23 Best Amusement Parks in Japan
TweetJapan has an abundance of entertainment options, from theme parks to traditional Japanese theaters. If you’re coming to Japan for a family vacation, definitely you’ve come to the right place. There’re countless interesting amusement parks and theme parks. Many of these parks boast the latest rides, shows and other attractions. It’s a big surprise to find the world’s most thrilling roller coaster in Japan.
Many amusement parks in Japan have special themes, like the Disneyland Resort in Tokyo. Being a country filled with vibrant oriental culture, Japan also has many parks dedicated to local culture and features. They can be found nowhere else in the world.
Below is a list of most interesting parks to visit in Japan. Even you have not been to these destinations in person, I guess you can distinguish them by the pictures below. You must have seen their signature architectures in photos.
1. Tokyo Disneyland
Photo: Rudy Herman, s.yume, *Megumi*, EAJ
Tokyo Disneyland is the first Disney Park built outside of the United States. It’s ranking as the most visited theme park in Japan. The park has 7 fabled themed areas: World Bazaar, Adventureland, Westernland, Critter Country, Fantasyland, Toontown and Tomorrowland. There you’re able to meet your favorite Disney characters.
2. Tokyo DisneySea
Photo: JoshBerglund19, cafetricot, sevenspotted, s.yume
Tokyo DisneySea is the second theme park built at the Tokyo Disney Resort. The premier theme park comprises of 7 uniquely themed areas, like Mysterious Island, Mermaid Lagoon and Mediterranean Harbor. Whether you prefer high-speed thrilling rides or indoor attractions, you can find your favorite one at Tokyo DisneySea.
3. Space World
Photo: wikipedia, Eddie Does Japan
Space World is the only space-themed amusement park in the world. The theme park has a well selection of enjoyable rides, attractions and events. You can experience the wonder of outer space without leaving the earth.
4. Fuji Q Highland
Photo: Lamsus Crusoe, saldesalsal
Located at the foot of the Mount Fuji, Fuji Q Highland features the world’s most thrilling roller coaster, Fujiyama. The theme park also has some better known thrilling roller coasters, like Dodonpa, Eejanika and Takbisha. Fuji Q boasts an extremely popular haunted attraction, the Haunted Hospital.
5. Tobu World Square
Photo: wikipedia, dugspr — Home for Good
Tobu World Square houses 102 1:25 scale models of famous buildings and relics. Big Ben, the Great Wall, Palace of Versailles, Eiffel Tower, White House and the Statue of Liberty are all on display at the square. These beautifully crafted miniature replicas look as vivid as their origins.
6. Universal Studios Japan
Photo: wikipedia, panduh, TAKA@P.P.R.S
As one of the four Universal Studios theme parks, Universal Studios Japan brings the magic of movie to daily life. The theme park has 19 funny attractions scattered in 9 areas. You can greet some world famous characters in the studios, such as Snoopy and Shrek.
7. Tokyo Summerland
Photo: The Citizen Of Hachioji, Phil Knall
Tokyo Summerland is a premier water park in Japan. It’s a paradise for water lovers. The park features massive wave pools, beautiful waterfalls, water slides and thrilling rollercoaster rides. It’s the perfect destination for children and adults alike.
8. Yomiuri Land
Photo: wikipedia, /\ltus, f.yamada
This amusement park near Tokyo is best known for its modern thrilling rides, including 5 roller coasters and water rides. The park also serves as a training ground for the Yomiuri Giants baseball team.
9. Hanayashiki Amusement Park
Photo: 7_nana, A7design1, OiMax
Hanayashiki is the oldest amusement park in Japan. The park is a nice place to enjoy nostalgic rides and spectacular shows. Rides and attractions at the park are encircled by Japan’s oldest roller coaster.
10. Namco Namja Town
Photo: jeroen020, istolethetv, Chester Yeh
Inside the Sunshine City shopping complex, there’s an indoor theme park operated by Namco, a video game maker. In addition to carnival-style games, the Namco Namja Town also features themed dining, a line of character mascots and a popular haunted house.
