlic and chili oil broth, you get to enjoy the exact same bowl of ramen as eaten by Naruto Uzumaki himself. You’ll even find the ‘Nori’ (Japanese seaweed) adorned with Naruto themed designs, just in case you weren’t feeling the Naruto spirit enough.
I thought the quality would just be typical theme park food – but it was actually delicious. Flavorful, packed with toppings, and affordable, I genuinely think Ichiraku Ramen is worth checking out for Naruto fans, and straight up ramen connoisseurs.
Naruto Goods: Konoha Shoten Shop
And then I got to commemorate my trip with some Naruto merchandise to take home! This place has everything – Naruto toys, Naruto shirts, Naruto clothes, Naruto… stuff, for lack of better words.
Yes, okay, that’s not too descriptive. This Naruto shop really has everything a fan could ask for. Highlights include real-life items from the world of Naruto like the “Gama-chan” frog wallet, and the infamous “Icha-Icha” book series. There’s also a variety of Naruto graphic shirts, such as a rather classy Ichiraku ramen shirt. Speaking of which, you can get boxes of instant Ichiraku ramen if you were thinking of bringing back some Naruto spirit back home.
Yes, I bought everything I described.
Recreating the world of NARUTO
So yes, there’s lots of fun to be had at NARUTO & BORUTO SHINOBI-ZATO, between completing challenges, mastering hand signs, dining at the real life Ichiraku ramen, and more. But make sure you don’t miss the painstaking detail of the world of Naruto & Boruto on display here.
The Giant Hokage Rock
Also known as Hokage Iwa (火影岩), Hokage Rock is a prominent landmark in the village of Konoha that symbolizes the leadership, strength, and legacy of the Hokage, the village’s highest-ranking and most respected leader. Within the show, Hokage Rock often represents Naruto’s dream of becoming Hokage, serving as a visual goal throughout the series.
At Nijigen no Mori, I saw for myself an 11-meter tall replica of Hokage Rock in all its glory. I tried my best not to crane my neck as I stood at its base and looked up. Don’t miss your chance to take a photo. Brought a lot of friends? I’m certain you won’t block the view of Hokage Rock.
Night Projection Mapping Show
I also stuck around Hokage Rock till nighttime, which was so worth it. Watch as projection mapping illuminates Hokage Rock with lighting and special effects that depict Jutsus and legendary stories from the world of Naruto. Make sure to check the Nijigen no Mori website for screening times.
AR Spots
Want to see yourself perform actual jutsu, complete with fire and electricity effects? You can download a free smartphone app “火影を目指せ!” (“Aim for the Hokage!”), and at designated AR spots scattered throughout the park, take photos and videos as if you were performing jutsu yourself. I mastered all 5 jutsu, and had my face appear on Hokage Rock!
Opening hours and admission fees
Park hours are 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM, every day! (Last entry at 7:00 PM).
Located in Nijigen no Mori, on Awaji Island, Japan
Nijigen no Mori, which translated literally means “Two Dimensional Forest” (because of all the ANIME, pop-culture, and– well, you’ll see). The theme park features some of Japan’s biggest franchises, with attractions based on Godzilla, Dragon Quest, Crayon Shin-Chan, and Monster Hunter.
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 fees.
While you’re all the way out here at Nijigen no Mori, I’d recommend checking out the rest of Awaji Island! There’s a shuttle bus that can take you all around Awaji West Coast locations for free – there’s plenty of fun to be had here. If you’re interested in more Japanese pop culture, check out Awaji’s three Hello Kitty locations. Peace, tranquility, self reflection in Japan? Awaji Island’s got that too at Zenbo Seinei designed by one of Japan’s top architects.
| 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
Naruto Room at Grand Chariot
Grand Chariot is a glamping hotel located next to Nijigen no Mori on Awaji Island. There is a NARUTO room “Hokage Villa”. This is a character room with a Naruto theme. The interior and amenities feature Naruto characters, as well as welcome gifts such as fresh fruit and Naruto goods.
It is located at 135 degrees east longitude and is said to be a power spot. There are other character rooms such as Hello Kitty, Dragon Quest, and Crayon Shinchan, but the most popular one is definitely the Naruto room.
| 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://go-grandchariot.reservation.jp/en |
Summary
Just an hour from Osaka lies Nijigen no Mori, an anime theme park on Awaji Island featuring attractions from Japan’s biggest franchises. Among them is the must-visit NARUTO & BORUTO SHINOBI-ZATO, a dream come true for Naruto fans. I got to test my ninja skills in challenges like the three-dimensional maze, practice iconic hand signs, and solve mysteries alongside my favorite Naruto characters. Don’t miss the real-life Ichiraku Ramen, where you can savor Naruto’s favorite meal, or shop for exclusive Naruto merchandise like Gama-chan wallets and Ichiraku ramen instant packs at Konoha Shoten. With its towering Hokage Rock replica, AR experiences, and nighttime projection shows, this park recreates the world of Naruto and Boruto with incredible detail. Perfect for fans and families, Nijigen no Mori promises an unforgettable adventure. I highly recommend.
©岸本斉史 スコット／集英社・テレビ東京・ぴえろ
