[Detective Conan] Assassin in the Eyes – Shima Spain Village, Mie Prefecture

[Detective Conan] Assassin in the Eyes – Shima Spain Village, Mie Prefecture
住所 〒517-0212 三重県志摩市磯部町坂崎字下山952−4
公式 URL https://www.parque-net.com/

The Movie Detective Conan: The Assassin in His Eyes and Shima Spain Village Connection

The fourth theatrical Detective Conan film released in 2000, “The Assassin in His Eyes,” is still loved by many fans today as a touching work depicting Ran’s memory loss and the bond between her and Conan. The important stage that decorates the climax of this work is an amusement park called “Tropical Land.”

In fact, this Tropical Land is modeled after “Shima Spain Village Parque España” located in Shima City, Mie Prefecture, as revealed by the production staff. The film producer himself spoke about it officially, confirming it as fact rather than mere rumor. The production staff actually conducted location scouting at Shima Spain Village and incorporated various attractions and structures within the park into the work.

Why Shima Spain Village Was Chosen

Shima Spain Village is a full-scale theme park that opened in 1994, recreating the streets and culture of Spain. With exotic architecture, colorful streets, and diverse attractions, it was an ideal environment for a movie setting. In particular, the fantastical atmosphere required for the night parade scenes and the diverse locations capable of staging thrilling chase sequences captured the hearts of the production team.

Opening Scene: Pyrenees (Roller Coaster)

The jet coaster scene at the beginning of the movie where Conan and the others ride is modeled after Shima Spain Village’s signature attraction, the “Pyrenees.” It’s a suspended coaster with dangling feet, motif after the Pyrenees mountain range located on the border between Spain and France, and is depicted from the perspective of the front-most seat in the movie.

The actual Pyrenees boasts impressive specs: a total length of 1,234 meters, a maximum speed of 100 km/h, and a maximum drop of 42 meters. If you want to recreate the movie scene, be sure to ride in the front row. The sense of openness and exhilaration is exactly what Conan and the others experienced in the film.

Pilgrimage Point: You can see the entire course from the waiting queue before boarding, making it an ideal photo spot as well. Especially photographs with blue sky in the background achieve a look like a scene from the movie.

Climax Stage: Güell Square Area

The scene where Ran flees from the culprit and runs through is modeled after “Güell Square” at the center of the park. The square is inspired by works by Spanish architect Antoni Gaudí, characterized by colorful tiles and distinctive curved beauty.

In the movie, Ran desperately runs across this square while Conan chases her in a tense scene. The actual square is open, surrounded by restaurants and shops.

Pilgrimage Point: Photographing from around the center of the square overlooking the surrounding buildings yields a composition close to the movie scene. Especially the time of day when evening light streams in is recommended.

Important Night Parade Spots

Granada Gate

The “Granada Gate” impressively featured in the movie’s night parade scene is a solemn gate inspired by Granada in the Andalusia region of Spain. Its illuminated appearance is fantastical, and it was used as an important backdrop in the movie.

In the actual park, it’s designed so that visitors pass through this gate to move between areas, inviting them to another world. During nighttime illumination, the scene you saw in the movie unfolds right before your eyes.

Bell of Happiness

The “Bell of Happiness” is also a spot that can be confirmed in the night parade scene. This bell, said to bring happiness when rung by couples and families, has become a popular photo spot within the park. Though it appears as a background in the movie, actually visiting and ringing it yourself is one of the joys of pilgrimage.

Santa Cruz Street

There’s a scene where a “Santa Cruz Street” sign appears near the culprit. This is an actual street in the park, an area recreating traditional Spanish townscapes. With white-walled buildings and cobblestone streets, you can experience the feeling of a Spanish trip just by strolling through.

Pilgrimage Point: A popular spot for commemorative photos in front of the sign. Photos capturing the entire atmosphere of the street are also recommended.

Battle of Alcázar “Adelante”

The “Battle of Alcázar ‘Adelante'” appears as Ran and Conan flee together. This is a popular attraction at Shima Spain Village, a ride-type attraction themed around a medieval Spanish fortress.

“Adelante” means “forward” in Spanish, and guests proceed into the world of battle. In the movie, the exterior is shown, and the impressive presence of the imposing building stands out.

Pilgrimage Point: You can photograph the entire building from near the attraction entrance. Night illumination is particularly close to the movie’s atmosphere.

Galleon Ship “Alna”

The pirate ship-like vessel appearing in the movie’s escape scene is the “Alna.” This is a recreation of a galleon used by Spain in the 16th century and serves as a symbol of the park.

