{"id":11488,"date":"2016-05-24T11:20:36","date_gmt":"2016-05-24T10:20:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.insidejapantours.com\/?p=11488"},"modified":"2016-05-24T11:15:41","modified_gmt":"2016-05-24T10:15:41","slug":"japans-best-theme-parks-definitive-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/2016\/05\/24\/japans-best-theme-parks-definitive-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"Japan\u2019s best theme parks: The definitive guide"},"content":{"rendered":"<h4>Like this post? Help us by sharing it!<\/h4><ul class=\"wpfai-list\"><li class=\"wpfai-list-item facebook\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F11488&amp;t=\" title=\"Facebook\" class=\"wpfai-facebook wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-facebook fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item twitter\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/twitter.com\/share?text=&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F11488\" title=\"Twitter\" class=\"wpfai-twitter wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-twitter fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item pinterest\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/pinterest.com\/pin\/create\/button\/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F11488&amp;description=&amp;media=\" title=\"Pinterest\" class=\"wpfai-pinterest wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-pinterest fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item linkedin\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/linkedin.com\/shareArticle?mini=true&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F11488&amp;title=\" title=\"Linked In\" class=\"wpfai-linkedin wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-linkedin fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item envelope\">\r\n      <a href=\"mailto:?subject=&amp;body=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F11488%20-%20\" title=\"E-Mail\" class=\"wpfai-envelope wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-envelope fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item stumbleupon\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/www.stumbleupon.com\/submit?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F11488\" title=\"Stumble Upon\" class=\"wpfai-stumbleupon wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-stumbleupon fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><li class=\"wpfai-list-item reddit\">\r\n      <a href=\"http:\/\/www.reddit.com\/submit?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.insidejapantours.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-json%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fposts%2F11488\" title=\"Reddit\" class=\"wpfai-reddit wpfai-link wpfainw\">\r\n        <span class=\"fa-stack fa-lg\">\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-square fa-stack-2x\"><\/i>\r\n          <i class=\"fa fa-reddit fa-stack-1x fa-inverse\"><\/i>\r\n        <\/span>\r\n      <\/a>\r\n    <\/li><\/ul><p><em>This post is part of our family month, during which we\u2019re exploring the wonderful world of family travel across our destinations in Asia. To read more hints, tips and stories from our staff and customers, visit our dedicated <a href=\"https:\/\/www.insideasiatours.com\/family-adventures\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">family page<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n<p>Theme parks aren\u2019t everybody\u2019s cup of tea, but there\u2019s no denying that they\u2019re a hit with the kids \u2013 and Japan has an excellent haul of weird and wonderful ones. Though many of Japan\u2019s theme parks closed down after the country\u2019s economic bubble burst, the biggest and best weathered the recession to remain in operation today.<\/p>\n<p><!--more--><\/p>\n<p>You might not want to plan a whole trip around theme parks (like we\u2019ve done <a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/self-guided-japan-holidays\/i-tp\/theme-park-family-adventure\/\">here<\/a>) but including one or two amusement parks in your itinerary is a sure-fire way to delight your kids and an excellent tactic for breaking up the sightseeing. Below is our whistle-stop (and certainly far from exhaustive!) tour of our favourite theme and amusement parks in Japan, so you can decide which is best-suited to your family.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Disneyland &amp; DisneySea<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Tokyo has not one but two Disney theme parks: Disneyland and DisneySea. Disneyland is modelled on the original American parks, and was the first Disney theme park to be built outside of the US in 1983. DisneySea, meanwhile, opened in 2001 and is one-of-a-kind. Based on a nautical theme, it generally has faster and scarier rides than Disneyland, and is aimed more at adults and older kids. It has even become a popular romantic destination for Japanese couples, so expect plenty of fluttering eyelashes and mushy photo ops!