Top-tier, One-of-a-kind Theme Parks in Japan Worth a Visit in 2024
Stand and deliver, mortal! Japan, the land of the rising sun, is loaded with themes parks that'll leave you pumped and wanting more. In the 80s and 90s, during the Economic Bubble, a plethora of parks were erected across the nation. However, when the bubble burst, many of them were forced to close down. Now, the remaining big operations are more popular than ever!
From the ultra-popular Tokyo Disney Resort to smaller, unique parks, Japan caters to a variety of tastes. If you're looking to get your adrenaline pumping, meet your favorite characters, or have a one-of-a-kind experience in a hot spring amusement park, Japan's theme and amusement parks have got you covered.
Here's a list of some amazing theme and amusement parks in Japan:
- Tokyo Disney Resort
- Tokyo Disneyland
- Tokyo DisneySea
- Universal Studios Japan
- Fuji Q Highland
- Sanrio Puroland
- Hanayashiki
- Tokyo Dome City
- Legoland Japan
- Nagashima Spa Land
- Huis Ten Bosch
- Yunessun
- Small Worlds Tokyo
- Ghibli Park udesc2
- Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo (Opening in 2023)
Let's dive into each of these must-visit attractions and level up your fun game!
1. Tokyo Disney Resort
Tokyo Disney Resort, consisting of Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea, is the most popular theme park in Japan. Located in Chiba Prefecture, near Tokyo, the Disney parks are the most visited theme parks in Japan (and among the most visited theme parks in the world). On a normal day, Tokyo Disney Resort is jam-packed with people, and for the popular attractions, the waiting line can reach over 4 hours.
To reduce the waiting time, install the official apps for Tokyo Disney Resort and grab the FastPass for popular attractions and shows beforehand.
Tokyo Disneyland
Tokyo Disneyland, which opened in 1983 as the first Disney theme park outside the US, has seven themed areas, offering exciting and fun rides, indoor and outdoor shows, and parades.
Tokyo DisneySea
Tokyo DisneySea, which opened in 2001, is unique to Japan with seven themed ports. The main live performance in the DisneySea is held on the lake, located in the middle of the park, in the evening with sparkling fireworks.
Seasonal decorations and live shows make both parks even more appealing. Although both Disneyland and DisneySea are quite crowded all year round, Halloween, Christmas, and the New Year are the most popular seasons for obvious reasons.
Tokyo Disney Resort opens daily from 10am - 9pm, and admission fees start at ¥8,200.
If you're ready to embark on the magical journey of Tokyo Disney Resort, get your Tokyo Disneyland tickets here! and get your Tokyo DisneySea tickets here!
How to get to Tokyo Disney Resort
To Tokyo Disneyland, walk for 5 minutes from JR Maihama Station.
To Tokyo DisneySea, take the Disney Resort Monorail to Tokyo DisneySea Station from JR Maihama Station. You can also walk to the park from Maihama Station (about 20 minutes).
2. Universal Studios Japan
Universal Studio Japan (USJ), opened in 2001 in Osaka Prefecture, is the most visited theme park in Japan after Tokyo Disney Parks. USJ consists of 10 areas and offers thrilling roller coasters, family-friendly rides, and exciting and fun 3D or 4D attractions based on popular movies such as Harry Potter, Jurassic Park, Spiderman, Terminator 2, Minions, and Shrek.
USJ also offers a variety of live shows on stages and streets. The Universal Spectacle Night Parade - Best of Hollywood - is a highlight of the night at USJ. The parade lasts about an hour, but the starting time for each day varies, so make sure to check their official website before you visit.
And some of you might have heard this most exciting news already, but in March 2021, Super Nintendo World opened! It recreates the world of Super Mario Brothers. If you're a fan of Nintendo games, this is a must-visit while you're in Japan!
Admission fees vary depending on the day, but here's an indication of the prices:
1 day Studio Pass- Adults (12 - 65 yrs old): ¥7,800~ - ¥9,300~- Senior (65+ yrs old): ¥7,500~ - ¥8,800~- Children (4 - 11 yrs old): ¥5,400~ - ¥6,800~
Twilight Pass (available after 3pm, Jan. 15 - Jun. 30)- Adults: ¥6,600- Children: ¥4,900
Universal Studio Japan opens from 8:30am - 9pm, and business hours may be changed without notice. Book Universal Studio Japan Tickets and Hotel Stay Package
How to get to Universal Studio Japan
Universal Studio Japan can be reached by:
By train
- 5-minute walk from Universal City Station
By bus
- Direct connection from Kansai International Airport (approx. 1.5 hours, ¥1,550 one way, ¥2,700 round trip)
- Direct connection from Itami Airport (approx. 40 minutes, ¥940 one way)
- There are overnight buses from other cities across Japan.
By boat
- Captain Line Ferry connects USJ and Kaiyukan in only 10 minutes. Kaiyukan West Pier is located just behind the aquarium. Universal City Port is about 5 minutes walking from the main entrance of USJ. The Captain Line Ferry runs hourly between 9:30am and 8pm. The cost is ¥800 one way and ¥1,500 for both ways.
3. Fuji Q Highland
If you're looking for some over-the-top thrilling experiences, Fuji-Q Highland is the place to go. This amusement park, located at the foot of Mt. Fuji, offers roller coasters that have "the fastest acceleration in the world," "the largest loop in the world," "the world's record falling angle," and/or "the world's greatest number of revolutions."
The park is also famous for its haunted attraction. The two-story building of the haunted hospital is certainly not for the faint-hearted. In addition, the park also offers family-friendly attractions, including Thomas Land, another train-themed park based on the British Thomas & Friends books and TV show.
Fuji Q Highland opens from 10am - 6pm, and admission fees start from ¥3,900.
Get your discounted Fuji Q Highland e-tickets here
How to get to Fuji Q Highland
There are several Fuji Kyuko Highway buses that directly take you to the park from major train stations in Tokyo such as Shinjuku station (1h40m), Shibuya station (2h30m), and Tokyo station (1h50m). The park can also easily be reached by train. Check their website for combi-tickets.
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- After a day of excitement at Fuji Q Highland, unwind at a nearby hotel, offering cultural immersion and unique experiences like onsen and tatami rooms.
- For those who love shopping, nearby shopping centers offer a variety of products from traditional Japanese crafts to stylish Japanese fashion, catering to various lifestyles.
- On your way back, you might want to stop by a renowned local restaurant serving authentic Japanese food, providing an unforgettable dining experience.
- As the evening sets in, take part in traditional events such as tea ceremonies, cultural performances, and martial arts demonstrations, showcasing Japan's rich history and cultural traditions.
- In the nightlife scene, discover a vibrant mix of entertainment, from traditional cabarets and karaoke to modern bars and nightclubs, offering a wide range of experiences.
- Sports enthusiasts can also catch a baseball game or participate in various sports activities like golf, cycling, or skiing, depending on the season.
- Before leaving the area, explore local museums and art galleries, providing insights into Japan's artistic and historical heritage.
