Japan is home to many exclusive attractions that aren’t available anywhere else. For example, Universal Studios Japan features several time-exclusive rides based on the country’s most popular franchises. Nijigen no Mori, translated as two-dimensional forest, is a theme park located exclusively on Awaji, Hyogo, Japan. First opening in July 2017, the park is renowned for its attractions based on several popular Japanese brands, most notably Naruto, Dragon Questand Godzilla. The park features multiple statues and life-sized replicas of characters from its various franchises. There’s a life-size Godzilla statue in Nijigen no Mori, based on the monster’s appearance in Shin Godzilla.
Attendees can participate in the “Godzilla Incerception Operation,” a series of missions where participants can nullify Godzilla. The “Godzilla Incerception Operation” attraction is a permanent feature in the park, but Nijigen no Mori incorporates limited-time attractions for cross-promotion. Recently, the park has added a Monster Hunter attraction, based on the extremely popular video game franchise of the same name by Capcom. Nijigen no Mori announced a new cross-promotion between Godzilla and Monster Hunter at its location. Attendees who participate in both the Godzilla and Monster Hunter attractions at the park will earn the chance to receive a novelty item that features a new design.
Godzilla and Monster Hunter Are Prone to Crossovers (But This Is Special)
Monster Hunter is an action-adventure, role-playing game franchise that centers on the players slaying giant monsters. The series is extremely popular in Japan, with the most recent title, Monster Hunters Wildsselling around 8 million copies within three days of release. The franchise is known for its multiple crossovers, having partnered up with other franchises, including Zoids, Demon Slayer, Attack on Titanand many more. Despite both franchises featuring giant creatures, the Nijigen no Mori crossover between Godzilla and Monster Hunter will be the first major collaboration between the two franchises.
The Monster Hunter attraction, called Monster Hunter: The Fieldfirst opened in Nijigen no Mori in 2024. The attraction initially closed in January 2025 before reopening on June 20th. As part of the attraction, attendees can become novice hunters who arrive at the park for the “Awaji Gathering Hub.” Novice hunters can participate in training quests throughout the park, with the quests split into “field exploration” and “large monster subjugation.” Exploration allows players to wander the fields and collect items, whereas monster subjugation makes players fight monsters with one of four weapons. Participants would also need a tracking belt when performing the large monster subjugation quests.
Godzilla Incerception Operation has been a main feature of Nijigen no Mori since it opened in October 2020. Fans can interact and take photos with the life-size statue of Shin Godzilla. The actual attraction incorporates ziplining around the statue to complete missions. Players can also contribute to shooting and AR mystery-solving games as part of more missions. There’s a dedicated Godzilla Museum on the park’s premises, allowing attendees to view memorabilia from classic Godzilla movies. The crossover event between Godzilla and Monster Hunter will run from September 13th until Godzilla Day on November 3rd.
Excited for the crossover? Wish partnerships like these could make it overseas to other territories like the United States? Answer below for your opinions!
