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Enter worlds of wonder at Japan’s many exciting theme parks. Whether you want to experience the latest cutting-edge technology, ride roller coasters that provide magnificent views, or become a samurai for a day, there’s a park in Japan that can give you exactly what you want. Enhance your next trip to some of the most popular tourist centers and hidden gems around the country by swinging by a one-of-a-kind amusement park and having a thrilling adventure that you can’t experience anywhere else. Here are some of the top choices:
Have a Magical Time with Harry Potter
Located less than 20 minutes from Ikebukuro Station, Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo – The Making of Harry Potter is the first Studio Tour in Asia, and it’s proven to be a massive hit with visitors since opening. The studio went all out with “The Making of Harry Potter” experience, creating the largest indoor Harry Potter-related facility in the world, one that allows guests to step into the behind the scenes of film making. Building on the success of Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – the Making of Harry Potter which has maintained outstanding visitor ratings since opening in 2012, the Tokyo version featuring exclusive sets only available in this location.
During the tour, you will be able to visit the Great Hall of Hogwarts, board the Hogwarts Express at Platform 9 3/4, traverse through the Forbidden Forest or sightsee around Diagon Alley. Guests can also travel to the Ministry of Magic through an enchanted fireplace amidst spellbinding smoke and lighting effects, all while taking photos and videos of their magical experience on a 300-square-meter set. Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo is the first place in Asia to offer this amazing attraction. But that is just the beginning: There is also a greenscreen experience where you can see what you look like riding a flying broomstick, become a moving Hogwarts portrait, or join the cheering crowds at a Quidditch match. There is so much to do that you may even feel like someone cast Wingardium Leviosa on your head. All the costumes and props have been hand-crafted by veterans of multiple movie productions, allowing visitors an insider’s perspective on the fascinating art of filmmaking.
To make sure you keep up your strength, fuel up between all the fun with a British-inspired menu at one of the studio’s cafés, all of which include plenty of sweets and, naturally, Butterbeer, the iconic Harry Potter beverage. Fortunately, to experience it all, you won’t have to send any messages by owl; a simple reservation in advance will suffice.
‘Wizarding World’ and all related names, characters and indicia are trademarks of and © Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. – Wizarding World publishing rights © J.K. Rowling.
Become a Japanese Historical Drama Star at Toei Kyoto Studio Park
After a thorough tour of Japan’s 1,000-year-old former capital of Kyoto, why not try something different by embracing Japanese historical dramas at Toei Kyoto Studio Park, easily accessible via a 20-minute train ride from Kyoto Station. Toei Group’s companies are behind the production of some of the most famous Japanese film properties ever including Sailor Moon, Dragon Ball and One Piece, but the group is also known in Japan for its Samurai period shows and movies (called Jidaigeki). That is the reason why the park was designed to resemble a town from the Edo period (1603 – 1868), which wasn’t just for decoration. Over 200 period-specific movies are made there every year, and you can actually witness a production in progress while visiting the immersive space.
And you can do much more than just watch people playact Samurais, Ninjas, and Geishas. You can dine in restaurants that look like something straight out of a period drama or dress up in rented period costumes and stroll through the 53,000-square-meter grounds, enjoying the sights and feeling like you have traveled back in time. You can also catch the Ninja Show “Shinobi no Okite” (Law of the Ninja) and cheer at beautifully choreographed fights between daring swordsmen and a Ninja wearing a fox mask. Toei Kyoto Studio Park also claims to have one of the scariest haunted houses in history on their premises so go ahead and test the truth of that boast – if you think you can handle it!
In addition to all the above attractions, the park does not ignore Toei’s glorious animation history; in fact, it includes exciting photo spots for fans of the Evangelion anime series. If you have ever wanted to be photographed inside an Evangelion entry plug or while standing on the palm of a giant Eva, Toei Kyoto Studio Park is the only place where you can do it. The facility is scheduled to undergo a series of renovations between 2024 and 2028 and the first phase of the extensive overhaul is scheduled for 2025.
Satisfy Your Need for Speed Near Mt. Fuji
Vehicle lovers, start your engines and set course for the Fuji Motorsports Forest! Located in northeastern Shizuoka prefecture, an area known for spectacular views of Mt. Fuji, the theme park is dedicated to cars and, of course, speed. Your adventure begins at the Welcome Center, which showcases the latest and most exciting vehicles of the modern racing scene. The area is adjacent to the Rookie Racing Garage, where you will get to observe mechanics at work inside a racing-team garage, a space usually inaccessible to the public. Fuji Motorsports Forest includes the legendary Fuji Speedway used for the FIA World Endurance Championship in the 1980s where today you can rent a car and drive on a FIA-certificated international track. Visitors can admire Sector 3, the last turn that makes up one third of the Fuji Speedway track, from the rooms of the Fuji Speedway Hotel inside the Motorsports Forest. They can also test it out themselves on selected days.
For a high-velocity experience where you do not have to bother with controls, there is the famous Fuji-Q Highland amusement park in Yamanashi Prefecture, home to some of the most extreme roller coasters in the world, not far from the sacred mountain from which the park takes its name. Ride the Eejanaika 4th Dimension Hypercoaster, a Guinness-certified attraction with the world’s highest number of seat rotations (14 in total),which combined with the twists and turns of the coaster, make for one of the most extreme experiences you will ever have. When it comes to sheer drops, nothing beats Fuji-Q Highland’s Takabisha, which was the steepest roller coaster in the world (with a maximum falling angle of 121 degrees) until 2019. The park also caters to younger visitors with anime-inspired attractions like the Naruto X Boruto Ninja Voltage 3D Shooting Ride where move around Hidden Leaf Village shooting at targets and trying to score the most points. For the youngest kids, there’s Thomas Land based on the world of Thomas the Tank Engine, as well as an area inspired by the French children’s characters Lisa and Gaspard.
What to Look Forward to in the Future
Yambaru, in the north of Okinawa’s main island, is a tropical paradise of forests and rare animals where you can experience unspoiled nature. In 2025, it will also become the site of JUNGLIA, an adventure-themed large-scale park mixing excitement and luxury. Preparations are underway at the 60-hectare site to make JUNGLIA ready for its upcoming grand opening, after which visitors will be able to enjoy nature in fresh, amazing ways including on ziplines, from hot-air balloons and from the comfort of an infinity spa. The unique destination promises to be “the most exciting experience of your life” through its massive scale and variety of delights.
Japan is home to many amusement facilities and theme parks offering unforgettable attractions, from exciting roller coasters to places that will transport you to another universe. Come enjoy these unique out-of-this-world experiences that can only be found in Japan.
Supported by Japan National Tourism Organization
Notes:
- The above details are correct as of the time of publication, and are subject to change.
If you’d like to download photos and videos of Japan’s tourist attractions, please visit the Japan Online Media Center (JOMC)
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