Space World (Japanese: スペースワールド, Supēsuwārudo) was a space-themed amusement park located in Kitakyushu, Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan. Operated by Space World Inc., a subsidiary of Nippon Steel Corporation (now Nippon Steel & Sumitomo Metal Corporation), the park was known for its unique blend of educational exhibits and thrill rides, all centered around space exploration. It operated from April 22, 1990, until its closure on December 31, 2017.
History Space World was conceived as a revitalization project for a former Yawata Steel Works site, aiming to provide both entertainment and educational value. The park opened its doors in 1990, coinciding with a period of significant public interest in space travel and technology. Its initial design incorporated elements from NASA and featured a full-scale replica of the Space Shuttle Discovery, which served as a prominent landmark and a key attraction.
Over its nearly three-decade operational history, Space World attracted millions of visitors. However, facing declining visitor numbers and increased competition from other leisure facilities, as well as the aging infrastructure of the park, Nippon Steel announced its decision to close Space World at the end of 2017. The park held various farewell events throughout its final year, culminating in its permanent closure on December 31, 2017.
Attractions Space World offered a diverse range of attractions designed to appeal to various age groups, blending educational experiences with typical amusement park rides. Key attractions included:
- Space Shuttle Discovery Replica: A life-sized replica of the Space Shuttle, which served as a symbol of the park and housed exhibits.
- Venus GP: A steel roller coaster known for its high speeds and intense g-forces, designed to simulate a journey through space.
- Jupiter: A large wooden roller coaster, one of the few of its kind in Japan.
- Black Hole Scramble: An indoor roller coaster that plunged riders into darkness.
- Alien Panic: A walk-through haunted house-style attraction with an alien theme.
- Space Camp: An interactive educational area that allowed visitors to experience astronaut training simulations, such as a multi-axis trainer.
- Cosmic Museum: Featuring exhibits on astronomy, space technology, and the history of space exploration.
- King Louie's Planet Cafe: A restaurant offering space-themed food and a view of the park.
- Galaxy Cruise: A water ride that took visitors through various cosmic scenes.
Legacy Despite its closure, Space World remains a significant part of the cultural memory for many in the Kyushu region and throughout Japan. Its unique theme and the presence of the iconic Space Shuttle replica made it a distinctive landmark. The site has since been redeveloped for other commercial and industrial uses, though memories of the space-themed park persist.