The thrill and fun of a ride in a theme park brings joy to kids and adult alike. If you are traveling with friends or family, set aside a day where you can spend time with them in an amusement park.
Japan is home to world-class theme parks like Disneyland and Universal Studio. You might be surprised to know some medium-sized or vintage theme parks that exist in Japan and are still in operation now. Check out the list and add them in your itinerary for your next trip to Japan!
(Disclaimer: Do note that currency conversion is accurate at the time of writing this article and prices mentioned are generally for adults)
Disneyland is no longer foreign in an avid travelers' book. I am sure it is one of the places to visit in your bucketlist. Take your time to stroll in the 7 different theme lands there and enjoy the colorful, vibrant park. Most of the rides in Tokyo Disneyland are kid-friendly! You can even bring your belongings up the roller coaster.
If you stay up till night, you may enjoy the night parade and also the lighting up of Cinderella's castle.
FASTPASS attraction ticket is available for those who dread the long queue. All you need to do is head to the rides with the FASTPASS machine and scan your admission ticket. You will be given an allocated time to enter the rides as reflected on the time window.
I recommend going during the weekdays as it is less crowded to compare to the weekend or even a public holiday.
Halal food: There isn't any halal restaurant in Disneyland. Therefore, you should pack a few snacks which will last you throughout the day.
Prayer room: Head to Main Street House situated near the entrance. You may approach any one of the staff members there and they will show you the allocated Muslim praying corner. Do remember to bring your own prayer mats, prayerwear and Qibla compass as those are not provided.
Admission Ticket: ¥7,400 (SGD94) for adult
Address: 1-1 Maihama, Urayasu, Chiba 279-0031, Japan
Access: Alight at Maihama Station via JR Keiyo Line / Musashino Line, 6 minutes walking distance to from the station.
Image Credit: Tokyo DisneySea
Believe it or not, DisneySea is one of a kind which you cannot find in any other part of the world. What makes it so unique is that it is an "Ocean" themed park inspired by the myths and legends of the sea. DisneySea is suitable for all ages, but personally, I feel that it caters more to adult audiences as some of the rides are much intense to compare to the ones in Disneyland. Similar to Disneyland, DisneySea consists of 7 different theme lands.
If you want to experience an adrenaline rush, ride on Tower of Terror. This ride features a vertical drop in a haunted mansion. My favorite ride in this park will be Journey to The Center of The Earth. This ride will keep you wanting more and don't say that I did not warn you about the dramatic climax.
If you plan to visit both Disneyland and DisneySea, consider getting the 2-day passport and make full use of it. It is available for ¥13,200 (SGD167), which is $20 cheaper than getting a single separate ticket.
Halal food: Similar to Disneyland, there isn't any halal restaurant in DisneySea. So, do bring your own food.
Prayer room: Head to Guest Relation situated near the entrance. Request from the staff and they will provide you a praying space. Remember to bring your own praying mats and Qibla compass as those are not provided.
Admission Ticket: ¥7,400 (SGD94) for adult
Address: 1-13 Maihama, Urayasu, Chiba 279-0031, Japan
Access: Alight at Maihama Station via JR Keiyo Line / Musashino Line. Hop on Disney Resort Line and ride for 10 minutes. Alternatively, you can walk approximately 20 minutes from the station to reach the park.
One would flock to Universal Studios Japan because of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Even if you're not a die-hard Harry Potter fan, there is more to see and ride in this theme park which currently consists of 9 different themed zones. Universal Studios Japan caters to all age groups as it features plenty of kid-friendly and thrilling rides alike.
Bid the crowd to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter by getting the timed-entrance ticket. Similar to the concept of FASTPASS in Disneyland, you will be allocated a timing to enter the zone. For someone who went to Universal Studios Japan on New Year's Day, I was allocated the 3:30PM time slot when I was already at the park at 7AM! (Yes! Universal Studios Japan operates for very long hours due to the countdown party)
Do take note that the price of the ticket varies depending on the dates. Please check the price calendar before purchasing the ticket if you're planning to buy it online (and I suggest that you do!)
