Skip Disneyland And Head To These 10 Crazy-Cool Theme Parks In Japan

1. J-World Tokyo: For the secret otaku

Editor’s Note: Establishment is permanently closed.

Love anime and manga? Think of yourself as an otaku? Then this anime-themed park might just be your ideal place in the world! The whole theme park is focussed on characters from many classic anime and manga characters, including those from Bleach, One Piece, Naruto and Dragon Ball.

We particularly love the “Ninkai Taisen Emaki” activity, which leads you through a physical challenge by giving instructions over a transceiver. You can even buy night tickets and do the whole thing as a night time activity, meaning that if you’re a secret otaku, you can sneak off for a few hours and have a great time.

J-World Tokyo

Address: 170-0013 Tokyo, Toshima, Higashiikebukuro, 3 Chome, Japan

Website: J-World Tokyo

2. Edo Wonderland: For history buffs

Ever wondered what it was like to live in the Edo Period of Japan? Well now you don’t have to only imagine it… you can live it! That’s right, this park is dedicated to everything about the Edo Period, from ninjas to geishas and everything in between. Expect lots of dramatic performances, as you walk around the theme park and take in the Edo period sights.

Edo Wonderland

Address: 470-2 Karakura, Nikko, Tochigi Prefecture 321-2524, Japan

Website: Edo Wonderland

3. Joypolis: For the gamers

This centre has tonnes of arcades, simulators, rides and games, perfect for the avid gamers on your trip! We particularly love the haunted houses, which you’re never too old for and the Wild River waterslide. There are plenty of activities to keep both young and older gamers busy for the afternoon.

Joypolis

Address: 135-0091 Tokyo, Minato, Daiba, 1 Chome−6−1 DECKS Tokyo Beach, Japan

Website: Joypolis

4. Fuji-Q Highland: For thrill seekers

Been here already? Fear not, we love this place because they regularly open new and daring rides that break world records. Not sure that it has enough thrill for you? Well then, let’s have a look at some of their 40 rides. First up is Takabisha, with the world largest drop, Tekkotsubanchou is Japan’s first 50+ meter (164+ foot) spinning swing ride and Nagashimasuka is Japan’s first elevated raft ride. Boom!

Fuji-Q Highland

Address: 5 Chome-6-1 Shinnishihara, Fujiyoshida, Yamanashi Prefecture 403-0017, Japa

Website: Fuji-Q Highland

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5. Sanrio Puroland: For Hello Kitty fans

This theme park is the best in Tokyo for small children or for anyone who loves Hello Kitty. For those of you who aren’t fans of cutesy stuff, you might want to avoid this one since you might not make it past the door without being smothered in hearts, given hugs by Hello Kitty characters or walking through a copious amount of fluffy pink. If you’re looking for two words to best describe this theme park they have to be “cute” and “crazy”.

Sanrio Puroland

Address: 1 Chome-31 Ochiai, Tama, Tokyo 206-8588, Japan

Website: Sanrio Puroland

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6. Kodomono no Kuni: For children

Translated as Children’s Country, it’s pretty easy to figure out who will enjoy this theme park. This park was originally opened on Children’s Day in 1965, as a commemoration of the Royal Marriage of Prince Akihito and Princess Michiko. There are plenty of fun rides to keep your little ones busy for the day!

Kodomono no Kuni

Address: 700 Naracho, Aoba Ward, Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture 227-0036, Japan

Website: Kodomono no Kuni

7. Spamusement Park: Random fun

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Looking for random fun? Then this theme park in Beppu, home of the hot-springs, is for you. We proudly introduce the world’s first ever hot-tub theme park which was, wait for it, funded purely through crowdsourcing. With so many people donating to its creation, we’re not surprised that it is a great success. It has theme park rides and yes, when you ride, everyone is seated in hot tubs! We’re not too sure how it works but it sounds great, just watch the video.

Spamusement Park

Address: Beppu city

Website: Beppu’s ‘hot-tub’ theme park - in Japanese)

8. Huis Ten Bosch: For random fun

What’s this? A theme park in Japan that replicates Holland… er… why? Well, to be honest, we’re not too sure, but it exists and so it has found a home on our list. Known as ‘Small Europe’, it is home to a medieval version of Holland, with a canal, shops and museums and even hotels. It is particularly popular during the Flower Festival and Illumination Kingdom Celebration.

Huis Ten Bosch

Address: 1-1 Huis Ten Bosch Machi, Sasebo, Nagasaki Prefecture 859-3292, Japan

Website: Huis Ten Bosch

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9. Metsä: For the Moomin fans

Okay, so this one might not be open until 2019, but we think it deserves a spot on our list. So, although you can’t actually visit the park yet, we wanted it to go safely into your diaries… we’re kind like that.

Metsä

Address: Hannō, Saitama Prefecture, Japan.

Website: Metsä

10. Studio Ghibli: For Ghibli fans

Calling all Studio Ghibli fans! This is one theme park you won’t want to miss! Planned for 2020, this theme park is expecting huge results and is sure to be a draw for people from all over the world. The theme park’s main focus will be on the film My Neighbor Totoro. We’re ready and waiting.

Studio Ghibli

Address: Nagoya, Aichi prefecture

Website: Studio Ghibli

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Grab a ticket and get ready to go...

There are a plethora of theme parks to choose from in Japan, but we think that these ones are by far the best, from the anime-themed to the downright crazy hot-tub park, there is bound to be something here that you fancy. Be sure to comment below if you’ve been to any of these places!