Space World 🇯🇵

Space World was a notable theme park located in Yahatahigashi-ku, Kitakyushu, Fukuoka, Japan, though you should note that it permanently closed its doors at 2 am on January 1, 2018. If you are exploring the history of Japanese amusement destinations, Space World holds a unique place in travel lore. During its operational years, you could experience six distinct roller coasters: Black Hole Scramble, Zaturn, Boogie-woogie Space Coaster, Titan Max, Clipper, and the popular Venus GP.

Beyond the coasters, you could ride the impressive Space Eye, a 100-metre (330 ft) tall ferris wheel that afforded panoramic views of the park and its various attractions. The park also gained public attention in October 2016 when it launched its controversial Ice Aquarium ice rink. Embedded inside the ice were approximately 5,000 dead fish, which caused widespread public outrage and forced the park to close the attraction on November 27.

While you can no longer visit Space World itself today, coaster enthusiasts can still catch a piece of its legacy by riding the relocated Venus GP, which officially reopened at Himeji Central Park in 2022.

What to see at Space World

• Six original coasters including Zaturn, Titan Max, and Black Hole Scramble
• The Space Eye, a 100-metre (330 ft) tall giant ferris wheel
• The relocated Venus GP roller coaster, which moved to Himeji Central Park
• The infamous 2016 Ice Aquarium rink containing 5,000 embedded dead fish

Visiting tips

If you want to experience one of Space World's former attractions today, visit Himeji Central Park to ride the relocated Venus GP roller coaster.

How long: N/A (Permanently closed) · Best time: N/A (Permanently closed)

How to get there & what’s nearby

Space World is easy to reach on Kitakyūshū’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Kitakyushu Municipal Museum of Art. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Kitakyūshū travel guide.