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Tokyo Weekender
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Tokyo Weekender
The Best Theme Parks in Japan
Most people have come across theme parks like Tokyo Disneyland and Universal Studios Japan through social media. But did you know that Japan actually boasts a diverse landscape of world-class theme parks, many of which fly under the radar? From enchanting realms of beloved animated characters to gravity-defying thrill rides and immersive historical experiences, Japan's theme parks offer unforgettable adventures for every type of visitor. Here are just 10 of the country's best theme parks and their key attractions. List of Contents: Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea Universal Studios Japan Fuji-Q Highland Ghibli Park Sanrio Puroland Adventure World Huis Ten Bosch Yomiuriland Edo Wonderland Nikko Edomura Nagashima Spa Land Related Posts Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea As the most globally-known theme park in Japan, Tokyo Disney Resort needs no introduction. Tokyo Disneyland is modeled after the original Disneyland in California and Magic Kingdom in Florida, featuring familiar characters and timeless attractions across seven themed lands. It is perhaps the more family-friendly park of the two, with many fun rides that are perfect for kids. Key Attractions in Tokyo Disneyland Beauty and the Beast area (Fantasyland): Exclusive to Tokyo Disneyland, featuring the Enchanted Tale of Beauty and the Beast ride. Space Mountain (Tomorrowland): An indoor roller coaster in the dark. *temporarily closed for renovations, scheduled to reopen in 2027. Haunted Mansion (Fantasyland): A classic spooky ride through a haunted estate. Pirates of the Caribbean (Adventureland): A boat ride through scenes with animatronic pirates. Splash Mountain (Critter Country): A thrilling log flume ride through the world of Br'er Rabbit and friends, culminating in a steep plunge down Chickapin Hill into the briar patch. Tokyo DisneySea is unique to Japan, and as its name suggests, revolves around a nautical theme. With seven 'ports of call' offering distinct atmospheres and thrilling water-based rides, the park is ideal for groups of friends and couples. Key Attractions in Tokyo DisneySea Fantasy Springs: A new area featuring attractions related to Frozen , Tangled and Peter Pan . Journey to the Center of the Earth (Mysterious Island): A thrilling high-speed ride through a volcanic landscape. Tower of Terror (American Waterfront): A suspenseful drop tower ride with a mysterious backstory. Mermaid Lagoon: an enchanting underwater realm inspired by The Little Mermaid . The area has kid-friendly rides like Blowfish Balloon Race and Scuttle's Scooters. Soaring – Fantastic Flight (Mediterranean Harbor): A breathtaking simulated flight experience over world landmarks. Universal Studios Japan (Osaka Prefecture) The first Universal Studios park outside the United States, Universal Studios Japan (often referred to as USJ, or uniba for short by locals) brings beloved rides like Jurassic Park and Jaws to life. One of its most popular areas is The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, where visitors can immerse themselves in stunning recreations of Hogsmeade Village and Hogwarts Castle. The park also features Super Nintendo World, where you can meet Mario and Luigi and ride a real-life Mario Kart. A Donkey Kong-themed area was recently added, expanding the Nintendo World section. Key Attractions in Universal Studios Japan The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: A highly immersive land featuring Hogsmeade Village and the Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey ride. Super Nintendo World: An interactive area where guests can immerse themselves in the world of Super Mario, featuring Mario Kart: Koopa's Challenge and Yoshi's Adventure. Jurassic Park – The Ride: A thrilling boat ride through a dinosaur-inhabited jungle culminating in a large drop. Hollywood Dream – The Ride: A classic roller coaster with music playback options, allowing guests to choose their ride soundtrack. Fuji-Q Highland (Yamanshi Prefecture) Situated in the foothills of Mount Fuji in Yamanashi Prefecture, Fuji-Q Highland is renowned for its collection of record-breaking, adrenaline-pumping roller coasters and anime-themed attractions. This amusement park boasts some of the world's steepest, fastest and longest rides, drawing thrill-seekers from across the globe. Beyond the high-octane experiences, Fuji-Q Highland also offers gentler attractions and stunning panoramic views of the iconic Mount Fuji, creating a unique blend of extreme thrills and scenic beauty. Key Attractions in Fuji-Q Highland Fujiyama: One of the tallest and fastest roller coasters in the world, offering incredible views of Mount Fuji. Do-Dodonpa: A launch coaster with rapid acceleration that was formerly known as Dodonpa. Eejanaika: A '4th dimension' roller coaster with seats that flip riders head over heels. Takabisha: A steep drop roller coaster. Thomas Land: A dedicated area for younger children based on the Thomas & Friends series. Ghibli Park (Aichi Prefecture) Ghibli Park, located in Aichi Prefecture, is a