Ultimate Guide to Amusement Parks in Tokyo
Have you heard about the great Tokyo amusement parks? Tokyo is one the most beautiful cities in the world, known for its splendid cuisine, architecture and culture, but it’s also very popular for its theme parks! In Japan, there’s actually a whopping 233 amusement parks in total! There’s an amusement park for any occasion and for everyone, regardless of age!
This guide gives you all the best parks to visit so you can go and experience the thrill of a lifetime. Let’s get started!
The best amusement park in Tokyo for a date
Maybe to any non-Japanese, going to an amusement park might not be the first idea that springs to mind for a date. And perhaps it’s not exactly romantic what with all the tangled hair and potential sickness from a rollercoaster. However, Tokyo has catered some of their amusement parks to romantic evenings out specifically.
Yomiuriland Illumination
Yomiuriland is ideal for a date with your significant other! This is because it’s more like an entertaining theme park than an adrenaline-filled thrill park. That’s something that any couple can enjoy.
The park is known for its magnificent and slightly futuristic lightshow in winter. This show includes different light installations that blend together seamlessly to create one glorious view. You’ll have a hard time putting down your camera, and you’ll leave here armed with a fat stack of precious memories. The lightshow will guarantee you a fluttering stomach but not because you had a burger too many before the ride!
It’s considered a must-see attraction in the Japanese capital, so if you’re planning a winter trip to Tokyo, mark it down!
During Spring spectacular cherry blossoms line the park, and in the summer, a great selection of pools is open for cooling off on a hot day!
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And for those adventurous couples who do seek a little bit of a thrill, there are some exciting rides.
Rides at Yomiuriland Illumination
So what are some of the most exciting attractions at Yomiuriland? Well, since it would be a real shame to visit Yomiuriland without getting a view of the brilliant light show, you must take a ride on the Ferris Wheel. Can you already imagine how romantic it would be to gaze over an illuminated park with your date?
This gets particularly exciting during the Jewellumination event in the winter, as the Ferris Wheel takes you over the area covered in 6 million jewel-like lights. And that in the Tokyo Metropolitan area!
Another must-go is the Bandit Roller-Coaster. Complete with a steep incline for all of you adrenaline junkies out there, the Bandit is one of Yomiuriland’s chief attractions all year round.
And if you’re feeling adventurous, why not take a ride on the Looping Starship? Yomiuriland’s own version of a 360-degree spin, the starship offers a unique change of perspective by rotating you upside down.
It also has an aquatic area where you can splash around in 5 pools with 3 different slides!
All in all, Yomiuriland is the ideal spot for a date, offering a blend of aquatic activities, theme park rides, and entertaining shows!
Amusement Parks in Tokyo for Kids
Adrenaline, excess candy, and unique characters: a child’s paradise! This is why we just have to include our favorite amusement parks for children in Tokyo!
1. Tokyo Disneyland
Ok, this one’s a given, but the Magic Kingdom cannot be left out of the list as the epitome of theme parks. For young and old alike, Tokyo Disney should be on your shortlist!
So what can I do with kids at Tokyo Disneyland?
First things first, you’ll have to meet Mickey and Minnie Mouse, who are always ready to greet new visitors.
As for some child-themes rides and shows, The Enchanted Tiki Room is one of the most fun, where you get to watch Stitch put on an unforgettable ukulele show.
The Pirates of the Caribbean should also be on the top of your list: ride through the darkness, accompanied by none other than Captain Jack Sparrow, and discover the treasures of the sea!
And if you love more traditional Disney classics, you’re bound to find what you’re looking for at Cinderella’s Fairy Tale Hall or exploring the sky with Dumbo the Flying Elephant!
Why do we love Tokyo Disneyland?
It’s got a little something for everyone, from Pooh’s Hunny Hunt to the Haunted Mansion. By catering to a wide range of tastes, it will undoubtedly prove to be fun for the whole family. And as the parent, you won’t have to worry about anyone, child or adult, feeling left out. Tokyo Disneyland is THE amusement park for everyone to visit!
Are there any downsides?
The only drawback we can see with Tokyo Disneyland is that it can get a bit pricey. A one day ticket costs ¥8,500 for adults and ¥5,000 for children, but trust us when we say, it’s well worth the money!
If you’re visiting with a stroller, make sure it meets the requirements set by the park. Check the requirements here. You can also rent a Mickey Mouse-themes stroller for ¥1,000.
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2. Tokyo DisneySea
Tokyo DisneySea is technically within the same “Tokyo Disney Resort”, which makes this resort area a nice place to stay for a few nights while you explore both parks.
How is DisneySea different from DisneyLand?
Disney Sea, unlike Disneyland, is catered more towards adults however. It, for example, sells alcohol at certain establishments, something DisneyLand doesn’t. And as its name tells us, it’s marine themed.
However, being more catered towards adults, it’s still an amazing park to take your children to, because of the absolutely beautiful views like the American Waterfront. DisneySea also has unique snacks and shows compared to DisneyLand.
