Every year, thousands of tourists from around the world flock to Stratford-upon-Avon to see the birthplace of one of the most famous Britons – William Shakespeare.
But for fans of the Bard in Japan, the trip to Stratford is quite a journey. So they’ve taken it upon themselves to bring a little piece of Warwickshire to the Far East.
Shakespeare Country Park in Maruyama, just outside Tokyo, is a theme park with a difference – a tribute to the playwright, his work and his life.
Built in 1997 by a British architecture firm (Julian Bicknell and Associates), Shakespeare Country Park has lovingly recreated Elizabethan England.
No expense was spared in the construction of Shakespeare Country Park, with the wood for buildings shipped all the way from Britain.
In Shakespeare’s house you’ll find the playwright, holding his child on his knee and looking thoughtfully into the distance.
There’s even a mini Globe Theatre and a number of quaint windmills. Visitors can even listen to a story of Shakespeare’s life, told by the man himself – well, a model of the man himself.
So, if you find yourself in Japan with an urge to visit Shakespeare’s birthplace, there’s no need to jump on a plane – just head over to Maruyama.
