Space World

Overview

Space World was a space-themed amusement park that once stood in the Higashida district of Yahatahigashi Ward, Kitakyushu, Fukuoka. It opened on 22 April 1990 and was long loved under the nickname Supewa, but to the regret of many fans it closed on 1 January 2018. Although it no longer exists as a destination, it remains an essential part of the story of industry and leisure in Kitakyushu.

Highlights

• ●The memory of a landmark space-themed park in Kitakyushu
• ●The lineup of six coasters that once competed for thrills
• ●The story of Venus GP, relocated to Himeji and revived
• ●A location beside the steel-town industrial heritage of Higashida

History

Space World opened on 22 April 1990 in the Higashida district of Yahata, a city built on steelmaking, with the cosmos as its concept. It drew crowds with six roller coasters - Black Hole Scramble, Venus GP, Zaturn, Boogie-woogie Space Coaster, Titan Max, and Clipper. In 2016 the park announced it would close at the end of the following year, and it shut its gates at 2 a.m. on 1 January 2018. The popular Venus GP coaster was relocated to Himeji Central Park and reopened in 2022.

Map

33.8735, 130.8122 · Wikidata

Suggested itinerary

1. 1Arrive at JR Space World Station and sense what remains of the past
2. 2Explore the industrial and science-related spots of the Higashida district
3. 3Check current facilities near the former site with up-to-date information and walk around
4. 4Head into central Kitakyushu to enjoy local food and night views

Did you know?

💡 Loved across generations under the nickname Supewa, Space World was famous for shows and attractions themed on space exploration. Even after its closure, its legacy lives on in new forms elsewhere, as seen in the Venus GP coaster still running at Himeji Central Park.

Nearby spots