A Guide to 12 Best Theme and Amusement Parks in Japan


2020.04.18

NAVITIME TRAVEL EDITOR

Japan is dotted with few dozen popular theme parks and amusement parks that attract not just thrill seekers but also both locals, tourists and even history maniacs. From world renown Disney Resorts to history theme park like Edo Wonderland, there are plenty of options to choose from. This article will help you pick your destinations and guide you to the 12 best theme and amusement parks in Japan.

  • 01

    Tokyo Disney Resort

    The most famous of all amusement parks not just in Japan, but potentially the world, visiting Tokyo Disney Resort is like stepping into a whole new world. The ‘resort’ is made up of two separate parks; Disneyland, and Disney Sea, the latter of the two is a one of a kind theme park that exists only in Japan. You can’t really go wrong choosing between the pair, but they have different attractions, Disneyland is more thrill-centric and features the famous rides Space Mountain, Splash Mountain and Big Thunder Mountain, as well as one-off Japan specialties like the Monsters, Inc.: Ride & Go Seek! While DisneySea is called the more adult of the two as it serves alcohol and features a few extra attractions for those who like to keep their feet planted firmly on the ground.
    [Access] Around 30 minutes from Tokyo Station
    [Nearest station] Maihama Station on the JR Keiyo Line
    [Free Pass price] 7,500 yen (adults)

    Tokyo Disneyland
    rating

    4.0

    225 Reviews
    place
    Chiba Pref. Urayasushi Maihama 1-1
    phone
    0570008632
    opening-hour
    Sales Hours differ depending…
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  • 02

    Yokohama Cosmo World

    For an excellent family-friendly half-day excursion, add a visit to Yokohama Cosmo World, the retro-style amusement park just 30 minutes from Shibuya by train. It’s relatively compact, but this bayside hangout packs a lot in. Cosmo World features old-world rides like Yokohama's iconic Ferris wheel, arcade games, and a roller coaster that wraps around the outside of the park, as well as a few modern attractions like virtual reality experiences for good measure. If you’re looking for a more laid-back city escape or an addition to your Yokohama itinerary, be sure to check it out.
    [Access] Around one hour from Tokyo Station
    [Nearest station] Minatomirai Station on the Minatomirai Line
    [Free Pass price] No entry price (individual rides cost between 300 and 700 yen)

    YOKOHAMA COSMOWORLD
    rating

    4.0

    681 Reviews
    place
    Kanagawa Pref. Yokohamashi Naka-ku Shinkou 2-8-1
    phone
    0456416591
    opening-hour
    11:00-21:00[SaturdaySundayPu…
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  • 03

    Sanrio Puroland

    Owned by the company that made “Hello Kitty” famous, Sanrio Puroland is an indoor theme park in Tama New Town. It boasts a variety of attractions themed around Sanrio’s most popular characters, including Hello Kitty, My Melody, and Cinnamoroll. You can tour the Lady Kitty House, enjoy a ride along Mymeroad Drive or embark on the Sanrio Character Boat Ride. Aside from rides and family-friendly restaurants, there are also live musical and a huge gift shop selling Sanrio merchandise.

    [Access] Around one hour from Tokyo Station
    [Nearest station] Keio Tama-Center Station on the Keio Line
    [Free Pass price] 3,300 yen (adults) on weekdays or 3,800 yen (adults) on weekends, public holidays and school holidays.

    Sanrio Puroland
    place
    Tokyo Tamashi Ochiai 1-31
    phone
    0423391111
    opening-hour
    10:00-17:00 *Please check th…
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    Sanrio Puroland Tickets (1-Day Passport) up to 49%* OFF Same-Day Onsite Price!

    ¥2,700

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    Update date:2024/03/19

  • 04

    Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise

    Comprising an aquarium, a shopping mall and several amusement rides, the Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise is a family-friendly theme park off the coast of Yokohama. It’s one of the most visited amusement parks in Japan and divided into two main sections - Aqua Resorts and Pleasure Land. Aqua Resorts features the Aqua Museum where you can view walruses, sharks and penguins up close, as well as walk through the Dolphin Fantasy and interact with marine species at the Fureai Lagoon. On the other hand, Pleasure Land is packed with thrilling rides that include the Surf Coaster rollercoaster and the Blue Fall that lets you experience the thrill of free-falling 107 meters while marine diving.

    [Access] Around 80 minutes from Tokyo Station
    [Nearest station] Hakkeijima Station on the Yokohama Seaside Line
    [Free Pass Price] 3,100 yen for unlimited rides at Pleasure Land or 3,000 yen for access to Aqua Resorts (5,200 yen for both from March 1st to November 30th or 4,700 yen from December 1st to February 29th)

    Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise
    rating

    4.0

    1062 Reviews
    place
    Kanagawa Pref. Yokohamashi Kanazawa-ku Hakkeijima
    phone
    0457888888
    opening-hour
    [Wednesday Aquarium (Weekday…
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  • 05

