Best Theme Parks in Japan

Japan has a lot to offer, from culture to food but we share the best theme parks in Japan, so you can explore the best rides on offer.

Japan is known for having world-class theme parks like Tokyo Disneyland and Universal Studios which are just as amazing as the originals in the United States, in addition to many other amazing theme parks that will excite visitors of all ages.

The country is home to some uniquely themed parks, historical amusement parks, and exhilarating attractions that are inspired by Japanese cartoons and anime.

Let us guide you to select the best theme Pparks in Japan to visit, highlighting their standout attractions and offering valuable advice, making the planning process hassle-free.

Must Visit Theme Parks in Japan

Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea, Urayasu

Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo Disney Sea, which are maritime-themed, are the most popular theme parks in all of Japan. The attractions at Tokyo Disneyland are best for younger children, while teens will enjoy Tokyo Disney Sea as the rides are more thrilling.

At Tokyo Disneyland you will find classic Disney attractions like Pirates of the Caribbean, It’s a Small World, and even Cinderella’s Castle where you can take photos with princesses.

Some of the popular performances include the new parade Disney Harmony in Colour that started in April 2023. Similar to other Disney Parks, they typically decorate for seasonal events including cherry blossom displays in the spring.

Tokyo Disneyland also has some unique rides compared to other parks including the trackless ride technology used in Pooh’s Hunny Hut and the Monsters Inc Ride and Go Seek ride that is interactive in the dark.

Tokyo Disney Sea is designed to resemble a Mediterranean coastal village and hosts the popular Fantasmic nighttime spectacular that visitors won’t want to miss!

Some unique rides guests will want to try include Aquatopia which is a water-based ride, Storm Rider the simulator, and younger guests will love Flounder’s Flying Fish Coaster.

Adventure seekers will enjoy the Indiana Jones Adventure ride and Raging Spirits, a roller coaster with a Mayan temple theme.

Tip: This is a VERY popular park so check the best times to visit Tokyo Disneyland and avoid the busier times of the year.

Tickets for Disneyland Tokyo start at 4,800 yen and Tickets for Disney Sea start at 4,800 yen for fixed dates and times. Whether you visit Tokyo Disneyland or Tokyo DisneySea (or both) you will have an awesome time in these themed lands.

Yomiuriland, Tokyo

This park is easily accessible from central Tokyo as it can be accessed by two train stations: Keio Sagamihara Line’s Keiō-Yomiuriland Station or Yomiuriland-mae Station of Odakyu. Yomiuriland is located on a hillside so offers scenic views of Tokyo and the distant mountains.

The park features over 44 rides ranging from thrilling to family-friendly including a kids zone. The most famous ride is their wooden roller coaster called the “Bandit”.

The theme park also has an amazing waterpark called Yomiuri Land Water Amusement Island which has aquatic attractions such as pools and waterslides.

Guests will enjoy the beautiful nightly illumination as the park has colorful lights and decorations that create a magical atmosphere at night.

Tickets for Yomiuriland start at 5,800 JPY.

Universal Studios Japan (USJ),  Osaka

Universal Studios is located in Osaka and is part of the Universal Parks & Resorts franchise and offers an exciting blend of Hollywood-inspired attractions and entertainment.

Often referred to as one of the best theme parks in Asia, the park is separated into a variety of popular movie and location-inspired themes including Hollywood, New York, San Francisco, Jurassic Park, Amity Village, WaterWorld, Minion Park, and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

The newest and most popular area is Super Mario World which features Ride Attractions, Play experiences, and Character Meet Ups.

Some of the more thrilling rides for adventure seekers include: “Hollywood Dream – The Ride,” “Jurassic Park – The Ride,” “JAWS,” “Spider-Man – The Ride,” and “Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem.” Parents with smaller children will enjoy Universal Wonderland as this is where all the kid-friendly rides are located.

Guests will enjoy the nightly entertainment including spectacular fireworks displays and projection mapping shows on Hogwarts Castle. The park also offers a variety of live shows, character meet and greets, and shows like Sing on Tour.

Tickets for Universal Studios Japan start at 8,600 Yen.