The actual “Alna” is displayed, and seeing it up close surprises with its elaborate craftsmanship. Though appearing as background in the movie, the real thing is larger and more impressive than imagined.

Pilgrimage Point: Photography from a position slightly distant to capture the entire ship is recommended. Close-ups of the bow also evoke scenes from the movie.

Fountain Plaza (Before the Sun’s Cave)

The scene where the culprit points a gun at Ran from across the fountain is one of the most tense moments in the film. The scene is thought to be modeled after the fountain plaza before “the Sun’s Cave (Don Quixote’s Adventure).”

The actual fountain has beautiful water effects, and rainbows can sometimes be seen on clear days. Visiting while remembering the film’s scene brings back that sense of urgency.

Pilgrimage Point: Photographing buildings across the fountain yields a composition close to the movie scene. Aiming for the moment water spray rises up creates a more impressive photo.

Practical Guide for Shima Spain Village Pilgrimage

How to Get There

By Train

  • Direct bus from Kintetsu “Ugatsu Station” for approximately 13 minutes
  • To “Ugatsu Station,” take an express train from Kintetsu Nagoya Station for about 2 hours
  • From Namba Station, Osaka, take an express train for approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes

By Car

  • Approximately 30 minutes from “Ise-Nishi IC” on the Ise Expressway
  • Parking: Capacity for approximately 3,500 vehicles (paid: 1,000 yen/day)

Business Hours and Admission Fees (2024 Standard)

Operating Hours

  • 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM (varies by season)
  • Closed days: Irregular (check official website)

Admission Fees

  • Passport (admission + attractions): Adults 5,400 yen, Ages 12-17: 4,400 yen, Ages 3-11: 3,600 yen
  • 2-Day Passport: Adults 7,400 yen, Ages 12-17: 6,000 yen, Ages 3-11: 4,900 yen

※Please confirm the latest information on the official website.

Efficient Pilgrimage Route

Morning (Opening to 12:00 PM)

  1. Head to “Pyrenees” immediately upon opening (shorter wait times)
  2. Explore and photograph the Güell Square area
  3. Walk and photograph Santa Cruz Street

Afternoon (12:00 PM to 5:00 PM)

  1. After lunch, experience the “Battle of Alcázar ‘Adelante'”
  2. Photograph around the Galleon Ship “Alna”
  3. Photograph at the Fountain Plaza (before the Sun’s Cave)
  4. Explore the Granada Gate area

Evening to Night (During Illumination)

  1. Photograph the Bell of Happiness area with lighting
  2. Photograph the Granada Gate illumination
  3. Watch the night parade if available (on event days)

Best Timing for Photography

Recommended by Time of Day

  • Morning (9:30 AM to 11:00 AM): Few people, can photograph leisurely. Best for Pyrenees photography
  • Daytime (11:00 AM to 3:00 PM): Bright light allows vivid color photography of buildings
  • Evening (3:00 PM to 5:00 PM): Angled light beautifully illuminates buildings
  • Night Operation (Seasonal): Illuminated fantastical atmosphere most closely resembles movie scenes

Recommended by Season

  • Spring (March-May): Flowers bloom, pleasant weather
  • Summer (June-August): Summer events and night operations available
  • Autumn (September-November): Beautiful contrast of fall foliage and buildings
  • Winter (December-February): Night photography enhanced by illumination events

The Story of “The Assassin in His Eyes” and Shima Spain Village Scenes

Plot Overview

A series of murders targeting police officers occurs, and Ran witnesses the crime scene and becomes a target. To protect Ran, who loses her memory from shock, Conan attempts to track down the culprit. The climax of the story takes Ran to “Tropical Land,” the amusement park modeled after Shima Spain Village, to recover her memory.

Here, Ran recalls her precious memories with Conan (Shinichi), and simultaneously the final confrontation with the culprit unfolds. The tense pursuit during the glamorous night parade is remembered as one of the finest scenes in the movie.

Why Shima Spain Village Is Important

Tropical Land is set as the place where Conan (Shinichi) and Ran had their first date, a cherished memory location. For Ran, who has lost her memory, visiting this place becomes the key to recovering her memory. The fantastical and beautiful scenery of Shima Spain Village is depicted as a fitting stage for awakening Ran’s precious sleeping memories.

In the movie, various attractions and structures within the park are used effectively to heighten the bond between Ran and Conan and their confrontation with the culprit. By actually visiting Shima Spain Village, you can experience this moving story more deeply.

