17 Best Japan Amusement Parks Everyone Can Enjoy
In case you haven’t noticed, we love thrill rides and roller coasters! Our younger kids won’t be joining us on the extreme stuff anytime soon, but they do really enjoy family-friendly attractions. If you’re looking for something fun to do, here’s a list of Japan amusement parks to explore. Most or all of these are open year-round!
Tokyo Disneyland
Tokyo Disneyland is a renowned and beloved theme park located in Urayasu, Chiba Prefecture, Japan. It is one of the two Disney theme parks in the Tokyo Disney Resort. Tokyo Disneyland offers a magical and immersive experience for visitors of all ages, featuring iconic Disney characters, classic attractions, shows, parades, and more.
There are seven themed areas at Tokyo DisneySea. Each one has its own unique atmosphere and attractions. These areas include World Bazaar, Adventureland, Westernland, Fantasyland, Tomorrowland, Critter Country, and Toontown.
World Bazaar is the main entrance area, designed as a covered Main Street USA-style shopping street. Adventureland takes guests on exciting adventures, such as the Jungle Cruise and Pirates of the Caribbean.
Westernland offers a Wild West setting with attractions like Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. Fantasyland is a fairytale-inspired land with classic Disney attractions like It’s a Small World and Peter Pan’s Flight. Tomorrowland offers a futuristic theme with attractions such as Space Mountain and Buzz Lightyear’s Astro Blasters.
Throughout the day, Tokyo Disneyland features various entertainment offerings, including musicals, character shows, and parades. The park’s seasonal events and nighttime spectaculars add enchantment and excitement.
Tokyo Disneyland also boasts a wide selection of dining options, ranging from quick-service snacks to full-service restaurants, serving both Japanese and international cuisine. Visitors can enjoy a variety of Disney-themed merchandise at the many shops throughout the park.
Learn more: Tokyo Disneyland Official Site
Tokyo DisneySea
Tokyo DisneySea is the other Disney theme park at the Tokyo Disney Resort and it’s truly unique and highly popular. Some say this is the best theme park in the world! Tokyo DisneySea offers a distinctive nautical and exploration theme and is known for its immersive storytelling, stunning architecture, and high-quality attractions.
There are various themed “ports of call” at the park. Each one represents a different area or era of exploration. These ports include Mediterranean Harbor, American Waterfront, Port Discovery, Lost River Delta, Arabian Coast, Mermaid Lagoon, and Mysterious Island. Each port has its own unique attractions, shows, dining options, and atmosphere.
One of the standout attractions in Tokyo DisneySea is “Journey to the Center of the Earth” in Mysterious Island. This dark ride takes guests on an adventure deep into the earth’s core. Other notable attractions include “Tower of Terror” in American Waterfront, a thrilling drop tower ride with a haunted storyline, and “Toy Story Mania!” in Port Discovery, an interactive 4D shooting game.
Tokyo DisneySea also features impressive live shows, such as “Fantasmic!”—a nighttime spectacular combining water, fire, lights, and fireworks—and “Big Band Beat,” a lively musical performance with a jazz orchestra and Disney characters.
The park’s attention to detail is evident in its elaborate theming, immersive environments, and beautifully designed buildings. Tokyo DisneySea offers breathtaking architecture, intricate designs, and meticulous landscaping. It’s easy to see why it’s a favorite among Disney enthusiasts and theme park lovers.
To make the most of your visit to Tokyo DisneySea, it is advisable to check the park’s official website for information on ticket prices, park hours, and any specific guidelines or restrictions that may be in place. Given its popularity, I’d definitely recommend arriving early, especially on weekends and holidays.
Learn more: Tokyo DisneySea Official Site
Universal Studios Japan
Universal Studios Japan (USJ) is a highly popular theme park located in Osaka, Japan. It is one of the four Universal Studios theme parks worldwide and offers a wide range of attractions, shows, and experiences based on popular movies and characters.
