The Best Theme Parks in Japan for Kids (Ranked for 2026!)
Japan is a treasure trove of family-friendly theme parks, perfect for kids and adults alike. In fact, I think many of the theme parks in Japan are wildly underrated, especially for families. I know it’s not the main thing that people think of when they plan a trip to Japan, but I still think that Japan’s theme parks are well worth visiting. So which one should you choose?
We’re a family of theme park junkies, so as well as Japan’s temples, parks and gardens, and all the futuristic robots we can manage, we have spent extensive time exploring the best theme parks in Japan. The good news is that from magical Disney castles to kawaii character worlds and adrenaline-packed rides, there’s something for everyone.
In this guide, we rank the best theme parks in Japan in 2026 (for kids and for adults alike!) and I’ve also tried to include practical tips, must-see attractions, and booking links so your family trip is stress-free. And so everything you need is in a one-stop shop!
Heads up! This post may contain affiliate links, which means if you click and make a purchase, I might earn a very small commission – at no extra cost to you. This helps to keep the blog going. Thanks for the support!
Best Theme Parks in Japan Quick Booking Box
Want to book the best theme parks without reading the whole article? Wonderering which Japanese theme park will be best for your kids, and where to buy tickets? We’ve got you covered!
| THEME PARK | CHOOSE IF….. | BOOK IN ADVANCE |
| Tokyo Disney Resort | You want classic Disney magic with rides you won’t find anywhere else | Book early to avoid disappointment |
| Universal Studios Japan | You want big thrills, and the chance to ride your own Mario Kart | Must be booked 60 days in advance here |
| Sanrio Puroland | Cute, kawaii, colourful wonderlands are you’re think – and aesthetics matter more than rides! | Book now for the best prices |
| Legoland Japan | You’re travelling with Lego fans and want to try something a little bit unusual | Book tickets before booking hotels |
| Fuji-Q Highland | Epic thrills and scary coasters combined with views of Mount Fuji are on your bucket list | I recommend booking this one well in advance |
1. Tokyo Disney Resort – Tokyo Disneyland & DisneySea
We love Tokyo Disney Resort! It’s one of the best theme parks in Japan, with Tokyo Disney and Universal Studios Japan both being amongst the best theme parks we’ve ever visited. There are two different theme parks in Tokyo Disney Resort: The Tokyo Disneyland Park and Tokyo Disney Sea.
🎢 Only have time to visit one park? Check out this article: Visiting Tokyo Disneyland or Tokyo DisneySea: Which is Best For Kids?
If you’re visiting with younger kids then Disneyland is the perfect choice, thanks to its gentle rides and the abundance of free roaming characters for meet-and-greets. Disney Sea is better for older kids (or adults travelling solo) because it offers more adventurous attractions and spectacular shows. But younger kids (including mine!) will love the mermaid lagoon and new Fantasy Springs areas here too.
Tokyo Disney Resort is a classic family destination combining Disney magic with world-class rides. And its the one theme park you shouldn’t miss if you’re in Tokyo.
Top rides at Tokyo Disneyland Resort:
- Pooh’s Hunny Hunt (Disneyland, kid-friendly but unique tech)
- Tower of Terror (DisneySea, for older kids)
- Toy Story Mania! (both parks, fun for all ages)
🕍 Check out the 7 Best Tokyo Disney Sea Rides (Plus Family Friendly Photo Spots and More Tokyo Disney Sea Planning Tips)
Mum Tip: The Tokyo Disney resort is huge, and both parks are well worth visiting. Plan a multi-day visit if possible, especially because of the Fantasy Spring expansion (we spent 3 days in Tokyo Disney on our last trip, and it was the right amount of time for us). Check our guide to how many days to spend in the Tokyo Disney parks.
Tickets for both of the Disney Parks can sell out quickly, especially in holidays and during peak tourism seasons, like cherry blossom season in the spring. You can book your tickets 60 days in advance and I recommend booking with Klook to save hassle, time, and money! Tickets are delivered straight to your phone for maximum ease.
