In a nation that worships at the temple of food and loves to travel, even virtually, it's a no-brainer that gourmet theme parks would prove popular in Japan.
Over the past decade, there's been a parade of restaurant clusters grouped around a concept, from Odaiba Little Hong Kong and ShinYokohama Ramen Museum to Global Dining's Glien Passage of Italian, Asian, Japanese and Mexican simulacrum.
The one company that has really carved this niche deeply is Namco, the amusement company behind Ikebukuro Gyoza Stadium, Ice Cream City and Tokyo Dessert Republic and a handful of Sweets Forests scattered around the country.