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. Andmany of the theme parks in Japan are wildly underrated, especially for families. The best theme parks in Japan for kids include huge, well-known spots like Disneyland and Universal Studios, but also lesser known spots like Sanrio Puroland and Fuji Q Highland Park.
Theme parks might 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?
In this guide, we rank the best theme parks in Japan in 2026 (for kids and for adults alike!) and I’ve also included practical tips, must-see attractions, and booking links so your family trip is stress-free. So everything you need is in a one-stop shop! Save this and refer back to it when planning your Japan theme park adventures.
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 |
| Yokohama Cosmo World | Cosmo Clock 21 Ferris Wheel | The beauty of this one? Just turn up! |
| Nagashima Spa Land | Some of the best and longest roller coasters in Japan | You can check availability and book tickets here |
1. Tokyo Disney Resort – Tokyo Disneyland & DisneySea
The Tokyo Disney Resort is considered one of the best theme parks in Japan, and is a personal family favourite. Tokyo Disney and Universal Studios Japan are 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 without kids) because it offers more adventurous attractions and spectacular shows.
But that doesn’t mean Tokyo Disney Sea doesn’t have plenty to offer for families: younger kids (including mine!) will love the Mermaid Lagoon and new Fantasy Springs areas here too. The Fantasy Spring rides are particularly innovative (don’t sleep on the Peter Pan Ride!)
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.
Tokyo Disney Resorts Booking Tips
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 an 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. We cover all of this here: Is Universal Studios Japan Worth Visiting in 2026? Our Honest Family Review
🎫 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.
Universal Studios Japan Ticket Booking Tips
It’s more important than ever to buy your Universal Studios Japan tickets in advance. Why? Because the ticket booths at the front of the park have been permanently closed, so the only way to buy tickets is in advance.
We also strongly recommend booking USJ tickets in advance, particularly during peak periods, because days regularly sell out completely. You can read more about the process of buying tickets for USJ here: Universal Studios Japan Tickets Explained: The Complete 2026 Guide
👉 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
Sanrio Puroland is an indoor theme park dedicated to Hello Kitty and her Other Sanrio friends that focuses more on a thematic experience than on rides.
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. But it is important to note there are only two rides here: a boat ride and a car ride. Both are gentle and have no height limit.
So what else is there to do? The park also features shows, parades, 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 2026
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. We actually combined a morning at Sanrio Puroland with cheaper twilight tickets to Yomiyuriland, because the two parks are so close together.
Sanrio Puroland Ticket Booking Tips
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.
Not sure which Sanrio Puroland ticket is right for you? We have a full guide to help you decide: Sanrio Puroland Tickets: How to Buy, Prices, and Is It Worth It for Families?
4. Yomiuriland – Tokyo
Yomiyuriland is a beautiful theme park on the outskirts of Tokyo (close to Sanrio Puroland) with so much to offer. During the summer months there is a water park, for 6 months over winter their jewelumination display is spectacular, and if you visit in March/April then there’s nowhere better in Tokyo to see cherry blossoms.
Yomiuriland is a classic Japanese amusement park with seasonal attractions. We visited last month and managed to catch both the cherry blossom display and the jewellumination. It was such a fun experience, and perfect for a mix of kids and teens.
Yomiyuriland is also home to PokePark Kanto: a Pokemon-themed adventure park where you can interact with Pokemon, and the newest attraction in Japan. We tried desparately (and failed miserably) to get tickets to this park, but still had a great time in Yomiyuriland, which is still well worth visiting in its own right.
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? This will also save you money as you can buy a much cheaper twillight ticket to enter Yomiyuriland after 3pm
Yomiyuriland Ticket Booking Tips
PLEASE NOTE: Standard Yomiyuriland tickets won’t get you into the Pokepark Kanto. These tickets are only available directly from the PokePark Kanto website (link to the ticket booking page here), and they’re very hard to get. The following information relates to Yomiyuriland only.
Because Yomiyuriland isn’t the most famous theme park, it isn’t always essential to pre-book your park tickets. We have managed to pop in on a whim. But if you have a set day you want to visit, or if you’re trying to tie in your visit to Yomiyuriland with a visit to other attractions, then I still recommend booking in advance to avoid disappointment.
👉 Book your Yomiyuriland Tickets Here (These are bookable 60 days in advance)
🎁 Use code THATMUMTRAVEL5KLOOK to get an extra reader-exclusive discount 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
7. Nagashima Spa Land
Nagashima Spa Land is popular in Japan but virtually unknown outside of the country: that’s a huge shame. This is one of Japan’s largest roller coaster parks and it’s famous for Steel Dragon 2000. This is one of the world’s longest roller coasters, and one of those rides that roller coaster junkies have on their list of ‘things to do before they die’
Not interested in roller coasters so long and thrilling that they’ll make you feel sick? Nagashima Spa Land also includes a water park, natural hot springs, and an outlet mall. It might surprise you to know that this is one of Japan’s most visited theme parks after Disney and Universal. It’s one of these parks that regular people have never heard of, but coaster enthusiasts can’t get enough of!
👉You can check prices and book your tickets for Nagashima Spa Land here
🎁 Use code THATMUMTRAVEL5KLOOK for an extra exclusive reader discount
8. Yokohama Cosmo World
If you’re not familiar, Yokohama Cosmo World is a free to enter waterfront park located on Yokohama Bay. This means that you only have to pay for the rides that you want to go on, and if you prefer just soaking up the atmosphere then you won’t have to pay a single penny! Yokohama Cosmo World is an easy stop when visiting Yokohama, and a great place to let kids let their hair down and unwind, especially if you’ve done a lot of walking or visiting museusm during your Yokohama day trip.
It is located directly opposite the iconic Cup Noodle museum. We passed the park on our way and decided on the spot that we had to ride the Cosmo Clock 21 Ferris Wheel! Combining these two attractions into one visit is a great way to spend a morning in Yokohama. Cosmo World is much quieter in the early part of the day, then becomes busy into the later afternoon and evening.
👉 There’s no need to book tickets to Yokohama Cosmo World in advance! Just turn up and pay as you ride!
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 |
| Nagashima Spa Land | Roller Coaster Junkies | 12+ | Steel Dragon 2000 | Tickets |
| Yokohama Cosmo World | A fun family interlude | 4+ | Cosmo Clock 21 Ferris Wheel | No tickets needed |
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 people 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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