The Best Amusement Parks to visit in Japan
Japan's impressive roster of world-beloved amusement parks are just another way of having fun when visiting the island nation!
Japan as a travel destination isn’t one that can be pin-holed into just one thing. As a culture-rich nation, every type of traveler is bound to find something they’ll find appealing about the country. History lovers are bound to get absorbed into the long-standing history and historical attractions. Nature lovers can trek into the wilderness, climb the mountains that make up 70% of the archipelago’s geography, and see the unrivaled coastal sites. Foodies are assured to have a great time, from indulgent street food to the world’s finest restaurants, as they treat themselves to the amazing ingredients the island nation is blessed with.
And of course, those looking to spend their days with the unbridled charm of theme parks and amusement parks will have more than enough to check out. From daring thrill-seekers to whole families looking for a fun day together, a whole trip can be made visiting the number of great amusement parks in the country. Here are some of our personal favorites!
Amusement parks in and around Tokyo
1. DisneyLand & DisneySea
No list of worthwhile amusement parks from anywhere in the world would be complete without a mention of Disney parks. In Japan, this is especially the case, as the sister parks of DisneyLand and DisneySea, both located in Chiba Prefecture near Tokyo, stand out even among the iconic company’s impressive roster.
DisneyLand is the more traditional location, sticking to the tried-and-true Disney theme park package with a Japanese flare. Some of the key attractions include the Monsters Inc: Ride & Go Seek ride that equips visitors with a flashlight to uncover spooky ghouls and fan favorite characters! Additionally, the iconic Splash Mountain cannot be missed, complete with a thrilling drop.
You’ll be sure to get wet once you reach the bottom, but that’s all part of the fun! DisneySea is one of the most standout parks on the Disney roster. As the name implies, DisneySea has a largely aquatic theme, located on the water and with a number of different areas, including one modeled after canals in the Mediterranean and one based off of Atlantica from The Little Mermaid!
Get your tickets to Tokyo DisneyLand!
Get your tickets to Tokyo DisneySea!
2. Sanrio Puroland
Cuteness overload is pretty much guaranteed at Puroland, the indoor amusement park centered around the varied and iconic cast of characters created by Sanrio. The media franchise includes such icons as Hello Kitty, Cinnamoroll, Pompompurin, and Gudetama.
The attractions within the facility are varied, ranging from a boat ride much akin to Disney’s “It’s a Small World,” character mascot meet-ups, and musical performances, including a remixed version of a traditional Kabuki performance featuring Hello Kitty with veteran Kabuki performers. It’s really something that must be seen to be believed! The park is located a bit further from central Tokyo but is easily accessible via train off of Tama Center Station, taking a little over an hour from the main part of the city.
There are four floors, each with different attractions featured and a medley of spots to buy merchandise. Lunchtime at Sanrio Puroland is also a treat, featuring food that is as delicious as it is adorable. Roast beef bowls featuring egg yolks modeled after Gudetama, omurice with motifs of Hello Kitty and her friends, and of course, a medley of colorful desserts featuring Pompompurin and other favorites!
Get your tickets for Sanrio Puroland!
3. Yomiuriland
A staple of tokyo since 1964, Yomiuriland is a true jack of all trades as far as amusement parks go. The park is distinct in how it adapts to the seasons in Japan, boasting beautiful cherry blossoms in spring, pool-centric activities and attractions in summer, gorgeous foliage in autumn, and then displaying one of the best illuminations in the country during winter. Of course, the staple attractions of the park are the main stars, including a number of well-established roller coasters, car-themed rides, and virtual experiences!
The park is a short trip from Shinjuku Station via the Keio Line (operated by the same company that runs the park). Keio Yomiura Land Station is the most convenient place of disembarkment, and from the station, a specialized “Sky Shuttle” gondola will take visitors out to the park directly. This is a great park for people of all ages and interests to enjoy a day out!
Check out some of the best amusement parks in and around Tokyo!
Amusement Parks in and around Osaka
1. Universal Studios Osaka
The most representative and visited amusement park in Osaka is Universal Studios, largely due to its (pun-intended) universal appeal. Operated and based off of the numerous licenses and properties of the Universal Studios umbrella, including Harry Potter, Jurassic Park, and more. The magical world of Harry Potter is an especially popular attraction for visitors to the park, allowing guests to walk through the halls of Hogwarts and even purchase their own wands and cloaks from their favorite houses! While the park has a similar format and overlaps with the other six Universal theme parks throughout the world, there are a number of unique rides and attractions that are exclusive to Japan, including the beloved Super Nintendo World! This eclectic space in the park features iconic characters from the worldwide beloved game company, including Mario, Luigi, Yoshi, and Donkey Kong.
In fact, Donkey Kong is set to have his own special expansion of Super Nintendo World soon in the form of “Donkey Kong Country,” based off the famous gorilla namesake games originally released in the 90s. There are a number of official hotels associated with Universal Studios Osaka, including the Hotel Keihan Universal City and the Hotel Universal Port. A stay at these hotels ensures a convenient and luxurious stay for a fun-filled weekend.
Get your tickets for Universal Studios Osaka!
