Are you a casual traveler or a thrill seeker? Whichever your answer may be, Japan boasts a wide selection of unique theme parks guaranteed to cater to your taste in fun. Heart-pounding roller coaster rides, immersive experiences, and unforgettable animal interactions are just some examples of what Japanese theme parks offer. Discover the park that suits you best below!

 

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1. For all Ghibli fans: Ghibli Park (Aichi Prefecture)

 

The Elevator Tower inspired by the Ghibli films Castle In The Sky and Howl’s Moving Castle. Photo Credit: © Studio Ghibli

 

Studio Ghibli fans, rejoice! A day spent at Ghibli Park is a must. This park in Aichi Prefecture is a must-visit destinationfor those who were enraptured by works such as Spirited Away, Kiki's Delivery Service, Howl's Moving Castle, Princess Mononoke, and more.

 

The park opened in 2022 at the Expo 2005 Aichi Commemorative Park (also known as the Moricoro Park) and has five areas to explore within the park: Ghibli’s Grand Warehouse, Hill of Youth, Dondoko Forest, Mononoke Village, and its newest addition — Valley of Witches. You can lose yourself in exploring their many exhibits and shops that whisk you away to the different worlds of Studio Ghibli.

 

Howl’s Castle. Holders of the Ghibli Park O-Sanpo Day Pass Premium can explore inside. Photo Credit: © Studio Ghibli

 

When visiting the park, fans can’t miss an exclusive Studio Ghibli short film being shown in Cinema Orion at the Ghibli’s Grand Warehouse. These short films are shown only at the park and the Ghibli Museum in Mitaka, Tokyo, so make sure to drop by the cinema. In the same area, you can also find various artifacts, exhibits, and even play areas for children from your favorite Studio Ghibli films.

 

Valley of Witches, the park’s newest area, is a European-style townscape inspired by the worlds of Studio Ghibli's witch-related films such as Kiki's Delivery Service, Howl's Moving Castle, and Earwig and the Witch. Here, you can visit the bakery where Kiki lives, where you can buy some bread to take home. Explore Howl’s Castle and drop by the hat shop Sophie manages to get a hat and some candies. Apart from these, there are more areas and shops to see — so come prepared to be amazed!

 

※ Please note that you can only enter the following buildings with the Ghibli Park O-Sanpo Day Pass Premium: World Emporium (Hill of Youth), Satsuki and Mei’s House (Dondoko Forest), The Okino Residence, Howl’s Castle, and The House of Witches (Valley of Witches).

 

2. For the kawaii lover: SANRIO CHARACTER PARK HARMONYLAND (Oita Prefecture)

 

Step into Hello Kitty’s world. Photo Credit: ©2024 SANRIO CO.,LTD.

 

Spend a day with Hello Kitty and friends at SANRIO CHARACTER PARK HARMONYLAND! Known as the bigger sibling of the popular Sanrio Puroland in Tokyo, Harmonyland is located in Oita Prefecture. The bigger space means bigger attractions, and Harmonyland has many of them!

 

If you’re a fan of everything Hello Kitty, you can visit Hello Kitty in the majestically pink Kitty Castle. Aside from the numerous cute photo areas, there’s also a dedicated area where you can meet with Hello Kitty herself!

 

Want to see more of the other Sanrio characters too? Head on to the Sanrio Characters’ Fun Plaza. Here, you can find a photo area featuring Kuromi and the amusement area where you can assemble your very own name keychain — complete with your favorite Sanrio character. You can also try your luck at the various crane games and gachapon vending machines for adorable collectibles to take home. For those who want to see the park from above and a unique panoramic view of Oita Prefecture, add the Big Ferris Wheel Wonder Panorama to your agenda.

 

Big Ferris Wheel Wonder Panorama has Sanrio characters on the carriages! Photo Credit: ©2024 SANRIO CO.,LTD.

 

Another not-to-be-missed experience? The enchanting live shows, including  “parade parallel” featuring Hello Kitty, her friends, and a 360-degree LED screen. Finally, birthday celebrants have the privilege of an exclusive show during their birthday month — just bring an ID with you to avail this treat!

