Travelers come to Japan for many reasons: the amazing cuisine, the many historical and cultural sights, the interesting subcultures, the beautiful nature, and plenty of other attractions. Another extremely popular activity is going to one (or more!) of the amazing amusement parks in Japan. There are some big names such as Tokyo Disneyland and Universal Studios Japan, but there are also home-grown theme parks that have all kinds of exciting rides to offer. Let us introduce some of the best theme parks in Japan!
Fuji-Q Highland (Kawaguchiko)
With Mt Fuji prominently in the background, Fuji-Q Highland is one of the most photogenic amusement parks in the world, but that is not all that makes this theme park in Kawaguchiko around 1.5 hours from Tokyo a very popular park. Some of Japan’s most thrilling rides are available in Fuji-Q, and trust us when we say that they are only for the real thrill-seekers amongst us!
Rides that you should definitely not skip if you like your attractions fast and furious are the Dododonpa which accelerates from zero to 180 km/h in less than 2 seconds, the Eejanaika rotates in all directions while riding, the Takabisha which features a super-steep drop of 121 degrees, and the tall Fujiyama that goes on for minutes and gives you a great view of its namesake Mt Fuji. Going to Fuji-Q Highland can easily be combined with a visit to Kawaguchiko in an overnight trip.
Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea
Of course, the most famous amusement park resort in Japan can’t be missing from this list. Only 20 minutes away by train from central Tokyo, Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea are easy to visit while you are staying in Tokyo. For the full experience, we recommend staying in a hotel that belongs to the resort and doing both parks with an overnight stay.
Tokyo Disneyland boasts many of the classic attractions such as the Big Thunder Mountain, Alice’s Tea Party, it’s a small world, and Space Mountain, making it the perfect day out for families with smaller kids and those who are looking for that quinessential Disney experience. Tokyo DisneySea is geared more towards older kids and has slightly more thrilling rides such as the Indiana Jones Adventure, Tower of Terror, and Raging Spirits. The latter park also has some Tokyo-specific attractions that can’t be found anywhere else like Journey to the Center of the Earth. After you’ve had your fill of rides, you can check out the Ikspiari shopping mall nearby.
Yomiuri Land (Kawasaki)
Also only located a short train ride away from Tokyo is the very Japanese-flavored Yomiuri Land amusement park. One of this park’s biggest draws are the wonderful illuminations that are displayed after sunset between late October and early April each year. The event is called Jewellumination and it bathes the whole park in colorful lights.
The theme park has some regular attractions like a tall roller coaster, a suspended roller coaster, go-karts, and a looping starship. There are also some quirkier rides such as the ball-coaster, a spinning indoor coaster, and a laser game. With plenty of family-friendly attractions as well as more thrilling rides, Yomiuri Land is fun for people of all ages!
Yokohama Cosmo World
While Cosmo World in Yokohama is not that large, there is an amazing number of attractions squeezed into a small but gorgeous urban area next to the harbor. The Cup Noodle Museum and the Nippon Maru Museum Ship are also nearby, so you can make it a nice day out in Yokohama which is only 30 minutes by train south of Tokyo. The attractions that stand out the most are the giant ferris wheel and the fast roller coaster that seems to disappear into the water, but there is more excitement waiting for you!
There are several spinning rides, 3D, 4D, and VR experiences, a wild water slide, a mirror maze, and a haunted house. Smaller kids will love the giant walking ‘animals’, the little shinkansen train, and the Anpanman ride. The backdrop of downtown Yokohama gives this convenient amusement park some extra flair and it is easy to take cool pictures.
Nijigen No Mori (Awaji, Hyogo)
Have you always wanted to zipline into the wide-open mouth of Japan’s favorite monster, Godzilla? Now your wish can come true in a slightly offbeat amusement park called Nijigen No Mori. Located on island Awaji, a visit to this fun outdoor amusement park is a nice one-day trip from Osaka. Besides the Godzilla zipline, you can also enjoy a Godzilla-themed shooting game and museum in this part of the park. Other attractions can be found in the Naruto and Boruto area, Crayon Shinchan area, and Dragon Quest area including a challenging climbing course, a field role-playing game, and mazes.
Universal Studios Japan (Osaka)
Beautifully designed and boasting attractions that revolve around some of Hollywood’s most popular movies, Universal Studios Japan is a must-visit for anyone who loves amusement parks and is staying in Osaka. The most famous attractions in this park include the Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey ride and the newly opened Super Nintendo World.
But that is not all, and there is more to see and experience than you can fit in one day! There are the whole village built around the Harry Potter ride, the dizzying Minion attraction, a backwards roller coaster, Jurrassic Park the Ride, various 3D and 4D experiences, impressive shows, and all kinds of performances and character meets. The restaurants throughout the park are part of the experience as well with fun themed menus and interiors.
Your Japan Tour
As seasoned Japan experts, we create perfect Japan package tours including Japan’s best amusement parks. Check out our group tours and private tours, or contact us to start planning your unforgettable holiday to this fascinating country. Japan is full of once-in-a-lifetime experiences, culture, history, nature, and delicious food!