Japan’s reputation as a cultural powerhouse goes far beyond ancient temples and serene gardens. The country has a thriving theme park scene based on Japanese history, pop culture, anime, and nature, promising thrilling experiences for people of all ages and interests. From adrenaline-pumping roller coasters inspired by iconic anime to immersive worlds celebrating beloved Studio Ghibli films, Japan’s theme parks offer diverse thrills and adventure. Let’s explore some of Japan’s most popular theme parks.
Best time to visit theme parks in Japan
The best time to visit theme parks in Japan is spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November). Summer (June-August) is the best season to visit the water parks. We recommend visiting theme parks during the weekdays to avoid the crowds.
Top theme parks in Japan
Whether you’re seeking adrenaline-pumping adventures or a peaceful escape, Japan’s theme parks have something for everyone. We bring to you some of the most popular options from the diverse range of theme parks in the country.
Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea in Chiba
Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea might be next to each other, but they require one whole day to explore. At Tokyo Disneyland, expect to enjoy classic rides, grand parades, and adorable Disney-themed food. In contrast to Disneylands all over the world, Tokyo DisneySea is an exclusive attraction. This theme park in Japan features several rides and decor inspired by the sea. To book tickets, click here.
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Must-try attractions: Enchanted Tale of Beauty and the Beast, Splash Mountain and Haunted Mansion at Tokyo Disneyland and Rapunzel’s Lantern Festival, Anna and Elsa’s Frozen Journey, Peter Pan’s Never Land Adventure and Journey to the Center of the Earth and Toy Story Mania at Tokyo DisneySea.
Location: 1-1 Maihama, Urayasu, Chiba 279-0031
Contact: 045-330-5211
Ticket price: Adults – JPY 8,400 (HKD 448); Juniors – JPY 7,000 (HKD 374); Children – JPY 5,000 (HKD 267)
Universal Studios Japan in Osaka
When visiting Osaka, spend a whole day at Universal Studios Japan. This theme park in Japan features rides and decor based on hit movies and shows like Jurassic Park, Hello Kitty, Mario Bros, Minions, Harry Potter, and Detective Conan. Apart from the rides, the food and merch are to die for! To book tickets, click here.
Must-try attractions: Harry Potter & The Forbidden Journey, Mario Kart’s Koopa’s Challenge, Despicable Me Minion Mayhem, and The Flying Dinosaur.
Location: 2 Chome-1-33 Sakurajima, Konohana Ward, Osaka, 554-0031
Contact: 0570-200-606
Ticket price: Adults – JPY 8,600 (HKD 459); Children – JPY 5,600 (HKD 299); Seniors – JPY 7,700 (HKD 411)
Fuji-Q Highland in Yamanashi
There’s no better way to get an adrenaline rush than to ride a rollercoaster that oversees Mt Fuji. Located near the scenic Lake Kawaguchi, Fuji-Q Highland offers a convenient day trip from Tokyo. To book tickets, click here.
Must-try attractions: Fujiyama Rollercoaster, Tekkotsu Bancho Spinning Ride, Fuji Airways Ride, Takabish Rollercoaster.
Location: 5 Chome-6-1 Shinnishihara, Fujiyoshida, Yamanashi 403-0017
Contact: 0555-23-2111
Ticket price: Adults – JPY 7,000 (HKD 374); Children – JPY 4,900 (HKD 261); Seniors – JPY 2,300 (HKD 123)
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Sanrio Puroland theme park in Tokyo, Japan
Sanrio characters like Hello Kitty, Kuromi, My Melody, Pompompurin, Cinnamaroll, and Keroppi have a loyal fanbase in Japan. If you’re a fan too, you must visit Sanrio Puroland in Tokyo. This theme park in Japan is known for its kawaii food, musical shows, themed parades, and kawaii merchandise. To book tickets, click here.
Must-try attractions: My Melody Drive, Sanrio Character Boat Ride and Cinnamoroll’s Little Adventure.
