12 Best Theme Parks in Japan You Must Visit

Japan boasts a wide variety of theme parks, offering diverse experiences that cater to different interests and age groups. From traditional culture to modern entertainment, there's something for everyone.

Want to know which theme parks are best for kids, couples, or culture enthusiasts? Don't miss this guide. We'll introduce you to the 12 best theme parks in Japan.

Whether you're into heart-pounding roller coasters, enchanting fairy tales, or interactive adventure experiences, you'll find a park that's perfect for you.

Must-See Theme Parks in Japan

As previously mentioned, there are many different types of the best theme parks in Japan. Below, we've summarized some common categories for you. Check them out!

• International Entertainment Theme Parks: These parks are often associated with popular media franchises. They offer unforgettable experiences through famous movies and animation themes combined with highly immersive and interactive experiences. Examples include Tokyo DisneySea, Tokyo Disneyland, and Universal Studios Japan.
• Anime and Manga Theme Parks: The design inspiration for these parks typically comes from well-known anime and manga works, and they regularly host activities and exhibitions related to popular anime and manga. Don't miss out on these theme parks if you are going to embark on anime tours. Examples include Fuji-Q Highland, Nijigen no Mori, and the Ghibli Museum.
• Traditional Culture Theme Parks: As the name suggests, these parks allow visitors to have a close look at traditional architecture, experience arts and crafts, and join unique activities, providing in-depth insights into Japanese history and culture. Examples include Toei Uzumasa Eigamura, Edo Wonderland Nikko Edomura, and Nara Park.
• Onsen and Water Parks: Japan is famous for its onsen (hot springs). These parks combine onsen and water park facilities, allowing visitors to enjoy traditional Japanese hot springs for relaxation while also experiencing thrilling water attractions, offering a diverse range of entertainment. Examples include Nagashima Spa Land and Hakone Kowakien Yunessun.
• Technology Experience Theme Parks: These parks are unique as they integrate technology and futuristic elements. For instance, teamLab Planets Tokyo merges digital art with technology, and Miraikan showcases technological advancements and future technology applications.

1. Tokyo DisneySea

Located in Urayasu, Chiba Prefecture, Tokyo DisneySea is the world's only Disney theme park around ocean exploration.

The park features eight themed ports, including Mediterranean Harbor, Mysterious Island, Mermaid Lagoon, Arabian Coast, Lost River Delta, Port Discovery, American Waterfront, and Fantasy Springs.

Each port offers unique attractions and shows. Highlights including the thrilling Journey to the Center of the Earth and Sindbad's Storybook Voyage, are exclusive to this best theme park in Japan.

Additionally, the Tower of Terror and Indiana Jones Adventure are also must-visit areas.

Besides the entertainment attractions, the food here is also worth savoring. The gyoza sausage bun, popcorn with various flavors, and ukiwa-man (shrimp flavor bun) are highly recommended by many visitors and often leave a lasting impression.

2. Tokyo Disneyland

If you visit Tokyo DisneySea, you definitely shouldn't miss Tokyo Disneyland, also located in Urayasu, Chiba Prefecture. This is the first Disney theme park in Japan and the first Disney park outside the United States.

The park has seven themed areas, including Adventureland, Westernland, Fantasyland, Tomorrowland, Critter Country, Mickey's Toontown, and World Bazaar. Each area features a variety of entertainment attractions, rides, and shows, such as Star Tours, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, and Space Mountain.

Visitors can also enjoy parades, and fireworks displays, and meet and take photos with beloved Disney characters in this best theme park.

Tokyo Disneyland offers a magical experience for visitors of all ages, making it especially ideal for families and Disney fans.

3. Universal Studios Japan

Located in Osaka, Universal Studios Japan (USJ) is one of the five Universal Studios theme parks worldwide. The park opened in 2001 and has been expanding ever since.

It currently features 10 movie-themed areas, including the highly popular Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Super Nintendo World, Jurassic Park, and Minion Park and more.

Visitors can enjoy a variety of attractions, from child-friendly carousels to thrilling roller coasters and simulators based on popular films like Minions, Shrek, and Jurassic Park.

In addition, the park offers various shows daily, including a nighttime parade featuring illuminated floats. Whether seeking adventure with friends or enjoying a fun-filled day with family, USJ is one of the best theme parks in Japan promising an unforgettable entertainment experience.

4. Fuji-Q Highland

Located at the base of Mount Fuji in Yamanashi Prefecture, Fuji-Q Highland is one of the best theme parks in Japan, renowned for its thrilling roller coasters.

The park features five main roller coasters, including the world's tallest and fastest coaster Fujiyama, the 4th Dimension coaster Eejanaika, and the world's second steepest coaster Takabisha.

Additionally, the park offers large-scale attractions based on popular anime and traditional rides, such as Attack on Titan: The Ride and the Naruto X Boruto Ninja Voltage 3D shooting ride.

Fuji-Q Highland caters to all ages, with attractions for children as well, such as Thomas Land, a train-themed area.

On clear days, visitors can also enjoy breathtaking views of Mount Fuji from the park.

Check Out How to Plan a Trip to Mount Fuji: Hiking or Viewing from a Distance

5. Nijigen no Mori

Located on Awaji Island in Hyogo Prefecture, Nijigen no Mori is a theme park that blends the worlds of classic Japanese manga, anime, and games with the latest technology.

The park features attractions such as the Crayon Shin-chan Adventure Park, Naruto Theme Park, and Godzilla Theme Park.

Unlike traditional theme parks that focus on rides, Nijigen no Mori offers unique interactive experiences. For example, you can play the role of a scientist, helping to tame the beast Godzilla and prevent it from destroying the island after an experiment goes wrong.

Alternatively, you can take on challenges similar to those faced by Naruto and his ninja friends in a training ground.

