shima-spain-village

Why This Hidden Theme Park Has No Crowds

Shima Spain Village might be Japan’s most underrated theme park. Real thrills. Authentic Spanish cuisine. Beautiful architecture. And here’s the secret: almost no lines.

Located on the remote Shima Peninsula, it’s beloved by locals but overlooked by tourists who never venture past Ise Shrine. The result? A theme park that feels like it was built just for you.

Theme park entrance with Spanish architecture in Mie Prefecture
The entrance plaza welcomes visitors to a slice of Spain

Pyrenees Roller Coaster: A Hidden Thrill Ride

This isn’t a cute family ride. Pyrenees is a serious suspended coaster—your feet dangle freely as you tear through:

Spec Details
Total Length 1,234 meters
Top Speed 100 km/h
Maximum Drop 47 meters
Features Multiple loops & corkscrews

At major parks, you’d wait 90+ minutes for a coaster like this. Here? Walk right on. Ride again. And again.

Pyrenees suspended roller coaster with dangling feet
Pyrenees – The park’s signature suspended roller coaster

Attractions and Rides for Everyone

Park Highlights

  • Ice Castle — Walk-through fantasy attraction
  • Don Quixote — Dark ride through Cervantes’ world
  • Splash Montserrat — Water ride for hot days
  • Character Meet & Greet — Throughout the park

The Atmosphere

The Spanish architecture isn’t cheap imitation—it’s detailed and authentic. Wrought-iron balconies, terracotta roofs, sun-drenched plazas. Every corner is Instagram-worthy without even trying.

Santa Cruz Street with Spanish colonial architecture
Santa Cruz Street – Authentic Spanish colonial architecture

Best Food: Churros, Paella & More

Here’s a secret: this park serves legitimately good Spanish food at reasonable prices. While most Japanese theme parks offer overpriced mediocrity, this place delivers.

Must-Try Items

Churros — Hands down the best churros in Japan! Fresh, hot, crispy outside, fluffy inside, loaded with chocolate sauce and cinnamon sugar. Worth the trip just for these!

Paella — The real thing, saffron-scented with plenty of seafood

Ajillo — Garlic shrimp sizzling in olive oil, served with bread for dipping

Iberico Pork — Spain’s famous acorn-fed ham

Most theme parks charge premium prices for mediocre food. Here it’s reversed—quality food at fair prices.

Flamenco Shows and Entertainment

Daily performances by trained dancers bring authentic Spanish culture to life. The passion, footwork, and drama rival shows you’d pay significantly more for in Spain. Colorful parades featuring park characters wind through the Spanish streets throughout the day.

Colorful parade with costumed characters on Spanish streets
Daily parades bring the Spanish streets to life

Check the performance schedule when you arrive to plan your day around these shows—they’re highlights you won’t want to miss.

Hotel and Onsen Facilities

Hotel Shima Spain Village

The on-site hotel maximizes your experience. As day visitors leave, the park transforms—softer lighting, emptier paths, a different magic entirely.

Himawari no Yu

An onsen (hot spring) facility attached to the park. End your day of Spanish adventures with a uniquely Japanese experience—soaking in hot spring baths.

🏨 Stay Overnight at the Official Hotel

Experience the park after hours and enjoy exclusive benefits by staying on-site:

🏡 Book Hotel Shima Spain Village on Klook

💡 Hotel guests get early park access and can enjoy the onsen facilities.

Is It Worth Visiting?

Perfect for:

  • Families with children of all ages
  • Thrill-seekers who hate waiting in lines
  • Foodies wanting authentic Spanish cuisine
  • Photographers looking for unique backdrops
  • Anyone tired of overcrowded theme parks

⚠️ Consider skipping if:

  • You only want cutting-edge, brand-new attractions
  • You need English signage everywhere

Tickets, Hours & Access

Item Details
Hours Vary by season; check official site
Admission ~¥5,400 adults (passport including attractions)
Access 45 min from Kintetsu Ugata Station by bus
From Nagoya ~2 hours total

🎫 Book Your Tickets & Transportation

Make your visit hassle-free with advance tickets and convenient rail passes:

💡 The Kintetsu Rail Pass covers trains to Ugata Station plus the connecting bus to the park.

Pro Tips

  • Weekdays are even emptier than weekends
  • Arrive at opening for morning light on the Spanish streets
  • Stay for sunset if possible—the lighting is magical
  • Bring a sweater for air-conditioned indoor areas

Nearby Attractions

Part of our Complete Ise-Shima Guide

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