Location: 1 Chome-31 Ochiai, Tama, Tokyo 206-8588
Contact: 042-339-1111
Ticket price: Adults – JPY 4,300 (HKD 229); Children and Seniors – JPY 3,200 (HKD 171)
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The Making of Harry Potter in Nerima
Even though this Harry Potter attraction is smaller than the one in London, it offers fans a rich, immersive experience. You can expect to explore detailed recreated sets and legit prop details from the movie. Like most theme parks in Japan, one can enjoy themed snacks like butterbeer, Hedwig cake, and Hogwarts meal sets here. To book tickets, click here.
Must-try attractions: Experiential sets and props.
Location: 1 Chome-1-7 Kasugacho, Nerima City, Tokyo 179-0074
Ticket price: Adults – JPY 6,500 (HKD 347); Teenagers – JPY 5,400 (HKD 288); Children – JPY 3,900 (HKD 208)
Edo Wonderland Nikko Edomura in Nikko
A cultural theme park in Japan, it takes visitors back to the Edo era. Come here to witness Japanese architecture, enjoy live samurai performances, and participate in craft workshops and ninja activities. For a pretty penny, you can also rent traditional Japanese clothing and explore the park at your leisure. To book tickets, click here.
Must-try attractions: Ninja Trick Maze, Boat Ride on the Edo River, Samurai Experience and Ninja Show.
Location: 470-2 Karakura, Nikko, Tochigi 321-2524
Contact: 0288-77-1777
Ticket price: JPY 5,500 (HKD 293) across age groups
Hakone Kowakien Yunessun in Hakone
Have you been to a hot spring theme park before? If not, visit this park to experience it in Hakone. They have a variety of unique hot springs that contain wine, coffee, green tea, and even sake! Those looking for an adventure can ride the slides and explore a cave in the outdoor area of the theme park. To book tickets, click here.
Must-try attractions: Rodeo Mountain water slides, cave bath, wine bath, coffee bath.
Location: 1297 Ninotaira, Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa 250-0407
Contact: 0460-82-4126
Ticket price: Adults – JPY 3,500 (HKD 187); Children – JPY 1,800 (HKD 96)
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Shibamasa World in Fukui
This theme park in Japan has an amusement park and a water park. It’s family-friendly and is known to host seasonal parades, events, and special performances. It also offers on-site lodging for visitors who wish to spend the night and make the most of their time here. To book tickets, click here.
Must-try attractions: Pirate Island Typhoon, Caribbean Barrel, Caribbean Viking.
Location: 45 Mikunicho Hamaji, Sakai, Fukui 913-0005
Contact: 0776-81-2110
Ticket price: Adults – JPY 4,300 (HKD 229); Children – JPY 3,100 (HKD 165); Seniors – JPY 3,100 (HKD 165)
Legoland in Nagoya
Legoland in Japan promises visitors a creative, fun, and immersive experience. Not only are there shows and live performances, but you can also meet and greet the characters! You can explore the factory-themed exhibit to see how Lego bricks are made and learn about the manufacturing process. To book tickets, click here.
Must-try attractions: The Dragon Rollercoaster, Submarine Adventure, Lost Kingdom Adventure and Flying Ninjago.
Location: LEGOLAND Japan Limited, 1 Kinjoufutou, 2 Chome-2, Minato Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 455-8605
Contact: +81-570-05-8605
Ticket price: Adults – JPY 4,300 (HKD 229); Children – JPY 3,300 (HKD 176)
Nagashima Spa Land in Mie
About 30 km west of Nagoya is Nagashima Spa Land. It’s one of the biggest theme parks in Japan and has an onsen facility, a flower park, shopping outlets, and a water park. From Nagoya to Nagashima, it takes about 40 minutes, making it the perfect day trip! To book tickets, click here.
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Must-try attractions: Flying Coaster Acrobat Rollercoaster, Steel Dragon 2000 Rollercoaster, Star Flyer Ride, Bed Rock Bath.
