Nagoya's nine-hectare theme park uses 17 million bricks to recreate iconic Japanese cityscapes

Countries & Cities · Published 10 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Opened in 2017, Legoland Japan Resort transformed a corner of Nagoya into an immersive world of plastic construction. Beyond the rides, the park features a miniature town built from over 10 million bricks, alongside an aquarium and a hotel that expanded the site into a full-scale destination resort.

Located in the Minato Ward of Nagoya, Legoland Japan Resort represents a significant investment by Merlin Entertainments. Following an announcement in June 2014 and a construction budget of US$250 million, the park officially opened on April 1, 2017. It was the eighth Legoland globally and the second to open in Asia. To facilitate visitor access, a dedicated Lego-themed train began service on the Aonami Line, connecting central Nagoya directly to the resort.

The park is structured into seven distinct areas, including Bricktopia, Lego City, and the Knight's Kingdom, offering over 40 attractions. A centerpiece of the experience is Miniland, which utilizes 10,496,352 bricks to construct detailed replicas of famous Japanese landmarks, such as Tokyo Station and Nagoya Castle. Most of the park's mechanical rides were sourced and modified by Sansei Technologies to ensure compliance with local safety regulations. The site also includes a factory tour where guests can observe the production of Lego pieces.

Expansion continued shortly after the initial opening. In 2018, the resort added the Legoland Hotel and Sea Life Nagoya, an aquarium integrated into the hotel's lower levels. The aquarium, which is affiliated with the Japanese Association of Zoos and Aquariums, features 11 themed zones ranging from local river ecosystems to mythical underwater castles. While the aquarium is part of the broader resort complex, it operates with a separate admission structure, emphasizing interactive experiences like animal encounters and guided tours.

Operations have faced external challenges, notably during the COVID-19 pandemic when the park suspended activities in early 2020. Upon reopening, the resort implemented health protocols including temperature screenings and mask requirements, while temporarily closing several high-interaction attractions. Despite these shifts, the resort maintains a diverse array of amenities, including 12 retail outlets and six themed dining establishments, designed to offer a comprehensive experience for visitors exploring the intersection of play and engineering.

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