By: Alex
Since its first appearance on the silver screen in 1954, Godzilla has wreaked untold destruction on cities. Ready to join the defense squad and help take it down?
▲ Visitors zip-line into Godzilla’s gaping maw. (Photo by The Mainichi)
The “Godzilla Counterattack Operation ~ National Godzilla Research Center Awaji Island” has recently opened on Japan’s Awaji Island. The world’s largest, 1:1 scale, hyper-realistic Godzilla emerges from beneath the earth, its dark, rugged skin paired with a bottomless black maw and razor-sharp teeth that glow with an eerie blue light—this colossal beast is about to unleash its signature purple atomic breath. Visitors can zip-line into the roaring mouth of Godzilla and then take part in a simulated shooting game to destroy the rapidly multiplying cells inside its body.
▲ There are two zip lines: one passes through the “interior,” the other skims the “exterior.” (Photo by godzillasoul @Twitter)
▲ (Photo by yurikago6127 @Twitter)
This Godzilla, which has “invaded” Awaji Island, is modeled after the 2016 film Shin Godzilla. Though only its head is featured, it remains massive: the visible portion measures approximately 55 meters in length, 25 meters in width, and 23 meters in height. Riders are suspended by an open-air zip line and hurtle at high speed into the creature’s body. Combined with sound effects, lighting, and fog, the experience is thrilling. However, riders must be at least 110 cm tall and weigh between 25 kg and 110 kg.
▲ Godzilla is also illuminated with special lighting effects at night. (Photo by GODFIGHT827 @Twitter)
▲ (Photo by abarerusigusisu @Twitter)
In addition to the zip line, the park features a museum showcasing iconic scenes from Godzilla films, along with movie props and monster models used during filming. The site also includes a small restaurant offering snacks and curry rice, as well as a souvenir shop. Admission to the Godzilla theme park is 3,800 yen (approximately HK$279), with child tickets (ages 5–11) priced at 2,200 yen (approximately HK$162). Children under 4 years old enter free.
▲ After the zip line ride, participants engage in the “Cell Annihilation” simulated shooting game. (Photo by HobbyJapan_MAG @Twitter)
▲ (Photo by godzillasoul @Twitter)
▲ The “rapidly multiplying cells inside Godzilla” create a truly terrifying atmosphere. (Photo by godzilla_jp @Twitter)
▲ The museum displays classic scenes and props from Godzilla films. (Photo by GODZILLA_AWAJI @Twitter)
▲ (Photo by GODZILLA_AWAJI @Twitter)
▲ A miniature model of the “Godzilla Outdoor Zip Line.” (Photo by The Mainichi)
▲ (Photo by The Mainichi)
Source: The Mainichi