Right now, the biggest draw now is Super Nintendo World. It’s really, really amazing. We’ve seen videos of the one at Universal Studios Hollywood but it doesn’t compare. We’ve got both a Mario Kart and Yoshi ride, fantastic food in the Toad-themed restaurant, and more. It’s a bit small, but it’s worth it!
Aside from Mario, one of the main highlights of Universal Studios Japan is The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Visitors can explore iconic locations such as Hogwarts Castle, and Hogsmeade Village, and enjoy attractions like Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey and Flight of the Hippogriff.
Another notable area is Universal Wonderland, a section specifically designed for young children, featuring attractions based on beloved characters such as Hello Kitty, Sesame Street, and Snoopy. Additionally, there are areas dedicated to popular franchises such as Jurassic Park, Minions, Spider-Man, and more.
USJ is also known for its spectacular shows and parades. The park features various live performances, including character shows, musicals, and seasonal events.
Universal Studios Japan is easily accessible by public transportation. Universal City Station is a dedicated train station on the JR Yumesaki Line. It takes less than 10 minutes to walk to the park entrance.
Learn more: Universal Studios Japan Official Site
Fuji-Q Highland
Fuji-Q Highland is one of the most popular Japan amusement parks located near the base of Mount Fuji in Fujiyoshida, Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan. It is known for its thrilling rides, including some record-breaking roller coasters, as well as its stunning views of Mount Fuji.
One of the main attractions at Fuji-Q Highland is the roller coaster called Fujiyama. When it opened in 1996, it held the record as the world’s tallest and fastest roller coaster. Although it has since been surpassed in those categories, it remains a popular ride due to its speed, height, and the breathtaking views it offers.
Another notable coaster is Do-dodonpa, which features a record-setting impressive launch that propels riders from 0 to 180 kilometers per hour in just 1.8 seconds. Of course, there’s also another one of our favorites, Takabisha, which was (until recently) the steepest roller coaster in the world!
Fuji-Q Highland is also great for guests of all ages! There are family-friendly rides, water rides, haunted houses, and virtual reality experiences. The park also has themed areas such as Thomas Land, based on the popular children’s character Thomas the Tank Engine, and La Ville de Gaspard et Lisa, based on the French picture book series.
It’s a bit of a trek to get here, though. To access Fuji-Q Highland, you can take a direct bus from major cities like Tokyo or Shinjuku. The park is also easily reachable by train, with Fuji-Q Highland Station on the Fujikyuko Line located right next to the entrance.
Learn more: Fuji-Q Highland Official Site
Tokyo Dome City
Tokyo Dome City is an entertainment complex located in Bunkyo Ward. It is centered around the iconic Tokyo Dome, a large stadium known for hosting baseball games, concerts, and other events. Tokyo Dome City offers a range of attractions and facilities that cater to various interests.
Within Tokyo Dome City, you’ll find a variety of entertainment options. The complex includes the amusement park called Tokyo Dome City Attractions, which offers a selection of rides, carnival-style games, and the famous Thunder Dolphin roller coaster. It goes through both a “keyhole” in the building and the center of the giant Ferris wheel!
LaQua is another prominent feature of Tokyo Dome City. It is an indoor entertainment complex that includes a spa resort called LaQua Spa, featuring a variety of hot springs, saunas, and relaxation areas. Visitors can enjoy a day of relaxation and rejuvenation at the spa.
Shopping and dining options are plentiful in Tokyo Dome City. LaQua Terrace is a shopping area within the complex that offers a wide range of retail stores, restaurants, and cafes. It’s a great place to shop for fashion, electronics, and souvenirs, as well as to grab a bite to eat.
Additionally, Tokyo Dome City hosts various live performances, concerts, and events throughout the year. The Tokyo Dome City Hall is a venue within the complex that accommodates music concerts, theater shows, and other entertainment events.
Whether you’re a sports enthusiast, thrill-seeker, spa lover, or simply looking for shopping and dining experiences, Tokyo Dome City offers a diverse range of activities and entertainment options to suit different interests.
