We’ve always said, ‘We have to go there someday.’
That ‘someday’ finally arrived! My father and I teamed up for a day trip to Dragon Quest Island at Nijigen No Mori on Awaji Island.
Our journey began with a scenic drive. My role? Snugly claimed the passenger seat, relaxing and soaking in the views while my dad took the wheel. 🤭
My motto for the day: ‘Leave the driving to him, give the adventure my all!’
As we crossed the magnificent Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, the modern world faded away, and the gates to the kingdom of Onokogard drew near.
Whether you are a lifelong fan of the series or a curious traveler looking for a unique day trip from Osaka or Kobe, this real-life RPG experience is something you can’t miss.
In this ‘Adventure Log,’ I’ll share our father-daughter quest to defeat the Great Demon Lord Zoma and give you all the tips you need for your own journey!
Entering the Kingdom of Onokogard!
As we arrived at Nijigen No Mori, located within the vast greenery of Awaji Island Park, I was amazed by the scale of the place. It’s like a massive outdoor theme park where different anime and movie worlds coexist! We passed signs for the ‘Godzilla Interception Operation’ and the ‘NARUTO & BORUTO Shinobi-Zato,’ and even just walking through the park made me feel like a curious explorer.
Our main target, Dragon Quest Island, was a short, breezy walk from the parking lot. The fresh island air felt amazing. Then, suddenly, there it was—the majestic Castle of Onokogard!
The moment we saw the giant Slime sculpture standing guard in front of the castle, my dad and I instantly switched into ‘Hero Mode.’ All the excitement we’d built up in the car reached its peak. With determined faces (and maybe a bit of nervousness!), we stepped through the castle gates. Our adventure had officially begun!
Real-Life RPG Experience: Walking Your Way to Victory!
Once we received our ‘Adventure Log’ and ‘Adventurer’s Mark,’ the curtain officially rose on our quest!
I chose to be a Warrior, while my dad went with the Martial Artist class.
What makes Dragon Quest Island so incredible is how it translates game mechanics into the real world.
We started with the Golden Rule of any RPG: Gathering information from the townspeople!
We ran into one house to get a clue, then rushed over to a plaza to accept a sub-quest.
The town of Onokogard is designed with such attention to detail that I genuinely felt like I had been digitized into the game.
A Warning for Fellow Heroes: Watch Out for the Terrain!
One thing that surprised me was the amount of physical activity involved.
The field has quite a few slopes and stairs, and constantly moving back and forth across the town is a serious workout!
I realized that ‘stamina’ is just as important in real life as it is in the game. 🫠 My dad and I definitely felt the burn, but the excitement kept us going!
Strike a Pose! The Battle System
As we explored, we found familiar monster sculptures hidden in the shadows and treasure chests tucked away in corners.
Every step felt like a discovery, making the world of Dragon Quest feel incredibly alive and interactive.
The Final Showdown: Defeating Great Demon Lord Zoma!
At the end of our quest, the ultimate challenge awaited us: the legendary Great Demon Lord Zoma. Seeing him loom before us was breathtaking—the sheer scale and intimidation made me feel like a ‘true hero’ being tested for the first time!
Your Choice Matters: The Vocation System
The brilliance of this experience is that your chosen ‘Vocation’ (Class) actually changes how you play the final battle. As a Warrior, I focused on physical damage, while my dad used his speed as a Martial Artist. Whether you’re a Mage casting spells or a Cleric supporting the team, fulfilling your specific role is the only way to claim victory.
No Party? No Problem! (The Support System)
Since it was just my father and me, I was worried: ‘Can we really win with only two people?’ But don’t worry! Once the battle begins, the system provides Support NPCs to fill the remaining slots. You’ll always fight as a full 4-person party, just like in the classic games.
A Battle of Wits and Reflexes
Don’t be fooled—this isn’t just a simple click-and-win game. The battle was surprisingly challenging! Relying on our NPC allies and coordinating our moves felt exactly like playing a high-stakes boss fight in Dragon Quest. It was a heart-pounding experience that brought our father-daughter bond to a whole new level!
