Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen is presenting its biggest themed initiative ever when the new Hikari area opens in mid-August. After two years of renovation, the former Asia area is transformed into a 2,000 square meter experience world inspired by Japanese culture, gastronomy and design.
Hikari, which means ”light” in Japanese, is an investment of three-digit millions and includes new attractions, restaurants, shops, art installations and a completely new urban environment. The classic roller coaster Demonen is also integrated into the area with new scenography and design.
– The strong financial results of recent years have given us the opportunity to invest even more ambitiously in the development of the amusement park. With Hikari we show that Tivoli can continue to innovate, surprise and put new experiences on the world map, without compromising on what makes Tivoli so special, says Tivoli CEO Susanne Mørch Koch.
Two new attractions
The new venture includes two brand new attractions – the only ones of their kind in Scandinavia.
The family attraction Hotel Hikari takes visitors through a hotel filled with optical illusions and interactive environments, including a vortex tunnel, a tilted hotel room and a mirror maze.
For those looking for more speed awaits The Eye of the Typhoon, an intense attraction where centrifugal force creates the feeling of weightlessness as the floor disappears beneath visitors.
Japanese gastronomy and art
The dining experience will be a central part of Hikari. The area will house five new street food restaurants with Japanese flavors, both for takeaway and dining, several of which are run by well-regarded restaurateurs.
The Japanese inspiration is also evident in the architecture and art. Authentic building details have been imported from Japan, including 60 tons of roof tiles, while works by internationally renowned artist Takashi Murakami will be part of the area's decoration, along with street art and Japanese-inspired scenography.
More space for visitors
Although the area has the same basic area as before, Tivoli has built Hikari on several levels to create more living spaces. The area connects the Japanese Garden, the Japanese Tower and Tivoli Lake into a coherent experience environment.
Hikari will thus become the largest single theme initiative in Tivoli's over 180-year history and continues the amusement park's tradition of drawing inspiration from different parts of the world and interpreting it in its own way.
Facts about the new area
Name: Hikari (means light)
Size: 2,000 m². Guests will experience that the area has significantly more space as it has been built in levels.
Attractions: Two new family attractions and the Demon roller coaster.
The Demon: Gets a completely new design while retaining the ride itself. New scenography fully integrates the attraction into the area.
Zero Gravity: Manufactured by SBF Visa.
Mechanical effects in the funny house: Made by Gosetto.M
Dining venues: 5
Stores: 2
Vegetation: The area will feature a Japanese signature tree in the form of a trimmed pine tree and a temple tree with Japanese azaleas as underplanting. The street environment will be complemented by smaller and larger bamboo plantings.
Investment: Three-digit million amount.
