Japan is a country that loves theme parks, and they have become one of the most popular tourist attractions both domestically and internationally!
Japan is a country that adores theme parks: from roller coaster themes to anime themes, cultural themes, and more, there is something for everyone, both indoors and outdoors. The desire to visit a theme park will not be deterred by the weather. With so many theme park options available, how should one choose which one to visit during a limited time in Japan?
To save you time in planning your itinerary, ZenMarket has compiled a list of the top 5 must-visit theme parks in Japan! You can choose any of these theme parks based on your travel route, and each one has its own unique features, ensuring you won’t be bored.
- Tokyo Disneyland & Tokyo DisneySea (東京ディズニーランド & 東京ディズニーシー)
Disney theme parks are located all around the world and have long been popular among people of all ages. Tokyo Disneyland, opened in 1983, covers an area of 47 hectares. It was the first Disney park built outside the United States, and it was designed based on the classic American Disney theme park structure. It is mainly divided into seven areas: World Bazaar, Adventureland, Westernland, Critter Country, Fantasyland, Toontown, and Tomorrowland. There are a total of 35 exciting performances in the seven themed areas, and there are also makeup performances and fun parades on the stages and squares in the park.
Tokyo Disneyland is known as the number one amusement park in Asia. If you are visiting a Disney park for the first time and want to experience the authentic Disney style, then Tokyo Disneyland is the best choice.
Tokyo DisneySea (Tokyo DisneySea), opened on September 4, 2001, is the world’s first Disney theme park based on stories and legends about the sea. Comprising seven imaginative themed ports, Tokyo DisneySea draws inspiration from sea-related tales and legends from ancient and modern cultures around the world. Tokyo DisneySea has become one of the most popular Disney parks globally.
Upon entering the park, visitors can experience a bustling water surface spanning 9.2 hectares, with ancient ships with multiple masts sailing back and forth. Within the seven reconstructed port towns, various global influences are showcased. Nearly authentic, ocean-bound cruise ships add to the atmosphere, while a giant “active volcano” constantly emits roaring sounds and spews smoke and fire. At night, a spectacle unfolds with laser lights and fireworks reflecting off the water, and water stage performances reaching their peak.
Compared to Tokyo Disneyland, the ocean-themed park caters to a broader age group with 23 innovative attractions, 33 dining options, and 32 retail stores scattered around the castle and the “volcano.” The park’s attractions are themed around the sea itself and sea legends, offering visitors magical, romantic, scary, and thrilling experiences. Suitable for children and adults alike for leisure and excitement, the restaurants also serve alcoholic beverages.
Everyone has a sea in their hearts, forever deep blue like in a fairy tale world. DisneySea brings that sea from our hearts into reality, filling us with warmth and emotions through every detail.
Whether seeking childhood memories within the castle, unraveling the mysteries of the deep in the mysterious island, or reveling with pirates in the Mediterranean harbor… there are a hundred ways to find joy here. Quickly make plans with your friends and explore the various avenues of happiness at DisneySea!
Universal Studios Japan
Universal Studios Japan officially opened in Osaka on March 31, 2001. The theme park features a variety of family-friendly entertainment facilities and Japanese cartoon characters. It is a movie-themed amusement park divided into eight areas: New York, Hollywood, San Francisco, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Water World, Wonderland, Universal Wonderland, and Jurassic Park.
What sets Universal Studios Japan apart from other Universal Studios parks is its continuous introduction of various Japan-themed limited-time projects (such as Final Fantasy, Detective Conan, Monster Hunter, Sailor Moon, Doraemon, etc.). In addition, sporadic special celebratory parades are also launched! The different limited-edition attractions ensure that each visit brings fresh discoveries!
A must-visit is The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, where you can experience the iconic Platform 9¾, the Owl Post, the captivating Black Lake, enjoy a magical butterbeer at the Three Broomsticks pub, and be delighted by the surprises in various wizarding shops! Follow Harry as he soars over mountains, seas, and forests—everything feels within reach! Immerse yourself in the incomparable magical world of Harry Potter as if you were there!
