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[Fukushima ]Tickle a maiden's heart! Introducing Licca-chan Castle!

[Fukushima ]Tickle a maiden's heart! Introducing Licca-chan Castle!

2024-11-14

Rika-chan dolls have been loved by many maidens for many years since their release in 1967. Did you know that there is a spot in Fukushima Prefecture where you can immerse yourself in the world of Rika-chan? This time we would like to introduce the sweetest spot in Fukushima: "Rika-chan Castle "

Author of this article

The Land of Maidens' Dreams "Rika-chan Castle "




Licca-chan Castle is a theme park for Licca-chan dolls in Ono-cho, Fukushima Prefecture.
The museum has an open factory where visitors can see the manufacturing process, a museum where they can learn about the history of Licca-chan, a spot where they can take pictures wearing the same costume as Licca-chan, and many other facilities.
As you can see, the exterior is a chalk castle that looks like something out of a fairy tale. It is a perfect fit for Rika-chan's world view! It is truly a dreamland for maidens!
Incidentally, Rica-chan Castle has become a landmark in Ono Town because there are no large buildings around it.




By the way, why is Rika-chan Castle located in Fukushima Prefecture when most character theme parks, such as Disney, Ghibli, and national anime, are in urban areas such as Kanto and Kansai?
In fact, this was the Fukushima factory of Takara (now Takara Tomy) before Rica-chan Castle was built.
Besides, the main products were Rica-chan and Jenny, which is why it was reopened as Rica-chan Castle in 1993.
Incidentally, Rika-chan is from France, and Fukushima Prefecture does not seem to have much to do with it.

Licca Castle's "Play "Spot

Licca-chan Castle has 12 zones where you can "play ""see and learn ""snack and shop "
Here are the first "play "spots in Licca Castle.
Please refer to our recommendations on how to enjoy your visit if you are planning to visit the area.




The first thing that catches your eye upon entering the castle is the life-size welcome Rica-chan. She is 142 centimeters tall, the same height as listed in her official profile.
A button is placed in front of us, and when pressed, Rika-chan will greet us with a cute chat.
Incidentally, welcome rica-chan often change clothes at events and other milestones, so if you go to the trouble, you should definitely take a picture here to commemorate the occasion.
It is also recommended to rent an outfit and take a photo at the next section, which is a rental dress section for impersonators!

Nearby the Welcome Ricca-chan is a section for rental dresses for impersonation.
You can literally become Rika-chan in this dress, and it's free to rent. Moreover, there is no need to apply, and you can use it for unlimited hours during business hours!
There used to be several different costumes available, but now there are two to choose from. Of course, it is free rental, so you can wear both.
Rental dresses are worn like aprons with strings tied at the back, so they can be easily put on over clothing.




It is also nice to know that sizes from 80 to 160 cm are available. Sisters, as well as mothers and daughters, can enjoy parent-child coordination.
You can walk around the park as Licca-chan and take photogenic pictures at various spots.
Since only costumes are available for rent, we recommend that you bring a tiara, catsuit, or other large accessories if you want to get into the mood. If you are going to wear a dress, why not enjoy coordinating your entire body?

Rika-chan's room




On the second floor, there is a corner called "Rika-chan's Room," which was created in the image of Rika-chan's room.
Lovely and cute pink-based interior is sure to be a photo-worthy sight!
Furniture with motifs of hearts and flowers are placed here and there, making you want to enter.

By the way, you can actually touch the furniture in the room. You can open a desk drawer, make a phone call, or relax on the sofa!
Since Rika-chan is an eternal fifth grader, there is also a school bag on the back of the chair. Preschoolers may want to feel like a big sister with her school bag on her back.
Of course, you can take pictures in this corner, so enjoy taking pictures as much as you like wearing your dress as you are!




Beyond Rika-chan's room, there is a "Narikiri (pretend) world travel" corner.
This is a photo spot where you can feel like you are traveling around the world with Rika-chan.
Previously, life-size panels of Rika-chan were installed in each country's photography zone, but with the renewal, AR photography has been introduced, making it even more realistic for visitors to feel like they are traveling the world with Rika-chan.
There will be a total of five photo booths. From Fukuoka Airport, the starting point, the tour will travel to four countries: Hawaii, Paris, Taiwan, and Africa.

apple garden




Outside the building is the Apple Garden, a popular photo spot with seasonal views.
This one was designed in the image of the French garden where Rika's father, Pierre, is from.
As the name Apple Garden implies, the garden is planted with Fukushima Prefecture's three apple trees, which are sometimes sold in the cafe for a limited time when they are harvested.

If you want to take pictures here, we recommend that you wear one of the impersonal dresses available in the museum!
The castle in the background and the atmosphere of the garden combine to create a more worldly photo. Parents, children, and friends can also wear matching outfits for the photo shoot.




Don't forget your favorite Licca dolls if you are doing the guessing game!
Many people are posting photos on social networking sites, so if you want to take your best shot, be sure to check out the posts of your fellow guessers before you go.

