Whether it’s your first time in Japan, or possibly your umpteenth time, there’s always much to do and see in Japan. And if you’re planning a trip to Tokyo, you’ll definitely be looking for fun places to visit and fill your itinerary with. From hunting down the best food spots to visiting gorgeous attractions - how about spending a day or more at the famous theme parks around Tokyo too?
From well-known and much-loved theme parks like Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea to the newer theme parks such as the recently reopened Arakawa Amusement Park, or soon-to-open Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo (in 2023!)... Get ready for a world of fun, anytime you step into one of these 23 theme parks around Tokyo!
🇯🇵 Planning to check out multiple theme parks in Tokyo? You might want to consider getting a Klook Pass Tokyo, which offers savings of up to 48% off!
🤩 Some attractions included in the pass are Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea, teamLab Planets TOKYO, LEGOLAND Discovery Center Tokyo, Tokyo Sanrio Puroland, TOKYO SKYTREE®, Roppongi Hills Observation Deck ”Tokyo City View“ and many more!
1. Yomiuriland
One of the many must-visit theme parks around Tokyo, Yomiuriland is Tokyo’s largest amusement park with plenty of attractions to keep adults and kids entertained all year. Choose between 43 rides ranging from rollercoasters (Bandit) and an open-air swinging spacecraft (Looping Starship) to a Ferris Wheel and more.
Afterwards, visit Goodjoba!!, an area in the theme park based on Japanese craftsmanship with factories where you can learn about different interesting manufacturing processes with daily workshops available.
Don’t forget to check out the seasonal attractions at Yomiuriland as well, with a view of cherry blossoms in the spring, colourful night illuminations during winter, pools in the summer, and more!
2. Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo
Exchange your Muggle money for some wizarding money at Gringotts Bank in the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London! Image credits: @charleysfloatinglights
Opening soon in 2023, we’re finally getting our own Warner Bros. Studio Tour right here in Asia - Tokyo, to be specific. Instead of flying all the way to London for the original Warner Bros. Studio Tour London, we can now just For Harry Potter fans, or lovers of anything fantastical, here’s where we’ll get to explore the magical behind-the-scenes tour of the films.
Have you gotten your Hogwarts acceptance letter yet? Credits to @finn_staygold
With 30,000 square metres filled with iconic film sets and scenes from the Harry Potter films, you can easily spend half a day exploring gorgeous costumes, props and special features.
You’ll also be able to check out the fantastical creatures from the Fantastic Beasts movies, apart from the usual stuff found in the original Harry Potter films such as flying on a broomstick and trying your luck at Platform 9 ¾.
3. Tokyo Disneyland
Tokyo Disneyland was the first Disney park to open outside of the United States! Credit to @jeanniemutiara on Instagram
Spend a day filled with childlike wonder and exploration when you step into Tokyo Disneyland, with seven different themed lands, magical parades and seasonal attractions. Explore Toontown, the neighbourhood where your favourite Disney characters live - visit Mickey and Minnie at their houses, have fun on Donald Duck’s boat and more.
Kredit foto: Roméo A.
Then mosey on over to Space Mountain at Tomorrowland, check out Cinderella’s Castle at Fantasyland, join a Jungle Cruise at Adventureland, shop up a storm at World Bazaar’s shopping arcade, meet the critters at Critter Country, and finish off with a rollercoaster ride at Westernland’s Big Thunder Mountain.
PS: Don’t forget to check the timings of the parades, shows and character greetings too!
4. Tokyo DisneySea
Located in Tokyo Disney Resort, Tokyo DisneySea is a fantasy-inspired theme park based on the myths and legends of the sea. This unique theme park holds seven themed spaces such as Mermaid Lagoon, Mysterious Island, Arabian Coast, Mediterranean Harbor and more.
Once here, it’s time to venture under the sea and visit Ariel from The Little Mermaid at Mermaid Lagoon or hop into the world of Aladdin at Arabian Coast and catch a magic show hosted by the genie, then take in the sights at Mediterranean Harbor with its Venice-style canals and gliding gondolas.
Other attractions also include Mysterious Island where you can journey to the centre of the earth, Lost River Delta with its ancient temple pyramid ruins and Indiana Jones Adventure ride, as well as Port Discovery with the Searider simulation, and American Waterfront where you can ride the Tower of Terror!
