Anime theme parks in Japan are as unique and colorful as the shows they’re based on. Just like you can race through Tokyo’s streets in real-life Mario Kart, these parks bring your favorite anime worlds to life. This article is your guide to the anime theme parks scattered across Japan – each one a different adventure.
I’ll take you through the only five anime parks in Japan, but also explore other theme parks that feature exciting collaborations with popular anime.
Anime Theme Parks in Japan
1. Nijigen no Mori: The Naruto Theme Park in Japan
This is the ultimate anime theme park in Japan. You’ll find Nijigen no Mori on Awaji Island, less than two hours by train from the major cities of Osaka and Kyoto, making it an accessible day trip for anime enthusiasts.
It’s an outdoor anime park where Naruto fans can jump into their favorite show. The park has areas dedicated to Naruto and Boruto, featuring full-size models of the characters and scenes for fans to explore. You can test your ninja skills with various physical challenges or stroll through recreations of iconic locations from the anime.
Plus, this is also where the famous Godzilla zipline is located, where you can fly through the giant mouth of the king of monsters.
The park also find an area dedicated to Dragon Quest called Dragon Quest Island, and a Shin-Chan area designed specifically for kids, in the Crayon Shin-Chan Adventure Park.
Where to find cheap tickets for the Naruto theme park:
Each area have its own dedicated tickets:
- Naruto theme park: Ticket prices vary depending on what parts of the park you want to see. Admission tickets start at ¥3,300 for adults and ¥1,200 for kids, with some areas free for kids under five. To save, check out online this ticket platform that offer discounts or bundled packages for Nijigen no Mori.
- Godzilla zipline: ¥3,800 for adults, and ¥2,200 or ¥1,700 depending on height and weight for kids. You can find those on Klook.
- Dragon Quest Island: Tickets start at ¥3,400 for adults and ¥1,400 for kids.
- Crayon Shin-Chan Adventure Park: Tickets start at ¥2,900 for kids, and ¥1,800 for accompanying adults and are available here.
2. Ghibli Park (Nagoya)
Located close to Nagoya in Aichi Commemorative Park, Ghibli Park – opened in November 2022 – is a tribute to the famed Studio Ghibli, opened in 2022. Unlike typical theme parks with rides and games, Ghibli Park is all about immersing visitors into the studio’s beloved film settings. Here, you can walk through real-life scenes from classics like “Laputa: Castle in the Sky” and “My Neighbor Totoro.”
The park features meticulously crafted landscapes and interactive exhibits that bring the stories and characters of Ghibli films off the screen. Alongside the attractions, the park offers Ghibli-themed shops and food venues, serving up treats and merchandise straight out of the movies. For fans of Studio Ghibli, or anyone looking to experience a slice of these iconic films, Ghibli Park is a must-visit spot that brings the magic of animation into the real world.
Where to find cheap tickets for the Ghibli Park:
You can secure your tickets for Ghibli Park’s various areas through Lawson’s Boo-Woo Tickets service (in Japanese). Ticket prices vary per area, and start are between ¥1,000 and ¥2,500 for adults on weekdays.
For a comprehensive experience, consider JTB travel agency’s package deals, which include park entry and accommodations in Nagoya.
3. Ghibli Museum (Tokyo)
This is must-visit anime theme park in Tokyo. Although technically and as the name implies, its more of a museum than a theme park – don’t expect fancy attractions there.
Nestled in the serene Inokashira Park in Mitaka, Tokyo, the Ghibli Museum is a magical portal to the enchanting world of Studio Ghibli. More than a traditional museum, it offers a tactile experience, with exhibits that bring to life the artistry of anime classics like “My Neighbor Totoro” and “Spirited Away”. The museum’s design itself reflects the whimsical style of Ghibli, with hidden surprises awaiting visitors in every nook and cranny.
Where to find cheap tickets for the Ghibli Museum:
Yes it is a must-visit place in Tokyo, but also one of the hardest to do so. Tickets are cheap at ¥1,000, but the Ghibli Museum requires advance reservation on Lawson website, and tickets get sold out in a few minutes. Reservations open every 10th of the month at 10am JST, so if you’re awake and feel lucky, you can try your luck.