👉Click Here To Get The Best Prices And Book Your Tickets With Klook
🎁 Use the code THATMUMTRAVEL5KLOOK to get an extra reader-exclusive discount off listed ticket prices
2. Universal Studios Japan – Osaka
Universal Studios Japan is the most exciting, innovative theme park, and one that we just can’t get enough of. This is perfect for older kids and families who love thrill rides, because it’s packed full of them! And my gamer boys couldn’t get enough of Super Nintendo World, which feels just like walking into an iconic Mario Game.
🎢 Ready to plan the perfect trip to USJ? Check out my Universal Studios Japan Vacation Planning Guide. How to Book, Tips, and More!
Travelling with younger kids or with a mixed age family? Don’t worry, Universal Studios Japan has you covered there too. The smallest guests can enjoy rides with the Sesame Street characters and Snoopy in Universal Wonderland, whilst the Minion Park offers all the mayhem of life with the minions. My boys LOVES this area of the park, so while the rides are suitable for all ages, that means all ages can have fun here too.
🎫 Our 10 Tried-and-Tested Tips For Visiting Universal Studios Japan on a Budget
Top rides at Universal Studios Japan:
- The Flying Dinosaur (This is an extreme thrill coaster best suited to adults and teens)
- Super Nintendo World: Mario Kart Ride
- Jaws. USJ is the only Universal Park that still has a Jaws ride, so it’s well-worth taking a ride here. I recommend you check our Universal Studios height requirement guide if you’re travelling with kids
Mum Tip: Although they’re pricey, you should consider using an Express Pass to skip the ride queues and make the most of your day. This is particularly important if you only plan on spending one day in this park. Universal Studios Japan Tickets Explained: The Complete 2026 Guide will talk you though your ticket options.
👉 Click here to check prices and availability and to book your Universal Studios Japan tickets
🎁 Use code THATMUMTRAVEL5KLOOK for an extra reader discount on all Klook ticket prices
3. Sanrio Puroland – Tama, Tokyo
I am unashamedly one of the biggest Sanrio fans in the world! From Sanrio decor in my house to Sanrio pyjamas, these kawaii characters are my (not so) secret guilty pleasure.
If you or your kids love Sanrio as much as I do, then you’re going to want to hop on the train and take a ride out to Sanrio Puroland. This indoor theme park is a heaven for Hello Kitty fans of all ages, and perfect for younger kids because there are only a couple of gentle rides with no height limit. The park combines shows, rides, and themed cafes all under one roof, and because it’s indoors, it’s great for rainy days.
The thing I love the most here? The slightly insane interiors, the change to meet all my favourite characters, and the FOOD! Imagine all your favourite, delicious treats, but presented in pastel shades and adorned with the kawaii faces of Sanrio characters. It’s heaven!
🌞 Check out my Sanrio Puroland Practical Guide. The Ultimate Guide to Sanrio Puroland 2025
The best attractions at Sanrio Puroland:
- Hello Kitty’s House (This is packed full of photo spots and is where you can have a meet with Hello Kitty)
- Sanrio Character Boat Ride (The best of the two rides in the park)
- Kawaii Parade and live shows
Mum Tip: You don’t need a full day in Sanrio Puroland. Allow around 4-5 hours here, and this will give you enough time to really make the most of the experience
I advise that you book you tickets in advance on Klook to save money and avoid queuing on the day too. Klook tickets for Sanrio Puroland can be used for up to 6 months, so this is a great one to book in advance and spread the cost.
👉 Check availability and book your tickets here NOW
🎁 Use my discount code THATMUMTRAVEL5KLOOK to get 5% off these ticket prices.
4. Yomiuriland – Tokyo
Things are changing in Yomiuriland in 2026, and my kids have never been more excited to visit a theme park (fingers crossed we can get tickets!)