The Ending: Our “Adventure Certificate” and a Big Surprise!
After the intense battle with Zoma, our journey reached its grand finale. As a reward, we received our ‘Adventure Certificate’ (Adventure Log)—a special record of our journey through the kingdom.
When we looked at the final timestamp, my dad and I gasped in unison. We had spent 2 hours and 44 minutes in the game world! ‘Wait, has it really been that long?!’ Time had flown by so fast while we were busy talking to villagers, hunting for treasure chests, and battling monsters. Without even realizing it, we had been on our feet for nearly three hours!
Final Thoughts: Was It Worth It?
By the time we walked out of the castle gates, our legs were definitely exhausted 🫢, but my heart was full of a sense of accomplishment. We had saved the world! For a day trip, it was the most intense and fulfilling three hours I could have imagined.
If you’re visiting Japan and want to experience what it’s like to truly step inside a video game, Dragon Quest Island is an absolute must-visit. Just remember: bring your courage, your curiosity, and definitely a pair of very comfortable walking shoes!
Refueling at Luida’s Bar – Too Cute to Eat?!
After our epic quest (or even for a mid-adventure break), there’s one place you absolutely cannot skip: Luida’s Bar. For fans, stepping into this legendary tavern from the game is a dream come true!
I ordered the ‘Slime Mini-Burger Set’ and a themed drink. When it arrived, I was stunned by the sheer cuteness! The little Slime was peeking up at me with those iconic eyes—I honestly hesitated for a second before taking the first bite! 😂
Even the food boxes were custom-designed for Dragon Quest Island. The attention to detail in maintaining the world-building is incredible. My dad and I were buzzing with excitement throughout the whole meal.
The Verdict on Taste: It wasn’t just about the looks! The burgers were genuinely delicious and surprisingly high quality. It was the perfect way to recharge our energy and soak in the afterglow of our adventure.
Grand Finale: A Pilgrimage to the “Holy Land” of Sumoto
After our grand adventure at Nijigen No Mori, we made one last stop. We headed to Sumoto City, the birthplace of Dragon Quest creator Yuji Horii. In the heart of the city at Sumoto Citizen’s Square, stands a legendary monument.
The Erdrick Sword and Shield
To celebrate the 30th anniversary of the series, a bronze statue of Erdrick’s (Loto’s) Sword and Shield, along with a cute Slime, was erected here. Seeing it at sunset was a spiritual experience. While the theme park was fun and colorful, this monument felt heavy with history and respect for the series that changed RPGs forever.
Capturing the Moment (Task: Difficult!)
I couldn’t leave without a commemorative photo!
I tried my hardest to use the ‘Dragon Quest Island’ photo frame on my phone to capture the statue, but… well, it ended up completely blurry! 😂
Even with the shaky photo, I felt the warmth and love that Awaji Island has for this legendary game.
It was the perfect, heartfelt conclusion to our father-daughter journey.
Final Thoughts
A Day of Heroes – Creating Memories That Last a Lifetime
Our adventure through Awaji Island ended in the best way possible. What started as a simple ‘Let’s go someday’ turned into an unforgettable day of bonding and excitement. While I kept some details secret to avoid spoilers for your own quest, I hope I’ve shared a glimpse of the magic waiting for you!
I’ll admit, at first, I wondered: ‘Can two adults really enjoy this?’ But once we stepped through those gates, age didn’t matter.
Having a shared passion—a ‘Love’ for the game—allowed us to feel that childhood wonder all over again.
If there is someone special in your life who loves Dragon Quest, I urge you to take them to Awaji Island.
You’ll walk away with more than just a photo; you’ll gain an ‘Adventure Certificate’ written in your heart that you’ll cherish forever. ⚔️
May your own adventure be filled with glory and smiles!