One of the popular sections at Edo Wonderland is for people to throw shuriken (ninja stars). For a small price, you can throw shuriken at targets. It reminded me of when I was younger and I would purchase ninja stars (and my parents taking them away from me, wondering how I was able to purchase weapons back in junior high).
Back then, martial arts magazines had ads that sold ninja stars and my friends parents would order them and they would sell them to me. But I remember, I had a very nice one and I threw it and somehow it went over the neighbors fence. Lost forever. :sad emoticon:
But I watched to see how the ladies helped families, old and young, and cheered them on as they threw a ninja star towards a target area.
Also, a few yards away is a Yaba Archery Dojo for children to shoot a bow and arrow.
Meanwhile, at Edo Wonderland, you will find a few street vendors selling dango and other cool snacks. Of course, there are restaurants are located at Edo Wonderland but I decided to try a few of the street vendors.
During the Edo Period, many of the dishes were served outside. Granted, many were already ready-prepared dishes back then as the Shogunate was extremely strict to avoid any fires.
At Edo Wonderland, you had people using traditional (to modern) grills to prepare their food.
At Edo Wonderland, you will find palanquins (kago or machikago), which were the Edo equivalent to a taxi cab in which a person was carried on the shoulders of 2-4 people. At Edo Wonderland, it’s interesting to see the two guys giving people a ride on the machikago, because they would give rides to people and at times, families would have a very heavy set person in their family ride on them and it’s always interesting to see the faces of those having to carry the people around.
People can learn more about geta (the wooden slippers/sandals) at Edo Wonderland:
People can learn how straw hats and more were made:
You can learn how to play traditional Japanese instruments:
There is a workshop of painting daruma:
You can learn about Japanese Ukiyo-e, tatoos and amulet cases back in the Edo Period:
Swordsmanship and horseback archery workshops:
You can learn how katana were made:
They also give a Yakata Boat Cruise:
There is an Edo Life Culture Museum:
There is a creepy haunted house…
And so much more…
There is really so much to see at Edo Wonderland. What I mentioned is just a part of it, but each village building/home has something inside and so you definitely want to get there in the morning and check out as much as you can. Try to fit these in during the breaks of a live show and you’ll no doubt be kept busy throughout your time at the theme park.
For Part 10, it’s the conclusion to my Edo Wonderland coverage! Check back tomorrow!
