The radical transformation of Tivoli’s former Asian area in Copenhagen, Denmark, marks the iconic gardens’ most ambitious architectural and spatial investment in its nearly 200 years of existence; Tivoli Gardens, far more than an amusement park, was established in 1843. First and foremost, Tivoli Gardens is renowned for its concerts, ballet, restaurants and floral displays.

© Anne-Sophie Rosenvinge

Danish author Hans Christian Andersen wrote The Nightingale after visiting in 1843; Walt Disney, who visited in the 1950s, drew inspiration for Disneyland in California. Today, the park continues to attract both local residents and international visitors alike.

Tivoli Gardens stretches 861,000 square feet as one of the city’s most distinctive public spaces. In a capital consistently ranked among the world’s most livable cities, opportunities for physical expansion are increasingly limited. The development of a new area within Tivoli therefore introduces a new urban dimension, adding cultural, social and spatial value without extending the park’s footprint.

In August 2026, Tivoli introduced Hikari, a new, 21,527-square-foot amusement area that completely reimagines Tivoli’s former Asian area. The transformation, which took almost two years, not only renews the area visually and conceptually, but also creates additional space across multiple levels within Tivoli’s existing footprint.

© Anne-Sophie Rosenvinge

Conceived as a respectful and authentic interpretation of a Japanese district rather than a direct replication, Hikari is a place where Japan meets Copenhagen. Tivoli imported high-end building materials and artifacts to give the area weight and authenticity. The result is not merely a revival of the former Asian area, but an entirely new Tivoli universe shaped through contemporary, Japanese-inspired architecture, scenography, gastronomy and urban design.

Rather than a nostalgic recreation, Hikari is conceived as a contemporary interpretation of Japan and an exploration of the architectural and landscape principles translated through Tivoli’s own distinct lens. To ensure a respectful and credible interpretation, Tivoli Gardens collaborated with a panel of Japanese experts who advised across all layers of the project.

Tivoli sourced 60 tons of original Japanese bricks, 200 solid wooden doors and windows from Japan, as well as sake barrels and kokeshi dolls. Hikari also offers both magical and thrilling amusement experiences for guests.

In addition to the Demon rollercoaster, which underwent major changes and will, in the future, wind its way as an elevated ride through the new area, two entirely new rides are being added: family-friendly Hotel Hikari and Typhoon’s Eye, aimed at guests seeking an adrenaline rush.

The Hikari street environment will feature a fully immersive urban streetscape inspired by contemporary Japanese city life. Guests will encounter atmospheric alleyways, covered outdoor seating areas, illuminated rice paper walls, Japanese-inspired signage and scenography, alongside select retail boutiques offering curated objects and pieces from Japan. Five new food outlets developed in collaboration with renowned Danish restaurateurs and partners will offer a range of Japanese-inspired dining concepts and street food experiences, encouraging guests to explore, relax, linger and spend time together throughout the area.

© Anne-Sophie Rosenvinge

Guests can also experience original artwork by world-renowned Japanese artist Takashi Murakami, shipped to Copenhagen directly from Japan. A newly landscaped garden will complete the environment, featuring sculpted pine trees, a temple tree with Japanese azaleas and bamboo plantings woven throughout the streetscape.