<\/p>\n<p><em>Day pass for either park: 7,400 yen (ages 18+); 6,400 yen (age 12-17); 4,800 yen (age 4-11)<\/em><\/p>\n<h1><strong>For film fans<\/strong><\/h1>\n<h2><strong>Universal Studios<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Universal Studios is located on the outskirts of Osaka, and opened in the same year as Tokyo\u2019s DisneySea. Attracting 11 million visitors in its first year, it quickly became the most successful new theme park in history, and has continued to bring in 8 million visitors every year since. As well as paying homage to American classics like Spiderman, Jaws, and Back to the Future, Universal Studios also gives an insight into Japanese TV and cinema through attractions themed around One Piece (an immensely popular anime cartoon), Hello Kitty, and Nintendo (to open in 2020).<\/p>\n<p><em><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-11491\" src=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/DSC_0459.jpg\" alt=\"Universal Studios\" width=\"1170\" height=\"780\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/DSC_0459.jpg 1170w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/DSC_0459-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/DSC_0459-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/DSC_0459-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/DSC_0459-564x376.jpg 564w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/DSC_0459-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/DSC_0459-720x480.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/DSC_0459-390x260.jpg 390w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/DSC_0459-780x520.jpg 780w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/DSC_0459-510x340.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1170px) 100vw, 1170px\" \/><\/em><\/p>\n<p>Universal Studios is also known as the home of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, which opened in 2014 and gives Potterheads the chance to wander around a meticulously recreated Hogsmeade Village complete with wand shops, joke shops and sweet shops galore. Watch the video below for a (slightly shaky) sneak preview from our Kate!<\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Japan - Hogsmeade Walkthrough\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/ENoDLTHusNU?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p><em>Day pass: 7,400 yen (adult); 4,980 yen (age 4-11)<\/em><\/p>\n<h2><strong>Toei Eiga Mura<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Universal Studios is everything you\u2019d expect from a well-established international franchise \u2013 not to mention a fantastic day out \u2013 but if you\u2019re looking for something a little less slick and a little more kitsch, Toei Eiga Mura is just the ticket.<\/p>\n<p>Toei Eiga Mura (or Toei Movie Village in English) is located in Kyoto, and combines theme park with working movie set. Wander around replica Japanese streets from the Edo (1603-1868) and Meiji (1867-1912) periods, dress up as a samurai or ninja, visit the haunted house, and watch live-action stunt performances. And if you\u2019re lucky, you might even get to see a real Japanese period drama being filmed!<\/p>\n<p><em><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-11489\" src=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/25500011.jpg\" alt=\"Toei Eiga Mura\" width=\"1170\" height=\"776\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/25500011.jpg 1170w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/25500011-300x199.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/25500011-768x509.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/25500011-1024x679.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/25500011-564x374.jpg 564w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/25500011-900x597.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/25500011-720x478.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/25500011-390x259.jpg 390w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/25500011-780x517.jpg 780w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/25500011-510x338.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1170px) 100vw, 1170px\" \/>Day pass: 2,200 yen (adult); 1,300 yen (age 13-17); 1,100 yen (ages 3-12)<\/em><\/p>\n<h1><strong>For adrenaline junkies<\/strong><\/h1>\n<h2><strong>Fuji-Q Highland<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Located in the beautiful surroundings of the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, Fuji-Q Highland is Japan\u2019s premier rollercoaster theme park \u2013 constantly opening new, often world-record-breaking rides. Fujiyama, the park\u2019s most popular attraction, was at one time the world\u2019s tallest and fastest rollercoaster; Dodonpa is the world\u2019s fastest accelerating rollercoaster; and the \u201cfourth dimension\u201d coaster Eejanaika (translation: \u201cHey, what the hell?!\u201d) has the most inversions of any roller coaster in the world. The park is also home to various anime-themed attractions, one of the world\u2019s scariest haunted houses, and various mazes and puzzle rooms.<\/p>\n<p>Though it has built its reputation on speed and fear, Fuji-Q caters to littler children too: it has mini roller coasters, a Thomas the Tank Engine themed zone (which my little brother would have killed to visit when we were young), a pirate ship, and various other gentler attractions to suit all ages.