While Disneyland offers a whopping 40 attractions, DisneySea comes in with a respectable 29 attractions, all of which conveniently relate to riding the great big blue.
What are the best attractions at DisneySea?
Like Disneyland, DisneySea is designed in such a way that it will appeal to children and adults alike. One attraction you simply must see while you’re at DisneySea is the Indiana Jones Adventure, a thrilling high-speed ride through the Temple of the Crystal Skull that will get your heart racing.
Of course, if you’re traveling with small children, this adrenaline-packed ride may not be for you. Instead, you might opt for something a tad more educational, such as the Nemo&Friends SeaRider, a gentle ride that teaches children about the beauty of the vast ocean. Similarly, if you want to teach your children more about the aquatic world, the Turtle Talk will prove an educational and delectable treat.
And it wouldn’t really be DisneySea, without Ariel’s Playground, a fun-packed area that invites you to explore the depths of an underwater cavern, filled with treasure and of course, excitement. Disney fans will also be delighted to take a ride in Flounder’s Flying Fish Coaster. At the very least, to watch the Genie’s unique show, in The Magic Lamp Theater.
We also advise you to check out Peter Pan’s Flight for a magical ride around London and Neverland.
Last but not least, don’t forget to buy some cute Disney souvenirs at places like the Grand Bazaar!
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Tokyo Disney Resort: a sweet deal!
Complete with a choice of Disney-themed hotels, this Japanese resort is the place to be if you want to give your children - and yourself - a holiday to remember. Situated right in the heart of all this Disney fun, places like the Tokyo Disney Resort Toy Story Hotel are really the cherry on top of what already is guaranteed to be an unforgettable experience!
3. Legoland Discovery Center Tokyo
Legos are a real pain when you accidentally step on one at four in the morning. But let’s face it - there are few theme parks more exciting than a Lego themed park! So we recommend that you don’t miss Legoland Discovery Center Tokyo on your visit!
One of the things that make Legos so appealing and popular worldwide is that they vary in style and complexity. This makes them charming both to toddlers and full-grown adults, and that’s a recipe for a fun theme park visit, in our book.
So what’s there to do at Legoland Discovery Center Tokyo?
At the end of the day, it all depends on what your child is most interested in. because whatever it is, there’s a big chance you’ll find the perfect ride at Legoland Discovery Center Tokyo!
We recommend that your first stop should be at the Duplo Village, because why not take it chronologically and set out where everyone started out: with an adorable set of Duplos.
Next up on the attraction board, we’ve got the fascinating Lego Factory, which offers a delve into the heart of how our favorite building blocks are made. It includes all the behind-the-scenes of the Lego company that your child wants to know about!
Is your little one into all things dinosaurs? Then you must schedule a stop at the Dino Explorer! A fairly new attraction on the theme park grounds, the Dino Explorer offers your children the unique opportunity to invent their very own creations, and engineer their own very first stop-motion film.
More into races than dinos? Not a problem. We were just going to usher you toward one of our favorite attractions - the Lego Racers: Build & Test. As the name tells us, here your little one will be able to design the ideal Lego racing car, and then put it to the test, alongside other race aficionados!
Are there any downsides at the Legoland Discovery Center Tokyo?
All in all, the ticket price for the Legoland Discovery Center Tokyo rivals tickets to other larger theme parks in Tokyo. And considering the fairly small number of attractions that Legoland offers, some people may find that a little too much.
On the other hand, Legoland has the huge benefit of being a fun stop on a rainy day in Tokyo. So if you don’t know how to keep your child entertained on a rainy day, Legoland is a great save!
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Amusement Parks in Tokyo for Adults
No, we haven’t forgotten about you, the adult! Just because you’ve grown past the age of 12 doesn’t mean you’ve got no more business inside a theme park. If you’re planning a trip to the Japanese capital, here’s a list of the best amusement parks in Tokyo for you!
1. Tokyo Joypolis
Created by gaming giant Sega, the Tokyo Joypolis is part of a larger chain of amusement parks you can find all over Japan, focusing on their video games. They also have parks internationally (China, London, and Sydney all offer their very own spin-off theme parks).
What are the must-see attractions at the Tokyo Joypolis?
As one might expect from a gaming legend like Sega, the Joypolis theme park is riddled with exciting rides, all somehow relating to a famous video game created by the company. For this reason, the Joypolis has become hugely popular with slightly older children, especially given the booming gaming culture of our generation.
There’s no better place to start than Sonic Athletics! Because, while Sega has had numerous successes in the gaming world down the years, none have been more widespread or enjoyed than the Sonic franchise. And what is Sonic known for? Why, his unsurpassable speed, of course! The Sonic Athletics attraction invites you to compete in sporting events against friends and family. It's both a fun ride, and an opportunity to do some exercise!
Next, we’ve got the Transformers Human Alliance Special, an exciting attraction that will spin you round at 360 degrees, all the while pushing you to fend off attackers. Enjoyable both for single travelers, as well as couples and families. This attraction has you teaming up with the Transformers heroes for a brave mission.
