Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on February 2010

Name: Russia Mura

Location: Agano-shi, Niigata

Background: This Russian-themed amusement park opened in the early ’90s just as the Japanese economy was crashing. “Attractions” like Cossack dance performances, a mammoth skeleton and a replica of a Russian church weren’t enough to lure the crowds, and the park soon fell into disrepair. In 2003, it was closed for the winter season and, without any financial respite in sight, the shutdown became permanent. It is now a popular haikyo spot, all the more so since several buildings were destroyed in a fire last year.

Access: Take the Ban-etsu Expressway to Yasuda Interchange, then 15 minutes on Route 290

Source: “Haikyo Deflation Spiral” (http://home.f01.itscom.net/spiral), a leading haikyo exploration site featuring dozens of frequently updated galleries.