Japan is known for all things unique, wild, and sometimes weird — so it’s no surprise that they’re also home to an eclectic range of theme parks that fit the bill. Here are nine must-visit spots for those seeking theme park alternatives to avoid those rising peak prices! 

Japan is synonymous with good food, amazing sights, and plenty of adventures. So when we talk about theme parks, it’s going to be an epic treat. Plus, Japan is home to some of the most amazing theme parks in Asia, so if you’re planning to dedicate a day or two to rediscovering your inner child, let this list be your guide!

And in case you didn’t know, Tokyo Disneyland, DisneySea, and Universal Studios Japan are increasing their admission prices for peak periods from mid-August onwards. These prices are set to top ¥10,000 (~S$94.54) 😭 So, if you’re looking to expand your options and invest in cheaper theme park alternatives in the Land of the Rising Sun, we’ve got your back. From gyoza-centred attractions to parks dedicated to all things anime, read on for the nine must-visit theme parks to visit on your next trip to Japan! 👇

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1. Ghibli Park

Image Credits: Time Out

Well, it’s no surprise that this tops the list. We’ve all pined for a Ghibli-like life, thanks to its dreamy, cottage-core aesthetic that romanticises a simpler life. Now with the park finally open, we can all live out that life — even if just for a little while! 

Located in Nagakute City near Nagoya, the Park is approximately three hours away by train from Tokyo. While there are no themed rides like what you’d find in Tokyo Disneyland, from a real-life recreation of Tatara-ba of Princess Mononoke to a huuuge sleeping Totoro from the classic My Neighbour Totoro, there are plenty of photo ops, immersive exhibitions, and even easter eggs for you to get busy with.

At the time of writing, only three of the five planned sections are open, but it’s definitely still worth the visit especially if you’re a hardcore Studio Ghibli fan like we are!

Address: Expo 2005 Aichi Commemorative Park 1533-1, Ibaragabasama, Nagakute City, Aichi

Opening Hours: Wed to Fri, 10 AM – 5 PM. Sat to Mon, 9 AM – 5 PM

Admission: From ¥2,000 (~S$18.80) | From ¥1,900 (~S$17.86). Get up to 5% cashback on Klook with YouTrip Perks

10 Theme Parks To Visit In Japan 2023: Learn more about Ghibli Park here.

2. Namco Namja Town

Image credits: Where In Tokyo

Anything and everything goes in Japan. Like this gyoza-centred, cat-hosted theme park located in the famous Sunshine City complex in Ikebukuro, Tokyo. For an affordable ¥300 entry fee, you’ll get full access to one of Japan’s largest indoor amusement parks, but not before being greeted by a human-sized cat mascot at the door — a harbinger of the weird and wonderful you’ll be experiencing. 

While you can take your pick from a variety of old-school carnival type of games and activities (think fun house mirrors, a haunted house, and a range of shooting galleries), the most popular attractions are the Gyoza Stadium and Ice Cream City. For what it’s worth, we absolutely adore the very dramatic naming conventions. 

Over at Gyoza Stadium, you’ll get to take your pick from over a dozen curated gyoza shops each hailing from different parts of Japan — giving you the opportunity to try over 100 varieties. Once you’re done, head up to the Ice Cream City and take your pick from over 50 unique flavours. While there are safe yet artisanal options like roasted green tea or strawberry mille-feuille on the menu, you’d be doing yourself a huge disservice if you don’t try the exotic AF flavours such as oyster, beef tongue, or grilled eggplant. 

This theme park is as gimmicky as it gets, but that’s also what makes it so charming. Our tip? Make your trip to Namja Town a side quest, not the main mission; Ikebukuro is home to an eclectic range of attractions, art galleries, bars, and restaurants, too! 

Address: 3-1-3, Higashi-Ikebukuro, 2F Sunshine City World Import Mart, Toshima 170-0013 Tokyo 

Opening Hours: Daily, 10 AM – 8 PM

Admission: From ¥300 (~S$2.80), not inclusive of food, drinks, and certain attractions

10 Theme Parks To Visit In Japan 2023: Learn more about Namco Namja Town here.

3. Spa World

Image credits: Osaka Station

Yes, a gigantic hot spring theme park is a thing. 

Situated in the Shinseikai city of Osaka, Spa World is, as its name suggests, home to a variety of internationally-themed hot spring baths and saunas. It sounds slightly peculiar, but you’ll understand in just a minute. 

The natural hot spring baths at Spa World have two zones — the European Zone and the Asian Zone. The former boasts a variety of bathing areas reminiscent of Ancient Rome, a Greek-style medical herbal bath, as well as a Finnish bath house. Over at the Asian Zone, you can expect the classic Japanese hinoki bath and even Persian and Balinese-style baths. 

Do note that while it may be tempting to travel the world, these onsen zones are each assigned a gender that switches every month i.e. on odd-numbered months, the European Zone can only be used by women, and the Asian Zone is only used by men. 