For fans of Sega’s infamous House of the Dead series, we’ve got the perfect zombie-annihilating attraction. Banking on a steady stream of fear and adrenaline, the House of the Dead attraction puts your reflexes to the test in defending yourself against zombies and other gory enemies.
Tokyo Joypolis: Love it or hate it?
We’d definitely recommend stopping by the Tokyo Joypolis if you’re a video game fan. But if you’re not a gamer or into the characteristics of a gaming worlds and simply looking for a theme park Tokyo, then Joypolis might prove a little bit pricey. So in the end, it all depends on how nostalgic and fun video games are to you!
2. Tokyo Dome City Attractions
One thing stands out about the Tokyo Dome City Attractions, and that is, it’s free to enter. In most amusement parks in Tokyo, you’ll typically be charged an entrance fee, then have to pay for entry at every individual attraction. Most theme parks will also offer a sort of ticket passport that covers both the entry to the park itself, and the attractions, which is, of course, pricier.
While the entrance fee isn’t usually too high (for example, the entry fee for the Tokyo Joypolis is roughly $7 for an adult and $4.50 for a child), it’s a nice bonus that Tokyo Dome City Attractions doesn’t charge you right off the bat!
So what’s there to do?
Well, when you visit Tokyo Dome City Attractions, one thing that you simply cannot miss is the park’s signature roller coaster, the Thunder Dolphin. Reaching a speed of 130 km/h, and offering one of the steepest inclines in the entire country, the Thunder Dolphin is a must for all adrenaline junkies!
Alternatively, if you’re a fan of beautiful panoramas, enjoy the 15-minute ride in The Big O, the park’s very own centerless Ferris Wheel. Cruising high up in the Tokyo sky, The Big O gives you a great view of the park itself, and part of the city. What’s more, when the State of Emergency is lifted again, it comes complete with karaoke, to boost the fun!
Wanna make a splash? Then you have to try your luck in the Wonder Drop. Starting out slow, but gradually amassing speed, this ride packs a lot of excitement, and makes for an unforgettable dive in the water.
And if you’re looking for your fair share of gore, then why not step into the park’s Haunted House “ONRYOU ZASHIKI”? It’s said that an unspeakable tragedy took place inside, and the restless spirits of the dead still roam freely inside. Why not check with your own eyes?
So what’s there not to love about Tokyo Dome?
Packed with fun, exciting rides for young and old alike, the Tokyo Dome City Attractions theme park sounds like the ideal amusement park in Japan! It’s free to enter, but that’s precisely what also might make it a tad too crowded for some visitors.
If you ask us, however, the good far outweighs the bad, especially since the theme park is situated inside the Dome City, smack in the middle of the city. And aside from the exciting rides, you may also enjoy a nice meal in one of the restaurants, a relaxing visit to the spa, or even visit the Tokyo Dome itself!
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Tokyo Amusement Parks: Conclusion
In this guide to amusement parks in Tokyo, we’ve taken you through our six favorite theme parks in the city. They’re all great, and depending on your own particular preferences, each park has a certain advantage.
Let’s start from the top. In our opinion, Yomiuriland Illumination is the best theme park in Tokyo if you’re looking for a classy, unforgettable experience. Now, don’t get us wrong, you’ll have an unforgettable time at any of the above amusement parks. But we feel that the Yomiuriland Illumination offers the best bang for your buck, by combining both entertainment and excitement. With its infamous light shows, Yomiuriland manages to stand out from other, more traditional amusement parks, without missing out on any of the fun its visitors are usually seeking.
If you’re planning the ideal family trip to Tokyo, we suggest hitting up Disneyland and DisneySea. Taking at least two or three days is best to thoroughly enjoy all that these two great parks have to offer. As we’ve already established, your children will love it, and we bet, so will you, from the immense smiles on your children’s faces and your own. Not to mention that the immense Tokyo Disney Resort is its own self-sufficient world. Allow yourself and your children some much needed respite from the “real” world.
If you’re traveling with children but can’t spare the extra couple of days, then Legoland Discovery Center Tokyo might be a better choice. It’s got a lot of kid-friendly attractions, and offers plenty of excitement for Lego fans. Best of all, it can be done in 2 or 3 hours, so it’s great if you’ve only got an afternoon to spare.
A great attraction for both children and adults alike, Sega’s brainchild Tokyo Joypolis is the place to be for video game aficionados. In that sense, it's a hugely versatile amusement park, since it works well solo, as a couple, family, or even with a group of friends.
Lastly, Tokyo Dome Center Attractions is the closest you’ll get to a traditional amusement park, with all the fun, exciting attractions you’re expecting. A nice touch is that you can also enjoy a day at the spa, or visiting the Dome, if you’re booking accommodation near the Tokyo Dome.
So is it worth visiting a theme park in Tokyo?
Definitely! We feel that the guide above offers a little bit for everyone, from young to old, so all that remains is for you to take your pick, depending on your own particular preferences.
While in Japan, a Tokyo amusement park is a must see, to add that extra dash of excitement and the rush of adrenaline that your trip was missing!
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