Whatever happened to miniature villages? Back in the 1980s and 1990s, children and families in Ontario were spoiled by these attractions filled with small-scale replicas.
Tivoli Miniature World in Niagara Falls, Canada was opened in the early 1990s, after moving from its original location in Prudhomme’s Landing on the shores of Lake Ontario. It featured 75 miniature reproductions at 1/50 scale of several famous international sites, mostly made of fibreglass. Although it was a somewhat popular local attraction, the theme park eventually went bankrupt and closed in 1995.
I was browsing old photo albums at my mom’s house the other day, and came across this one of us in front of miniature Osaka Castle. We also visited tiny Florence Cathedral, teeny Eiffel Tower, and little Church of the Savior on Blood.
The photo of Osaka Castle stood out to me, particularly because I look so grumpy standing there next to my parents. Perhaps I was disappointed that I had to make do with this mini version instead of a trip to Japan. Little did I know that, 30 years later, I would actually get to see the real, big Osaka Castle in person!


Wow, the real Osaka Castle sure looks impressive and what a lovely family photo! I love the dress you are wearing in it, Jess ๐ Aiva
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The Osaka Castle is a grand sight to see ๐ I think my mom made that dress for me and it was well worn by the time I grew out of it.
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I like that you pose in front of both, it gives like an acceleration of time, thirty years in two clicks.
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Exactly, what a funny coincidence to have these two photos in my collection.
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You do look grumpy. So cute!
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Nicely captured Osaka Castle photo!
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Thank you!
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Just like being at the real things!
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Mini castle and mini Jess. Glad you got to see the real thing!
Also, Brussels has a fun “mini Europe” attraction that I found good fun to visit. A good way of seeing all of Europe in a few hours ๐
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I actually love miniatures so I think I’d have a great time at that mini Europe attraction ๐
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They have some miniature villages in England.
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Another reason to go back there ๐
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