Japan is a theme park paradise, featuring thrilling rollercoasters, cute character encounters, and mind-blowing stories you’ll never find anywhere else. On top of the usual attractions of Universal Studios Japan and Tokyo Disneyland, there is another strange yet fun world of funny parks to be discovered. Here are 10 amazing theme parks in Japan you’ve got to visit
- Ghibli Park
Discover the magical world of Studio Ghibli in this new park. Experience sections based on the well-known movies, such as My Neighbor Totoro and Spirited Away, with imaginative attractions, displays meant to interact, and a chance to meet your favorite characters. Get immersed in nature as you wander through Dondoko Forest, hop on the Catbus for sight-seeing, and let the tales of Ghibli catch you wistfully.
- Sanrio Puroland
Hello Kitty fans, put a smile on your face! This indoor park is a Sanrio paradise, a colorful park where you can find rides, shows, and meet-and-greets with Hello Kitty, My Melody, and all your favorite friends. The Lady Kitty House teacup ride at the park can be enjoyed by spinning around and singing at the Friendship Land show at the same time, and kawaii overload at Puroland is a must.
- Nago Pineapple Park
Okinawa isn’t only about beaches. Indulge in a walk to this unusual pineapple-themed park. Find out how the fruit is grown by being in fun and educational exhibits, ride the pineapple-shaped cart around the fields, and of course, enjoy all the things pineapple just as a pineapple soft serve or a pineapple hat on here.
- Moominvalley Park
Moomin children young and adults will love this surreal park created on the base of the characters from the Finnish Fairytales. Discover Moomintroll’s home, a lovely blue cabin surrounded by the trees, and encounter the amenable inhabitants such as the imaginative Snufkin and the wise Moominmamma. Wander through the picturesque surroundings that were actually taken from the books. Make a magical boat trip on Riverbank Cart or unleash your creativity in the playgrounds built especially for the kids.
- Huis Ten Bosch
Little Netherlands in a Japan land, Huis Ten Bosch is a place to enjoy canals, windmills, and European-style architecture. Take a gondola ride over the flower-crowned canals, which look like Amsterdam, discover the shimmering display of lights coming to life at night, and get a sense of “the Dutch” with some traditional stroopwafels (syrup waffles).
- Aqua Park Shinagawa
Skip the heat and the crowds at this unusual indoor water park in Tokyo. Feel the adrenaline rush as you plunge down water slides such as the “Black Hole” and “Caribbean Cyclone” while enjoying your relaxing moments in the wave pools and melting away into the tropics with faux palm trees and simulated sun rays right in the middle of the city.
- Edo Wonderland
Journey into the past to land of the Edo period (1603-1868) at this historical theme park. Dress up as a samurai, enjoy seeing kabuki theater and ninja performances as well as being a part of the numerous sights and sounds of old Japan. Savor street food belonging to that era, compete with others in samurai swordsmanship classes, and engage with the fascinating history.
- Yokohama Cosmo World
Brighten up those adrenal glands at this lakeside park with hair-raising rollercoasters like the thrilling “Do-Dodonpa” that will take you from 0 to 180 km/h in 1.56 seconds. Admit to the giant Ferris wheel called “Cosmo Clock 21” for a full view of Yokohama and its surrounding bay and pep up your excitement by taking part in numerous carnival games.
- Nijigen No Mori
Anime and manga fans are definitely going to be thrilled by this park which is devoted to their favorite heroes. Ride a zipline into the mouth of Godzilla for an incredible stunt that you will never forget and soar through the sky using a grappling gear inspired by the Attack on Titan as an exciting attraction. Also, experience interactive exhibits based on many different series like Naruto and ワンピース (One Piece).
- Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo – The Making of Harry Potter
Walk into the enchanting Harry Potter universe at this amazing studio experience. Discover the legendary spots, like the Great Hall with the floating candles and the Gryffindor common room, and peek into the secrets behind the scenes, as you see the costumes, props, and other special effects up close and personal. Make sure you try out a Butterbeer at the recreated Backlot café and pick up cool memorabilia at the themed shops.
This displays only a small fraction of the distinctive themed parks that Japan has. Whether it is meeting cartoon characters or exploring historical periods or diving into the world of anime, there is one such place for every adrenaline freak, pop culture fan, and history lover. Well, pack your bags, gear up with an adventurous spirit, and get ready to plunge into a universe full of theme parks.