<\/p>\n<p><em><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-11494\" src=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/ta007.jpg\" alt=\"Fuji-Q Highland\" width=\"1170\" height=\"542\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/ta007.jpg 1170w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/ta007-300x139.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/ta007-768x356.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/ta007-1024x474.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/ta007-564x261.jpg 564w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/ta007-900x417.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/ta007-720x334.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/ta007-390x181.jpg 390w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/ta007-780x361.jpg 780w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/ta007-510x236.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1170px) 100vw, 1170px\" \/>Day pass: 5,700 yen (adult); 5,200 yen (age 12-18); 4,300 yen (age 3-11)<\/em><\/p>\n<h2><strong>Nagashima Spa Land<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>I\u2019ve put it in the thrill-seekers\u2019 category, but Nagashima Spa Land really does have something for everybody. In addition to the world\u2019s fastest descending rollercoaster and the world\u2019s largest wooden rollercoaster (just two of forty rides), the site near Nagoya is also home to one of Japan\u2019s largest complexes of hot spring baths, a water park, a shopping centre and a flower park. An unusual combination, but it works.<\/p>\n<p><em>Day pass (rides included): Prices vary from 3,500 yen to 5,900 yen depending on which areas of the park you wish to use.<\/em><\/p>\n<h1><strong>For gaming nerds<\/strong><\/h1>\n<p>Japan\u2019s list of manga, anime and video game themed amusement parks is never-ending, so I\u2019ve settled for just one of the biggest here. To find out more, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/2016\/02\/05\/gamers-guide-tokyo\/\">read this post<\/a> about our awesome video game tour of Tokyo \u2013 devised by our very own tour leader and <em>otaku<\/em> extraordinaire, Brett.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Joypolis<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Joypolis is an amusement park chain owned by the video game company Sega, and can be visited in Tokyo, Osaka or Okayama. Our favourite is definitely Joypolis Tokyo, which you\u2019ll find on the futuristic-looking Odaiba Island, accessed via monorail over Tokyo Bay. As well as all manner of video games and simulators, the park boasts an indoor rollercoaster, a virtual forest that tells visitors their fortunes, a zombie zoo, food outlets and various event stages. It is a veritable flashing and bleeping wonderland \u2013 whether you\u2019re a bona fide gaming enthusiast or just a casual visitor.<\/p>\n<p><em><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-11496\" src=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/Joypolis.jpg\" alt=\"Joypolis\" width=\"800\" height=\"532\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/Joypolis.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/Joypolis-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/Joypolis-768x511.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/Joypolis-564x375.jpg 564w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/Joypolis-720x479.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/Joypolis-390x259.jpg 390w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/Joypolis-780x519.jpg 780w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/Joypolis-510x339.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/>Day pass (rides included): 3,900 yen (adult); 2,900 (ages 7-17); Free (under age 6 or over age 60). Prices are cheaper in the evenings.<\/em><\/p>\n<h1><strong>For history buffs<\/strong><\/h1>\n<h2><strong>Meiji Mura<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>The Meiji Period, spanning from the restoration of the monarchy in 1868 until 1912, ended Japan\u2019s feudal era and brought it galloping into the modern age. For the first time in centuries, outside influences were allowed to blossom on Japanese soil, and the result was a flowering of technology and architecture with marked Western influences. The creator of Meiji Mura, Yoshiro Taniguchi, sought out Meiji-era buildings that had been marked for demolition, took them down, and reconstructed them at the park site near the town of Inuyama. Today, you can explore sixty buildings ranging from a cathedral to a hotel, a prison, a telephone exchange, offices, hospitals, sake breweries and schools, conveyed by the park\u2019s village bus, tram, and steam engine.