Learn more: Tokyo Dome City
Yokohama Cosmo World
Yokohama Cosmo World is an amusement park located in the Minato Mirai area of our new hometown, Yokohama, Japan. It is a popular destination for both locals and tourists, offering a variety of rides and attractions suitable for visitors of all ages.
One of the most iconic features of Yokohama Cosmo World is the giant Ferris wheel called the Cosmo Clock 21. It stands at a height of 112.5 meters (369 feet) and offers panoramic views of Yokohama and the surrounding area. The Ferris wheel is illuminated at night, creating a stunning visual spectacle.
In addition to the Ferris wheel, the park features a range of thrilling rides, including roller coasters, water rides, and spinning attractions. Some of the notable rides include the “Vanish” roller coaster, which features a section where the track appears to disappear into a tunnel, and the “Diving Coaster: Vanish,” which takes riders on a thrilling journey with unexpected twists and turns.
Yokohama Cosmo World also offers family-friendly attractions, such as carousels, bumper cars, and a children’s area with smaller rides and games. There are also arcade games, skill-based attractions, and a variety of food stalls and restaurants where visitors can enjoy snacks and meals.
The park is located near other popular attractions in the Minato Mirai area, such as shopping centers, museums, and waterfront areas, making it a convenient destination for a day of fun and entertainment.
Learn more: Yokohama Cosmo World Official Site
Nagashima Spaland
Nagashima Spaland is a popular amusement park located in Kuwana, Mie Prefecture, Japan. It is one of the largest amusement parks in the country and is known for its thrilling rides and attractions. The park is part of the larger Nagashima Resort, which also includes a water park, hot spring resort, and outlet shopping mall.
Nagashima Spaland offers a wide range of rides for visitors of all ages. One of the park’s main attractions is the Steel Dragon 2000, a roller coaster that held the record as the world’s longest roller coaster when it opened in 2000. It provides an exhilarating experience as it reaches high speeds and offers stunning views of the surrounding area. The park is also home to other thrilling coasters like Acrobat, White Cyclone, and Arashi.
In addition to roller coasters, Nagashima Spaland features various other attractions, including water rides, Ferris wheels, carousels, haunted houses, and a 4D theater. There are also numerous carnival-style games and food stalls throughout the park.
During the summer months, the park is beautifully illuminated with colorful lights and offers extended operating hours, allowing visitors to enjoy the rides and attractions in a magical atmosphere.
A word of caution — you’ll have to work to get to this Japan amusement park! To access Nagashima Spaland, you can take a direct bus from Nagoya Station, which is the nearest major transportation hub. The journey takes approximately 40 minutes. Alternatively, you can reach the park by car or train, with Kuwana Station being the nearest train station.
Learn more: Nagashima Spaland Official Site
Ghibli Park
Ghibli Park is a theme park based on the works of Studio Ghibli, the renowned Japanese animation studio. The park is designed to immerse visitors in the enchanting worlds depicted in Studio Ghibli films, such as “My Neighbor Totoro,” “Spirited Away,” “Princess Mononoke,” and many others.
We included this on our list of Japan amusement parks loosely since there are no rides. It’s about the experience! The park’s development has been inspired by the beautiful landscapes, architecture, and scenes depicted in these beloved animated movies.
Visitors can expect to explore lush gardens, encounter life-sized statues of beloved Ghibli characters, and experience attractions and rides that bring the films to life. The park aims to create an immersive experience where visitors can step into the magical and imaginative worlds created by Studio Ghibli.
Learn more: Ghibli Park Official Site
Legoland Japan
Legoland Japan is a popular theme park located in Nagoya, Japan. It is part of the global chain of Legoland parks, which are based on the iconic LEGO building bricks. The park opened on April 1, 2017, and covers an area of about 9.3 hectares.
Legoland Japan offers a variety of attractions, rides, and shows that cater to families with young children aged 2-12. The park is divided into several themed areas, including Miniland, Bricktopia, Adventure, Knight’s Kingdom, Pirate Shores, and Lego City. Each area has its own unique features and attractions.