While some attractions are more suitable for families and children, the best theme park Nijigen no Mori is designed to be enjoyed by visitors of all ages.

6. Ghibli Park

Ghibli Theme Park in Japan is the world's first theme park dedicated to Studio Ghibli, covering approximately 17.5 hectares.

The park features five themed areas: Hill of Youth, Ghibli's Large Warehouse, Mononoke's Village, Valley of Witches, and Dondoko Forest. These areas draw design inspiration from movies like My Neighbor Totoro, Howl's Moving Castle, and Princess Mononoke.

A must-visit of this best theme park is Ghibli's Large Warehouse at the park's center, which houses exhibition rooms, a cinema screening Ghibli short films, a café and more.

Ghibli Park is perfect for animation enthusiasts and art lovers, offering a fascinating glimpse into the enchanting world of Studio Ghibli.

7. Sanrio Puroland Japan

If you love Hello Kitty, Sanrio Puroland in Tama City, Tokyo, will be your happy kingdom. This indoor theme park is dedicated to Hello Kitty and her friends.

The park spans four floors.

• The first floor features a performance stage/theater and various themed factories, including candy, ice cream, and bread factories.
• On the second floor, you'll find Sanrio character boat rides, shops, and photo spots.
• The third floor mainly consists of shops and service areas, with a play center specifically for children.
• The top floor hosts a variety of restaurants.

This Japan Sanrio theme park has two main attractions: the Sanrio Character Boat Ride and the My Melody Road (My Mero Road) Drive Ride. Both are gentle rides, making them perfect for visitors of all ages to enjoy.

8. Edo Wonderland Nikko Edomura

Unlike the seven best theme parks in Japan previously mentioned, Edo Wonderland, located in Tochigi Prefecture, recreates the town life of the Edo period.

The park features Edo-style architecture and actors performing in various roles throughout the attractions, creating an immersive experience.

Visitors can explore historic shops and museums, participate in games, watch live performances, and try on Edo-period costumes. You can transform into a samurai, ninja, princess, or any other member of Edo society.

The live performances are a highlight of the park, including the popular Grand Ninja Theatre, swordplay, magic, and martial arts.

Edo Wonderland is ideal for families and history enthusiasts, offering profound insights into Japan's rich cultural heritage.

9. Nara Park

Located in Nara Prefecture, Nara Park is a large park established in 1880, home to many historical landmarks.

The park features famous attractions such as Todai-ji Temple, Kasuga Taisha Shrine, Kofuku-ji Temple, and the Nara National Museum.

Additionally, Nara Park is renowned for its tame deer. Over 1,000 deer roam freely throughout the park. Visitors can purchase deer crackers sold around the park to feed the deer and take photos with them.

Exploring ancient temples and enjoying the natural scenery, Nara Park offers a culturally significant and serene escape, making it the best theme park in Japan for photography enthusiasts.

10. Toei Uzumasa Eigamura

Toei Uzumasa Eigamura, also known as Toei Kyoto Studio Park, is a unique attraction in Kyoto that combines a theme park with historical movie sets.

The park recreates an Edo-period village, where visitors can enjoy samurai swordplay performances, ninja shows, and traditional Japanese theater. Guests can also learn swordsmanship and ninja skills. 

If you're lucky, you might catch a film or TV show being shot and meet actors and anime characters.

Additionally, visitors can dress in period costumes, walk around the park, take photos, and experience role-playing to immerse themselves in the atmosphere of historical dramas.

The park also features other attractions, such as haunted houses, a mysterious five-story pagoda, and mazes.

Toei Kyoto Studio Park has produced around 200 Japanese period films. It is the best theme park in Japan for Japanese film enthusiasts and anime fans alike.

11. Nagashima Spa Land

Located in Mie Prefecture, Nagashima Spa Land combines a thrilling amusement park with a relaxing hot spring theme park, making it an ideal summer getaway for families.

The complex consists of five main attractions: the Nagashima Spaland amusement park, a water park, a hot spring facility, an outlet shopping mall, and Nabana no Sato flower park.

The amusement park features over 40 rides, including Steel Dragon 2000, which is renowned as Japan's tallest roller coaster.

After enjoying the rides, visitors can relax at Yuami no Shima, the hot spring center located in the southwest corner, offering numerous indoor and outdoor baths.

Adjacent to the spa theme park is a large outlet shopping mall with over 300 stores, allowing visitors to indulge in retail therapy while on vacation.

12. TeamLab Planets Tokyo

TeamLab Planets Tokyo, located in Toyosu, Tokyo, is an immersive digital art museum that blends technology and creativity.

Opened in 2018, the museum features three main areas: the Water Area, the Garden Area, and the Public Area.

The Water Area creates a surreal experience through reflective lights and shadows, allowing visitors to walk barefoot through water and interact with seven unique installations.

The Garden Area combines real plants and flowers with digital art, featuring flowers, moss, and 13,000 hanging orchids.

TeamLab Planets Tokyo offers a sensory experience that challenges perceptions and encourages exploration, making it one of the best theme parks in Japan.

Set off a Fun-filled Theme Park Voyage

Here are the 12 best theme parks in Japan. Each has its unique characteristics and offers a different experience, from Fuji-Q Highland, Nijigen no Mori, and Ghibli Museum, which are based on classic movies and animations, to Toei Uzumasa Eigamura, Edo Wonderland Nikko Edomura, and Nara Park, where you can experience traditional Japanese culture and history.

There are also parks like teamLab Planets Tokyo that combine technology and futuristic elements. Choosing just one might be difficult, so consider consulting a professional team for advice. Simply tell us your needs, and we'll take care of the rest.

Continue to read: Top 20 places to explore anime in Tokyo