Exploring an ABANDONED Old West Theme Park in Japan - WESTERN VILLAGE - 鬼怒川 ウェスタン村

Westworld in real life! This spooky Old West amusement park in Japan used to be filled with animatronic characters. Most of the buildings are locked up tight these days, with the robot cowboy residents holed up inside.

In 1975, Kenichi Ominami transformed his family ranch into a cowboy town called Western Village (鬼怒川 ウェスタン村). He hired performers and hosted cowboy shows.

The Old West theme park continued to grow and add attractions in the 80's and 90's. In 1995, construction began on a 1/3 scale replica of Mount Rushmore. Ominami decided to build "Mexico Land" across a stream from Western Village. A bridge was constructed to connect the two areas, and the stream was dubbed "The Rio Grande."

Years after the crowds faded away, Western Village officially closed in 2007.

When asked about his ambitious endeavor to create an Old West village in Japan, Kenichi Ominami said:
“I’m an example of a self-made man. The goal of life is not to make money, but to make your dreams come true.”

This video is presented to preserve an interesting history. Explorers should take nothing but photographs and leave nothing but footprints. We don't encourage exploring dangerous or prohibited places.