[Showa 100] ASAKUSA HANAYASHIKI- A nostalgic yet new experience

• What is Showa 100?
• The History of HANAYASHIKI
• Hanayashiki in HANAYASHIKI era
• Decorations inside the park and original admission tickets
• Touring Showa-era spots

What is Showa 100?

In 2026 (Reiwa 8), it will mark 100 years since the start of the Showa era (1926).
The Showa era was a time of unprecedented upheaval and change, hardship and recovery.

Taking the opportunity of the "100th anniversary of the Showa era" to look back on the Showa era, learn from the dynamism of our predecessors, and share memories of the Showa era,
It will be an opportunity for new discoveries for the generation born after the Heisei era,
It is an opportunity to experience happiness and purpose in life, to carve out a hopeful future, and to inherit the pledge of peace.
This will be an opportunity to contribute to the stability and prosperity of the international community in the future.

The Cabinet Office is promoting measures related to the "100th anniversary of the Showa era" across a wide range of fields.
ASAKUSA HANAYASHIKI, Japan's oldest amusement park, which has a long history spanning 172 years and has been a part of the Showa era, is also participating in the "Showa 100th Anniversary" project.

The History of HANAYASHIKI

ASAKUSA HANAYASHIKI is Japan's oldest amusement park, established in 1853 (Kaei 6).
When the garden first opened in the Edo period, it was filled with peonies and chrysanthemums. flower garden It was born as "Hanayashiki."

After that, it went through a period of being a sideshow tent, and from the late Meiji to early Showa period, it became one of the leading zooIt was open for business as
You can also enjoy various play equipment from the Showa era. amusement parkWe are open as.

Hanayashiki in HANAYASHIKI era

In 1926, HANAYASHIKI was not an amusement park, but a zoo!

▲Ababy lion bornin1931

ASAKUSA HANAYASHIKI was established as a flower garden in 1853, the year Commodore Perry arrived on his black ships. Before operating as the amusement park it is today, exactly 100 years ago in 1926, it operated as a zoo.
In 1886, the zoo began raising animals such as tigers, elephants, and bears, and in 1923, quintuplets of tigers were born, a rare sight in the world. The zoo became known as the "wild animal park" and gained popularity.
However, in the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923, many animals were burned to death. Afterwards, HANAYASHIKI became a shelter. Some animals survived, but they had to be poisoned to prevent them from escaping in the event of aftershocks. In 1930, a memorial stone for birds and animals was erected to commemorate those animals. Even today, flowers are offered at the memorial stone in front of the "Kiddy Taxi."
After that, around 1926, the whole of Asakusa was recovering from the earthquake. HANAYASHIKI also bred zebras and polar bears, and in 1931 a baby lion was born, and the zoo was rebuilt. Furthermore, play equipment and a waterfall were installed within the zoo, and a high-tech gramophone was exhibited and experimental television broadcasts were conducted, so even though it was a zoo, it also had the feel of an amusement park, flower garden, and science museum, providing a variety of entertainment. However, in line with the changing times, the zoo closed its doors in 1935.
HANAYASHIKI was established in 1935 and is now operating as an amusement park. ASAKUSA HANAYASHIKI continues to weave its history by providing "fun" that suits the times.

HANAYASHIKI 's oldest surviving attraction, "House of Surprises"

It was introduced to HANAYASHIKI in 1947 (Showa 22), shortly after the end of the war.
It was called the "Amusement Aviation Museum" until 1950 (Showa 25) when permission was granted to use the English name and the name was changed.

When it was first installed, attractions like House of Surprises, which applied illusion psychology, were still rare. Some people even complained, saying things like, "My body flipped through the air! It's outrageous that they're selling something so dangerous!" Perhaps because of this, when it was first introduced around 1950, the exterior was inscribed with the words "An absolutely safe and enjoyable thrill." Since then, House of Surprises 's mechanisms have remained unchanged, and with maintenance performed on the interior machinery and exterior, it remains in the HANAYASHIKI park to this day, 79 years after it was installed.
The current "House of Surprises" is a reproduction of the design from the 1970s, with a humorous clown-like face. The retro atmosphere makes it a popular photo spot for customer commemorative photos and wedding photos!

Japan's oldest surviving Roller Coaster

HANAYASHIKI 's Roller Coaster was born in the Showa era! In 1953, the same year as Japan's first television broadcast, the "Roller Coaster" was installed at HANAYASHIKI. It is the oldest Roller Coaster still standing in Japan. Its cutting-edge rocket-like design and fresh thrills made it popular at the time. It has since undergone various iterations, including a dragon and a treasure chest, before returning to its original rocket-like shape.

Decorations inside the park and original admission tickets

Admission tickets and pamphlets are Showa 100 version!

In addition, there will be a "Showa Spot Tour" where you can experience HANAYASHIKI 's 100 years of Showa history while strolling around the park!

Touring Showa-era spots

Introducing the famous HANAYASHIKI park that represents the Showa era!

Demon Slaying

Oni-satsu is a game where you hit a ball at a target to defeat demons.
In 1947, when HANAYASHIKI reopened after the war's reconstruction began, the toy was introduced alongside the miniature train and the Daruma Drop, becoming a popular amusement attraction.
It currently stands next to Roller Coaster ride, watching over the park.

Bird and animal memorial monument

HANAYASHIKI began raising animals in 1904 and became popular, with the birth of quintuplets, a rare sight in the world.
However, the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923 caused great damage, with many animals burned to death.
Later, in 1930, a memorial was erected to commemorate the animals that were killed in the earthquake.

House of Surprises

This attraction was established in 1947 under the name "Amusement Aviation Museum." Following the liberalization of English names, it was renamed "House of Surprises" in 1950.
This is the oldest attraction installed in the park and is still going strong today, delivering surprises and thrills.
★[House of Surprises] is a registered trademark of HANAYASHIKI CO., LTD.

Roller Coaster

It was established in 1953, the year of Japan's first television broadcast.
It gained popularity at the time for its cutting-edge rocket-like design and fresh thrills.
It is still popular today as the oldest coaster still in existence in Japan.

Panda Car

Panda Car first appeared in 1984! Even now, it strolls around the park every day, playing lively music.
★[Panda Car] is a registered trademark of HANAYASHIKI CO., LTD.