5. Sanrio Puroland
Hello Kitty fans, or Sanrio lovers, here’s where you’ll want to be at Sanrio Puroland, an indoor theme park in Tokyo where you’ll be able to meet Hello Kitty and her famous friends! Spanning four levels, spend time at different attractions like My Melody Ride, Sanrio Character Boat Ride (a 10-minute water ride), Gudetama, Lady Kitty house and more.
There are a ton of fun musical shows, parades, performances and uber-kawaii Sanrio-themed food - and let's not forget the exclusive Sanrio merchandise with your favourite characters from Hello Kitty to My Melody and Cinnamoroll!
6. Tokyo Joypolis
With a myriad of rides and attractions spanning three floors at Japan’s largest indoor theme park, welcome to Tokyo Joypolis and your day of fun. Starting from the first floor, hop onto rides like Gekion Live Coaster, Halfpipe Tokyo and Pirate’s Plunder.
Then make your way to the second floor with House of the Dead and Transformers Human-Alliance Special - before finishing up on the third floor with Fortune Forest, Mystic Mansion and Murder Lodge, as well as more great rides to check out.
7. Asakusa Hanayashiki Amusement Park
Did you know that Asakusa Hanayashiki Amusement Park is the oldest amusement Park in Japan? First opened in 1853 as a botanical garden, it has since evolved into the amusement park it is today.
Offering vintage attractions such as Japan’s oldest working rollercoaster (opened since 1953!), Ferris Wheel, Merry-Go-Round, as well as Hidden Fortress maze, haunted houses, old-fashioned shooting galleries, fortune tellers, and more!
8. Namco Namjatown
One of the more eclectic indoor theme parks in Tokyo, Namco Namjatown has five themed spaces ranging from a retro-themed gyoza stadium where you can try different gyozas from across Japan, to the incredible desserts at the dessert alley.
You’ll also find unusual ice cream flavours, carnival-style games, and a haunted house to explore here. While it’s a tad unconventional, it’s definitely one unexpected theme park to visit if you’re in the area.
9. Aqua Park Shinagawa
Photo: Left @mochico_b_t / Right @sakaki0325 (Instagram)
Would you prefer to visit an aquarium or a theme park? At Aqua Park Shinagawa, you don’t have to choose. Enjoy the best of both worlds and step into an aquarium where you’ll be able to marvel at the marine world with jellyfish, sharks, stingrays and other fish on display.
Aqua Park Shinagawa immerses visitors in a world of wonder with its stunning aquarium displays and captivating aquatic shows.
Next, have some fun on a good ol’ theme park ride - hop onto the pirate ship pendulum ride or the merry-go-round! And when you’re hungry, Coral Cafe Bar awaits where you can dine and relax in a colourful coral reef.
10. Tokyo Dome City Attractions
There’s much to enjoy at Tokyo Dome City Attractions with plenty of shops and restaurants, alongside the amusement park with various attractions to experience. Take a ride on their signature Thunder Dolphin rollercoaster, or the extraordinary Big-O Ferris Wheel - that’s unlike most Ferris wheel attractions due to it being “centre-less”.
On your 15-minute Ferris wheel ride, you can also indulge in an impromptu karaoke session within the gondola! Apart from these, feel free to explore other attractions from dropping three stories straight into water at The Wonder Drop, or racing your way through the Furifuri Grand Prix!
11. Small Worlds Tokyo
With many incredibly tiny displays recreated at 1/80 of the actual size, Small Worlds Tokyo is accordingly, the world’s largest indoor miniature amusement park.
Photo Credit: @smallworlds2020 on Twitter
Featuring six areas, visit Space Center, Global Village (showcasing fantasy creatures in five imaginary countries inspired by Asia and Europe), Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon, and more. The intricate detail and grand storytelling of the exhibitions are not to be missed!
12. LEGOLAND Discovery Center Tokyo
With over three million LEGO bricks, LEGOLAND Discovery Center Tokyo is an indoor theme park perfect for LEGO lovers. Start your day by helping Professor Brick-a-Brack make some unique LEGO bricks at LEGO Factory, before exploring Miniland Tokyo to check out intricate LEGO recreations of Tokyo’s famous landmarks.
Legoland Japan offers an unforgettable experience where children and adults can enjoy a world of creativity and fun together.