<\/p>\n<p><em><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-11492\" src=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/DSC01035_ScreenSharpen.jpg\" alt=\"Meiji Mura\" width=\"1170\" height=\"780\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/DSC01035_ScreenSharpen.jpg 1170w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/DSC01035_ScreenSharpen-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/DSC01035_ScreenSharpen-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/DSC01035_ScreenSharpen-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/DSC01035_ScreenSharpen-564x376.jpg 564w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/DSC01035_ScreenSharpen-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/DSC01035_ScreenSharpen-720x480.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/DSC01035_ScreenSharpen-390x260.jpg 390w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/DSC01035_ScreenSharpen-780x520.jpg 780w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/DSC01035_ScreenSharpen-510x340.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1170px) 100vw, 1170px\" \/>Day pass (excluding in-park transport): 1,700 yen (ages 18+); 1,000 yen (ages 16-17); 600 yen (under age 16)<\/em><\/p>\n<h2><strong>Edo Wonderland (Nikko Edomura)<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>To step back further in history, visit Nikko Edomura \u2013 or Edo Wonderland. The Edo Period (1603-1868) was Japan\u2019s golden age, when the Tokugawa Shogunate presided over the country and the samurai class dominated society. Shut out from the outside world, Japanese culture evolved in isolation from almost any other influence during this period.<\/p>\n<p>Edo Wonderland, appropriately located in Nikko \u2013 the final resting place of Japan\u2019s first Tokugawa shogun, offers a fun and (mildly) educational way to revisit this fascinating period of history. Staffed by characters from Japanese history, the park offers visitors the chance to dress up in period costume, have a go at Edo-period occupations, learn ninja skills and samurai swordplay, and watch performances of comedy, stunts, music and dance.<\/p>\n<p><em><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-11495\" src=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/ta009.jpg\" alt=\"Edo Wonderland\" width=\"1170\" height=\"542\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/ta009.jpg 1170w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/ta009-300x139.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/ta009-768x356.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/ta009-1024x474.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/ta009-564x261.jpg 564w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/ta009-900x417.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/ta009-720x334.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/ta009-390x181.jpg 390w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/ta009-780x361.jpg 780w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/ta009-510x236.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1170px) 100vw, 1170px\" \/>Day pass: 4,700 yen (adult); 2,400 yen (child)<\/em><\/p>\n<h1><strong>For water babies<\/strong><\/h1>\n<h2><strong>Osaka SpaWorld<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Osaka SpaWorld is not just one of our favourite theme parks, but one of our favourite places in Japan full stop. This is traditional Japanese onsen (hot spring) culture meets 70s theme park \u2013 and believe us, it\u2019s a match made in heaven. Birthday suits are de rigueur on the two onsen floors, and bathing areas are segregated for men and women. One floor is Asian-themed (think Balinese rainforests, Persian palaces, Islamic stone baths and Japanese cypress baths) while the other is European (think Greek columns, Roman statues, Finnish log cabins and the Blue Grotto of Capri).<\/p>\n<p>On the eighth floor there is also a kids\u2019 swimming pool (intriguingly and rather off-puttingly named \u201cSpapoo\u201d) for children under high school age, and a bigger pool with slides for older kids. There\u2019s also a food zone, a range of massages and spa treatments, an amusement arcade, hotel, gym, cr\u00e8che, shops and television room \u2013 so if you wanted to, you could stay in SpaWorld for the rest of your life.<\/p>\n<p><em>Day pass (onsen + swimming pool): 2,700 yen (ages 12+); 1,500 yen (under age 12). Three-hour pass: 2,400 yen (12+); 1,300 yen (under 12).<\/em><\/p>\n<h1><strong>For younger children<\/strong><\/h1>\n<h2><strong>Sanrio Puroland<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Sanrio are the creators of the phenomenally successful Hello Kitty \u2013 a cartoon phenomenon that has become an emblem of Japan\u2019s obsession with cute \u2013 or <em>kawaii<\/em>. At Sanrio Puroland, in the Tama New Town district of Tokyo, you can meet Sanrio\u2019s most famous characters \u2013 including Hello Kitty, Cinnamoroll, Jewelpet and My Melody. In the summer there are fireworks every day, and all year there are performances, musicals, themed rides, gift shops, sweet shops and restaurants to enjoy (or be bemused by).<\/p>\n<p>Though all the performances here are in Japanese, for an insight into Japan\u2019s <em>kawaii <\/em>culture, Sanrio Puroland is well worth a visit.