Japan is an ideal destination for historians, nature lovers, and technophiles. Besides castles and robots, the land of the rising sun is also known for anime and their theme cafes for both kids and adults to enjoy. But where do adrenaline junkies and adventure lovers go?

Theme parks have always made it to the list of everyone’s itineraries. Be it a child or adult, most of us are looking forward to a thrilling and fun-filled vacation. But not everyone is up to adrenaline-induced activities. Nonetheless, there are several world-renowned theme parks that perfectly blend great architecture, mouth-watering food, and lavish entertainment all over Japan.

Disneyland and Disney Sea (Tokyo)

Tokyo Disneyland is the first Disney theme park opened outside the US. It has seven theme lands namely the World Bazaar, Tomorrowland, Toontown, Fantasyland, Critter Country, Westernland, and Adventureland. The theme park is filled with your favorite Disney characters and there are plenty of activities to choose from. You can stop Evil Emperor Zurg from stealing batteries with Buzz Lightyear’s Astro blasters or go for a roller coaster ride in the Big Thunder Mountain.

While anyone can enjoy Tokyo Disney Sea, the theme park is designed to appeal to more adult fans. The park offers a wide selection of restaurants and alcoholic beverages. It is also made up of seven theme ports inspired by sea myths and Disney sea characters. You can join the dark thrill ride of the Journey to the Center of the Earth or bond with your friends over some Italian cuisine at Cafe Portofino.

Sanrio Puroland (Tokyo)

It’s no surprise seeing Hello Kitty, and Patty and Jimmy cafés all over the world. But how about a theme park just for Kitty and her Sanrio friends? Get an overdose of kawaii with Hello Kitty, Gudetama, My Melody and more! Instead of thrilling rides, you can dance and sing along with Sanrio characters in parades and theatre shows or have a chat with the “Lazy Egg” Gudetama. They also serve delectable Sanrio-themed food and the shops offer a variety of Sanrio goodies so you will never go home empty-handed.

Universal Studios (Osaka)

If you want a complete selection of entertainment, Universal Studios is the right place for you. The theme park houses several attractions and rides for adults and kids. Adrenaline junkies can hop on the park’s most extreme ride: The Flying Dinosaur. It has the farthest initial drop of 38 meters.

Universal Studios also offers several stage and street shows featuring Sesame Street, Minions from Despicable Me, and Shrek. Don’t miss out on the most popular attraction at Universal Studios: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Drink the Butterbeer, and get your wand at Ollivanders. But the fun does not end there, you can join the Frog Choir and become a full-fledged wizard with Wand Studies.

Edo Wonderland (Tochigi)

The wonderland features traditional recreations and unique attractions you will never find anywhere else in other theme parks. Edo Wonderland is designed based on Genroku, Edo’s golden era. You will get the full Edo experience as the park’s staff reenact the speech and behavior of Edo era citizens while dressed in traditional attires. Guests can also rent costumes inside the park.

Edo Wonderland does not have roller coaster rides but you will lose your sense of direction and space as you venture inside Kai Kai Ninja House. Try finding your way out of the Karakuri Ninja Maze by interpreting ninja proverbs. To complete your Edo Wonderland experience, don’t miss the opportunity to watch ninjas in action and oiran shows.

Huis Ten Bosch (Sasebo)

Have you ever been in awe of the flowers of the Netherlands? A Dutch-themed park will give you a glimpse of the country without leaving Japan.

The Little Europe is surrounded by life-sized Dutch buildings and windmills. The theme park also boasts its large collection of flowers. It has over 700 species of tulips, 2,000 species of roses, and 300 species of lilies. While Huis Ten Bosch is considered to be a theme park, it is also one of the few parks that do not have roller coaster rides. The European medieval-styled cruiser departs every 15 minutes from the Welcome Gate and has a seating capacity of 51 passengers. They can enjoy the natural scenery and Dutch architecture during the boat ride. If you are visiting the theme park during the Rose Festival, the cruiser becomes a moving garden decorated with different colors of roses.

The theme park comes to life at night. When you visit Huis Ten Bosch from February to May, you will be dazzled by the colorful display of lights. In other months, you will witness firework displays. Huis Ten Bosch also hosts a number of events such as Tulip festival, Masquerade ball carnival, and the Rose festival.

Conclusion

Looking for something fun to do? When you’ve already started living the dream in Japan, whether you’re working or studying, it’s always nice to get away from the books and give yourself a time off. Get to know more about your new friends or classmates and invite them to a fun-filled trip to the theme park.

Motto Japan Group

Motto Japan, the community platform to support foreigners with the foundation for life in Japan, including Japanese study, job opportunities, and housing service. Motto Japan Media will provide a wide variety of information for Japanese fans all over the world, to create a cross-cultural environment and enrich the life of foreign residents in Japan!