Next, head to the Kingdom Quest ride and help to save a princess, or visit Dino Explorer to build and create your own dinosaur adventure!
Once you’re done exploring and playing to your hearts’ content, the 4D Cinema awaits where you’ll be able to catch the latest LEGO movie in 4D with rain, wind and even snow. Done with the activities available and feeling hungry? Don’t forget to grab a bite at the cafe!
13. Arakawa Amusement Park
Recently reopened in 2022 after closing for renovations since 2017, Arakawa Amusement Park is a charming kid-friendly destination originally established in 1950. Filled with plenty of attractions from “Japan’s slowest rollercoaster” to train and merry-go-round rides, it’s a lovely place to spend a fun-filled day with family and friends.
There’s also a zoo beside it, with ponies, sheep and exotic animals like capybaras, meerkats, owls and more that animal lovers will enjoy. Laidback and lively, stop over at Arakawa Amusement Park if you’re looking for an easy day out with the kids, or even if you’re looking for a great date activity.
14. Tokyo Summerland
If you’re in Tokyo and can’t miss out on some water park action, or you’re simply looking to beat the summer heat - Tokyo Summerland is a popular water park featuring a wide variety of water-based attractions amongst other thrilling rides. At the Adventure Dome Indoor Pool, you’ll find water rafts and a jacuzzi, as well as some slides to splash your way down into the pool.
Once done, head out to the Adventure Lagoon Outdoor Pool where you’ll be able to cruise down the lazy river (also known as the longest lazy river in Japan!). There are also huge water slides to whoosh down and enjoy a good adrenaline rush.
And if you’re looking for a little more adventure, then you can’t miss Thrill Mountain Amusement Park with spinning tea cups, ferris wheel rides, rollercoasters, merry-go-round and more! More than just your average waterpark, Tokyo Summerland is perfect for water babies looking for a little more action.
15. Tokyo Mystery Circus
This 5-storey mini mystery theme park is basically an escape rooms theme park where you’ll find different escape rooms to solve your way through. While there are more Japanese options available at Tokyo Mystery Circus, there are English escape rooms available such as Spellbound Supper, Escape from the Runaway Train, and Escape from the Prison.
It’s not your typical theme park for sure, but it’s definitely an interesting escape rooms-based theme park perfect for lovers of mystery and maybe even just a pinch of madness!
16. Tokyo German Village
Designed to resemble a traditional German village, here’s where to find Europe in Japan at Tokyo German Village. This popular theme park is a one-hour drive from Tokyo and features a myriad of attractions and activities complete with flower fields and grassy greens inspired by German culture and the quintessential European countryside.
Whether it's golfing or carnival rides and rollercoasters, cruising down the pond in quaint swan boats or playing on rope swings - it's a relaxing destination to visit if you’re looking for something just a little off-beat and different to do in Tokyo.
And if you’re looking for some nibble or tipple, the park also offers a variety of food stalls serving traditional German delights such as sausages, pretzels and beer.
17. Fuji Q Highland
Photo credit: @fujikyuhighland
One of the most popular theme parks in Japan, Fuji Q Highland is a one and a half hour drive from Tokyo - and is particularly known for its record-breaking rollercoasters and anime-themed attractions. Especially if you can’t resist a good rollercoaster, make sure to take a ride on their four major rollercoasters, including Fujiyama, one of the best rollercoasters in the world, and Dodonpa, the faster coaster that also holds the world record for fastest acceleration.
Enjoy the thrills at Fuji-Q HighlandCredits to @rafael_lawand
Apart from the coasters, look out for other anime-themed attractions as well as tea cup, pirate ship, drop tower and sky swing rides. There’s also Thomas Land, a train-themed area based on Thomas the Tank Engine, as well as seasonal attractions like an ice skating rink!
18. Moominvalley Park
Located in the Greater Tokyo area and approximately one and a half hours from Tokyo by car, Moominvalley Park features adorable Moomin-themed attractions from cafes to parks and exhibitions. You’ll enjoy an idyllic afternoon within this Nordic-inspired entertainment park as you explore the quaint Moomin house, immersive Ocean Orchestra, and Lonely Mountain with the Hobgoblin’s Zipline Adventure.