<\/p>\n<p><em><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-11493\" src=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/IMG_1712.jpg\" alt=\"Sanrio Puroland\" width=\"1170\" height=\"878\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/IMG_1712.jpg 1170w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/IMG_1712-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/IMG_1712-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/IMG_1712-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/IMG_1712-564x423.jpg 564w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/IMG_1712-900x675.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/IMG_1712-720x540.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/IMG_1712-390x293.jpg 390w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/IMG_1712-780x585.jpg 780w, https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/IMG_1712-510x383.jpg 510w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1170px) 100vw, 1170px\" \/>Day pass: 3,300 yen (ages 18+); 2,500 yen (ages 3-17). Prices are slightly higher on weekends.<\/em><\/p>\n<h2><strong>Namco Namja Town<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>You want weird? You could do worse than Namco Namja Town. Though it was founded by the former video game giant behind Pac-Man and Tekken, the park doesn\u2019t focus on video games \u2013 rather, it\u2019s a hodge-podge of giant cartoon characters, food outlets and amusements. Visit Gyoza Stadium, where you can try every kind of dumpling under the sun; stop at an ice cream shop where flavours include snake, horse, and curry; see the marvels of the deep at the aquarium; learn about the universe at the planetarium; meet anime characters and play a variety of arcade games.<\/p>\n<p><em>Day pass (including attractions): 3,300 yen (age 13+); 2,600 yen (age 4-12).<\/em><\/p>\n<h2><strong>KidZania<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>At Tokyo\u2019s KidZania, a self-proclaimed \u201cedutainment town\u201d, can be best described as a cross between a theme park and a careers fair. Doesn\u2019t sound like much fun, does it? But it\u2019s actually surprisingly entertaining. Set free in a miniature indoor city, kids get to don uniforms and try out a range of different jobs \u2013 from fire fighting and police work to newsreading, baking bread, and working in a beauty parlour. They are paid for their trouble in the local currency, Kidzos, which they can withdraw from an ATM and spend on goods and services.<\/p>\n<p>Though not all of the jobs at KidZania are fully explained in English, most of the \u201czupervisors\u201d speak some English and will make sure that non-Japanese kids have a fantastic time at the park.<\/p>\n<p><em>Day pass (six hours): Prices vary depending on age, day, and time slot. From around 3,150 yen to 5,500 yen per child\/adult. Reserve in advance.<\/em><\/p>\n<h2><strong>Kodomo no Kuni<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Opened in 1965 to celebrate the marriage of Prince Akihito and Princess Michiko (now the emperor and empress of Japan), Kodomo no Kuni (Kids\u2019 Land) is an open-air theme park in Yokohama, within easy reach for a day or half-day trip from Tokyo. Spread out over 250 acres, the park has all kinds of activities, including farm animals, horse riding, a barbecue area, nature walks, rafting, a swimming pool, a skating rink, and a variety of arts &amp; crafts such as pottery-making \u2013 making it the perfect choice for families of young children looking for a wholesome, outdoorsy kind of theme park experience.<\/p>\n<p><em>Day pass: 600 yen (ages 16+); 200 yen (ages 6-15); 100 yen (ages 2-5).<\/em><\/p>\n<p><strong>The parks mentioned here are just a few of the best theme parks Japan has to offer \u2013 there are countless more waiting to be discovered! For more inspiration for your family holiday, take a look at our family page.<\/strong><\/p>\n<h4>Like this post? 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Help us by sharing it! This post is part of our family month, during which we\u2019re exploring the wonderful world of family travel across our destinations in Asia. To read more hints, tips and stories from our staff and customers, visit our dedicated family page. Theme parks aren\u2019t everybody\u2019s cup of tea, [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":54,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_sitemap_exclude":false,"_sitemap_priority":"","_sitemap_frequency":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[2364],"tags":[1407,1499,1791,2750,2751],"class_list":["post-11488","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-family-travel-in-japan","tag-children","tag-family-travel","tag-kids","tag-theme-parks","tag-families"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11488","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/54"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=11488"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11488\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=11488"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=11488"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.insidejapantours.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=11488"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}