Festival Gate - Osaka, Japan

3-4-36 Ebisuhigashi, Tennoji

(+81) 6 6635 1000

You'll wonder where it came from and why they put it there. In a city notorious for its eccentric zoning policies, this garish, pastel-coloured amusement park rises up amid drab office blocks just south of central Osaka. Festival Gate is an eight-storey hodge-podge of rides, sideshows and restaurants. The centrepiece is an enormous revolving pirate ship; careening around the upper floors is a high-speed roller coaster. Plagued by financial trouble and rumours of closure (much like any good urban fun park), this outlandish little spot has continued to defy the economic pundits, largely due to a loyal core of local visitors and a steady stream of curious out-of-towners.

Entry is free and you simply pay for each ride. Try to go on the weekend if you can because many of the attractions are closed during the week.

Photos of Festival Gate

Above: Festival Gate

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