Licca Castle's "See and learn "Spot

Next, we will introduce you to the "see and learn "spots at Licca Castle!
The second floor of the museum is filled with valuable sections where you can see the history and manufacturing process of Rika-chan to date. Please be sure to check this out as well.




The first thing you see when you go up to the second floor is the Rica-chan Museum & Moving Rica-chan.
This is the museum corner where successive generations of Rika-chan from 1967 to the present are displayed.
At the Moving Rika-chan, a trick corner, Rika-chan introduces the contents of the exhibition by moving and talking.




The show window is filled with a variety of precious Rica-chan, from those you played with as a child to those that have been discontinued and those that were sold in limited editions in the past.
It is truly a must-see spot for Rica-chan lovers!

By the way, do you know how many generations of Rika-chan we have now?
As fans may already know, Rika-chan has undergone three model changes in the past, and the current Rika-chan is the fourth generation, having been active since 1987.
The chronological exhibition allows visitors to see the history of Rika-chan along with the changing historical background, including the fashions and culture of the time.
Each Rica-chan has a different face and style, so we recommend that you compare them to see how they differ.




The Rika-chan Museum displays not only Rika-chan, but also her mom and dad, her twin sisters and triplet babies.
In this way, Rika's parents are very young! Grandpa and grandma are also very young. I am also surprised to see that the mother is a mother of six children at the age of 33.
Behind the dolls, explanatory notes such as a family tree are also displayed together with the dolls, so even those who are not familiar with Rika-chan can learn about her again.

Tour of the Doll Factory

This is a rare opportunity to see how Rika-chan dolls are made at the factory on the first floor.
Here, after the molding of the face and body is completed, the final four processes of coloring, hair planting, assembly, and inspection can be seen.
Since this is a rarely seen sight, children as well as adults are sure to be unintentionally riveted by the sight. For those who wish to take a closer look, it is recommended to bring binoculars.
In addition, panels introducing each process are displayed in the tour area. Please take a look at them to learn more about what each process entails.




Licca-chan Castle has a section displaying not only Licca-chan but also Jenny dolls.
"What is Jenny? "Let me give you a brief explanation of Jenny.
Jenny is a character doll that was renamed from Takara Barbie in 1986. It is said that Jenny was created for an older age group than Licca-chan, and is more of a fashion doll than a playful doll.

The Castle Gallery Jenny, located inside the museum, features jennies from various eras and one-of-a-kind dresses created by Little Factory designers.
Unlike the lovely and cute world of Rika-chan, this is a chic and somewhat more adult-oriented exhibit area. It is a must-see not only for Jenny, but also for women who love fashion!

Licca Castle's "Snacks & Shopping "Spot

The last stop is the "refreshments & shopping "spot at Rica Castle. After you have enjoyed your photo shoot and tour, be sure to stop by here as well.




"Snacks & Shopping "The most unmissable of the spots is the doll classroom on the second floor.
Here, you can coordinate your own original Rica-chan!
This is truly a corner filled with a maiden's dreams and romance. It is a spot where children and adults alike can become unintentionally absorbed.

The doll classroom is filled with a wide variety of Licca dolls and dresses with different hair colors and facial expressions, and just looking at them is exciting.
Once you have chosen the Rica doll of your choice, the next step is to select a dress and accessories. After paying for the items, you can combine them in the classroom. Of course, you can also take the items home and enjoy coordinating them at home.
The Licca-chan you choose to coordinate with your own outfit will be very special! A certificate that says it was made at Licca-Chan Castle is also included, making it even more special.

Apple Garden Cafe




Next up is a spot for refreshments. Outside Licca-chan Castle is the Apple Garden Café, which sells food such as waffles and drinks such as apple juice and tea.
The store's recommended menu item is oiri soft serve. Oiris are a kind of arare (a kind of dried fish cake) often used as wedding gifts and ice cream toppings.
The cute pastel-colored Oirisoft is a perfect match for the fairy-tale world of Rika-chan Castle!
It is also a great place to fill up on snacks between tours.




The Rica-chan store on the first floor sells sweets and toys that make great souvenirs.
We recommend the original Rica-chan Castle products. There are many rare souvenirs such as Shirakawa Ramen, Kitakata Ramen, and curry, which are packaged with Rika-chan's picture.

summary

Licca-chan Castle is a place where you can learn all about Licca-chan, from its history to the manufacturing process. The Licca-chan Castle is a fun spot for Licca-chan fans, girls who played with Licca-chan in their childhood, and kids who love Licca-chan.
Although it is located far from the center of Tokyo, it can be reached in about 3 hours by expressway, so why not visit on a weekend or consecutive holidays?

"Facility Information "
Address: 51-3 Nakadori, Onoshinmachi, Ono-cho, Tamura-gun, Fukushima 963-3401
Phone number: 0247-72-6364
Hours of operation: 10:00-16:00
Closed: Monday
Material: General: 1,000yen, Junior high school students: 800yen
URL:https://liccacastle.co.jp/

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