Latest limited news: The new area licensed by Nintendo Super Mario games is expected to open in 2021! The initial release date was set for July 2020. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the launch of the Mario-themed park was postponed even though the park has reopened. Currently, the limited theme is still Doraemon.
Tokyo’s largest indoor amusement park, Joypolis (ジョイポリス)
Tokyo Joypolis is considered one of Japan’s largest theme parks, an indoor theme park developed by SEGA Corporation. It is very well-known among the Japanese, but it is not widely promoted in domestic tourism. This indoor theme park is themed around “digital simulation,” combining electronic entertainment with realistic sensations to provide a new and extraordinary digital simulation experience. The facilities use a combination of images and actual sound effects to create perfect performances, utilize digital simulation live stages and lighting systems flexibly, and blend audiovisual effects into the newest and most magical audiovisual spaces, offering five different digital simulation services.
In addition, various events and 3D light shows are frequently held. There are also cafes where you can enjoy simple dishes while playing, shops selling original merchandise, and SEGA’s popular cartoon character “SONIC” plush toys. It is a theme park suitable for families, groups, couples, and people of all kinds to enjoy to the fullest. It is a 2-minute walk from the Yurikamome Line “Daiba Seaside Park” station or a 5-minute walk from the Oedo Line “Tokyo Teleport” station.
Joypolis has a high frequency of updates, constantly providing facilities based on the latest and trendy works. Among the 22 featured attractions recently showcased, there are facilities based on famous manga like “Attack on Titan” and even movies like “The Ring”. It’s a playground that can be enjoyed even during the rainy season. For those who have not yet experienced it, don’t miss out!
LEGO Theme Park (レゴランド・ジャパン)
Located in Nagoya, Japan, LEGOLAND® Japan (レゴランド・ジャパン) is Asia’s largest and Japan’s first LEGO theme park, a true sanctuary for LEGO enthusiasts! The LEGO theme park is divided into 7 areas with over 40 attractions, recreating famous Japanese landmarks and streets from tiny LEGO toys.
Unlike the LEGO indoor theme park in Shanghai, the LEGO park in Nagoya, Japan, is an outdoor theme park on par with Disneyland. We can see enlarged versions of various LEGO scenes that we are familiar with in this theme park. Considering Japan’s consistent high-quality service in theme parks, we are full of expectations for the park experience.
The LEGO hotel offers exquisitely themed rooms where guests can enjoy views of the LEGO park from inside the room. All items in the hotel are LEGO-themed, and with complete facilities and LEGO toys visible everywhere, friends who wish to enjoy multiple days at the park can stay comfortably!
Nikko Edomura (Edo Wonderland Nikko)
Nikko Edomura is a cultural theme park that showcases the Edo period (1600-1868) located in the town of Nikko in Tochigi Prefecture, about a 2-hour drive north of Tokyo. The park accurately reproduces the streets, checkpoints, inn streets, downtown areas, and samurai mansion streets based on the culture and lifestyle of the Edo period, giving visitors the feeling of traveling back in time to the Edo era upon passing through the checkpoint (entrance).
The park also hosts many activities such as traditional water performances that have been passed down since the Edo period, as well as splendid courtesan processions. Visitors can also enjoy up-close and realistic ninja performances at places like the “Great Ninja Theater” and the “Ninja Crow Mansion.” Every corner of the park serves as a stage, showcasing authentic Edo-era people from various professions and street performers with Edo characteristics. The streets are lined with unique outdoor shops selling special items like manju buns and freshly cooked hot buns, and specialty stores offering a variety of products, allowing visitors to enjoy food and shopping while being entertained.
This park is highly popular in Japan and has served as the backdrop for several historical movies and TV dramas. For those who wish to experience ancient Japanese culture, this is an experience not to be missed!
Bonus!
Japan is expected to open a brand new Studio Ghibli movie theme park near Nagoya City in Aichi Prefecture in 2022! The park is set to occupy approximately 200 hectares. What sets this park apart is that it will not offer amusement facilities but instead showcase the settings from Studio Ghibli movies, allowing visitors to stroll through as if they were actually in the movie scenes. This unique concept has created much anticipation among fans!
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