Miniland is one of the main highlights of Legoland Japan, where visitors can see detailed recreations of famous Japanese landmarks and cities made entirely out of LEGO bricks. Bricktopia focuses on creativity and allows visitors to build and test their own LEGO creations.
Adventure and Knight’s Kingdom offer thrilling rides and interactive experiences, while Pirate Shores is a water play area with pirate-themed attractions. Lego City provides a realistic city experience where children can role-play various professions and activities.
In addition to the rides and attractions, Legoland Japan also features live shows, character meet-and-greets, and dining options within the park. The park aims to provide a fun and educational experience for visitors by encouraging creativity, imagination, and hands-on building activities.
Learn more: Legoland Japan Official Site
Sanrio Puroland
Sanrio Puroland is an indoor theme park located in Tama City, Tokyo, Japan. It is dedicated to the popular characters created by Sanrio, the company behind Hello Kitty and other beloved animated characters.
Sanrio Puroland offers visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the colorful world of Sanrio’s characters through various attractions, shows, parades, and interactive experiences. The park features themed zones and live entertainment that showcase the charm and cuteness of Hello Kitty, My Melody, Cinnamoroll, Pompompurin, and many other Sanrio characters.
Visitors can enjoy musical theater shows, character meet-and-greets, and parades featuring floats adorned with Sanrio characters. The shows incorporate dancing, singing, and engaging storytelling to entertain guests of all ages. There are also interactive rides and attractions, such as the “Sanrio Character Boat Ride” and the “Lady Kitty House,” which allow visitors to explore and interact with the Sanrio universe.
Sanrio Puroland also offers dining options, cafes, and souvenir shops where visitors can purchase merchandise featuring their favorite Sanrio characters. The park often hosts special events and seasonal celebrations, adding to the overall festive atmosphere.
The park is designed with a strong emphasis on cuteness, vibrant colors, and whimsical decorations, creating a delightful and magical experience for fans of Sanrio characters.
Learn more: Sanrio Puroland Official Site
Edo Wonderland Nikko Edomura
Edo Wonderland Nikko Edomura is a historical theme park located in Nikko, Tochigi Prefecture, Japan. The park is designed to replicate a traditional Japanese town from the Edo period (1603-1868) and offers visitors an immersive experience of life during that era.
Upon entering Edo Wonderland Nikko Edomura, visitors are transported back in time to the Edo period with the help of the park’s architecture, streets, and costumes. The park aims to recreate the atmosphere of a historical town, complete with traditional buildings, samurai residences, merchant shops, and a feudal lord’s mansion.
Throughout the park, there are various activities and performances that showcase the culture and traditions of the Edo period. Visitors can witness theatrical performances, ninja shows, samurai sword fights, and traditional Japanese arts and crafts demonstrations. There are also opportunities to dress up in period costumes and stroll around the park, fully immersing oneself in the Edo-era ambiance.
In addition to the cultural experiences, Edo Wonderland Nikko Edomura offers attractions and rides that capture the spirit of the Edo period. These include a haunted house, a riverboat ride, a ninja maze, and an archery range.
Definitely among the most fascinating of the Japan amusement parks, it also features restaurants serving traditional Edo-period cuisine, allowing visitors to savor authentic Japanese dishes from that era. There are shops offering traditional crafts, souvenirs, and kimono rentals as well.
Learn more: Edo Wonderland Official Site
Huis Ten Bosch
This is one of the most super unique Japan amusement parks. Huis Ten Bosch is situated in Sasebo, Nagasaki Prefecture, Japan. It is named after the well-known Huis ten Bosch house in The Hague, Netherlands, and is renowned for its exquisite recreation of a Dutch town.
The park’s main attraction is its meticulous recreation of Dutch architecture and landscapes. Visitors can stroll through streets lined with Dutch-style buildings, canals, windmills, and gardens reminiscent of the Netherlands. The attention to detail is impressive, with tulip fields, intricate canal systems, and even a replica of Amsterdam’s central station.
