Current number of reviews posted8,871 Make Making Travel More Fun! The ranking of hotel or inn in Japan which chosen by Japanese.

Update date: 2025/12/15

More Than Just Disney & USJ: 6 Must-Visit Theme Parks in Japan Besides the "Big Two"

More Than Just Disney & USJ: 6 Must-Visit Theme Parks in Japan Besides the "Big Two"
  • facebook
  • x
    • Link copied
Contents
When it comes to theme parks in Japan, Tokyo Disneyland and USJ (Universal Studios Japan) usually steal the spotlight. But what about all the incredible theme parks in Japan besides Disney and USJ that locals love?Japan is packed with other fantastic attractions. We're talking about amusement parks boasting world-class "ZEKKYO machines" (thrill rides) like Fuji-Q Highland and Nagashima Spa Land, and unique parks where you can meet beloved characters. These amazing places are waiting to be discovered.Here at 47trip, our local contributors have hand-picked the most unique and personality-filled theme parks across the country just for you.

*Opening hours and closing days are subject to change. Please be sure to check the official website for the latest information before you visit.
*Guidelines within the factory may only be available in Japanese.


Fuji-Q Highland (Yamanashi Prefecture)

Fuji-Q Highland
If you're hunting for truly terrifying thrills, look no further than Fuji-Q Highland. This park is infamous for its "ZEKKYO machines," holding multiple Guinness World Records. We're talking about legendary coasters like 'FUJIYAMA' (once the world's tallest) and 'Takabisha', which features a terrifying 121-degree freefall.But here’s what makes Fuji-Q Highland one of the coolest theme parks on the planet: you get to see breathtaking, close-up views of the majestic Mt. Fuji while riding these monsters.It’s a truly unique experience—a place where world-class terror meets Japan's most iconic natural beauty.

Hours (Example: Nov)
Weekdays: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM (19:00), Weekends/Holidays: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM (20:00)
Note: Hours vary by month. Please check the official calendar before visiting.
Access: 
By Train: Take the JR Line to Otsuki Station, then transfer to the Fujikyu Railway Line to Fujikyu-Highland Station.
By Bus: Direct highway buses are available from Tokyo.

Recommended Hotel

Highland Resort Hotel and Spa

Highland Resort Hotel and Spa Exterior
  • Highland Resort Hotel and Spa room
  • Highland Resort Hotel and Spa lounge

This is the official hotel located right next to Fuji-Q Highland, making it the perfect choice for anyone who wants to maximize their day at the park. Hotel guests receive exclusive perks, including the most valuable one: early park admission before the general public. The rooms offering direct Mt. Fuji views are incredible, and guests also love the easy access to the adjacent "Fujiyama Onsen" hot spring facility.


View hotel details

agoda

Other recommended hotels

HOTEL MYSTAYS Fuji Onsen Resort Large bath

HOTEL MYSTAYS Fuji Onsen Resort

Hotel Details

agoda

Fuji Kawaguchiko Onsen Konansou Large bath

Fuji Kawaguchiko Onsen Konansou

Hotel Details

agoda


Nagashima Spa Land (Mie prefecture)

Nagashima Spa Land
Nagashima Spa Land is truly deserving of its title: the "Holy Land of Zekkyo Machines" (Thrill Rides). Boasting one of Japan's largest collections of attractions, this park is home to the Guinness World Record holder for the world's longest roller coaster, the massive "Steel Dragon 2000."But the unique attractions don't stop there. Nagashima Spa Land also features "HAKUGEI," Japan's very first hybrid coaster—a truly terrifying beast combining wood and steel. For thrill-seekers looking to scream all day, Japanese locals confidently recommend Nagashima Spa Land as one of the coolest parks in the country.

Hours (Example: Nov)
Weekdays: 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM (16:30), Weekends/Holidays: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM (17:00)
Note: Hours vary by month and weather. Please check the official calendar.
Access: 
From Nagoya: Approx. 50 min by direct bus from Meitetsu Bus Center (at Nagoya Station).
From Kuwana: Approx. 20 min by local bus from Kuwana Station (JR / Kintetsu lines).

Recommended Hotel

Hotel Nagashima

Hotel Nagashima Exterior
  • Hotel Nagashima Exterior room
  • Hotel Nagashima Exterior open air bath

This is one of the official hotels located right on the grounds of Nagashima Resort. Guests receive fantastic perks, including complimentary (free) admission to the massive natural onsen (hot spring) complex, "Yuami no Shima," as well as the "Jumbo Ocean Pool" water park (summer only). This makes it the perfect choice for families and groups who want to experience everything the resort has to offer.


