When Pinoys think of amusement parks to visit in Japan, Universal Studios Japan or Tokyo Disney Resort often come to mind. But if you’re a traveler looking for a different kind of thrill, Yomiuriland in Tokyo may be the amusement park you’re looking for.

 

©︎Yomiuriland

 

A brief look into Yomiuriland’s history and current appeal

 

This amusement park, opened in 1964, is best known for its combination of fun and adrenaline-inducing attractions matched with an amazing natural landscape that changes depending on the season. Imagine riding on roller coasters and other high-speed rides with cherry blossoms or gorgeous autumn foliage at your periphery. 

 

Yomiuriland has over 40 attractions comprising thrilling and family-friendly rides. It also has souvenir shops and food stalls. 

 

The areas in Yomiuriland

 

©︎Yomiuriland

 

Yomiuriland is divided into several themed areas, covering different types of attractions and concepts. 

 

First is the Family Area which has many kid-friendly rides like the Animal Coaster, Sweets Cup, and the Giant Ferris Wheel. 

 

Next is the Bandit Area, which has attractions like the Animal Rescue shooting rideand the iconic Bandit roller coaster – the amusement park’s fastest ride.

 

At Plaza Stage of the Sun, you can find cute animal-themed rides, like Frog Hopper and Merry-Go-Land Dog. These attractions are perfect for kids and also kids-at-heart guests who want a more relaxed but fascinating experience.

 

©︎Yomiuriland

 

Perhaps the biggest area in the amusement park is the Goodjoba!! Area, which has 16 attractions. It has interactive spaces like Campus Challenge and Custom Garage, and more exciting rides like U.F.O Bump and the Spin Runway, Japan’s “first spiral-lift roller coaster”. 

 

Interestingly, all attractions at Goodjoba!! are themed after monozukuri (Japanese craftsmanship), highlighting five industries: automotive, food, fashion, bungu (stationery), and health. This area separates Yomiuriland from other amusement parks, as it allows visitors to get a fun hands-on, family-friendly experience with manufacturing. 

 

©︎Yomiuriland

 

There’s also Flag Street, which has 12 attractions including the Haunted House, the Hero Training Center “Mission8”, and the Looping Starship. This is definitely the location for those aspiring to unleash their inner superheroes. 

 

For the bold and daring, Lan Lan Area will surely be an area you can’t miss. This area has attractions like the Bungee Jump, the Milky Way swing, Hashibiro GO! a.k.a. Japan’s “first mega Disc’ O” and Crazy Hyuuu/Crazy Stoooon which is a high-drop ride. 

 

 

©︎Yomiuriland

 

The Aqua Area is known for its, as you guessed it, aquatic-themed rides. However, the main highlight of this location is that it transforms into a waterpark complete with five pools and three different slides during the summer. 

 

Yomiuriland’s other highlights

 

If you think you’ve heard everything there is to love about Yomiuriland, you’ll be surprised to learn that this amusement park still has more for you to enjoy. 

 

©︎Hana-biyori

 

Yomiuriland can be accessed from the Keio Yomiuriland Station through the Gondola Sky Shuttle which gives you a great view of the park’s surrounding flora. It’s also right next to Hana-Biyori, a botanical garden that displays beautiful seasonal flowers in different arrangements. 

 

Park admission fees range from JPY1,000 to JPY1,800 and one-day passes (admission plus all-you-can-ride) range from JPY2,400 to JPY5,800. 

 

Yomiuriland Address: 4015-1 Yanokuchi, Inagi City, Tokyo 206-8725, Japan How to access: Ride the Gondola Sky Shuttle directly from Keio Yomiuriland Station