In addition to the visual appeal of the Dutch-themed setting, Huis Ten Bosch offers a variety of entertainment options. Visitors can enjoy boat rides along the canals, take a tour on a replica steam train, or rent bicycles to explore the expansive park grounds. There are also cultural experiences available, such as traditional Dutch crafts, cheese making, and clog demonstrations.
Huis Ten Bosch features a range of attractions and rides for all ages. There are thrilling roller coasters, interactive dark rides, and virtual reality experiences. The park also hosts seasonal events and festivals, including beautiful light displays during the winter months and vibrant flower festivals in spring.
Learn more: Huis Ten Bosch Official Site
Tokyo Joypolis
One of the largest indoor theme parks, Tokyo Joypolis is situated in Tokyo’s Odaiba district. Sega, a well-known Japanese video game business, runs it. A distinctive fusion of video games, virtual reality (VR) activities, and exhilarating rides can be found at Tokyo Joypolis.
A range of activities at the park are intended to give visitors an engaging and immersive entertainment experience. Numerous arcade games, simulators, and virtual reality experiences that feature well-known Sega titles and characters are available to visitors. To improve the gaming experience, these attractions frequently use motion-based platforms, 3D graphics, and special effects.
Tokyo Joypolis features various thrilling rides in addition to the game components. These include rides with physical motion and digital storytelling, 4D motion theaters, and interactive dark rides.
Overall, Tokyo Joypolis is a haven for video game enthusiasts, offering a mix of classic arcade games, innovative VR experiences, and exciting rides. It provides an entertaining destination for both locals and tourists looking to immerse themselves in the world of Sega’s gaming universe.
Learn more: Tokyo Joypolis Official Site
Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise
A well-known amusement park and aquarium complex may be found in Yokohama, Japan, at Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise. It is located in Tokyo Bay on a tiny island called Hakkeijima. The park, which first welcomed guests in 1993, provides a range of amusements and activities for tourists of all ages.
The huge aquarium of Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise, marketed as Aqua Resorts, is one of the attraction’s key draws. It has a wide variety of marine life, including as dolphins, sea lions, penguins, and different fish kinds. The aquarium offers interactive activities and educational exhibits to teach visitors about marine ecosystems and conservation efforts.
The park also features exhilarating rides and other attractions in addition to the aquarium. The Cosmo Clock 21, a sizable Ferris wheel, offers panoramic views of Yokohama and the surrounding area. A water flume ride, a spinning wheel, and roller coasters are some of the other popular attractions.
In addition, Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise offers a shopping center with a variety of stores, eateries, and entertainment venues. Visitors can take pleasure in dining at seafood establishments, look through memento
Learn more: Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise Official Site
Toei Kyoto Studio Park
Toei Kyoto Studio Park, also known as Toei Uzumasa Eigamura, is a theme park and film studio situated in Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, Japan. It is not an amusement park. It is a well-liked tourist destination that offers visitors a look into the realm of jidaigeki, or Japanese historical dramas.
Toei Company is one of the biggest film production firms in Japan. Toei Kyoto Studio Park was established in 1975. The park has several historically accurate settings, including authentic Edo-era streets, samurai homes, and even a ninja village. Visitors can check out the sets, attend live performances, and even watch movies and TV shows being filmed.
Toei Kyoto Studio Park includes participatory activities like ninja performances and samurai shows, in addition to the sets.
Learn more: Toei Kyoto Studio Park Official Site
Hanayashiki
Hanayashiki is the oldest of the Japan amusement parks. Situated in Tokyo’s Asakusa neighborhood, it was first established as a floral garden during the Edo period in 1853. Over time, the park was expanded. Today, people love Hanayashiki for its vintage appeal and nostalgic ambiance.
Along with more contemporary attractions, it offers a range of vintage rides such as a Ferris wheel, roller coasters, and merry-go-rounds. Hanayashiki is still a well-liked tourist spot for both locals and visitors despite its antiquity and continues to amuse visitors.
Learn more: Hanayashiki Official Site