Yomiuriland is a classic Japanese amusement park with seasonal attractions, from thrill rides to water slides in summer and lights in winter. Perfect for a mix of kids and teens. But from February 2026 the park will be home to PokePark Kanto: a Pokemon-themed adventure park where you can interact with Pokemon….and the world has gone wild!
It’s worth noting that these 2 separate areas of the park will require separate tickets. But the one ticket that’s going to be red hot everywhere in Japan in 2026? It will be this one!
Top rides in Yomiyuriland:
- Bandit Roller Coaster (for older kids)
- Ferris Wheel and gentle carousels
- Seasonal ice skating or light displays (Yomiyuriland is the best theme park in Japan to visit at Christmas!)
Mum Tip: Yomiyuriland is a wonderfully affordable park and located close by to Sanrio Puroland. You could consider combining a visit to both parks in one day if you’re short on time in the Tokyo area?
PLEASE NOTE: Standard Yomiyuriland tickets won’t get you into the Pokepark Kanto. These tickets are only available directly from the PokePark Kanto website, and they’re very hard to get.
👉 Book your Yomiyuriland Tickets Here (These are bookable 60 days in advance)
🎁 Use code THATMUMTRAVEL5KLOOK to get 5% off your ticket prices
5. Legoland Japan – Nagoya
Like most kids their age, my boys are huge fans of Lego. They spend hours building and creating, and we enjoy visiting Legoland resorts, from Windsor to Billund (you’ll find reviews of both of these on the site!) If your kids love Lego too, they’re going to LOVE Legoland Japan.
Perfect for kids ages 2–12, Legoland Japan combines LEGO-themed rides, shows, and building workshops. Because it isn’t in one of the huge ‘golden triangle’ cities, it means it doesn’t get overly crowded. Legoland Japan is a smaller, calmer park compared to Disney or USJ, making it perfect for younger kids or LEGO fans.
Top attractions at Legoland Japan:
- LEGO Ninjago Ride (This is the same as the version of the ride in Legoland Windsor)
- Miniland with Japanese landmarks in LEGO form
- LEGO building workshops
🎡 Legoland Windsor vs Legoland Billund. Which is the Best Legoland Park?
Mum Tip: This park is great for Lego enthusiasts of all ages, but if you don’t want to spend the whole day here, you could combine your Legoland visit with a half day sightseeing in Nagoya.
👉 Click here to book your Legoland Japan tickets and save money
🎁 Use code THATMUMTRAVEL5KLOOK for an extra 5% discount
6. Fuji-Q Highland – Near Mt. Fuji
Looking for a theme park with the best possible views in Japan? Then you’ll never find another park quite like Fuji-Q Highland! This is the perfect pick for older kids and teens who love thrill rides, thanks to its record-breaking roller coasters. But if you have younger kids and train lovers in your group then there is a small Thomas Land area of the park that they’ll really enjoy.
Fuji-Q Highland is located right by Mount Fuji, meaning that you can enjoy breathtaking views while also enjoying all of the fun of the fair. As an added bonus, it’s really easy to visit as an adrenaline-packed day trip from Tokyo.
The Best Rides at Fuji Q Highland:
- Fujiyama Coaster
- Eejanaika 4D coaster
Mum Tip: Although you can take toddlers (thanks to Thomas Land) if you’re part of a mixed age group, this isn’t the ideal theme park for toddlers and younger. It’s best suited to those looking for big thrills
👉 Click here to book your Fuji Q Highland theme park tickets (look for packages that include transportation for an easy day out!)