    Fuji Q Highland

    Sitting at the foot of Mt Fuji, Fuji-Q Highland (Fuji-Q for short) is Japan’s most heart-stopping amusement park. Boasting incredible scenery and record-breaking roller coasters, it’s a must-visit destination for thrillseekers looking to get their adrenaline fix. The park’s main attraction is Fujiyama, a coaster which sits at a hair-raising 79 meters tall, in 1996 when it was built it was the world's tallest roller coaster. A newer addition to the park, Do-Dodonpa was built in 2001 and at the time was the world’s fastest coaster, hitting speeds of 180 kilometers per hour. The park’s other two major rides are Eejanaika, the world’s second ever ‘4th dimension’ coaster, and Takabisha, steepest roller coaster in the world. For those who like their entertainment options to be a little more subdued, the park also features mazes, Ferris wheel, a carousel, the locomotive themed Thomas Land, and an art museum. If you’re looking for somewhere to wind down after a long day on the rails, there’s also Fujiyama Onsen, a contemporary hot spring resort just outside the park gates.
    [Access] Around two hours from Tokyo Station
    [Nearest station] There are direct buses from various locations in Tokyo and the Kanto region, as well as from the Chubu and Kinki regions
    [Free Pass price] 6,000 yen (adults)

    Fuji-Q Highland
    place
    Yamanashi Pref. Fujiyoshidashi Shinnishihara 5-6-1
    phone
    0555232111
    opening-hour
    9:00-17:00*Changes depending…
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    Fuji-Q Highland E-Tickets 1-Day Pass in Yamanashi

    ¥1,900

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    Update date:2024/03/19

    Cabin & Lounge Highland Station Inn Capsule Hotel

    6663-11 Funatsu, Fujikawaguchiko-machi, Minamitsuru-gun, Yamanashi

    Agoda
    • Cabin & Lounge Highland Station Inn Capsule Hotel
    • Cabin & Lounge Highland Station Inn Capsule Hotel
    • Cabin & Lounge Highland Station Inn Capsule Hotel
    • Cabin & Lounge Highland Station Inn Capsule Hotel
    • Cabin & Lounge Highland Station Inn Capsule Hotel
  • 06

    Moomin Valley Park

    Opened in March 2019, the Moomin Valley Park is themed around the Moomin characters created by Finnish author Tove Jansson. It offers a magical journey into her world and that of the animated “Moomin” TV series which was incredibly popular in Japan. The park features four zones set around a central lake, with an outdoor theatre, a three-story interactive museum known as Kokemus, and a Moomin-themed playground. In addition, there are several paid attractions within the park, including Little My’s Attraction and the Hobgoblin’s Zipline.

    [Access] Around two hours from Tokyo Station
    [Nearest station] Buses are available from Hanno Station on the Seibu Ikebukuro Line
    [Free Pass Price] 4,200 yen

    Moomin Valley Park
    rating

    3.0

    149 Reviews
    place
    Saitama Hanno-shi Miyazawa 327-6 Metsa
    phone
    0570031066
    opening-hour
    [Moomin Valley Park] [Weekda…
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    Moominvalley Park 1-Day Pass Advance E-Ticket 200 JPY OFF vs Same-Day Tickets Sold Onsite!

    ¥1,800

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    Update date:2024/03/19

  • 07

    Nikko Edo Wonderland

    Before the futuristic rollercoasters of Japan, take a trip back in time to appreciate the nation's history at Nikko Edo Wonderland. Part living museum, part amusement park, Nikko’s Edo Wonderland aka Nikko Edomura is a recreation of what Japanese town life was like during the Edo Period (1603-1868). A fascinating destination for history and culture buffs, and plenty of fun for those with only a vague knowledge of Japan’s past, the town features functioning stores, display shop fronts, and interactive attractions including the Haunted Temple, home to spooky Japanese spirits, an illusion room and a challenging Ninja Trick Maze. Throughout the day there are live performances including sword battle reenactments and the occasional magic show. Guests are also encouraged to really get into the spirit by dressing up in Edo-era garb, all of which is provided on-site.
    [Access] Around three hours from Tokyo Station
    [Nearest station] By bus from Kinugawa-onsen Station on the Tobu Kinugawa Line
    [Free Pass price] 4,700 yen (adults)

    EDO WONDERLAND Nikko Edomura
    rating

    4.0

    678 Reviews
    place
    Tochigi Pref. Nikkoushi Karakura 470-2
    phone
    0288771777
    opening-hour
    [Summer (3/20-11/30)]9:00-17…
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    Edo Wonderland Nikko Edomura Admission Tickets

    ¥5,500

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    Update date:2024/03/19

  • 08

    Spa Resort Hawaiians

    Established in 1966 as Japan’s first theme park, the Spa Resort Hawaiians is a water park, onsen, and entertainment facility in Iwaki. It’s famed for its “Hula Girls” dance performances, as well as featuring several indoor pools and waterslides set within a Hawaiian-inspired setting. On the outside, you’ll find jacuzzis and a sauna in the Spa Garden Pareo while the Spring Park features two hot spring areas offering an authentic onsen experience. Also at Spa Resort Hawaiians you can participate in aqua exercise classes or Hawaiian dance lessons.

