Shima Spain Village in Mie, Japan
As far as theme parks in Japan are concerned, Disneyland Tokyo and Universal Studios Japan are the big hitters that you can’t miss on your visit. But, that doesn’t mean you’ve no other option than to contend with the hordes of people in these parks to get your fix of thrilling rides and family-friendly attractions.
Enter Shima Spain Village; it’s a theme park in Japan’s Mie prefecture that draws heavy inspiration from the vibrant Spanish culture. The best part? Visitors have noted that there are virtually no queues at the park’s rides, but that doesn’t mean it’s not worth the trip further East of Osaka. Here’s all you need to know about this lesser-known theme park.
The current exchange rate is ¥10 = ~S$0.09 as of 2nd April 2025.
What is Shima Spain Village?
Image credit: @shima.spain.village via Instagram
Located in the Mie prefecture in the Kansai region of Japan, Shima Spain Village is an amusement park themed after Spain. The park first opened in 1994, and it consists of 3 main facilities; the Parque España theme park, the Hotel Shima Spain Village hotel, and the Himawari-no-Yu natural hot spring.
Below is a handy table showing the ticket prices for Shima Spain Village. Do note that certain attractions within the park require additional fees.
| Ticket type | 1-Day Pass Price | 2-Day Pass Price |
| Adult (aged 18-64) | ¥5,700 | ¥7,700 |
| Junior (aged 12-17) | ¥4,600 | ¥6,200 |
| Children (aged 3-11) | ¥3,800 | ¥5,300 |
| Senior (aged 65 & above) | ¥3,800 | ¥5,300 |
As for entry into the Himawari-no-Yu natural hot spring, prices start at ¥1,400 for guests above 12 years old and ¥1,000 for children from 4 to 11 years old. Guests staying at Hotel Shima Spain Village have unlimited free entry to the hot spring, while theme-park goers can enter at discounted rates, at ¥1,100 for adults and ¥800 for kids.
How to get to Shima Spain Village?
Since Shima Spain Village is a little out of the way, getting there isn’t very straightforward, but it’s not too difficult either. You’ll first need to get yourself on a flight to Nagoya, and thankfully, there are direct flights from Changi Airport to the Chubu Centrair International Airport operated by Singapore Airlines. Flight times are around 6 hours 40 minutes, and return flights to Nagoya with SIA start from $762.
Afterwards, hop on the μ Sky Limited Express train to bring you from the airport to the Meitetsu Nagoya station. The ride will take just under half an hour, and will cost ¥1,230. Next, you’ll want to take the Kintetsu Limited Express train to Ugata station; the 2-hour 20-minute train ride will cost ¥3,710. Finally, take a ride on the Mie Kotsu shuttle bus which will take you right to the park in 13 minutes for ¥390.
What to expect at Shima Spain Village?
Pretty Spanish-inspired buildings, including castles & flower fields
Image credit: @shima.spain.village via Instagram
As you enter Shima Spain Village, you’ll be greeted with a sprawling plaza with a fountain that instantly transports you to, well, Spain. Further in at the park’s Santa Cruz Street, you’ll get to walk amongst houses that resemble those found in the seaside town of Andalusia, as well as vividly coloured beds of flowers that are perfect for the ‘Gram.
Image credit: @shima.spain.village via Instagram
The Xavier Castle Museum is another famous photo spot here, as the majestic castle-like structure is a faithful rendition of the birthplace of Francis Xavier, who’s known as the first Christian missionary to visit Japan. Also, do pay a visit to the Embassy Hall which houses benches to rest your feet while you gaze at the stained glass depictions of Spain’s many festivals.
Image credit: @shima.spain.village via Instagram
By the way, the plaza and fountain found at the entrance of the park light up beautifully at night too, so swing by for last-minute snaps.
Exhilarating roller coasters & kid-friendly rides for guests of all ages
Image credit: Shima Spain Village
Of course, the thrill seekers will want to have a go at the many exhilarating rides at the Parque España theme park. Firstly, get a glimpse of what the Spanish tradition of bull fighting might look like a couple of decades into the future at the Iron Bull indoor roller coaster. It’s a steampunk-themed ride that will blitz past a factory producing bullfighting mechanical bulls as you cling onto your seats.
Image credit: Wikimedia Commons
For adrenaline junkies looking for their next fix, look no further than the PYRENEES. This joyride will hurtle daring park-goers along a 1,234m long inverted roller coaster track at speeds of up to 100km/h, which will no doubt result in a hoarse throat from all that screaming.
Image credit: Shima Spain Village
If you’re worried that the little ones can’t get in on the high-octane action, don’t worry. Just hitch a ride on the kid-friendly Kiddy Montserrat roller coaster. It’s modelled after the beautiful Montserrat mountain range in Catalonia, and throughout the ride, they’ll get to watch the world of Barcelona pop art come to life.
Image credit: Shima Spain Village
But if your tot isn’t one for BPM-raising rides, then go for the more mellow inclusions such as the Gaudi Carousel where they’ll get to saddle up with wooden horses in a gilded merry-go-round ride. There’s also the La Tomatina twirly teacup ride that’s bound to draw an excited squeal or 2 as the little ones spin about in cute tomato-shaped seats.
Catch tap dancing shows, street musicals & a bustling parade
Image credit: Shima Spain Village
Before you leave, do take some time to catch some of their special shows happening around the park. Prepare to be enthralled by a team of Flamenco dancers as they wow the crowd with their lightning-quick footwork.
Image credit: AIROS Skyview
For more larger scale shindigs, tune in for the grand Parque España Parade España Carnival too. It’ll feature performers donning traditional Spanish costumes, as well as Shima Spain Village’s whole cast of characters; you’d be surprised at how Disney-esque it feels, as they have quite a number of mascots waiting to entertain onlookers.
Image credit: Shima Spain Village
Fun fact: their mascots take inspiration from the classic Spanish novel, Don Quixote. Expect impromptu rounds of bull-fighting, dancers shashaying in flowy dresses, and the mascots making their rounds to interact with the children.
Rest up in the nearby Hotel Shima Spain Village & soak in hot springs
Image credit: Agoda
You can also consider taking your time to explore the park by spending a night at the hotel within the grounds. When it’s time to retire for the night, head to the Hotel Shima Spain Village to rest up for another day of fun at the theme park.
Image credit: Agoda
The hotel’s premises recreate a Southern European atmosphere that’s reminiscent of the quaint region of Andalusia. Even the interior and dining options pay homage to its Spanish influence, so you don’t have to cross continents to enjoy a slice of Spain.
Image credit: Agoda
As for accommodation, rooms at Hotel Shima Spain Village start from ¥19,800, and they’ve got options for families, couples, and even handicapped guests. For those visiting with children, their special Character room might be of interest, as they’re decorated with murals and paintings of the park’s lovable crew of characters.
Image credit: Shima Spain Village
A soak in an onsen is a must when visiting Japan, so take a relaxing dip at park’s Himawari-no-Yu natural hot spring. The alkaline spring water is said to leave your skin supple and smooth, plus you’ll also get great coastal views surrounded by lush greenery. Come during sunset, and you’ll unlock even more picturesque views as the sun descends below the horizon.
Visit the lesser-known Shima Spain Village in Japan
Image credit: Shima Spain Village
If you’re sick of waiting in line for hours to get on rides at theme parks frequented all too often by tourists in Japan, then a trip to Shima Spain Village is the solution for you. Although it is a little out of the way, you’d pretty much have the whole park to yourselves if you go on off-peak periods, making repeat runs of your favourite rides here super convenient.
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Cover image adapted from: @shima.spain.village via Instagram, Shima Spain Village