Location: 333 Nagashimacho Urayasu, Kuwana, Mie 511-1192
Contact: 0594-45-1111
Ticket price: Adults – JPY 1,600 (HDK 85); Children – JPY 1,000 (HKD 53)
Huis Ten Bosch theme park in Nagasaki, Japan
You will not believe that you’re in Japan after stepping into Huis Ten Bosch in Nagasaki. This theme park draws inspiration from Dutch architecture like windmills, canals, gardens, buildings, and flower fields. Upon arriving, you have two areas to explore, the Harbor Zone and the Theme Park Zone. The key attractions are the theatre, art museum, and a replica of the Palace Huis Ten Bosch. The Theme Park Zone is where all the action takes place like riding the Ferris wheel, exploring the mirror maze and the haunted house. To book tickets, click here.
Must-try attractions: The Maze, Sky Castle, Dinosaur Woods, and House of VR.
Location: 1-1 Huis Ten Bosch Machi, Sasebo, Nagasaki 859-3243
Contact: 0570-064-110
Ticket price: Adults – JPY 7,400 (HKD 395); Children – JPY 6,400 (HKD 342); Seniors – JPY 5,400 (HKD 288)
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Nijigen no Mori in Awaji Island
This is one of the coolest theme parks in Japan! Located on Awaji Island, it is a theme park dedicated to anime and pop culture. Story-based, interactive, and immersive rides dominate the park. Nijigen no Mori offers three main attractions: Naruto, Shin-chan, and Godzilla. The Godzilla zipline is a particular highlight for thrill-seekers. To book tickets, click here.
Must-try attractions: Godzilla Intercept Operation Light Ticket.
Location: 656-2401 Hyogo, Awaji, Kusumoto
Contact: 0799-64-7061
Ticket price: Adults – JPY 2,800 (HKD 149); Children – JPY 1,800 (HKD 96)
Theme park at Tobu Zoo in Saitama, Japan
This is a hybrid theme park in Japan. The zoo is part of the amusement park. There are around 1,200 animals at the zoo and a cozy petting area where you can hold and stroke small animals like rabbits and guinea pigs. There are roughly 30 attractions in the amusement park area meant for people of all age groups. To book tickets, click here.
Must-try attractions: Sky and water coaster, Emma’s Cheese Windmill.
Location: 110 Suka, Miyashiro, Minamisaitama District, Saitama 345-0831
Contact: 0480-93-1200
Ticket price: Adults – JPY 1,900 (HKD 101); Children – JPY 1,600 (HKD 85); Seniors – JPY 900 (HKD 48)
Nasu Highland Park in Nasu
Nasu Highland Park is a family-friendly theme park in Japan that also welcomes dogs. Most of the rides are meant for parents and children. Unlike other parks, this one has a resort and a glamping area where guests can spend the night. That’s not all, there’s also a children’s cafeteria that serves nutritious and tasty meals to even the fussiest of eaters. To book tickets, click here.
Must-try attractions: Big Boom Drop Tower, Fujiyama Roller Coaster, Spin Turn Coaster.
Location: 3375 Takakuotsu, Nasu, Nasu District, Tochigi 325-0398
Contact: 0287-78-1150
Ticket price: Adults – JPY 5,800 (HKD 310); Children – JPY 4,100 (HKD 219); Seniors – JPY 4,100 (HKD 219)
Tokyo Joypolis in Tokyo
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For those seeking thrills and adventure without leaving Tokyo, this theme park in Japan is perfect. An indoor them park in Japan, it features immersive games and thrilling rides on three floors. Apart from the amusement area, the place also features a cafe, shopping area and a digital entertainment lounge. To book tickets, click here.
Must-try attractions: Halfpipe Tokyo, Gekion Live Coaster, Pirate’s Plunder.