If you prefer a little steam, there is a dedicated floor for stone saunas (also internationally themed!). However, they are separate from the onsen baths and require a separate fee to use. And in line with all that the word ’spa’ entails, other facilities up for exploration include a swimming pool with water slides, a gym, a tanning salon, and massage services — sounds pretty epic to us!

Address: 3 Chome-4-24 Ebisuhigashi, Naniwa Ward, Osaka, 556-0002, Japan

Opening Hours: Daily, 10 AM – 8:45 AM (a.k.a. nearly 24/7)

Admission: ¥1,500 (~S$14.10), not inclusive of any add-on amenities | From ¥1,425 (~S$13.40). Get up to 5% cashback on Klook with YouTrip Perks

10 Theme Parks To Visit In Japan 2023: Learn more about Spa World here.

4. Fuji-Q Highland

Image credits: WAttention.com

Does adrenaline course through your veins on the daily? If so, then Fuji-Q Highland might be the theme park for you. 

Known for its record-breaking roller coasters and other crazy rides, Fuji-Q is really, really not for the faint of heart. Some accolades include a roller coaster with the fastest acceleration in the world, another with the most number of inversions, as well as the steepest roller coaster with a drop at an angle of 121˚.

Image credits: Giphy

The park is also located at the foot of Mt. Fuji, which is quite a beauty contradiction if you ask us — peaceful, scenic views as you take on some of the world’s most extreme rides. If you’re travelling with kids or prefer something a little less anxiety-inducing, you’d be pleased to learn that there are plenty of less intense rides for you to try your hand at. 

And if you need to get rid of all the remaining adrenaline, the Fuji Five Lakes area is within close proximity, so you can bask in the stillness of nature if you need it. 

Address: 5 Chome-6-1 Shinnishihara, Fujiyoshida, Yamanashi 403-0017, Japan

Opening Hours: Mon to Fri, 9 AM – 5 PM. Sat & Sun, 9 AM – 6 PM. Closed on Thursdays.

Admission: While admission is free, you’d have to pay for individual rides. Instead, opt for their one-day entry pass for unlimited entry from ¥6,400 (~S$60.20) | From ¥6,080 (~S$57.19). Get up to 5% cashback on Klook with YouTrip Perks

10 Theme Parks To Visit In Japan 2023: Learn more about Fuji-Q Highland here.

5. Yoro Park

Image credits: Reversible Destiny Foundation

Disneyland too mainstream for your liking? If you prefer an offbeat and slightly peculiar experience, then Yoro Park answers the call. 

This almost surrealist natural reserve is located in Gifu, Nagoya, and is a self-professed experience-centred theme park where visitors are told to “expect the unexpected” — after all, it’s also frequently known as the Site of Reversible Destiny, so… yeah.

Designed by internationally acclaimed architect-artists Shusaku Arakawa and Madeline Gins, the Site of Reversible Destiny was conceptualised to disturb our innate sense of balance and perspective — by utilising as little horizontal and vertical lines as possible in their structures — ultimately challenging the way we view life, death, and consciousness as we know it. 

Highlights of the Site include the Elliptical Field, a large bowl-shaped basin that features an intricate network of 148 paths, the Reversible Destiny Office, a slightly disorienting room with an uneven pastel-coloured maze with a ceiling that mirrors the design of what’s on the ground, and the Critical Resemblance House that includes a maze with bisecting furniture and a map of the Gifu prefecture forming its roof. 

If it’s a little too much for your travel buddies, fret not. Yoro Park is home to plenty of amazing natural attractions, so they can wander off on their own before meeting back for the day!

Address: 1298-2 Takabayashi, Yoro, Yoro District, Gifu 503-1267, Japan

Opening Hours: Daily, 9 AM – 5 PM. Closed on Tuesdays.

Admission: ¥700 (~S$6.60)

10 Theme Parks To Visit In Japan 2023: Learn more about Yoro Park here.

6. Nijien no Mori

Image credits: Travel Japan

Calling all Anime fans: this one’s for you! Located on Awaji Island, just over an hour by public transport from Osaka, Nijien no More is dedicated to fans of Naruto, Dragon Quest, Godzilla, and Crayon Shin-chan — a curious mix of characters, but definitely ones with a cult following! 

(Tip: the park sometimes does special collaborations, like their most recent one with Demon Slayer — which comes at a slightly different price. So do check ahead on their website to find out more!)

Within each anime’s world, you’ll find an impressive and unique range of activities — from zip lining to brain teasers, and other tech-forward activities that you won’t find elsewhere. Did we mention you can also try your hand at a high-element obstacle course? Such a multifaceted theme park! 

Like many other theme parks, there are also plenty of thrilling rides and attractions to enjoy, like a reverse bungee and haunted house, so if you’re visiting Nijien no Mori only as a supportive travel companion, you can rest assured knowing that there are plenty of other things to do as well! 

