Taiyo Park

Taiyo Park is one of Japan's strangest theme parks—full-scale replicas of world monuments spread across a hillside in northern Himeji. Two zones: the Castle Zone has a white replica of Germany's Neuschwanstein Castle called Hakuchojo (Castle of the White Bird), and the Stone Zone has Easter Island Moai statues, China's Terracotta Warriors, the Arc de Triomphe, and assorted ancient ruins. Built by a local welfare organization to provide employment for people with disabilities—it has an earnest, handcrafted quality. The Neuschwanstein replica sits on a mountaintop with views. A monorail connects the parking area to the castle. Off the typical tourist path, but good for photos and the surreal experience of walking among world monuments in rural Japan. Allow 2-3 hours.