🎁Use code THATMUMTRAVEL5KLOOK for an extra 5% off ticket prices
The Best Theme Parks In Japan – Quick Reference Table
| Park | Best for | Age Range | Must-See | Booking Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tokyo Disney Resort | Disney magic and family rides | All ages | DisneySea, Pooh’s Hunny Hunt | Tickets |
| Universal Studios Japan | Thrill rides and Super Nintendo World | 6+ | Flying Dinosaur, Super Nintendo World | Tickets |
| Sanrio Puroland | Character and kawaii fans | 2+ | Hello Kitty House, Parade | Tickets |
| Yomiuriland | Seasonal rides | 4+ | Coasters, Ferris Wheel | Tickets |
| Legoland Japan | LEGO lovers | 2–12 | Ninjago Ride, Miniland | Tickets |
| Fuji-Q Highland | Thrill seekers | 8+ | Fujiyama, Eejanaika | Tickets |
Tips for Planning Your Theme Park Trip in Japan
Theme Parks in Japan are very similar to those anywhere else in the world: some things are just universal! But some of the things I think are different when you visit a theme park in Japan are that the ppeople are more polite and friendly, and that you need to be a little more organised if you want to make the most oof your day. We always go in with a plan of which rides we’d like to do, or what we want to see, and that helps the day go much more smoothly.
Some of my top tips for theme parks in Japan are:
- Book tickets in advance on Klook to skip queues and secure entry. Use my discount code to save a bit of money too!
- Use Express Passes where available, especially at USJ and Disney, which are the most popular parks with the longest queues .
- Check height restrictions and age suitability for thrill rides. They are very strict, so this helps avoid disappointment with smaller kids.
- Combine parks with nearby attractions (e.g., Legoland and Nagoya sightseeing, or Fuji-Q and Mt. Fuji). This will help you to maximise your time, if you aren’t taking a long visit.
- Pack for the season: Japan winters are cold, summers can be humid. Bring layers, sunscreen, and water.
Theme Parks in Japan FAQs
What Is The Best Theme Park To Visit In Japan?
The Tokyo Disney Resort (Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea) are the most popular theme parks in Japan. This is closely followed by Universal Studios Japan. Both of these mega brands are famous for their unique rides and immersive atmosphere. Which is best depends on who you’re travelling with. Universal Studios Japan is best for teens and adults, while Disney is the better option if you’re travelling with younger children.
Is It Worth Going To A Theme Park in Japan?
Absolutely! Theme Parks in Japan might not be as famous as the temples and technology that the country is known for, but they are an incredible experience. Japan is a treasure trove of family-friendly theme parks, perfect for kids and adults alike. I know it’s not the main thing that people think of when they plan a trip to Japan, but I still think that Japan’s theme parks are well worth visiting.
What is the Most Visited Theme Park in Japan?
It might not be the biggest theme park in Japan (that’s the lesser known Huis Ten Bosch) but the most visited theme park in Japan is Universal Studios Japan. Despite only boasting one park and around 60 rides and attractions, Universal Studios Japan hosted 16 million visitors in 2024. Not only does that make it the most visited theme park in Japan, it’s also the most visited theme park in Asia. And the third most visited theme park in the world!
Final Thoughts: What Is The Best Theme Park in Japan?
Whether your family loves thrilling coasters, Disney magic, or kawaii character worlds, Japan offers world-class theme park experiences for every age. I’m not going to lie to you, queus can sometimes be long (especially in the most popular parks like USJ and Tokyo Disney) but the the theming and other details in these parks are so good, that I think they’d be worth exploring even if you didn’t get on a single ride!
On our next trip to Japan we will be visiting 4 of these 6 pakrs: Tokyo Disney, USJ, Sanrio Puroland, and Yomiyuriland. With Klook ticketing and Express options, planning your family trip is easy too. We always use Klook for our pwn tickets, which is why I recommend it. Just pick the parks that match your kids’ interests and age range, and start booking early for 2025!
Book your tickets today on Klook:
- Tokyo Disney Resort Tickets
- Universal Studios Japan Tickets
- Sanrio Puroland Tickets
- Yomiuriland Tickets
- Legoland Japan Tickets
- Fuji-Q Highland Tickets
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Heads up! This post may contain affiliate links, which means if you click and make a purchase, I might earn a very small commission – at no extra cost to you. This helps to keep the blog going. Thanks for the support!
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