12 theme parks to visit in Japan other than Tokyo Disney Resort and USJ
How many of these have you been to?
Following the price hike of the Japan Rail (JR) Pass, even the Japanese theme parks Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea, collectively known as the Tokyo Disney Resort (TDR), and Universal Studios Japan (USJ) are adjusting their admission fees, sadly, higher to manage the crowd distribution.
TDR will see the one-day passport ticket prices reach as high as 10,900 yen (about S$104), including tax from 1 October 2023. It currently retails between 7,900 yen (about S$76) and 9,400 yen (about S$90).
On the other hand, USJ’s one-day studio pass is priced between 8,600 yen (about S$82) and 9,800 yen (about S$94) now. It will reach as high as 10,400 yen (about S$100) come August.
These price differences are a result of non-peak and peak periods like weekends and holidays. For the case of USJ, the increase in price coincides with Japan’s Mountain Day (11 August), which encourages people to pay homage to and appreciate blessings from the mountains, and Obon (13 to 16 August), during which a festival is held to commemorate deceased ancestors.
While you can try and avoid peak periods and adjust your itinerary accordingly to save some money, why not visit these other theme parks that Japan has instead? They may not be as massive in scale, but they are no less interesting and thrilling.
1. Fuji Q Highland
Location: Yamanashi Prefecture
The ultimate destination for adrenaline enthusiasts, Fuji Q Highland is a remarkable theme park nestled at the base of the majestic Mount Fuji. It is where you’ll find world-record-breaking thrill rides and attractions that will keep your heart racing—definitely not for the fainthearted.
Get FujiQ Highland Ticket from S$43.40 here
2. Sanrio Puroland
Location: Tokyo Prefecture
As its name suggests, Sanrio Puroland is where you can meet the beloved Hello Kitty and her adorable companions, including crowd favourites like Gudetama and My Melody.
Get Sanrio Puroland Tokyo Ticket at S$27
3. Hanayashiki
Location: Tokyo Prefecture
Said to be the oldest amusement park in Japan, Hanayashiki, which literally means flower house, was originally a flower park in 1853. This simple and modest theme park has 17 kinds of attractions and lunchrooms.
4. Legoland Japan
Location: Aichi Prefecture
The second Legoland theme park in Asia (after Legoland Malaysia), Legoland Japan is pretty self-explanatory. If you’re a Lego fan, this is your place! …which you probably already know. It has seven themed areas with 40 interactive attractions suitable for people from all walks of life.
Get LEGOLAND Japan Resort Ticket from S$45.80
5. Huis Ten Bosch
Location: Nagasaki Prefecture
Pronounced as haus-ten-bos, Huis Ten Bosch is an exquisite recreation of an authentic Dutch town. It will make you feel it’s nothing like Japan with its picturesque canals, windmills and Dutch architecture. Some highlights include the botanical wonderland City of Flowers and the captivating Kingdom of Light, where the night sky is transformed into a mesmerising spectacle with its enchanting display of twinkling lights.
Get Nagasaki Huis Ten Bosch Ticket from S$47.75
6. Ghibli Park
Location: Aichi Prefecture
Recently opened in November 2022, Ghibli Park is a long-awaited theme park for all Ghibli fans. While there are no big attractions or rides, Ghibli Park represents the world of Studio Ghibli. Areas like Ghibli’s Grand Warehouse, Hill of Youth and Dondoko Forest are now open to the public. Upcoming developments include Valley of Witches and Mononoke Village.
Check out a 2D1N Ghibli Park tour here Ghibli Park Ticket & Nagoya Hotel Accommodation here
7. Yomiuriland
Location: Tokyo Prefecture
Yomiuriland is Tokyo’s largest amusement park—in case you’re wondering, despite its name, it is located in Chiba Prefecture, right next to Tokyo Prefecture. This theme park is known for transforming with the seasons, offering different views and atmospheres throughout the year. It also hosts the largest-scale illumination in the Kanto region called Jewellumination every autumn to spring, decorating the park in sparkling jewellery-coloured lights.
8. Nijigen No Mori
Location: Hyogo Prefecture
Nijigen No Mori is an anime theme park that houses Naruto-themed attractions, a Crayon Shin-chan outdoor adventure park and a life-sized Godzilla. Yes, life-sized. In fact, it is part of a zip line course and you literally propel into its terrifying mouth with razor-sharp teeth just as it’s about to let out its Atomic Breath.
9. Edo Wonderland
Location: Tochigi Prefecture
Edo Wonderland will transport you back to the 17th century with its impeccably recreated village of the Edo Period (1603-1868). Even if you’re not a history buff, you’ll be delighted to know this is the period of ninjas and samurais. You can also rent traditional costumes to fully immerse yourself in the historical setting that you usually only see in the movies.
Get Edo Wonderland Ticket here
10. Tokyo Joypolis
Location: Tokyo Prefecture
Unlike the others in this list, Tokyo Joypolis is an indoor theme park operated by gaming company Sega. A haven for gamers, this unusual theme park offers over 20 different thrilling rides, VR attractions, realistic simulators, and arcade games.
11. Moominvalley Park
Location: Saitama Prefecture
Moominvalley Park is the first-ever Moomin-themed park located outside of Finland, where the white, hippopotamus-looking character was created. The theme park has multiple attractions including Moominhouse, Emma’s Theatre, Hobgoblin’s Zipline and Hemulen’s Playground.
Get Moominvalley Park Ticket in Hanno here
12. Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo
Location: Tokyo Prefecture
Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo - The Making of Harry Potter opened last month on the former site of Toshimaen amusement park. It is the largest indoor Harry Potter attraction in the world and the first Warner Bros. Studio Tour to open in Asia. Featuring iconic sets such as the Great Hall, Diagon Alley, and the Hogwarts Express on Platform 9 3/4, this large-scale, immersive facility that recreates the world of Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts films is a must-visit for fans of the Wizarding World.
Get Warner Bros. Studio Tour ticket here
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