There is currently no other way to buy tickets for the Ghibli Museum tickets due to the museum’s popularity and policy of not working with third-party booking agents, but travelers can sometimes find combination tickets that include transportation or guided tours, like this tour on Viator that starts at ¥12,800.
4. Sanrio Puroland (Hello Kitty Wolrd)
Located in Tama, Tokyo, Sanrio Puroland is a haven for all things cute and kawaii. This indoor theme park is the home of Hello Kitty, My Melody, and many more beloved Sanrio characters like Aggretsuko.
Visitors can enjoy musical performances, theatrical productions, parades, and character meet-and-greets. As the whole park is indoor, it’s an all-weather park that’s perfect for families and fans of Sanrio’s universe of characters.
Where to find cheap tickets for Sanrio Puroland:
Once again, Klook sells the cheapest tickets. You can find them at ¥2,800 here.
5. Sanrio Harmonyland
Sanrio Harmonyland, located in Oita Prefecture on Kyuushuu Island in the West, is an outdoor theme park that that celebrates the world of Sanrio characters with a selection of rides, parades, and shows.
The park’s layout and attractions are designed for enjoyment amidst the natural surroundings, offering a different experience than its indoor counterpart, Tokyo’s Sanrio Puroland.
Sanrio Harmonyland outdoor setting provides a more traditional amusement park feel with a focus on Hello Kitty and friends rides, shows, and character-themed attractions.
Where to find cheap tickets for Sanrio Harmonyland:
Similarly to Sanrio Puroland, entrance tickets for Sanrio Harmonyland cost ¥2,800, and you can book them online here.
Theme Parks x Anime Collaborations
This is where Japan shines. Brands collaborate with anime all the time, and theme parks are no exception. Here are the hottest current collaborations:
Universal Studios Japan (USJ) Anime Rides
USJ often does collaboration with popular anime. You can check USJ’s official event page to see what’s going on in details, but here are the current and past anime collaborations:
- Demon Slayer (Kimetsu no Yaiba) – Mugen Train: February 1 to June 9, 2024
- SPY x FAMILY: February 17 to July 2, 2023
- Jujutsu Kaisen (JJK): September 16, 2022 to July 2, 2023
- Attack on Titans (AOT) (Shingeki no Kyojin): March 4 to August 28, 2022
- Demon Slayer (Kimetsu no Yaiba): September 17, 2021 to February 13, 2022
Where to find cheap tickets for USJ:
As you might have noticed throughout the article, Klook is a great platform to book tickets when traveling to Japan. They often offer the cheapest prices, and have an easy booking process, with all information being as clear as it can be. And it’s also the case for buying your USJ tickets, although the complexity of the park’s different types of tickets make booking those a bit of a headache.
Fuji-Q Highlands x Naruto
Fuji-Q Highland, known for its thrilling roller coasters with stunning views of Mount Fuji, opened in 2019 with its a special area called Naruto × Boruto Fuji Hidden Leaf Village. Here, you can try out ninja activities, grab a bowl at a Naruto-style ramen shop, and shop for anime merchandise. Even though it looks like a mini version of Nijigen no Mori’s Naruto theme park, it’s still a fun addition for those who enjoy the series and want to experience a bit of the ninja world while visiting the park.
Where to find cheap tickets for Fuji-Q Highland:
Tickets are available on Klook and I recommend booking there for simplicity, but you might be able to get slightly cheaper tickets if you pass by the official website, depending on the date you choose. Beware though that the website is in full Japanese, so you’ll need to use Google Translate.
You’ll also probably need to book transportation from Tokyo, but you can do it at the same time you book your entrance ticket on the platforms mentioned above.
Joypolis x AOT
Joypolis is an indoor amusement park in located in Odaiba, Tokyo, known for its high-tech rides and virtual reality experiences.
Here, you’ll find an “Attack on Titan” attraction, a walkthrough experience where you immerse yourself in the gripping world of the anime, seeing everything up close and feeling like you’re part of the action.
Where to find cheap tickets for Joypolis:
You can find the tickets on Klook for ¥800 off compared to the official price!