very popular theme park that brings the enchanting worlds of Studio Ghibli films to life. Unlike traditional amusement parks, Ghibli Park focuses on immersive experiences, allowing visitors to step into iconic scenes from movies such as My Neighbor Totoro, Spirited Away and Howl's Moving Castle . The park is divided into several distinct areas, including Ghibli's Grand Warehouse, Hill of Youth, Dondoko Forest, Mononoke Village and the Valley of Witches, each offering their own charm and attractions without typical thrill rides. Instead, the focus is on exploration, nostalgia and the beauty of nature intertwined with beloved animated worlds. How To Get Ghibli Park Tickets: Everything You Need To Know Key Attractions at Ghibli Park Becoming Characters (Ghibli's Grand Warehouse): Step into famous scenes from Ghibli films like Spirited Away for memorable photos. Cat Bus Room (Ghibli's Grand Warehouse): A large Cat Bus from My Neighbor Totoro that kids can play on. Satsuki and Mei's House (Dondoko Forest): A life-sized replica of the iconic house from My Neighbor Totoro you can explore. The Cat Bureau (Hill of Youth): A charming, miniature-filled building from The Cat Returns where you can peek into the cat world. Tatara-ba (Mononoke Village): A hands-on center inspired by Princess Mononoke 's Irontown, where you can try grilling Gohei-mochi. Sanrio Puroland (Tokyo Prefecture) Sanrio Puroland, located in the Tokyo metropolitan area, is a vibrant and whimsical indoor theme park entirely dedicated to the beloved Sanrio characters such as Hello Kitty, My Melody and Pompompurin. This colorful, family-friendly destination offers a variety of gentle rides and enchanting live shows featuring the Sanrio friends. There are also character meet-and-greets, as well as themed restaurants and shops. Sanrio Puroland provides a delightful experience regardless of the weather, immersing visitors in a world of cuteness and Sanrio magic. Key Attractions in Sanrio Puroland Sanrio Character Boat Ride: A gentle boat ride through the world of Sanrio, where you can see many beloved characters preparing for Hello Kitty's party. My Melody & Kuromi~ Mymeroad Drive: An interactive ride in a car where you can take photos with My Melody and Kuromi. Character Greeting Residence: An area where you can meet and take photos with various characters. Cinnamoroll Dream Theater: A captivating theater performance featuring Cinnamoroll in a dreamlike world. Gudetama the Movie: An attraction where you can get up close with the popular lazy egg character, Gudetama. Adventure World (Wakayama Prefecture) Adventure World in Wakayama Prefecture is a theme park that combines the excitement of an amusement park with the wonders of a zoo and an aquarium. Visitors can ride thrilling roller coasters and enjoy various attractions, then encounter a diverse range of animals, including lions. The park is great for families and children of all ages, offering an entertaining and educational experience. Please note that Adventure World recently announced that its four giant pandas will be returned to China at the end of June 2025, making the two giant pandas of Tokyo's Ueno Zoological Gardens the last ones remaining in Japan. Key Attractions in Adventure World Safari World (Drive-Through and Walking Areas): Embark on a safari adventure where you can see various wild animals such as lions, tigers, giraffes and elephants. Roller Coasters: For thrill-seekers, Adventure World offers exciting roller coasters and other amusement park rides to get your adrenaline pumping. Animal Feeding Experiences: The park often provides opportunities to feed certain animals, offering a more interactive and memorable encounter. Penguin Kingdom: Observe a variety of penguin species in their specially designed habitat, mimicking their natural environments. Huis Ten Bosch (Nagasaki Prefecture) Huis Ten Bosch is a unique and expansive theme park that meticulously recreates a Dutch town. Visitors can enjoy a canal walk, admire replicas of Dutch architecture and stroll through vibrant tulip fields, depending on the season. The park offers a variety of attractions, from thrilling rides and interactive museums to captivating light shows and seasonal events, providing a distinctly European experience within Japan. Recently, the park announced that a new Miffy area will open in June 2025, falling on the 70th anniversary of the character's creation by Dick Bruna. Key Attractions in Huis Ten Bosch Kingdom of Lights: An impressive illumination event held year-round, featuring dazzling light displays and projection mapping that has won international awards. Flower Road: Stroll through picturesque landscapes featuring seasonal flowers such as tulips and roses, often set against the backdrop of windmills and Dutch architecture. Canal Cruises: Enjoy a relaxing boat ride along the park's canals, reminiscent of Amsterdam, offering unique perspectives of the Dutch-style townscape. Sky Carousel: Japan's first three-story carousel, offering a nostalgic and beautifully illuminated ride. It is especially enchanting at night. Miffy Celebration: An area dedicated to the popular Dutch character Miffy, with themed attractions and merchandise. Yomiuriland (Tokyo) Yomiuriland, located in the western suburbs of Tokyo, is a versatile amusement park offering a wide array of attractions for all ages. Beyond thrilling roller coasters and classic amusement park rides, Yomiuriland distinguishes itself with seasonal highlights that include stunning cherry blossom displays in spring, expansive pools in the summer and breathtaking illuminations during the winter months. This makes it a destination that can be enjoyed year-round, offering not just thrills but also beautiful scenery and family-friendly entertainment. Key Attractions in Yomiuriland Bandit: A thrilling, high-speed roller coaster that races through the forest, offering exciting drops and turns. Giant Sky River: A flume ride that sends you splashing down from a great height, perfect for cooling off on a warm day. Space Factory: An indoor roller coaster experience with special effects and immersive environments. Jewellumination: A spectacular illumination event featuring millions of colorful LED lights designed by a world-renowned lighting designer, creating breathtaking nighttime scenery. It usually takes place in winter. Edo Wonderland Nikko Edomura (Tochigi Prefecture) Edo Wonderland Nikko Edomura is a captivating historical theme park that transports visitors back to the Edo period of Japan. This meticulously recreated village features authentic architecture, costumed villagers engaging in daily life, as well as a variety of traditional crafts, performances and interactive experiences. Guests can wander through samurai residences, merchant shops and ninja houses, while also witnessing thrilling ninja shows and Oiran processions. It's a truly immersive journey into Japan's feudal past. Key Attractions in Edo Wonderland Nikko Edomura Ninja Show: Witness the exhilarating skills and stealth of ninjas during action-packed performances. Oiran Show: Experience the captivating beauty and artistry of the traditional Oiran procession and performance. Samurai Residence: Step inside the homes of samurai to learn about their lives and the social structure of the Edo period. Traditional Craft Workshops: Engage in hands-on activities and discover the artistry of Japanese crafts such as pottery and woodblock printing. Ninja Trick Maze: Test your problem-solving skills and agility while navigating the hidden passages and surprises of a ninja maze. Nagashima Spa Land (Mie Prefecture) Nagashima Spa Land, located in Kuwana, a city near Nagoya, is a large-scale amusement park boasting an impressive collection of thrilling roller coasters, including some of the tallest and longest in the world. Beyond the high-speed rides, the resort also features a vast water park (Joyful Waterpark), a hot spring complex (Yuami no Shima) and an outlet shopping mall, making it a comprehensive entertainment destination. Whether seeking adrenaline-pumping thrills on record-breaking coasters or a relaxing soak in natural hot springs, Nagashima Spa Land offers a diverse range of attractions for visitors of all ages and interests. Key Attractions in Nagashima Spa Land Hakugei: A thrilling hybrid (wood and steel) roller coaster known for its intense drops and inversions. Steel Dragon 2000: A massive steel giga coaster that previously held the record for the world's longest roller coaster, providing a long and fast-paced ride with significant height. Acrobat: Japan's first flying coaster, where riders lie down to experience the sensation of soaring through the air with intense twists and turns. Arashi: A 4D spin coaster where the seats rotate freely, creating unpredictable and disorienting movements throughout the ride. Jumbo Seawater Pool: One of the world's largest water parks, featuring a wide variety of pools, massive water slides and wave pools for all ages. It is only open in the summer months. Related Posts A Chiikawa Park Is Coming to Tokyo in 2025 10 Old, New and Upcoming Theme Parks Across Japan 5 Best Day Trips from Tokyo by Train
The National
07-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The National
Disney parks around the world
Tokyo DisneySea is a fantasy theme park at Tokyo Disney Resort, inspired by the myths and legend of the sea. Alamy
28-04-2025
- Business
Tokyo Disney Operator Posts Record Annual Sales
News from Japan Economy Apr 28, 2025 17:00 (JST) Tokyo, April 28 (Jiji Press)--Oriental Land Co., the operator of Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea, said Monday that its consolidated sales, operating profit and net profit for the year ended March all hit record highs. Sales grew 9.8 pct from the previous year to 679.3 billion yen, thanks to the opening of the new 'Fantasy Springs' area at Tokyo DisneySea last June and an increase in demand for higher-priced tickets. Operating profit climbed 4.0 pct to 172.1 billion yen, while net profit rose 3.3 pct to 124.1 billion yen. END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.] Jiji Press
Japan Times
04-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Japan Times
Sasami is in her pop era, and she's not overthinking it
