Western Village first opened in the early 1970s. It was originally quite a modest affair known as Kinugawa Family Ranch, but its Wild West theme caught the public’s attention, and it gradually expanded, which also meant a new name. However, despite that early success, changing times resulted in similarly changing fortunes, and in 2006 it closed, leaving the buildings, and in particular the animatronic figures, to slowly succumb to time, nature, and more than a little vandalism.
I first visited in 2017, with half of these photos taken back then, but finding myself in the area just recently, it was impossible to resist another look. Perhaps unsurprisingly, more damage has been meted out to the increasingly sinister residents, with John Wayne in particular looking very worse for wear. Or at least that’s who I assume the cowboy is supposed to be. His dark and empty eye sockets proving especially unsettling.
Far more disappointing was to find the buildings all boarded up, meaning photos of their inhabitants had to be taken through the windows, although in some ways that made them more atmospheric. Plus the whole area is still watched over by the hugely incongruous Mount Rushmore recreation. A sight that one definitely does not expect to see by the side of an otherwise nondescript Japanese road.
mpan says
Stunning! It might have been a western themed village, but now it naturally fits a J-horror. 😀
Lee says
Thank you! That’s so true. It turned into a thoroughly unique place.
Denise says
OMG!! 😮 I’m lost for words 🙂
Lee says
It’s really quite something, isnt it?
Sean says
Oh man these are so good. Total Westworld vibes. Awesome work as always!
Lee says
Thank you very much. And yes, definitely reminded me of Westworld.
Tobias says
I will try to put this as eloquently as humanly possible…: “holy shit!“
Stunning photos and yet again the question arises, how the hell you come up with places like this!?
(That’s why your page hasn’t left my bookmarks for over twelve years now, btw! :D)…or maybe fifteen, I’m not sure…
Lee says
Haha, very eloquently put! This place was one of the more well known spots, so not hard to find. Others tend to be chance finds when in new areas.
Thanks ever so much. That really is very kind of you. And cheers for sticking with me for so long. Time flies eh?
Arno says
I knew things were bad in the U.S., but wow … 😉
Lee says
I know eh? The way things are definitely added an extra element to the visit.