Oh, if you’re a big Naruto and Boruto fan, this is your chance to try out some of the iconic dishes from the series — like Naruto’s favourite Ichiraku ramen, or Sasuke’s favourite onigiri. Yum. 

Address: 656-2301 Kusumoto, Awaji City, Hyogo Prefecture 2425-2

Opening Hours: Daily from 10 AM – 8 PM (timing may differ based on attraction — check website for more details) 

Admission: General admission is free, but individual attractions require separate entrance fees, which start from ¥2,500 (~S$23.50) for adults, and ¥1,200 (~S$11.30) for children. We recommend booking your tickets online as entry may be limited!

❗️ Tip: Get up to 5% cashback on Klook with YouTrip Perks

10 Theme Parks To Visit In Japan 2023: Learn more about Nijien no Mori here.

7. Harmonyland

Image credits: Klook

It’s not quite a Hello Kitty theme park, and neither is it a full-on Sanrio theme park like how Puroland was designed — but either way, it’s a charmingly random mix of characters that stay true to the whimsy that Japan is well known for. 

Located in Kyushu, Japan, Harmonyland is a great way to get your theme park fix if your trip to Japan is dedicated to exploring the western parts like Hiroshima and Fukuoka. What we like is that, unlike Puroland which focuses on more indoor activities, Harmonyland functions more like an amusement park with a pretty decent variety of rides and shows — almost like a toned-down Disneyland, if you will. 

We reckon it’s catered more to those travelling with young children, but if you’re a hardcore Sanrio fan, then this one’s a great way for you to relive your childhood!

Address: 879-1502 Oita, Hayami District, Fiji, Fujiwara, 5933

Opening Hours: Fri to Tues, 10 AM – 5 PM. Closed on Wednesdays and Thursdays.

Admission: ¥3,300 (~S$31.00). Kids under 3 years of age enter free | From ¥3,135 (~S$29.45). Get up to 5% cashback on Klook with YouTrip Perks

10 Theme Parks To Visit In Japan 2023: Learn more about Harmonyland here.

8. Edo Wonderland

Image credits: The Japan Times

Culture vultures, this one’s for you! Steep yourself in Japanese history at this Edo-era-themed attraction. Once you set foot into Edo Wonderland, you’ll find yourself transported back to the 17th century, completely surrounded by buildings modelled after traditional Edo architecture. 

Then, it’s a full-on immersion — think delicious Edo cuisine, traditional performances, and even a chance to learn how to be a mighty ninja or samurai. For the full-fledged experience, you can even rent a Kimono or a Yukata and walk around the fully reconstructed town with main character energy vibes. 

Address: 470-2 Karakura, Nikko, Tochgi 321-2524, Japan

Opening Hours: Daily, 9 AM – 5 PM. Closed on Wednesdays.

Admission: From ¥5,800 (~S$54.50) for adults, and ¥3,000 (~S$28.20) for children. Prices are not inclusive of any add-ons and special packages | From ¥5,510 (~S$51.78) for adults and ¥2,850(~S$26.79) for children. Get up to 5% cashback on Klook with YouTrip Perks

10 Theme Parks To Visit In Japan 2023: Learn more about Edo Wonderland here.

9. Adventure World

Image credits: Adventure World

A zoo, aquarium, safari, and an amusement park in one place? The Japanese have outdone themselves once again. With 800 square kilometres of real estate, the folks behind Adventure World really rose up to the occasion, with a wide variety of activities, exhibits, and attractions for you to get busy with. 

Located about 2 hours away from Osaka, and situated in Wakayama, a ticket to Adventure World allows you to go from feeding hippopotami and walking miniature horses at one moment to touching the sky in their rollercoaster and ocean view Ferris wheel in the next. 

It’s a perfect adventure for those travelling with young families, and those who love immersing themselves in where the wild things are. 

Address: 2399 Katata, Shirahama, Nishimuro District, Wakayama 649-2201, Japan

Opening Hours: Daily, 10 AM – 5 PM. Closed on Wednesdays.

Admission: From ¥5,300 (~S$49.80) for adults, and ¥3,300 (~S$31.00) for children. Prices are not inclusive of any add-ons and special packages.

10 Theme Parks To Visit In Japan 2023: Learn more about Adventure World here. 

Play Like A Local!

Image credits: Mainichi

We hope that you’ll find this list useful when planning your Japan travel itinerary and finding cheaper alternatives to rising theme park costs! Just remember to make use of your YouTrip Card and score the best Japanese yen rates all day when purchasing your tickets. Plus, don’t skimp out on your YouTrip Perks for extra savings!

As Singapore’s favourite multi-currency wallet, we aim to get those pesky fees out of the way and help you save on your travels. With the best foreign exchange rates, no longer will you have to deal with those long queues at money changers! So if you’re looking for a go-to travel card, sign up for your complimentary YouTrip card today with <YTBLOG5> and get FREE S$5 in your account! For more great tips and articles like this, join our Telegram (@YouTripSG) and subscribe to our free weekly newsletter here or down below.  

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Bon voyage!

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