View hotel details

agoda

Other recommended hotels

Garden Hotel Olive Exterior

Garden Hotel Olive

Hotel Details

agoda

Sanco Inn Kuwana Ekimae room

Sanco Inn Kuwana Ekimae

Hotel Details

agoda


Ghibli Park (Aichi Prefecture)

Opened in 2022, Ghibli Park is a deeply unique theme park designed to let you walk right into the worlds of Studio Ghibli's masterpieces.You won't find traditional attractions or rides here. Instead, Ghibli Park offers something far more magical: the settings from beloved films like "My Neighbor Totoro" and "Spirited Away" are faithfully recreated among real forests and pathways.This is easily one of the coolest experiences for any fan. You can enter the buildings, stroll through the woods, and feel exactly like you’ve become the main character in your favorite movie. For Ghibli fans, visiting Ghibli Park is truly a dream come true.

Hours
Weekdays: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (17:00), Weekends/Holidays: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (17:00)
Access: 
By Train: Take the Linimo (Aichi Rapid Transit Tobu Kyuryo Line) to Ai-Chikyuhaku Kinen Koen Station.
From Nagoya: Approx. 40 min by direct bus from Meitetsu Bus Center (at Nagoya Station).

Recommended Hotel

Mitsui Garden Hotel Nagoya Premier

Mitsui Garden Hotel Nagoya Premier entrance
  • Mitsui Garden Hotel Nagoya Premier room
  • Mitsui Garden Hotel Nagoya Premier Large bath

This hotel is directly connected to Nagoya Station via an underground walkway, offering an incredibly smooth transfer to the Higashiyama Subway Line—your first step for heading to Ghibli Park. It's also popular for its panoramic views from the high floors and its beautiful "Daiyokujo" (large public bath), which features ethereal, fantastic lighting at night.


View hotel details

agoda

Other recommended hotels

Princess Garden Hotel Large bath

Princess Garden Hotel

Hotel Details

agoda

Hotel Mielparque Nagoya Exterior

Hotel Mielparque Nagoya

Hotel Details

agoda


Sanrio Puroland (Tokyo)

Sanrio Puroland
If you want to dive deep into Japan's truly unique "Kawaii" culture, Sanrio Puroland is an absolute must-visit. This is the place to meet world-famous characters like Hello Kitty, My Melody, and all their friends.Inside Sanrio Puroland, every corner is colorful and perfectly Instagrammable. One of the coolest features is that it's completely indoors, meaning you can enjoy spectacular shows and parades without ever worrying about the weather.With adorable themed food and exclusive merchandise, Sanrio Puroland lets you fully immerse yourself in a dream-like, "Kawaii" world.

Hours: 
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (17:00)
Note: Hours vary by day. Please check the official calendar.
Access: 
By Train: Walk from Tama-Center Station, accessible via: Keio Line (Keio-Tama-Center Station)
Odakyu Line (Odakyu-Tama-Center Station)
Tama Monorail (Tama-Center Station)

Recommended Hotel

Keio Plaza Hotel Hachioji

Keio Plaza Hotel Hachioji view
  • Keio Plaza Hotel Hachioji room
  • Keio Plaza Hotel Hachioji entrance

As an official hotel for Sanrio Puroland, it offers excellent access, located only about 15-20 minutes away from Tama-Center Station (the park's station). The fun doesn't stop when you leave the park! The hotel features adorable collaboration rooms themed entirely around beloved characters like Hello Kitty and My Melody, letting you stay immersed in the "Kawaii" world.


View hotel details

agoda

Other recommended hotels

the b hachioji room 2

the b hachioji

Hotel Details

agoda

HOTEL KEYAKI GATE TOKYO FUCHU Exterior

HOTEL KEYAKI GATE TOKYO FUCHU

Hotel Details

agoda


Toei Kyoto Studio Park (Kyoto Prefecture)

Toei Kyoto Studio Park view
Toei Kyoto Studio Park image
Toei Uzumasa Eigamura (Toei Kyoto Studio Park) is a massive, active open set used for filming Japan's "jidaigeki"—historical movies and TV dramas about samurai and ninja.What makes Toei Uzumasa Eigamura truly unique is its wildly popular transformation experience. Visitors can get dressed up as their favorite historical figures, such as a samurai, ninja, or princess.This is easily one of the coolest ways to immerse yourself in history. Once you're in authentic costume, you can explore and take photos in the realistic Edo-period townscape, making you feel like you’ve genuinely time-slipped. If you're lucky, you might even get to watch actual filming in action. Toei Uzumasa Eigamura is highly recommended for anyone who wants to touch Japan's history and film culture.

