Japan boasts some amazing and unique theme parks and amusement parks. Unique culture as well as high-tech engineering means you’ll find theme park experiences unlike any others in the world.
Whether you’re looking for magical experiences or world-class thrills, you can find all that and more at Japanese theme parks.
Here are the ten best theme and amusement parks in Japan:
1. Tokyo Disneyland, Chiba
This is the first Disney theme park opened outside the United States. Many of the classic rides found in Disneyland and Disneyworld’s Magic Kingdom can be found here, each having just as much fun packed into them as their American counterparts.
The seven lands found in the park are very similar as well, but they have gotten their own twist through the years thanks to the unique influence of Japanese culture. A trip here promises a day full of magic and fun.
To get to Tokyo Disneyland, head to JR Maihama Station and walk five minutes. You can also stay on the property and take the monorail.
You’ll need to check the Tokyo Disneyland ticket website to find out what admission will cost for the days you choose to go.
2. Tokyo DisneySea, Chiba
Considered by many to be the best Disney Park in the world, Tokyo DisneySea is a park dedicated to the myths and legends of the sea.
Not only are there incredible rides and attractions, but the park also focuses on food and drink, offering many excellent selections throughout the park.
With Little Mermaid attractions for children, thrilling roller coasters, and relaxing gondola rides, there is something for everyone here.
To get to the park, get to JR Maihama Station, then either take the Disney Resort Monorail to Tokyo Disney Sea Station or walk 20 minutes to the park entrance.
3. Universal Studios Japan, Osaka
Located in the Osaka Bay Area, this theme park is second only to Japan’s Disney Parks in popularity. It offers unique experiences that put visitors in the heart of their favorite movies, from Minions to Jurassic Park.
Mascot and character visits are also a highlight, as are the park’s many live shows. Outside the gates is the huge shopping area called Universal Citywalk Osaka.
You can get to Universal Studios Japan by taking a bus straight from Kansai Airport or Itami Airport, or by taking a train on the JR Yumesaki Line to Universal City Station.
4. Fuji Q Highland, Yamanashi
If you’re looking for some of the best rollercoasters in the world, Fuji Q Highland is for you. Located in the Fuji Five Lakes area, this theme park is home to several record-breaking coasters.
Between thrills, you can enjoy the park’s numerous anime-themed offerings. There are also numerous children’s rides and carnival games.
The area the park sits in offers spectacular views of Mt. Fuji as well as numerous other attractions like hot spring baths, so it is well worth a prolonged visit.
Fuji-Q Highland can be found by the Fujikyu Highland Station on the Fujikyu Railway Line between Otsuki and Kawaguchiko Stations.
Visit this great amusement park in Japan, and also be sure to enjoy even a better view of Mt. Fuji from Chureito Pagoda. Staying 1 or 2 nights near Lake Kawaguchi is highly recommended. You can stay here in this hotel.
5. Sanrio Puroland, Tokyo
Enter the world of Hello Kitty and friends at Sanrio Puroland, located in the suburb of Tokyo called Tama City. This is one of the best theme parks in Tokyo!
Meet-and-greets with the adorable cast of characters from Sanrio are a highlight, but you can also enjoy shows, parades, and rides unlike any other in the world. This is an ideal trip for the young and the young at heart.
There’s nowhere better to pick up Hello Kitty souvenirs, either, as there is extensive shopping to be found at the park, including many exclusive items.
To get to Sanrio Puroland, take a train to Shinjuku Station,then take the Keio Line and get off at Tama-Center Station. The entrance is a short walk from there.
6. Legoland Japan, Nagoya
A must-see for lovers of Legos, this theme park is located in Nagoya. There are Lego-themed rides for all ages to be found, as well as huge Lego models that have been built brick-by-brick.
Miniland Japan is a highlight attraction and there you can find the entire nation of Japan reconstructed with bricks in miniature form.
With plenty of restaurants and walk-around characters, it’s a great place to spend a day. Both inside and just outside the park, you’ll find plenty of shopping in Lego-themed shops.
To get to Legoland Japan, head to Nagoya Station and take the Aonami Line to its terminal station, Kinjofuto Station. The entrance is a short walk from there.
7. Huis Ten Bosch, Nagasaki
This is a very unique theme park, named after and recreating a Dutch town and the official residences of the Dutch royal family. Huis Ten Bosch is located on the northern tip of Omura Bay.
The park is a celebration of Dutch and Japanese friendship. After you enter, you’ll be transported to a world of windmills and tulips. The park is well known for its amazing night-time illuminations and world-class fireworks show.
In spring, visitors see plenty of colorful tulips throughout the theme park. Without doubt, this is considered one of the best places to see tulips in Japan.
Enjoy seeing the park on a boat tour of its canals. There are also numerous accommodations of different kinds found in the park, making it a great overnight destination.
8. Nagashima Spa Land, Nagoya
Found outside of Nagoya, there are five parts of this park: the main amusement park, a water park, a hot spring complex, a flower park, and a shopping mall. The amusement park is considered the best for rollercoasters in western Japan.
There are not only thrills to be found there but also plenty of rides for children. The water park is only open in summer. The hot spring complex offers many different baths set in carefully arranged nature scenes.
The Nabana no Sato flower park is one of the largest flower parks in Japan and offers nighttime illuminations in winter. At the outlet mall, you will find 300 shops. Nagashima Spa Land offers something for everyone and then some.
Get there from Nagoya by heading to Meitetsu Bus Center next to Nagoya Station.Take a bus bound for Nagashima Onsen and get off at either Nabana no Sato or Nagashima Onsen.
9. Tokyo Dome City, Tokyo
This theme park is found right in the heart of Tokyo. Entry is free and you’ll only pay for ride tickets and food.
A huge rollercoaster snakes through the park and the huge Ferris wheel offers commanding views of the whole park.
Spa LaQua offers natural hot spring pools both indoor and outdoor, relaxation space and various massage and beauty services. Note that the water flows out from a depth of 1,700m under Tokyo Dome City.
It offers a great break for visitors to Tokyo who are tired of museums and are ready for some fun. If you ever visit Koishikawa Korakuen, a popular autumn leaves viewing spots in Tokyo, don’t forget to explore Tokyo Dome City.
Tokyo Dome City is a few minutes’ walk from Suidobashi Station on the JR Chuo Line.
10. Asakusa Hanayashiki, Tokyo
Considered Japan’s oldest amusement park, the origins of this park date back to 1853, when it started as a flower park.
More and more was added to this compact park until it became what it is today. While very small, it offers a lot in the space it has.
This includes a roller coaster and many carnival rides. This delightful little amusement park is found in Tokyo.