Nijimori Studio: A Taste of Japan Near Seoul - Natsumatsuri Summer Festival!

A Taste of Japan Near Seoul
Nijimori Studio's Natsumatsuri Summer Festival
By Travel Blogger Youyang
Experience a day trip to Japan without needing a passport!
Just an hour away from Seoul, discover a Japanese-themed park.
I recently visited Nijimori Studio in Dongducheon, a great getaway near Seoul. ✈️
📍 Nijimori Studio
Location: 567-12, Cheonbosan-ro, Dongducheon-si, Gyeonggi-do
Hours: 11:00 AM - 9:30 PM
🅿️ Parking Available
First 10 minutes: Free / Parking until closing: ₩3,000
Additional hourly charge after closing: ₩3,000
🚌 Public Transportation
Take bus #11 from Jihaeng Station (Line 1), Exit 4.
🎫 Nijimori Studio Admission Fees & Restrictions
◾️ Weekdays: ₩20,000
◾️ Weekends/Holidays: ₩25,000 (Includes a ₩5,000 coin that can be used on-site)
✅ Family Days (Saturday, Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday)
◾️ Minors are allowed when accompanied by parents, and pets are allowed ⭕️
✅ Love Days (Thursday, Friday)
◾️ Adults only ⭕️
◾️ Minors and pets are not allowed 🚫
Couples receive a 30% discount on Ryokan stays during Love Days upon presenting proof of their relationship.
✨ Nijimori Studio Checkpoints ✨
✓ Enjoy a Japanese-inspired day trip in Dongducheon.
✓ Natsumatsuri Summer Festival runs from July 26th to August 17th.
✓ Various events including fireworks, floating lantern wishes, and a beer-drinking contest!
✓ Free admission on August 15th (National Liberation Day) for those wearing traditional Hanbok or carrying the Korean flag.
Nijimori Studio is currently hosting its Natsumatsuri Summer Festival from July 26th to August 17th, 2025.
With more events and attractions than usual, it's a great travel option for those looking for a weekend getaway or a summer vacation spot near Seoul!
Nijimori Studio: A little slice of Japan in Dongducheon.
Nijimori Studio recreates the atmosphere of Japan's Edo period, with streets, shops, and Kyoto-style alleys. It was originally built as a film set.
After filming wrapped, the neglected set was renovated and transformed into a theme park through private investment.
Coinciding with the COVID-19 pandemic and restrictions on international travel, Nijimori Studio gained popularity as a mini-Japan near Seoul, becoming a popular destination and maintaining its appeal as a convenient day trip for those craving a taste of Japan.
During the festival, admission ticket holders receive a Natsumatsuri Summer Festival welcome kit at the information center, including a Nijimori Studio map, a beer voucher, and a raffle ticket.
The beer voucher can be exchanged for one of three options: Asahi, Kirin Ichiban, or Niji Beer, a limited-edition brew exclusive to Nijimori.
Redeem your voucher for a refreshing can of beer at the designated beer booth. ・ᴗ・
Restaurants, Cafes & Amenities
Nijimori Studio is more than just a Japanese-themed street; it's a small village with restaurants, cafes, dessert shops, and souvenir shops, allowing you to find everything inside.
All prices are displayed in Japanese Yen (¥), but the exchange rate is not related to actual currency values.
Simply add an extra '0' to the listed price to pay in Korean Won. (ex. ¥500 → ₩5,000)
Nijimori Studio Restaurants, Cafes & Shopping Information
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Restaurants
(Cafes)
Moriya
Tonkatsu, Soba, Sukiyaki, Unagiju, Tempura
Niji Ramen
Ramen, Gyoza, Onigiri
Kamesake
Tempura Udon, Okonomiyaki, Highball
Umaiya Yatai
Hashimaki, Takoyaki, Yakisoba
Nijimori Ryokan Restaurant
Hamburg Steak, Mentaiko Pasta, Salad
Cafe Aino
Coffee, Fresh Fruit Juice, Mizu Shingen Mochi, Odayaki
Yume House
Tea Ceremony Experience, Foot Bath Experience, Matcha, Red Bean Porridge, Dango, Strawberry Daifuku
Yatai
Yakkiba
Herring Skewers, Crab Cheese Gratin, Chicken Skewers, Highball, Cocktail
Dang Dango Croquette
Vegetable, Potato, Sweet Potato Cheese Croquette
Amai Dessert
Crepes, Mochiri Tofu, Warabimochi
Oden Bar
Japanese Izakaya Style Oden, Rice Cake Skewers, Konjac Skewers, Sake
Nijimori Studio Kimono
If you want to enhance your Japanese experience at Nijimori Studio, try on a Kimono!
Kimono rentals are available at the Mori Makeup Room, and the rental period is unlimited for the day!
Nijimori Studio Natsumatsuri Summer Festival
During the Natsumatsuri Summer Beer Festival, exciting events are held according to a timetable.
I was looking forward to the Beer Drinking Contest and the Hanabi Fireworks show!
The Beer Drinking Contest recruits participants on a first-come, first-served basis!
The grand prize is a ₩50,000 coin that can be used at the shops.
I participated for fun and ended up winning first place in the second preliminary round!
I made it to the finals but missed the winning position. (Too bad!)
Beer Drinking Contest Tip
The key to drinking beer quickly is opening the straw fast!
The disposable ice cup is smaller than the beer, so you need to keep pouring while you gulp it down.
They choose one female winner and one male winner, so ladies, it's worth a try!
Nijimori Studio at night has a different atmosphere than during the day ✨
In the evening, it's time for the highlight of the Natsumatsuri Summer Festival: the Hanabi Fireworks show!
The Hanabi Fireworks show starts around 8:30 PM and lasts for about 5 minutes.
Most people watch the fireworks near the main stage with the restaurants and cafes, but here's a pro tip!
Watch the fireworks comfortably from the chairs inside Mizuno Taro, overlooking the lake, for a clear and unobstructed view.
Nijimori Studio Honest Review
Before visiting Nijimori Studio, I wondered if the admission fee was too expensive.
However, the weekend admission fee of ₩25,000 includes a ₩5,000 coin that can be used at any shop, plus a beer voucher and various fun events. In the end, it wasn't too expensive!
If you want to visit Japan, Nijimori Studio is a great place to experience the Japanese atmosphere near Seoul.
During National Liberation Day, they offer a special campaign where anyone wearing traditional Hanbok or carrying the Korean flag can get free admission.
If you're looking for a place to go near Seoul in late summer, visit Nijimori Studio and enjoy a fun summer festival ❤

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