Japanese theme parks and attractions commence reopening after Coronavirus closures

With moves to prevent the spread of Coronanvirus having seen their closure during January and February, theme parks and visitor attractions, as well as businesses and schools, in Japan are now reopening.

According to Nikkei Asian Review, Legoland Japan will reopen some popular outdoor attractions from today (23rd March), albeit with shorter business hours, temperature checks and staff wearing masks.

Dutch-themed resort Huis Ten Bosch in Nagasaki reopened on 16th March with only its outdoor attractions open and visitors asked to wear masks.

As reported in Nikkei Asian Review, Huis Ten Bosch President, Katsuhiko Sakaguchi noted "there were arguments both for and against reopening the park within our company, but the final decision was made by me.

"I understand I've made a grave decision. We will take steps to prevent any outbreak.”

Commenting on the reopenings, Jiro Yasuda, Professor of Virology at Nagasaki University, stated "from the point of view of prevention (of Coronavirus), staying at home is desirable, but it has to be taken into consideration what its effect will be on the economy and people’s lives.

“(Shutdowns) will have a devastating effect on the economy.”

Takumi Fujinami, an analyst at the Japan Research Institute, stated "regional economies tend to depend on tourism.

“They cannot afford to keep businesses grounded for too long."

本日、レゴランド・ジャパンおよびシーライフ名古屋の営業を再開いたしました。
一部内容を変更しての営業となりますが、少しでも皆さんに楽しい時間を提供できるよう、スタッフ一同細心の注意を払い運営してまいります。#レゴランド #アイラブレゴランド pic.twitter.com/OlDcpTVTYz

— レゴランド・ジャパン・リゾート【公式】 (@LEGOLAND_Japan) March 23, 2020

Announcing its reopening, Legoland Japan wrote on Twitter “today, Legoland Japan and Sea Life Nagoya have reopened. Although the business will be partially modified, we will operate with the utmost care of all staff so that we can provide you with a little fun.”

In addition, the Moominvalley theme park in Saitama resumed operations on 14th March, with guests having their temperatures checked and being denied entry if they have a fever, while the GrinPa Amusement Park reopened its outdoor attractions on 9th March.

Cinema operator Aeon Entertainment reopened certain theatres on 16th March, the same day that Bandai Namco, which operates FECs across Japan resumed operations.

Main image: Japan's Huis Ten Bosch theme park reopened on 16th March.