11. Kyoto Studio Park
The theme park is still a working film set for historical movies and programs. The park has a wide variety of traditional Japanese buildings used for filming historical movies, like old Nihonbashi Bridge and Edo Period streets. The Toei Eigamura also boasts other attractions, including a popular haunted house and various performances & exhibitions.
12. Nagasaki Huis Ten Bosch
Photo: | Ray Chang |, Radio Nederland Wereldomroep
This theme park recreates a 17th-century Dutch town. There’re various amazing replicas of Dutch-style buildings, like villas, museums and theaters. All these landmarks are set along peaceful canals and brick-lined streets.
13. Nikko Edo Wonderland
Photo: petitshoo, Dr.Colossus, motoyen, uzagaku
Edo Wonderland recreates the streets and buildings of the Edo Era. This vast Japanese culture theme park enables guests to experience the culture and life of the Edo period. The village has many interesting attractions and shows.
14. Nagashima Spa Land
Photo: recursive.faults, Kyota
Nagashima Spa Land is one of the best and most interesting theme parks in Japan. It’s the right place to experience old-style amusement park thrills. The park features several funny roller coasters, a wonderful water park and a huge Ferris wheel.
15. Shima Spain Village
Shima Spain Village is a large resort complex in Japan featuring vivid reproduction of Spanish culture, including famous Spanish streetscapes and restaurants. In the park, there are Barcelona-like areas, ancient castles, and Disneyland inspired roller coasters and fantasy rides.
16. Tokyo Sea Life Park
Photo: yuki.koga, mahiro1322, dai-kon
Tokyo Sea Life Park is a small aquarium reproducing aquatic habitats. The aquarium has several interesting exhibitions, like the Sea of Tokyo, Life on the Shoreline and the Sea of the World.
17. Sanrio Puroland
Photo: xiaming, arcreyes [-ratamahatta-], chris.jan
Sanrio Puroland is one of Japan’s most popular tourist destinations. The indoor theme park houses various attractions and theme rides with world-renowned Sanrio characters, including Hello Kitty and Cinnamoroll. You can find one of the largest Sanrio stores in Japan at the park.
18. Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise
Photo: ajari
This is a vast amusement park built on the man-made island positioned at the tip of Yokohama Bay. The park features Japan’s first surf coaster. You can also find an exhilarating vertical fall amusement ride there.
19. Meiji Mura
Photo: wikipedia, Kyota, joevare, FullyFunctnlPhil
Meiji Mura is an open-air museum dedicated to preserving and exhibiting Japanese architecture of the Meiji period. The museum/theme park displays more than 60 historical buildings and items of interest, like the first Meiji streetcars and steam locomotives.
20. Spa Resort Hawaiians
Photo: Nemo’s great uncle
As a premier resort and theme park in Japan, Spa Resort Hawaiians has hot spring theme parks, golf courses and hotels. The Hawaiian based theme park has 5 areas: Edo Jowa Yoichi, Spring Park, Water Park, ViR PORT and Spa Garden PAREO.
21. Expoland
Photo: PapiGiulio, Mil
Expoland was originally opened as the amusement zone at the International Exposition in 1970. Now the amusement park has more than 40 funny rides and attractions. The park also presents up to 19 restaurants and shops for dining and souvenir shopping.
22. Kamogawa Sea World
Photo: RaymondChen
Kamogawa Sea World is the ultimate marine center in Japan. The aquarium is best known for its killer whale and dolphin shows. You can experience exotic sea life in their distinctive habitats. More than 11,000 animals of 800 species are displayed.
23. Tokyo Joypolis
Photo: Ronald HN Tan, sortulv, YoAndMi
The three-story Tokyo Joypolis is Japan’s largest and most sophisticated indoor theme park operated by Sega Operation. The park features the latest arcade games and 20 amusement rides & attractions.