2. Toei Kyoto Studio Park
For many visitors to Japan, history is a major draw, and Toei Kyoto Studio Park allows for first-hand interaction with a full film studio modeled after the Edo Period of Japan, located within the grounds of Toei Productions Studios. This is a fun and unique way of learning about Japanese history and culture, featuring activities such as a simulated sword-fighting experience and an opportunity to walk through the reconstructed streets of historic Japan, wearing traditional Japanese clothing. For anime lovers, the iconic series Neon Genesis Evangelion has a dedicated attraction at Teoi Kyoto Studio Park, allowing guests to “plug in” to the cockpit of an EVA unit and combat an angel attack, just like in the super-influential 90s anime.
The park is also famous for its variety of shows, given that it is operated by one of Japan’s most beloved entertainment houses. Actors roam the grounds and provide guidance to park visitors, and productions centered around historic Japan cycle throughout the year. While Kyoto itself is packed full of original historic sites, Toei Kyoto Studio Park allows for a unique means of absorbing the culture, fully embracing the area’s rich history with pop culture elements that provide visitors with the best of both worlds.
Get your tickets for Toei Kyoto Studio Park!
3. Himeji Central Park
Himeji is a short ride away from Osaka and Kyoto and is largely noted for its well-recognized castle, which is one of the most historically relevant in Japan. However, Himeji can also be a great spot for a day filled with unique fun and excitement at Himeji Central Park. Himeji Central Park stands out among Japan’s lineup of theme parks by being centered around a safari experience! Indeed, at the core of Himeji Central Park are the drive-through and walk-through zones that feature a number of different exotic animals originating from the African plains, including cheetahs, lions, giraffes, and elephants! Other animals featured at the park include bears, monkeys, kangaroos, and tigers (including white tigers). There’s even an aviary cage featuring different birds.
While the animals are the main stars of the show, there are a number of other attractions that are worthwhile at Himeji Central Park, with the other part of the grounds being a dedicated amusement park with rides. There are a number of roller coasters, a swinging boat ride, and even a ferris wheel, allowing for fun for the whole family and many age groups! During the warmer months, a swimming pool on the grounds is open, meaning there’s no end to the different ways to have fun in Himeji!
Check out the best amusement parks in and around Osaka!
Amusement Parks in and around Nagoya
1. Legoland Japan Resort
Iconic doesn’t even begin to describe the phenomenon that is Lego, and the Danish staple of the toy industry hosts their own fun-filled worlds throughout the Legoland amusement parks and resorts.
In Japan, Nagoya is home to one of these theme parks and is a favorite destination for families and Lego hobbyists throughout the country. At Legoland Nagoya, the spirit of Lego products runs through every nook and cranny, with even the most mundane of items reimagined via the small bricks. In fact, throughout the park, over 40 attractions can be seen, comprising over 17 million individual Lego bricks. See reconstructions of some of Japan’s famous cities, such as Kobe, Tokyo, Sapporo, and the hosting city of Nagoya. Three different roller coasters and a number of other amusement park rides are also great ways to mix up the fun. As a resort, the Legoland Japan Hotel allows guests to have an extended, all-encompassing experience and is even home to an aquarium on the second floor known as Sea Life Nagoya.
The aquarium is divided into 11 different sections with different themes. Also, be sure to visit the many restaurants and stores on the grounds that all do their part in making it seem as though you’re a part of a miniature Lego world!
2. Fuji-Q Highland
As far as recognizability and nostalgia, very few theme parks in Japan compare to Fuji-Q in Yamanashi Prefecture. The theme park is named after the unmistakable Mount Fuji that the park sits at the foot of. This is one of the oldest parks in Japan as well, originally opened up in 1968 and has become a staple of the area up to the modern day. There are six different roller coasters on the grounds, two haunted house-style buildings (one of which is the world’s largest), and a number of anime-themed attractions as well, featuring franchises like Mobile Suit Gundam, Hamtaro, and Neon Genesis Evangelion.
Of course, the picturesque views of Mount Fuji in the distance on clear days are as much of a reason to come out to Fuji-Q as the rides, combining some of the best elements of Japanese travel all into one location that is sure to be memorable for the whole family. The park itself is a short drive from Kawaguchiko, a popular destination for nature lovers in Yamanashi.
Get your tickets to Fuji-Q Highland!
3. Nagashima Spa Land
Despite being in a lesser-populated prefecture, Nagashima Spa Land is typically the fourth most visited theme park in Japan annually, just behind Tokyo DisneyLand, DisneySea, and Universal Studios in Osaka.
Nagashima Spa Land in Mie Prefecture boasts some of the most lauded roller coasters in all of Japan, making it an essential destination for thrill seekers from all over the globe. In fact, the amusement park’s main draw is the 12 different coasts with varying themes and degrees of intensity, the most famous likely being Hakugei, meaning white whale. Hakugei actually began as the White Cyclone in 1994, but after being refurbished and reimagined, it was renamed. Right by Hakugei is the theme park’s iconic ferris wheel, striking in its white coloration and looming above the rest of the park.
The “Spa Land” portion of the name refers to onsen hot springs that are also a key attraction for the amusement park, allowing visitors to get both their pump of adrenaline as well as time to relax. Nagashima Spa Land also operates as a resort, with three different hotels on the grounds.