Tokyo Joypolis, Tokyo

This is one of the largest indoor theme parks in Japan that offers over 20 attractions including virtual reality experiences, arcade games,  interactive attractions, and thrill rides.

Gamers and visitors will enjoy visiting this unique theme park as it is different from your typical amusement park. The park is owned and operated by Sega so expect many Sega Themed Experiences.

Tokyo Joypolis has cutting-edge virtual reality technology that allows guests to explore interactive adventures or ride thrilling rides.

The arcade has something for all ages as it has racing games, shooting games, rhythm dancing games, and modern arcade elements.

Interactive attractions include digital technology in a haunted house and escape room.  It does have typical amusement park rides like bumper cars, a motion simulator, and even a roller coaster.

Guests can buy either an admission ticket or an admission and ride ticket. Tickets start at 1,200 Yen for just admission.

Nagashima Spa Land, Nagoya

Nagashima Spa Land is both an amusement park and a resort complex that has restaurants, an outdoor mall, and a hot spring.

The amusement park has over 50 attractions including some unique rides like the Guinness World Record coaster “Steel Dragon 2000”, the first flying coaster in Japan “Acrobat” and the biggest wooden coaster in Japan. 

In the summer guests will enjoy cooling off in the biggest seawater swimming pool, and a variety of over 15 waterslides. Some of the more gentler rides include the Ferris Wheel which gives guests a spectacular view of the nearby Suzuka Mountains.

Kids will love Kids Town which has over 28 rides including a log ride, and a carousel and parents will appreciate the nursing room for babies and changing areas for toddlers.

Lastly, you will find some amazing Japanese and international cuisine food options throughout the park.

Tickets for Nagashima Spa Land start at 1,600 yen.

Fuji-Q Highland, Mount Fuji 

This amusement park is known for its stunning views as it is located at the base of Mount Fuji in Ujiyoshida, Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan.  Fuji-Q Highland has an observation deck that provides breathtaking views of Mount Fuji, making it a great spot for photos.

Adventure seekers will enjoy one of the tallest and fastest roller coasters in the world as it accelerates 0-180 km per hour in just under two seconds. If that’s not enough thrill then try Eejanaika which has the highest total number of revolutions.

Lastly, Fujiyama holds 4 different world records for this amazing Shrill Coaster.

Don’t worry if intense roller coasters aren’t your thing then you can enjoy the kid-friendly rides and character meet-ups in “Thomas Land” inspired by Thomas the Tank Engine.

Legoland Japan, Nagoya

Legoland Japan is part of the Legoland franchise that is popular in North America and focuses on the world of Lego Bricks and creativity.

This unique park has your typical Lego-themed attractions and rides, however, it is also home to Miniland where you can explore iconic landmarks from Japan made entirely of Lego.

Legoland encourages hands-on play for children and adults in their building zones scattered throughout the park. Some popular rides include “The Dragon,” “Lego City Coast Cruise,” and “Deep Sea Adventure,” a submarine ride.

If rides aren’t your favorite then you can enjoy Lego-themed shows like Lego Ninjago Live which uses a combination of state-of-the-art 4D special effects, mesmerizing puppetry, and mind-blowing video mapping.

Learn where creativity begins as you tour the Lego factory to see how bricks are created and you even get to take a fresh piece of Lego home as a souvenir.

Don’t worry parents, there is a gift shop full of Lego products that your kids will be begging to bring home!

Huis Ten Bosch, Nagasaki

When you enter Huis Ten Bosch you may feel you are transported to the Netherlands as this theme park has canals, windmills, gardens, and Dutch-style buildings, providing visitors with a European experience in Japan.

You will find the gardens overflowing with the popular Dutch flower known as tulips which creates picturesque settings for photos. Lastly, you can even enjoy a boat ride along the canal of Dutch scenery.

Huis Ten Bosch has your typical amusement rides and attractions, including a Ferris wheel, a thrilling swing ride, and a roller coaster.

Another unique feature is the park offers cultural activities such as Dutch-themed crafting, learning about Dutch clothing such as the wooden clog, and even Dutch cuisine like fine cheeses, sausages, and pastries.

Tickets at Huis Ten Bosch start at 7,000 Yen for Adults.