Nijimori Studio Dongducheon: Akimatsuri Festival & Tips 2026

※ Our admission for two was sponsored, but we personally purchased all clothing, meals, and other expenses. ※

I was incredibly curious to hear about a travel destination in Gyeonggi-do (경기도) where you can experience Japan without needing a passport!

That place, my friends, is none other than Nijimori Studio (니지모리스튜디오).

It used to be restricted to minors, which was a real bummer because I couldn't visit with my child. But guess what? They've finally opened their doors, and now, children and even pets are welcome every day of the week!

Woohoo!

Just a heads-up: visitors under 15 must be accompanied by a legal guardian, and some specific exhibitions are still off-limits for minors!!

​

Nijimori Studio (니지모리스튜디오) actually means 'Rainbow Forest,' and it was originally built as an open set to cut down on the huge costs of filming historical dramas on location in Japan.

Being a film set, it truly transports you, brimming with an authentic Japanese vibe that feels incredibly real.

Interestingly, the late director Kim Jae-hyung, known for epic historical dramas like 'Tears of the Dragon' and 'Woman's World' (popular during my generation), was involved in its planning. The result is a Japanese village designed with architectural styles spanning from Japan's Edo period all the way to the Taisho era.

But it's more than just a beautifully constructed film set! They're constantly developing engaging content with diverse stories. If you visit during the Akimatsuri (Autumn Festival) period, which runs every Saturday and Sunday until November 8th, you can dive into the experience with treasure hunts and special events.

Akimatsuri Autumn Festival

Every Saturday & Sunday until November 8th

The Akimatsuri (Autumn Festival) runs every Saturday and Sunday until November 8th.

During the festival, you can jump into a variety of exciting events! Think interactive group games at the Main Plaza and Central Stage, enchanting evening music performances, serene wish lantern boats, and dazzling fireworks.

With the enchanting wish lantern boats and fireworks at sunset, it's no surprise that the crowds surged in the afternoon more than the morning. We were a little bummed we couldn't stay for the night events due to our schedule.

There's a spectacular large fireworks display on Saturday evening, while smaller 'hanabi' (fireworks) light up the sky from Sunday through Friday.

If you get the chance, I highly recommend trying to catch as many of the diverse events as you can!

Explore Every Corner with Engaging Content

Treasure Hunt Mission

Watashino Tenshi Story

Explore Nijimori as you follow the heartbreaking legend of the two families: Yume and Tenshi.

It's a fantastic way to explore every hidden corner of Nijimori as you solve puzzles linked to the legend.

Just scan a QR code to access the treasure hunt mission site, complete 10 challenges, and you'll get a prize from a Gara-pon (Japanese capsule machine)!

The puzzles themselves aren't too tricky, but be prepared to wander through every single nook and cranny of Nijimori Studio, which might be a bit of a workout!

But the big upside is that by completing the missions, you'll get to see almost the entire Nijimori Studio!

From quaint bookstores, intricate Japanese altars, and bustling shops to serene art galleries, you'll discover the diverse charms of Nijimori Studio

can do.

​

The window view at Nijimori Gallery (니지모리 갤러리), which we visited while completing a mission.

The view overlooking Nijimori Studio (니지모리스튜디오) is truly spectacular.

​

The second-floor view, especially, is expansive and wonderful.

Be sure to sit down and take it all in.

​

​

Once you complete all missions, you can draw for prizes with the Gara-pon lottery machine.

​

​

A cute cat keychain.

It's perfect for my son, who loves cats.

​

​

An Even More Authentic Japanese Cultural Experience

Costume Rental

When it comes to cultural experiences, costume try-ons are, of course, a must-do.

For us, it wasn't easy for the adults to change clothes,

so we only rented an outfit for our child. But I saw many couples,

and not just children, but also older adults cheerfully

enjoying the costume experience.

​

​

The costume rental shop is near the entrance, and as soon as everyone enters,

they rush straight to it!

​

First, choose your costume, then pay at the kiosk,

and you'll receive a waiting number for the changing room.

​

​

There are many options, from kimonos and yukatas to general's attire,

but the costumes, kimonos, and yukatas are the most basic and affordable,

so they seem to be the most popular choices.

​

Shoes, hair styling, and other accessories incur additional costs.

​

​

You can't try them on before paying. You estimate the size by the length from shoulder to ankle,

and after payment, the staff members will directly help you put them on.

​

This part can take some time, which is probably why everyone rushed straight to the costume shop

as soon as it opened.

​

​

Wearing the traditional attire definitely makes photos look much better.

I highly recommend renting an outfit!

​

​

At Nijimori Studio

What to Eat?

Nijimori Studio opens at 11 AM,

and while you're exploring and trying various things inside,

you're bound to hit a mealtime.

​

There are quite a few restaurants inside Nijimori Studio where you can eat,

offering a variety of food from ramen, udon, and donkatsu to tea.

​

The food is generally quite good, so it's a fun way to grab a meal

while you're there.

​

These days, thanks to actor Kim Min from 'I Live Alone,' the name Dongducheon (동두천)

is becoming quite popular, and you can even spot actor Kim Min in some of the restaurant and cafe photos!

It's quite fun to try and find him, hehe!

How to Enjoy Niji Mori Studio (니지모리스튜디오) a Hundredfold

​

​

Admission + Costume + Meal + Drink Package Ticket

&

Akimatsuri (아키마츠리) Ryokan Promotion

The admission ticket for Niji Mori Studio is the same price for adults and children,

priced at ₩20,000 (~$15) on weekdays and ₩25,000 (~$19) on holidays. Once you're inside,

you'll need to sort out all your meals and drinks within the premises, which means

a package ticket could be quite convenient.

If you add up all the individual items covered by the package ticket, the total would be ₩80,000 (~$60),

but if you purchase the package ticket, you can enjoy it for ₩73,000 (~$55), saving ₩7,000 (~$5).

However, since the meal voucher is for ₩14,000 (~$11) and the drink voucher is for ₩6,000 (~$5),

any amount exceeding these values must be paid on-site.

> Click here to purchase admission and package tickets <

And during the Akimatsuri season, something noteworthy is that there will be a special promotion

offering a 20% discount on ryokan stays throughout the festival period.

It's not just about exploring the Japanese village set; it's a special opportunity to experience ryokan culture as well!

Don't miss out on this 20% discount opportunity.

> See the 20% Ryokan Discount Offer <

Niji Mori Embracing Autumn

Niji Mori is a fantastic place to enjoy this beautiful autumn season.

Niji Mori Studio is open to children and even companion dogs,

so why not spend some quality time with your family there?

As autumn deepens, Niji Mori Studio becomes a 'life shot' (perfect photo)

generator in itself.

Why an 11 AM Open Run is a Great Idea

Samurai Guardians at the Gate and a Warm Welcome

While every moment at Nijimorisutudio (니지모리스튜디오) is wonderful,

there's a special reason why an open run is particularly great:

It's because you can see the samurai gatekeepers only at opening time,

and experience the staff's enthusiastic welcome.

Plus, opening time is the most relaxed.

Since there are events in the afternoon, as time goes on,

the number of visitors increases, making it quite a challenge

to capture that perfect 'life shot'.

So, make sure to take plenty of great photos when it's quiet

during opening hours.

---