Niigata Russian Village – Agano, Japan - Atlas Obscura
Places near me Random place
Niigata Russian Village is permanently closed.

Niigata Russian Village

Agano, Japan

A failed Russian themed village and amusement park in Niigata prefecture. 

View all photos
The main cathedral
The main cathedral
map of the park
7
248
Top Places in Japan
<em>Photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ginza-line/2766272121/sizes/l/">Ginza-line</a></em>
Ushiku Daibutsu: The Great Buddha of Ushiku
Ushiku, Japan
Echigo-Matsunoyama Museum of Natural Science
Tokamachi, Japan
Hair Rope of Higashi Hongan-ji Temple
Kyoto, Japan
 See All

In 1993, Niigata Russian Village was opened to encourage relations between Japan and Russia. It was subsequently closed and opened again after renovations in 2002. It was then open for only six months before lack of visitors forced it to close yet again.

Now after over 8 years of being abandoned the park is an amazing sight. The park includes a large cathedral, hotel (which has sustained a great deal of fire damage), multiple theaters, restaurants, and even a golf course.

No doubt the most amazing and curious part of the abandoned structure is the woolly mammoth (fake) taxidermy and skeleton that were left behind in the now empty Russian Village.

Update: As of July 2016 the park is mostly demolished.

Know Before You Go

Off of route 290 in Suibara, look for the old sign. Go behind the gate and walk up the hill to find the park.

Atlas Obscura Trips

Artisans & Exiles: Exploring the Hidden Traditions of Japan’s Sado Island

Exploration through a history of exile, gold rush, and thriving cultural traditions.
Book Now
haikyo abandoned amusement parks amusement parks abandoned ruins
Community Contributors
r
Added by
roche
m
Annetta Black
Merlucdai
Molly McBride Jacobson
Edited by
mbison, Annetta Black, Merlucdai, Molly McBride Jacobson
Published
February 15, 2010
Edit this listing
Make an Edit Add Photos
Nearby
Niigata Rice Cracker Museum & Bakauke Inari
7.04 miles
Wara Art
19.22 miles
Tadami Train Line
44.10 miles
Want to see fewer ads? Become a Member.
Near This Place
The "Bakauke Inari" shrine.
Niigata, Japan

Niigata Rice Cracker Museum & Bakauke Inari

This snack factory boasts several tributes to its popular line of rice crackers, including a quasi-shrine.
Giant gorilla from 2017 festival.
Niigata, Japan

Wara Art

Giant animal sculptures are created with the rice straw leftover from the fall harvest each year.
Tadami Line Bridge in summer
Uonuma, Japan

Tadami Train Line

Running through lush forests and across the Tadami River, this train line offers breathtaking views of rural Japan.
A view of Chokokuji Temple's "guardian bunny."
Sado, Japan

Chokokuji Temple's Rabbit Kannon Statue

This giant statue pays homage to this temple's furry residents who keep the landscape pristine.
Related Places
A tiger in Jungle Habitat.
West Milford, New Jersey

Jungle Habitat

This disastrous New Jersey safari park saw animal attacks, escapes, and disease before being abandoned.
The swing ride
Rock, West Virginia

Lake Shawnee Amusement Park

This abandoned amusement park was built on a site with a dark history.
New Orleans, Louisiana

Abandoned Jazzland

A theme park that suffered massive flooding during Katrina was abandoned, and now proves irresistible to trespassing explorers.
Bridgeport, Connecticut

Pleasure Beach

The once abandoned ruins of a Victorian beachside amusement park are now back in working order.
In partnership with KAYAK

Plan Your Trip

From Around the Web