Halal food: There aren't any halal eateries in Universal Studio Japan but you can find 'Red Lobster', a seafood restaurant with a Muslim-friendly menu in Universal City Walk.
Prayer room: Head to Guest Service situated near the entrance. Request from the staff and they will provide you a praying space. Remember to bring your own praying mats and Qibla compass as those are not provided.
Admission Ticket: Starting from ¥7,400 (SGD94) for adult
Address: 2 Chome-1-33 Sakurajima, Konohana Ward, Osaka, 554-0031, Japan
Access: Alight at Universal Studios Station via JR Sakurajima Line
Image Credit: Fuji Q Highland
The rides in Fuji Q Highland are not for the faint-hearted. The highlights of this theme park are the 4 major roller coasters, each with record-breaking holders of being the fastest and steepest! There are also haunted houses if you're in the mood for that.
Not to worry if you are not fond of roller coasters, this theme park has many more things to offer. For instance, you can enjoy the view of Mount Fuji as this park is located in the Fuji Five Lake. There is also Thomas Land, an area in the park where kids can enjoy. If you visit Fuji Q during winter, you can enjoy the ice skating rink with family and friends.
This is a pay-as-you-go theme park. There will be no admission ticket to the park as you will only pay for those rides that you want to take.
If you are coming from Tokyo city area, consider getting the round pass from Shinjuku starting from ¥6,900 (SGD87). This package includes round trip transportation by train and a pass to the rides in Fuji Q Highland.
Halal food: Doner Kebab
Prayer room: Newly renovated in February 2019. This room is equipped with a place to perform ablution and Qibla indicator.
Admission Ticket: Rides starting from ¥400 (SGD5), All access pass costs ¥5,700 (SGD72)
Address: 5 Chome-6-1 Shin-Nishihara, Fujiyoshida, Yamanashi 403-0017, Japan
Access: Highway buses available from Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal
If you are into virtual reality and love feeling thrilled, visit Tokyo Joypolis by Sega. This indoor amusement park looks like a portal to another dimension at the entrance and makes you curious standing outside. Did I mention that there is an indoor roller coaster here?
This amusement park is located in DECKS Tokyo Beach in Tokyo Bay area, Odaiba. Witness the Odaiba's Statue of Liberty and then enter this amusement park to kill time before continuing your itinerary of witnessing the infamous Rainbow Bridge.
Entry is allowed for children aged 7 years old and above. You may purchase just the admission ticket and then purchase the ticket for each ride inside or get the all-access pass.
Halal food: No food and drink allowed on the premises. Nearby Halal restaurant: The Oven (Aquacity, Odaiba), Sojibo (DiverCity Tokyo Plaza)
Prayer room: Available in DECKS Tokyo Beach. The prayer room is equipped with a place to perform ablution.
Admission Ticket: Admission only costs ¥800 (SGD10), All-access pass costs ¥4,500 (SGD57)
Address: DECKS Tokyo Beach, 1 Chome-6-1 Daiba, Minato City, Tokyo 135-0091, Japan
Access: Alight at Tokyo Teleport Station via Rinkai Line or Odaiba-Kaihinkoen Station via Yurikamome Line.
Nagashima Spa Land is worth the mention despite it being in Mie prefecture. If you are a roller coaster lover, this should be in your bucketlist. Nagashima Spaland is widely-known as the best theme park for roller coasters in Japan! With almost 12 roller coasters, it will definitely satisfy your desires for roller coasters!
Not to worry for those who are not up for thrilling rides. There are over 50 rides to choose from, ranging from moderate ones suitable for children to Ferris wheels.
In summer, you will be in luck as you can visit the Nagashima Jumbo Ocean Water Pool. This water theme park is packed with water slides and wave pools. It is a must for avid water theme park lovers to include this place in your itinerary for a summer vacation!
Nagashima Spa Land is another part of what Nagashima Resort has to offer. Rest assurred that it will not be a wasted trip as you can visit Mitsui Outlet Park, an outlet mall. You can also enjoy nature in Nabana no Sato, a flower theme park with blooming flowers all year round.
And if you are just looking for a place to wind, chill and relax like the local, you can visit Yuami no Shima, a natural bathhouse which includes day-spa and body-care services.
