It’s here… the list you’ve been waiting for: the top 10 weird and crazy-cool Japanese theme parks. We’ve got everything covered, from the Edo Period to Hello Kitty - there’s something here to satisfy your inner or your actual child. Let’s take a look together and get crazy…
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
You might be interested in these Airbnbs!
Nipponbashi#201★Namba★Dotonbori★Kuromon★Free WIFI
大阪市浪速区, Japan
Bijou Suites Vogue 03/To Namba 1-minDirect/1LDK45㎡
Naniwa-ku, Osaka, Osaka, Japan
R3 One floor rental! Contactless CI / Max 7 people
Chūō-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
Japan Charm&Tradition-Yui Valley(easy Tokyo/Kyoto)
Fujieda, Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan
Registered tangible cultural property Guesthouse
Mitoyo-shi, Kagawa-ken, Japan
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
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
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
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
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
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
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!