Moomin family posing at Saitama's Moominvalley Park in Japan. Photo credit to Moominvalley
That’s not all, head over to the Lighthouse and Bathing Hut for some photos, and stop over at the gift shop for exclusive Moomin merch - as well as Metsa Village, a complex with scenic walking routes, viewpoints, and places to rest. Here’s also where you’ll be able to go on a boat ride on the lake or enjoy a craft workshop, shop Sandinavian-themed food, toys and more!
19. Hakkeijima Sea Paradise
Ever ridden on a rollercoaster looping over the sea? That’s exactly what you’ll find at Hakkeijima Sea Paradise when you take a ride on the Surf Coaster. More than just an amusement park, there’s quite a bit to explore at this aptly named “sea paradise” situated one hour from Tokyo. In the Aqua Museum, you’ll find an aquarium with walruses, sea lions, polar bears, whale sharks and more sea creatures.
You’ll also be able to walk through an underwater tunnel and watch stingrays and other fishes swimming around you. And if you're looking forward to interacting with some of the sea animals, the Fureai Lagoon is where you’ll want to be.
Looking forward to the amusement park rides? Head over to Pleasure Land with cool attractions such as the Surf oyster, Blue Fall where you’ll free-fall from 107 meters high, as well as the Merry-Go-Round!
20. Tobu World Square
A theme park that’s somewhat of an architectural museum, Tobu World Square showcases reproductions of famous ancient monuments and UNESCO World Heritage Sites on the 1/25 scale.
There are different zones for you to explore from the Japan Zone with sights such as Himeji Castle, Dogo Onsen and Kyoto temples, to the Asia Zone where you can take in the sights around Korea, India and China. There’s also the Europe Zone with the Parthenon, Colosseum and Eiffel Tower, and the Egypt and America Zone where you’ll see the Pyramids, Sphinx, White House and New York City.
With restaurants and shops offering food and products from around the world, here’s where you can explore a fair bit of the world just two and a half hours from Tokyo!
21. Edo Wonderland
Photo credit: @edowonderland_official
Especially great for history buffs or those who love a good cultural experience, welcome to Edo Wonderland (two and a half hours from Tokyo by car), a theme park based on life in Japan during the Edo Period from 1603 to 1868.
Edo Wonderland transports visitors back in time to Japan's Edo period, immersing them in historical reenactments and cultural experiences.
Step in and get transported back in time - marvel at Edo-style architecture and take a gander at the townspeople all decked out in their period costumes. When here, you can also rent a costume for free and dress up as you tour around the shops, museums and visit the live shows and Grand Ninja Theater (watch shows with sword fights, martial arts and magic on display!).
Photo credit: @edowonderland_official
Most importantly, make sure to spend some time at the Experience Zones, with attractions such as the Haunted Temple with its Japanese spirits and demons, House of Illusion, as well as the Ninja Trick Maze.
Photo credit: @edowonderland_official
It’s one of the more fascinating theme parks offering a different experience, and insights into Japan of yore not to be missed.
22. Ghibli Park
While it’s not that near to Tokyo - approximately four and a half hours away by car - we can’t miss out on mentioning the recently opened Ghibli Park too! Especially not to be missed for fans of Hayao Miyazaki and his imaginative Studio Ghibli films, here’s where you’ll be able to immerse yourself in the magical worlds depicted in the films.
Photo Credit: Studio Ghibli
There aren’t rides such as rollercoasters here either. Instead, this theme park has been intentionally designed to transport you into the films with five different areas showcasing places such as Howl’s bedroom (Howl’s Moving Castle), a recreation of the eerie town in Spirited Away, Satsuki and Mei’s house from My Neighbour Totoro, a replica of the bakery from Kiki’s Delivery Service and more!
23. Special Mention: teamLab Planets Tokyo
Image credit: teamLab Planets TOKYO Toyosu
It’s not technically a theme park with rollercoaster rides and all the usual bells and whistles you’d expect along with it - but teamLab Planets Tokyo is worth a mention with its incredibly immersive digital art experiences.
Most might be familiar with teamLab and their gorgeous light installations, but here at teamLab Planets Tokyo, you’ll also be wandering through water as you take in the different light exhibits. An ultra-special glimmering experience not to miss, remember to put it on your list of places to visit in Tokyo before it closes at the end of 2023!
With 23 theme parks around Tokyo to choose from, and each theme park offering unique attractions ranging from rollercoasters to water slides, character attractions and more - the fun never stops!