What stands out most to Sasami Ashworth about Japan? The hairstyles. 'I was just in South Korea, and it seems like most of the men have perms there — but it's not a trend here,' she says. 'There's just not as much perm action.' It's about two hours before the 34-year-old American artist, who records as Sasami, plays her first-ever Japan show — an acoustic set at Tower Records Shibuya. She's recounting her latest observations of a country she's always felt a connection to. Her mother's side of the family is Zainichi Korean and has lived in Japan for years. On this trip, she plans to hit up Tokyo DisneySea, explore Shibuya and soak in the city. But first, there's a show to play. 'I'm excited. I mean, I'm kind of nervous because the shows I just played in Seoul were ticketed club events, so they sold out in a few days,' she says. 'I knew people were coming. But tonight? I have no idea.' Her worries turn out to be unfounded. The in-store set is packed, with fans crowding in to hear stripped-down versions of songs from her latest album, 'Blood On the Silver Screen.' Released on March 7, her third album explores pop songcraft from the perspective of a classically trained musician. Sasami's latest album, "Blood on the Silver Screen," sees her moving into the pop genre, after getting her start in rock and shoegaze. 'I think pop has this reputation of being kind of trashy or simple, but if you think about it, because the chord structures are so basic and repetitive, it actually makes space for the melodic trajectory to be much more complex.' It's the latest stylistic shift from an artist eager to try new sounds. Ashworth got her start in 2015 as the synth player for rock band Cherry Glazerr. She stepped away in 2018 to focus on a solo career, which saw her veering toward shoegaze-tinged rock on her eponymous debut. By 2022's 'Squeeze,' she'd pivoted to something harder, flirting with nu-metal. For her latest challenge, she wanted to write songs where the verses and choruses had the same chords. 'I'm such a lifer musician that I like to feel challenged and learn a lot with every venture,' she says. 'I really wanted to learn about pop music, and that's why I was adamant about writing the songs myself. Even if they weren't the best songs ever written, it was important to go through the process of challenging myself.' 'Blood On the Silver Screen' came together in less than a year, and Ashworth says this was done in part so she wouldn't overthink things. 'I wanted to make a pop record that was very earnest and dramatic, without being overly precious about it,' she says. She's happy with how it turned out, but for whatever comes next, she plans to take her time and keep it 'close to my chest.' Sasami says she wanted her third album, "Blood on the Silver Screen," to be "earnest and dramatic." | Andrew Thomas Huang For now, she's just enjoying her time in Japan, a country whose culture has always been part of her life. 'Since my grandma and mother were born and raised in Japan, Japanese culture was embedded in my life.' That meant the language ('I knew I was in trouble if my mom wasn't speaking English') and TV shows like the Y2K-era J-drama, 'Trick' ('Japanese comedy is like some of the best television in the world'). Music, too. 'I'm super influenced by a lot of Japanese music. I love city pop, and when I was growing up, I listened to a lot of Yellow Magic Orchestra and all of the members' side projects.' Her mother introduced her to even more through karaoke, where she'd sing traditional folk songs. She admits she's not as up to date on current Japanese artists, though she does have a soft spot for rising idol group f5ve . Japan has left its mark on her visuals as well. The 'Squeeze' album cover features a yōkai (ghost), and the video for her single, ' Slugger ,' nods to the 1977 cult horror film 'House' — specifically, the part where her head flies off. Ashworth hopes to be back in Japan soon for bigger shows or a festival (discussions are ongoing). In the meantime, she's focused on taking in Tokyo — and keeping an eye out for new hair trends along the way. For more information, visit
South China Morning Post
18-02-2025
- Entertainment
- South China Morning Post
Travelling between Tokyo and Osaka? You could ride the Elsa express
Published: 10:52am, 18 Feb 2025 A Disney-themed shinkansen bullet train adorned with characters from hit films such as Frozen was shown to the media in central Japan on Monday, ahead of its launch on the Tokaido Shinkansen line connecting Tokyo and Osaka later in the week. The 'Wonderful Dreams Shinkansen', inspired by Tokyo DisneySea's Fantasy Springs area that opened in June, will operate from February 21 until mid-September between Tokyo and Shin-Osaka stations, according to the railway operator, JR Central, and Oriental Land, which runs the Tokyo DisneySea and Tokyo Disneyland theme parks. The melody on board will be a song from the Disney film Tangled . At a ceremony held in Hamamatsu, Shizuoka prefecture, with Mickey Mouse showing up, JR Central president Shunsuke Niwa said he hopes people will enjoy visiting the Disney theme parks and feel as if they 'are in a dream'. The Disney liveried bullet train will operate between Tokyo and Shin-Osaka stations. Photo: Central Japan Railway/Disney Kenji Yoshida, president of Oriental Land, said: 'We want visitors riding the special train to have more fantastic memories of their trips.'
