Located about 2 hours by train from Tokyo, Japan. there is a 1/25 scale replica of the White House at Tobu World Square.
Tobu World Square is a theme park where famous buildings from around the world are recreated in miniature, allowing visitors to feel like Gulliver as they walk around and take a virtual trip around the world.
The park offers free guided tours that allow visitors to experience famous buildings from around the world up close.
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Guided Tours Held Twice a Day
At Tobu World Square, free guided tours are held twice a day, in the morning and afternoon.
One of these tours takes visitors to the White House in the morning session, starting at 11:30 AM and lasting about 30 minutes as it tours from the Modern Japan Zone to the Egypt Zone.
The White House is the final stop in the American Zone, approximately 17 minutes into the tour.
While participation and leaving the tour midway are free to do, due to the short duration of the tour (30 minutes), it is recommended to join from the beginning to the end.
Guided Tour of the White House from the North Portico
The American Zone is divided into two main areas: a collection of buildings from New York and the area where the White House is located. Both areas are strategically positioned to be seen from the eastern path.
As a result, many tourists follow the eastern path, catching a glimpse of the familiar South Portico balcony, and then proceed to the Egypt Zone. However, during the guided tour, visitors will go around the western side first before the guide begins explaining about the White House.
From the western path, visitors can see the North Portico, the main entrance of the White House. The guide explains that this is the front side and notes that it is not often shown on TV due to it being the location where important figures enter and exit.
Furthermore, the guide explains the origin of the term “White House” and provides details about unexpected objects inside the White House while moving around the southern path toward the balcony.
Highlight of the Guide: Dolls Adorning the Building
At Tobu World Square, in addition to the buildings, there are many 1/25 scale dolls placed to enhance the overall appearance.
The White House also features several dolls, and during the guided tour, explanations about these dolls are provided when visitors reach the location of the South Portico.
However, as these dolls are placed a bit farther from the viewing area, unless you have a high-performance camera with zoom capabilities, it may be difficult to see the details of the dolls.
As a result, the guide concludes the White House tour by using enlarged photos to explain that current presidents, their spouses, and vice presidents are depicted in the dolls, with dolls being changed whenever there is a change in power.
A Different Perspective for Enjoying the Guided Tour
The free guided tours held at Tobu World Square offer detailed explanations about the history of building construction, anecdotes about the dolls, and other aspects that might not be immediately noticeable during independent exploration.
Furthermore, these tours provide a more cost-effective way to enjoy Tobu World Square. So, when you visit, be sure to participate in the free guided tour for a unique experience.”
Please note that the translation might not capture all nuances perfectly, but it should give you a general understanding of the original text.