Location: 135-0091 Tokyo, Minato City, Daiba, 1 Chome−6−1 3F
Contact: 03-5500-1801
Ticket price: Adults – JPY 5,500 (HKD 293); Children – JPY 4,500 (HKD 240)
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Ghibli Park in Aichi
If you’re a Ghibli fan, visit Ghibli Park in Aichi. It’s different from traditional theme parks because there are no rides here. You will find interactive exhibits and immersive environments based on iconic scenes from Ghibli movies. Don’t forget to purchase limited-edition merchandise at the park (especially food magnets) as they won’t be available at other Ghibli stores across Japan. To book tickets, click here.
Must-try attractions: Ghibli’s Big Warehouse, Hill of Youth, Dondoko Forest, Village of Spirits, and Valley of the Witches.
Location: Expo 2005 Aichi Commemorative Park (Moricoro Park), 1533-1 Ibaragabasama, Nagakute, Aichi 480-1342
Contact: 0570 089 154
Ticket price: Adults – JPY 3,500 (HKD 187); Children – JPY 1,750 (HKD 93)
Tokyo Summerland in Akiruno
This theme park in Japan has both, an amusement and a water park. All rides are child-friendly, making it the ideal summer spot for families. Beware though, guests with tattoos are not allowed in the water park. To book tickets, click here.
Must-try attractions: Spin Dinghy, Super Bounty, Beaver Lake, Yuyu Cave.
Location: 600 Kamiyotsugi, Akiruno, Tokyo 197-0832
Contact: 042-558-6511
Ticket price: Adults – JPY 4,600 (HKD 245); Children – JPY 3,050 (HKD 163); Seniors – JPY 2,000 (HKD 107)
Yomiuriland in Inagi Tokyo
Apart from Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea, this theme park is accessible from Tokyo. Yomiuriland offers rides suitable for both adults and children. During spring and autumn, the park organises seasonal events and installs beautiful illuminations. It has a water park as well, but it’s only open during the summer. To book tickets, click here.
Must-try attractions: Splash UFO, Spin Runway, Fight Ippatsu.
Location: 4015-1 Yanokuchi, Inagi, Tokyo 206-8725
Contact: 044-966-1111
Ticket price: Adults – JPY 5,800 (HKD 310); Children – JPY 4,600 (HKD 245)
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(Feature image credit: universal_studios_japan/Instagram)
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The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.
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FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Japan has many theme parks based on anime, pop culture, history, Japanese culture, hot springs, and nature.
Yes, there's not just one, but two Disneylands in Japan! While Tokyo Disneyland has similar features and layouts like the other Disneylands in the world, Tokyo DisneySea is exclusive to Japan. For a more nostalgic experience, choose Tokyo Disneyworld. For an adventurous one, choose Tokyo DisneySea.
The operating hours for waterparks in Japan depend from park to park. Generally, they are open from 9/10 am to 5/7 pm. Some water parks are only operational during summer (July to September).
Almost all rides and theme parks in Japan have age, weight, and height restrictions mentioned at the ride's entrance. The minimum age is usually 4/7 years old, and one should be physically fit. People with serious health issues, pregnant women, and people with mobility impairments should avoid thrill rides.
All theme parks in Japan have exceptional food options. The ones that offer the best dining options are Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea, Universal Studios, Fuji-Q Highland, Huis Ten Bosch, Sanrio Puroland and Nagashima Spa Land.
Expect to shell out JPY 3,500 (HKD187 ) to JPY 8,000 (HKD 427) on water park and amusement park tickets. Since the prices fluctuate, always check the official website for current pricing information. Apart from the major theme parks, there are a few amusement parks like Yokohama Cosmo World in Yokohama, Greenland in Kumamoto, New Reoma World in Kagawa, Rusutsu Resort in Hokkaido, and Okinawa World in Okinawa that are popular among the locals, and worth a visit.
Written By
Sharon Alphonso
Sharon is from Mumbai and currently lives in Tokyo with her Japanese husband. Before moving to Japan, ..Read More