Halal food: Mega Kebab in Nabana no Sato food court
Admission Ticket: All access pass at ¥5,200 (SGD66)
Address: 333 Nagashimacho Urayasu, Kuwana, Mie, Japan
Access: Direct bus from Nagoya Meitetsu Bus Center is available. Daily coach buses available from Osaka and Kobe (To make an advance reservation).
Credit: Hirakata Park
If you are giving Universal Studio Japan a pass but still want to get some thrill and fun, visit Hirakata Park. I am sure you will love this park as much as I do!
This amusement park is nestled among residential areas. Enjoyable for people of all ages, it is one of the oldest theme parks in Japan. There's not much information on the web on this theme park but rest assured that it's worth a visit. Take note that the usage of English is limited here.
The highlight of the ride here is the wooden roller coaster Elf. Don't be deceived by its material, thinking that it's nothing. I can promise you that this is one of the most exciting roller coasters I have ever ridden. You should also try Crazy Mouse - a ride so popular that it almost always has a long queue!
Hirakata Park isn't only fun because of its nostalgic rides. Due to its vintage-feel, this makes the park picturesque. Furthermore, it is one of the best Cherry Blossom spots in spring. In the summer, you can indulge in the water theme park and during the winter, you can watch the prettiest illumination.
This is a pay-as-you-go theme park. Thus, you may purchase an admission ticket to the park only and then pay for the selective rides separately.
Halal food: Kebab food truck near Red Falcon.
Admission Ticket: ¥4,400 (SGD55) for all access pass
Address: 1-1 Hirakatakoencho, Hirakata
Access: Alight at Hirakata-Koen Station by Keihan Line, 5 minutes walking distance from the station.
The Cosmo Clock 21, formerly known as the biggest Ferris Wheel in the world, is the most iconic trademark of Yokohama Cosmoworld. Overlooking Tokyo Bay, it is an amusement park that can be enjoyed by people of all ages.
The park is divided into 3 main zones; one which consists of rides for kids and toddlers and the other two which consists of more thrilling rides. I recommend you to try 'Vanish', which is a roller coaster that goes straight into the water at high speed, or Ice World where you can feel extremely cold. And if you are daring enough, try out the haunted house!
This is a pay-as-you-go theme park. Thus, you may purchase an admission ticket to the park only and then pay for the selective rides separately.
Halal food: Port Terrace Cafe in JICA Yokohama
Prayer room: Available in Yokohama World Porter. Request from the staff at the information counter to use the prayer room. Prayer mats and Qibla indicator are provided.
Admission Ticket: Rides ranges from ¥300 (SGD4) to ¥800 (SGD10)
Address: 2 Chome-8-1 Shinko, Naka Ward, Yokohama, Kanagawa 231-0001, Japan
Access: Alight at Minatomirai Station by Minatomirai Line or Sakuragicho Station by JR Keihin Tohoku Negishi Line.
Image Credit: Tokyo Dome City
This place is definitely not foreign to people who go to Japan for concerts or baseball matches. Whether you are waiting for a concert to start or just killing time in between shopping, check out this amusement park!
Of course, the highlight of this amusement park is Thunder Dolphin. Its unique course brings you in and out LaQua and goes through the Ferris wheel, Big O. The speedy roller coaster will shake the whole mall, tempting you to get on it but if that doesn't, I don't know what else will!
This is a pay-as-you-go theme park. Thus, you may purchase an admission ticket to the park only and then pay for the selective rides separately.
Halal food: There are no halal eateries around Tokyo Dome City. Therefore, you should pack a few snacks which will last you throughout the day.
Admission Ticket: Ride prices range from ¥420 (SGD5) to ¥1,030 (SGD13)
Address: 1-3-61, Koraku, Bunkyo-Ku, Tokyo 112-8575, Japan
Access: Alight at Korakuen Station by Marunouchi Line or Suidobashi Station by Sobu Line.
So there you have it! The list of theme parks that you can visit when you're in Japan. I am positive that all these theme parks will spark joy and bring about great experiences to your trip, just like how it did to mine!
