In Nikko City, Tochigi Prefecture, there is a place called Tobu World Square where famous buildings from around the world are recreated in miniature form, allowing tourists to enjoy them from the perspective of Gulliver.
Among these miniatures is the White House, meticulously recreated to resemble the real building and its surroundings.
A 1/25 Scale Replica of the White House
Every building and figure at World Square is recreated at a scale of 1/25.
During the creation process, staff members visited the actual sites to sketch and measure the buildings, using this data to craft intricate miniatures.
For the White House, due to security reasons, direct measurements were not possible. However, it can still be observed from the outside, and its reproduction is based on various images, including aerial photographs.
The plants in the garden surrounding the White House are all real and are meticulously cared for by artisans every day.
Additionally, the famous semi-circular balcony known as the South Portico features miniature figures representing the current president and their spouse, the vice president, and Secret Service agents on both sides. The opposite North Portico also has figures on both sides of the door.
Looking at the garden, the South Lawn features vast lawns, nine miniature fountains, and a section of the road extending from the building. The North Lawn, on the other hand, only replicates the road near the building.
Enhancements to Highlight the Buildings, Unique Features of Tobu World Square
Tobu World Square, themed around a faithful 1/25 replica of the world, incorporates various enhancements to highlight the buildings.
While each miniature figure displaying different expressions is quite famous, it’s worth noting that certain parts of the gardens surrounding the buildings are deliberately not fully reproduced.
In the case of the White House, the grounds of the South Lawn with its balcony are much larger. The road extending from both sides of the building branches and then rejoins the road traversing the South Lawn, while the nine fountains, which are outside the road, occupy only about half the area. The fountains are placed inside the road that runs from east to west.
Furthermore, the North Lawn only replicates the road near the building, omitting the fountains.
Fidelity to every detail might require vast space and costs, leading to deviation from the park’s concept and making the buildings appear distant. Therefore, the gardens are intentionally adjusted to enable closer viewing of the buildings.
A More Accessible White House in Japan
The White House is a must-see tourist spot when visiting Washington, D.C. However, the expenses associated with the trip, including transport and accommodations, along with the imposing security, can make it feel inaccessible.
Moreover, entry is restricted, and even entering the building is typically only possible through the biannual Garden Tour or via the recommendation of a member of the United States Congress.
In contrast, at Tobu World Square, while entry into the building isn’t permitted, you can observe the White House, which is often seen from a distance, up close.