 

3. For the adrenaline rush seeker: Fuji-Q Highland (Yamanashi Prefecture)

 

Fly through the skies with the FUJIYAMA SLIDER or hike down from the top of FUJIYAMA WALK! Photo Credit: Fuji-Q Highland

 

For the taste of cutting-edge Japanese technology, head over to Fuji-Q Highland in Yamanashi Prefecture. Once world record-breaking roller coasters take you to new heights before making your stomach drop with fast descents and loop-de-loops.

 

If you crave an endless rush, try the Fujiyama—King of Coasters. Since its debut in 1996, this roller coaster has held four world records for being the fastest, tallest, and longest roller coaster drop. Aside from Fujiyama, the park has more roller coasters that will satisfy your adventurous spirit. Feel your stomach turn on the Eejanaika—4th Dimension Hypercoaster and the thrilling steep fall on the Takabisha—Steepest Roller Coaster. If you want to take a break from the roller coasters, Fuji-Q Highland Park also has one of the scariest haunted houses that should not be missed.

 

An amazing view of Mt. Fuji awaits you at the Fujiyama - King of Coasters Sky Deck. Photo Credit: Fuji-Q Highland

 

Additionally, you can visit the Fujiyama Tower, where you can experience the exhilarating FUJIYAMA WALK, a courageous hike down from the top without handrails, and FUJIYAMA SLIDER, a heart-stopping descent down a 55-meter course! After having your share of fun on these attractions, head to the observatory for an unobstructed view of Mt. Fuji.

 

 

 

4. For the sea animal lover: Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise (Kanagawa Prefecture)

 

Found off the coast of Yokohama Bay, the Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise is an amusement facility that houses aquariums, a theme park, a shopping area, restaurants, and a hotel.

 

Enjoy a walk underwater at Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise’s aquariums. Photo Credit: Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise

 

This one-of-a-kind theme park is home to sea, island, and living creatures. Aqua Resorts, in particular, is where you can meet these living creatures. The resort has four aquariums featuring 700 species and 120,000 living creatures including dolphins, polar bears, penguins, and walruses. It’s also where you can find various entertainment and interactive activities that give visitors a deeper understanding of the animals’ lives and behaviors.

 

Soar over the ocean on the Surf Coaster Leviathan. Photo Credit: Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise

 

Over in Pleasure Land, the park’s amusement zone, have a blast riding more than 16 rides and attractions. Jump on the Surf Coaster Leviathan, a 1,271-meter-long roller coaster course with loops that jut out over the ocean. Or if you’re more of a sightseeing traveler, ride up the Sea Paradise Tower to get a panoramic view of the island — and, on a clear day, a view of Mt. Fuji in the distance.

 

5. For the immersive thrill fanatic: Immersive Fort Tokyo

 

Solve mysteries with Sherlock Holmes!
Photo by: Immersive Fort Tokyo
SHERLOCK HOLMES, DR. WATSON, and are trademarks of Conan Doyle Estate Ltd.®

 

Hailed as the first immersive theme park experience, Immersive Fort Tokyo is a brand-new Japanese theme park that transports you beyond the screen into the worlds of popular films, anime, or games with each dedicated theater or attraction. Rather than being a passive observer, you’ll be transformed into the protagonist of your favorite stories - no acting experience required!

 

Try to escape a burning building with the Tokyo Mangi Gang.
Photo by: Immersive Fort Tokyo
©Ken Wakui, KODANSHA / TOKYO REVENGERS Anime Production Committee.

 

Solve mysteries with Sherlock Holmes in The SHERLOCK Immersive Theatre, or escape a burning building together with the Tokyo Manji Gang in Tokyo Revengers Immersive Escape. Want to learn hidden truths about Hansel and Gretel? Find the answer to these secrets in Immersive Stories. For those who want the scariest and most thrilling experience, face off with one of the world’s most infamous serial killers in Jack the Ripper Immersive Horror Maze.

 

Before ending your exciting day, don’t forget to stop by the immersive restaurants! Chill out at the Tokyo Manji Gang members’ usual hangout in Tokyo Revengers Cafe Flower or lose yourself in the food and live performances at The Cabaret. Then, end your day by grabbing a sweet, cold dessert at Dolce Vita.

 

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