    [Access] Around three hours from Tokyo Station
    [Nearest station] There are free shuttle buses from Tokyo Station
    [Free Pass price] 3,570 yen

    Spa Resort Hawaiians
    place
    Fukushima Pref. Iwakishi Joubanfujiwaramachi Warabidaira 50
    phone
    0570550550
    opening-hour
    10:00-21:30*Subject to chang…
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    Spa Resort Hawaiians E-Tickets

    ¥3,400

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    Update date:2024/03/19

  • 09

    Legoland® Japan

    Opened in 2017 as Asia’s second Legoland theme park, Legoland Japan is set across eight themed areas in Nagoya. Iconic Japanese landmarks, such as Tokyo Station, Mount Fuji and Kyoto’s Kiyomizu Temple, are constructed using Lego at Miniland Japan, and you can get a bird’s eye view across the park from the rotating Observation Tower. Get a behind-the-scenes look at how Lego bricks are manufactured at the Factory, then ride the Dragon’s Apprentice rollercoaster or let loose in the Duplo playground. Before leaving, be sure to stock up on Lego supplies at the Big Shop.

    [Access] Around one hour from Nagoya Station
    [Nearest station] There is a direct bus from Nagoya Station
    [Free Pass price] 5,100 yen (adults) on off-peak days or 7,100 yen (adults) on peak days

    LEGOLAND Japan Resort
    rating

    3.5

    651 Reviews
    place
    Aichi Nagoya-shi Minato-ku Kinjofuto 2-2-1
    phone
    0570058605
    opening-hour
    From 10:00※ClosedHours vary…
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    LEGOLAND® Japan Resort E-Tickets in Nagoya, Aichi

    ¥4,800

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    Update date:2024/03/19

  • 10

    Nagashima Spa Land

    Home to over 40 rides, Nagashima Spa Land is renowned for having some of the best rollercoasters in the western Japan, including the gigantic Steel Dragon 2000. Also within the grounds, the Joyful Waterpark are available during summer where there are wave pool and several waterslides. If you’re after a hot spring experience, then head to the Nagashima Onsen Yuami no Shima, which features both indoor and outdoor baths nestled in a natural setting.

    [Access] Around one hour from Nagoya Station
    [Nearest station] Kinjo-Futo Station on the Nagoya Rinkai Aonami Line
    [Free Pass price] 6,500 yen (including unlimited rides at Spa Land and the Joyful Waterpark)

    Nagashima Spa Land
    place
    Mie Pref. Kuwanashi Nagashimachourayasu 333
    phone
    0594451111
    opening-hour
    9:30-17:00※Subject to chang…
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    Hotel Hanamizuki

    333 Nagashimacho Urayasu Yokkaichi

    Agoda
  • 11

    Hirakata Park

    Originally established in 1910, Hirakata Park is the oldest amusement park in Osaka and sprawls across a hilly landscape in the northeast of the prefecture. It’s home to several rollercoasters, including the wooden-built Elf and the 1,300-meter Red Falcon, as well as the Giant Drop Meteo that offers panoramic views of Osaka as you fall at extreme speeds. In the summer months, there are swimming pools at Hirakata Park where you can cool off while in winter, there’s a snow-themed play area.

    [Access] Around 30 minutes from Shin-Osaka Station
    [Nearest station] Hirakata Park Station on the Keihan Main Line
    [Free Pass price] 4,400 yen (adults)

    Hirakata Park
    place
    Osaka Hirakatashi Hirakatakouenchou 1-1
    phone
    0570016855
    opening-hour
    10:00-17:00 *Varies dependin…
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    Candeo Hotels Osaka Hirakata

    Station Hill Hirakata, 19-1 Okahigashimachi, Hirakata, Osaka 19F

    Agoda
    • Candeo Hotels Osaka Hirakata
    • Candeo Hotels Osaka Hirakata
    • Candeo Hotels Osaka Hirakata
    • Candeo Hotels Osaka Hirakata
    • Candeo Hotels Osaka Hirakata
  • 12

    Huis Ten Bosch

    Named after one of the residences of the Dutch Royal Family, Huis Ten Bosch recreates the landscapes and buildings of the Netherlands. It’s positioned on Hario Island in the southern part of Sasebo, not far from a historic trading post opened by the Dutch in 1609. The park features charming windmills, tulip-filled gardens and several European-style restaurants, as well as picturesque canals that can be toured by boat.

    [Access] Around two hours from Hakata Station
    [Nearest station] Huis Ten Bosch Station (accessible on the Limited Express "Huis Ten Bosch” train)
    [Free Pass price] 7,000 yen (adults)

    Palace Huis Ten Bosch
    place
    Nagasaki Pref. Saseboshi Huis Ten Bosch Town 1-1
    phone
    0570064110
    opening-hour
    9:00-21:00(Last entry20:00)…
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    Hotel Nikko Huis Ten Bosch

    6, Huis Ten Bosch-cho Sasebo Nagasaki

    Agoda
    • Hotel Nikko Huis Ten Bosch
    • Hotel Nikko Huis Ten Bosch
    • Hotel Nikko Huis Ten Bosch
    • Hotel Nikko Huis Ten Bosch
    • Hotel Nikko Huis Ten Bosch

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