Don’t just go to Disneyland anymore—here are Japan’s 5 must-visit amusement parks

Text and photos by /MATCHA

Besides Tokyo Disneyland, DisneySea, and Universal Studios Japan, there are also Japan-originated amusement parks such as Fuji-Q Highland and Asakusa Hanayashiki, each offering unique rides. This article will introduce you to Japan’s top five must-visit amusement parks and theme parks.

1. Tokyo Disneyland

Located in Urayasu City, Chiba Prefecture, Tokyo Disneyland is Japan’s largest theme park. Since opening in 1983, it has consistently ranked first or second in annual visitor numbers.

Tokyo Disneyland Ticket Information
Tickets for all areas of the park include admission fees and the cost of experiencing rides and entertainment shows.

Below are the one-day passport prices for single-day tickets
Ages 18 and over: 7,400 yen Student ticket: 6,400 yen Child ticket (ages 4 and up): 4,800 yen Senior passport (ages 65 and up): 6,700 yen

Tokyo Disneyland Transportation Guide
The nearest station to Tokyo Disneyland is Maihama Station on the JR Keiyo Line and Musashino Line. From Shinjuku, the route is as follows: Shinjuku (JR Chuo Line Rapid) → Tokyo (JR Keiyo Line Rapid) → Maihama Station. The journey takes about 45 minutes. Fare: 390 yen

Tokyo Disneyland Rides
Among Tokyo Disneyland’s most popular attractions are the thrilling roller coasters Big Thunder Mountain and Splash Mountain. Adventure-themed rides such as the Haunted Mansion, Cinderella’s Fairy Tale Hall, and Pirates of the Caribbean also remain perennial favorites.

2. Tokyo DisneySea

Opened in 2007, Tokyo DisneySea is divided into seven different ocean-themed zones. Its nearest station, Maihama Station, is the same as that of Tokyo Disneyland, and ticket prices are also the same.

Tokyo DisneySea Rides
Recommended rides at DisneySea include Toy Story Mania!, Tower of Terror, and Journey to the Center of the Earth. The most highly recommended is the always-packed Toy Story Mania!, where characters from the Toy Story movies appear. Take this chance to join the shooting games in the toy world.

3. Asakusa Hanayashiki

Hanayashiki is an amusement park in Asakusa, a major Tokyo tourist spot. Though relatively small, it was originally a botanical garden, and its conversion into an amusement park has given it a strong traditional Japanese atmosphere. The park features around 25 rides, including roller coasters, carousels, and haunted houses, all with a nostalgic charm. Just a 3-minute walk from Asakusa Station, it’s perfect for a quick visit during your sightseeing.

Admission
Adults (junior high school students and above to age 64): 1,000 yen (additional fees for separate attractions) Adults (junior high school students and above to age 64): 2,300 yen

4. Osaka – Universal Studios Japan

The theme park “Universal Studios Japan” in Osaka lets you experience the world of Hollywood movies. The park features movie-based attractions such as “Jaws,” “Jurassic Park – The Ride,” and “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter,” all of which are truly thrilling. In Japan, it is equally as popular as Disneyland and DisneySea.

Admission
1-Day Park Admission: Adult 7,400 yen / Child 4,980 yen / Senior 3,650 yen 2-Day Park Admission: Adult 12,450 yen / Child 8,420 yen

Transportation Guide
From Shin-Osaka Station, the train ride takes about 20 minutes and costs 220 yen. Another recommended route is: Take the JR Kyoto Line from Kyoto Station to Shin-Osaka Station, then transfer to the JR Kansai Airport Rapid Service bound for Kansai Airport and get off at Juso Station. Then take the JR Yamatoji Rapid Service bound for JR Nara Station and get off at Universal City Station. From there, it’s a short walk to the park. If arriving from Itami Airport (Kansai International Airport), it is recommended to take the direct Universal Studios Japan® Limousine Bus. The fare is about 1,000 yen, and the journey takes about 50 minutes.

5. Yamanashi – Fuji-Q Highland

Fuji-Q Highland is located in the Fuji Five Lakes area of Yamanashi Prefecture, at the foot of Mount Fuji. Covering a vast area, it is famous for its four scream-inducing roller coasters: Fujiyama (the King of Coasters), Eejanaika (a massive spinning coaster), Dodonpa (one of the fastest and tallest in the world), and Takabisha (known for its record-breaking drop). With their extreme speeds and heights, these coasters have made it into the Guinness World Records. Fuji-Q Highland is an absolute must-visit for roller coaster enthusiasts.

Admission
Regular admission: Adults 1,500 JPY, Children 800 JPY, Seniors 1,200 JPY Passport: Adults 5,700 JPY, Children 5,200 JPY, Seniors 4,300 JPY (Includes admission + unlimited rides)

Transportation Guide
From Shinjuku, take the limited express train (Super Azusa or Kaiji) or the JR Chuo Line Commuter Rapid (or regular service) to Otsuki Station, then transfer to the Fujikyuko Line to reach Highland Station. The journey takes about 2 hours. Fares are approximately 2,400 JPY for regular trains and 4,130 JPY for limited express services.

Author: MATCHA
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