A new Thomas The Tank Engine-themed park has opened in Shinmisato, Japan.

Thomas Town Shinmisato – a joint venture between HIT Entertainment and Pleasurecast, the attractions division of Bandai Namco – is a 772sq m site located within the Lala Port Shinmisato shopping mall.

The park boasts five-themed zones, with a Thomas dark ride, Cranky the Crane play structure, a museum, an education area and a café.

Frank Foley, general manager at Asia HIT Entertainment, said: "We are absolutely delighted to be working with Pleasurecast to deliver such a unique attraction for young Thomas fans in Japan. 

“Pleasurecast is one of the most highly regarded and respected attractions operators in the country.  The depth and breadth of the company's success is easily demonstrated in their portfolio of existing attractions in Japan including Nanja Town and Character World and we are thrilled to be working with them on Thomas Town."

The site was designed by London-based firm RMA, who designed the Thomas Land site at Drayton Manor in the UK.

Thomas Town is the second Thomas-themed site in Japan, with the first being Thomas Land at Fuji-Q Highland, which opened in 1998.