Japanese convenience store looks like it was isekai’d into Elden Ring

If you ever wanted to experience being isekai’d to another world without having to get hit by a truck, look no further than the Lawson Shiratoridai store located in Himeji City. Aside from being stocked with necessities like a normal Lawson, this branch has Shiratori Castle in its background. When framed just right, the juxtaposition of these two landmarks makes the Lawson look like a pitstop for travelers who plan to explore the castle ahead. 

Shiratori Castle itself is a replica of the Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany. This explains the castle’s Western European architecture and why it looks like it would fit in games like Dark Souls and Elden Ring. Aspiring visitors can stock up on food and drinks in the Lawson before making their way to Taiyo Park – the theme park where Shiratori Castle is located. 

Post translation: I stopped by a Lawson in Himeji and did a double take because I felt like I had been reincarnated into another world. 

While the Lawson has been in operation since 2015, people are starting to discover that it is an ideal place for photography. One such person is Ryo Konishi, who was passing through the area when he noticed an opportune moment for a photograph. Feeling like he had been “reincarnated into another world,” Ryo Konishi echoes the thoughts of anime, manga and video game fans who happen upon the convenience store. 

Post translation: Good morning, everyone. This Lawson is the last save point before the Taiyo Park stage. You need 1500G in GENKIN (cash) to enter the park. Maybe it will appear if you chant a spell at an A-T-M. You can also ride a legendary carriage called a MONORAIL. It takes 2 to 3 hours to complete and you need to be well-equipped. 

Ryo Konishi’s photograph even caught the eye of the official Taiyo Park X account. Getting in on the isekai motif, Taiyo Park states that travelers must be well-equipped to take on the castle ahead. For those approaching Shiratori castle from a different angle, X user sakubee shows that a Family Mart can be found on the opposite side

Carlos "Zoto" Zotomayor
Carlos "Zoto" Zotomayor

Automaton West writer. Zoto has been playing video games for 30+ years now but has only recently come to grips with PC gaming. When he isn't playing video games, he watches romance anime and gets mad when his best girl never wins.

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