Opening hours:
Weekdays: 9:00-17:00, Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays: 9:00-19:00 (November)
Opening hours vary depending on the month.
access:
5 minutes walk from JR Uzumasa Station
13 minutes walk from JR Hanazono Station
5 minutes walk from Uzumasa Koryuji Station on the Randen Line
2 minutes walk from Shotasho-mae Station on the Randen Line
12 minutes walk from Uzumasa Tenjingawa Subway Station
5 minutes walk from Uzumasa Eigamura-michi bus stop

Recommended Hotel

ヴィアインプライム京都駅八条口

VIA INN PRIME KYOTOEKI HACHIJOGUCHI Exterior
  • VIA INN PRIME KYOTOEKI HACHIJOGUCHI room
  • VIA INN PRIME KYOTOEKI HACHIJOGUCHI restaurant

This hotel is directly connected to JR Kyoto Station's Hachijo Exit (the Shinkansen/Bullet Train side), making your transfer to the JR Sagano Line platform incredibly smooth. Access is outstanding, getting you to Toei Uzumasa Eigamura (Kyoto Studio Park) in about 20 minutes. As part of the JR-West Group, this hotel offers clean, functional rooms at a very reasonable price, providing excellent value.


View hotel details

agoda

Other recommended hotels

Hotel Vischio Kyoto by GRANVIA room

Hotel Vischio Kyoto by GRANVIA

Hotel Details

agoda

Urban Hotel Kyoto-Nijo Premium Large bath

Urban Hotel Kyoto-Nijo Premium

Hotel Details

agoda


Huis Ten Bosch (Nagasaki Prefecture)

Huis Ten Bosch
Located in Nagasaki Prefecture, Huis Ten Bosch is a truly unique theme park that lets you experience an authentic Dutch townscape while still in Japan. The scenery looks exactly like Europe, featuring beautiful canals, iconic windmills, and rows of charming brick buildings.Furthermore, Huis Ten Bosch is adorned with flowers that bloom year-round, coloring the beautiful cityscape—from vibrant tulips in spring to gorgeous roses in early summer.It's one of the coolest spots in Japan to enjoy the harmony of an exotic European atmosphere and seasonal flowers, making Huis Ten Bosch a perfect place for photography.

Hours (Example: Nov)
Weekdays: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM (21:00), Weekends/Holidays: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM (22:00)
Note: Hours vary by month. Please check the official calendar.
Access: 
By Train: 7 min walk from JR Huis Ten Bosch Station.
From Nagasaki Airport: Approx. 70 min by direct bus.

Recommended Hotel

Hotel Okura JR Huis Ten Bosch

Hotel Okura JR Huis Ten Bosch room
  • Hotel Okura JR Huis Ten Bosch view
  • Hotel Okura JR Huis Ten Bosch Large bath

This hotel boasts an unbeatable location, situated directly in front of JR Huis Ten Bosch Station and adjacent to the park's main entrance gates. Guests can enjoy the premium service expected from the Okura brand, along with beautiful rooms offering views of either the park or Omura Bay. The natural hot spring (onsen) is also extremely popular, featuring large public baths and rotenburo (open-air baths) that use "Gensen Kakenagashi"—100% natural, free-flowing spring water.


View hotel details

agoda

Other recommended hotels

Hotel Amsterdam Huis Ten Bosch Exterior

Hotel Amsterdam Huis Ten Bosch

Hotel Details

agoda

Hotel Europe Huis Ten Bosch room

Hotel Europe Huis Ten Bosch

Hotel Details

agoda


Summary

We’ve just introduced 6 of the coolest theme parks in Japan besides Disney and USJ.Each park offers its own unique charm. Whether you're chasing the terrifying "ZEKKYO machines" at Fuji-Q Highland and Nagashima Spa Land, or exploring immersive worlds where you can meet beloved characters, there are countless unique experiences waiting for you.Why not add these incredible parks to your next Japan travel itinerary? When you do, be sure to find the perfect hotel for your visit right here on 47Trip.

People who read this article also read:
Travel to the world of Ghibli! Popular Otaku mecca spots to visit in Japan
  • facebook
  • x
    • Link copied

Written by

47Trip Staff Team
We propose “47Trip” for various purposes such as women's trip, filial piety, business trip, etc.

Featured page list