A visit to Japan’s Nijigen no Mori can include a starring role in a kaiju movie! Located within Hyogo Prefectural Awaji Island Park on Awaji Island, near Kobe in western Japan, Nijigen no Mori is an entertainment destination featuring attractions inspired by Japanese animation, games, and movies. Now, its SFX Studio gives guests a chance to appear alongside an actual suit used in Godzilla Final Wars, with miniature scenery setting the stage for a movie moment of their own.
The filming space is inside the Godzilla Museum, part of the park’s Godzilla Interception Operation area. Its detailed diorama recreates Nijigen no Mori and the nearby Akashi Strait, which separates Awaji Island from Japan’s main island of Honshu. With the original suit positioned at the center, participants can record themselves facing Godzilla in a setting inspired by the practical effects filmmaking behind the series.
The experience also offers a chance to play director. Clapperboards and megaphones are available for commemorative photos within the set, adding another way to capture the atmosphere of a film production.
A short movie and souvenir photo package is available for ¥3,000, including tax. The results can be downloaded to enjoy at home. A separate attraction ticket covering museum admission is required, with access included in the Gold and Premium options.
Godzilla Interception Operation is built around a life-size Godzilla measuring approximately 120 meters, or 394 feet, in length. Guests become members of the National Godzilla Awaji Island Research Center and undertake assignments including a zipline course through the creature’s mouth and a shooting game focused on eliminating cells scattered throughout the grounds.
Younger visitors can enjoy Kaiju no Mori, an indoor play area featuring around 50 varieties of soft vinyl monster figures. Themed food and Nijigen no Mori-exclusive merchandise, including apparel, collectibles, and snacks, round out the visit.
Visit the official Godzilla Interception Operation website for tickets and additional details!