Trivia for Further Enjoying Your Pilgrimage

History and Characteristics of Shima Spain Village

Shima Spain Village opened on April 22, 1994, as a comprehensive resort facility themed around Spain. It consists of three facilities: the theme park “Parque España,” the hotel “Hotel Shima Spain Village,” and the natural hot spring “Himawari no Yu.”

The park is divided into areas imagined after different regions of Spain, offering a variety of entertainment including authentic Spanish cuisine restaurants, flamenco shows, and character parades.

Appearances in Works Besides Conan

Shima Spain Village has been used as a location and model in several works besides “Detective Conan.” Its beautiful scenery and exotic atmosphere have captivated many creators.

Dining Information Within the Park

Enjoy authentic Spanish cuisine during your pilgrimage break.

Recommended Restaurants

  • “Alhambra”: Offers authentic Spanish cuisine course meals
  • “La Paella”: Casual restaurant where you can enjoy specialty paella
  • “El Patio”: Light meals and tapas available

Takeout Dining

  • Churros: Classic Spanish sweets
  • Iberian pork hot dog: Park exclusive menu item
  • Sangria: Traditional Spanish beverage (non-alcoholic options also available)

Souvenirs and Merchandise Information

Park-Exclusive Goods

  • Original character “Dal and Mul merchandise”
  • Spanish crafts (ceramics, tiles, fans, etc.)
  • Original confections (churro-flavored cookies, etc.)

Recommended for Conan Fans

  • On-site photo printing service for photos taken in the park
  • Original photo frames

Staying Overnight for a Leisurely Pilgrimage

Hotel Shima Spain Village

The official hotel adjacent to the park offers priority entry 15 minutes before opening to overnight guests. Rest comfortably in guest rooms recreating Spanish atmosphere after enjoying the park.

Guest Privileges

  • Priority park entry
  • Complimentary use of natural hot spring “Himawari no Yu”
  • Accommodation packages with park tickets available

Nearby Tourist Attractions

Toba Aquarium

  • Approximately 30 minutes by car from Shima Spain Village
  • One of Japan’s largest aquariums
  • Also appears in the Detective Conan movie ending

Ise Shrine

  • Approximately 40 minutes by car from Shima Spain Village
  • Japan’s representative shrine
  • Many tourists visit it in combination with the pilgrimage

Kashikojima

  • Approximately 20 minutes by car from Shima Spain Village
  • Enjoy beautiful views of Ago Bay
  • Sightseeing boats and cruises are popular

Notes and Etiquette for Pilgrimage

Photography Precautions

  1. Consideration for Other Guests: Avoid obstructing traffic while absorbed in photography
  2. Photography Prohibited During Ride Operation: Photography inside moving attractions is strictly forbidden for safety
  3. Tripod Use: Tripod use may be restricted during busy periods
  4. Commercial Use: Photography beyond personal use requires prior permission

Park Usage Etiquette

  • Securing parade and show spots only in designated areas
  • Always dispose of trash in designated locations
  • Smoking only in designated smoking areas
  • No pets allowed (except guide dogs, etc.)

Advice for Comfortable Visits

Packing List

  • Comfortable walking shoes (the park is large with much walking)
  • Sunscreen and hat (summer)
  • Layers (air conditioning countermeasure and evening chill protection)
  • Mobile battery (camera battery drains quickly)
  • Beverages (heat stroke prevention)

Tips for Avoiding Crowds

  • Weekday visits recommended
  • Spring break, summer vacation, Golden Week, year-end and New Year are crowded
  • Just after opening and before closing are relatively less crowded

Conclusion: Experience the World of “The Assassin in His Eyes”

Shima Spain Village, the setting of the theatrical Detective Conan film “The Assassin in His Eyes,” is a precious pilgrimage site where you can actually experience scenes from the movie. The Pyrenees roller coaster, Güell Square, Granada Gate and Bell of Happiness that became the stage for the night parade, and the fountain plaza of the climax all exist unchanged today.

By rewatching the movie before visiting, you can enjoy the pilgrimage more deeply. Walking the path where Ran and Conan ran and seeing the same views will bring back the movie’s emotion.

Shima Spain Village is not just an amusement park but a full-scale theme park where you can experience Spanish culture and beauty. It’s enjoyable not only for Detective Conan fans but also for families and couples.

Please use this guide as a reference and experience the world of “The Assassin in His Eyes” at Shima Spain Village. You’ll surely feel the emotion of seeing landscapes that existed only in the movie spread out before your eyes.

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