Japan being an island, the country has close ties to the oceans and seas. And this connection is lived on through its fascinating aquariums (or 水族館, Suizokukan). If you’re planning a trip to Japan, be sure to visit some of Japan’s aquatic facilities to get up and close with its marine animals.

Below, I list the 9 best aquariums in Japan that you simply can’t miss!

Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium | View on Klook

Heralded as the best and biggest aquarium in Japan and even in the world, Churami easily tops our list of must-visit Japan aquariums. It opened in 1979, and has been visited by 3 million people every year! While the aquarium boasts 75 tanks across 4 floors, its main attraction is its massive Kuroshio Tank housing numerous whale sharks. The aquarium also features hands-on exhibits of starfish and seashells, the world’s largest living coral exhibit, feedings, and animal shows.

Hakkeijima Sea Paradise | View on Klook

A leisure land surrounded by nature, this aquatic amusement park-on-an-island celebrates all manner of sea life. From walruses and polar bears to whale sharks and dolphins, you’ll have plenty to admire. The sea paradise also has restaurants, exhibitions, events, and activities—perfect for a family day out.

Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan | View on Klook

This aquarium is considered the second most spectacular in Japan after Okinawa’s Churaumi Aquarium, and is also one of the biggest aquariums in Japan – the official website even claims that “Osaka’s KAIYUKAN is the world’s largest aquarium”.

It houses over 470 species on eight different floors. All of these spiral a central tank, in which a whale shark swims. Here, you can explore diverse ecosystems, from the Ring of Fire to the icy Arctic, and marvel at penguins and jellyfish.

If you’re visiting Osaka with your family (and you should! Osaka is one of the best cities for traveling with kids), don’t miss the Tempozan Giant Ferris Wheel located just next to the aquarium to enjoy one of the best views of the city. Tickets for the Ferris wheel can be purchased on-site (900 yen).

Sumida Aquarium | View on Klook

Sumida Aquarium may not be the biggest in Tokyo, but it’s one of the best spots to watch fur seals and penguins live in their comfort.

The aquarium provides a humungous indoor tank for these animals, with over 350 tons of water in an open exhibit space. It is also home to 450 sea creatures of 50 different species—including stingrays and grey nurse sharks. Another one of its famous features is the aquarium’s interactive displays; looking through the Aqua Scope viewports stimulates a stunning underwater view.

Located on the 4th and 5th floor of Tokyo Skytree, it is easily accessible and can be combined with a visit to the tower’s 350m high observatory. Two penguins in one stone. Combo tickets can also be booked in advance on Klook.

Aquamarine Fukushima | View on TripAdvisor

If you’re seeking a memorable family weekend trip, Aquamarine Fukushima is where to head. After its reconstruction in 2011, it has welcomed visitors to its diverse display of marine life. The aquarium is home to over 800 species of marine creatures. It also provides fun experiences for the whole family, including fishing, feeding, and backyard tours.

You can purchase your tickets online but only on Asoview and JTB, but these two websites are in Japanese. You can also simply purchase your tickets on-site in person and avoid the headache of booking on a Japanese website. Admission costs 1,850 yen per adult and 900 yen for kids.

Enoshima Aquarium | View on Klook

Enoshima has been raising jellyfish for over 50 years, and it shows! The Enoshima Aquarium’s Jellyfish Fantasy Hall is like stepping into a living painting. Giant tanks are filled with glowing jellyfish—their mesmerizing movements swirling around you like underwater ballet. It’s relaxing and breathtaking at the same time. Additionally, the aquarium sits by the Sagami Bay, and places great focus on the local sea life nearby.

Tokyo Sea Life Park | View on TripAdvisor

This sea life park is hands-down the best aquarium in Tokyo—a landmark venue for all aquatic lovers. And it’s not just an aquarium; there are also other zoo animals visitors can befriend. The Oceanarium is home to a variety of fish, while the Tropical Forest features rainforest species (such as monkeys, gorillas, and frogs). Another exhibit is the Touch Pool, where you can touch some of the aquarium’s animals, such as starfish and sea urchins.

Tickets can be purchased on-site, and the admission cost is pretty low at 700 yen for adults, while kids under 12 can enter for free.

Port of Nagoya Public Aquarium | View on Klook

This destination is considered one the biggest aquariums in Japan (and it is the largest public aquarium), comprising two separate buildings. The North Building focuses on marine mammals like dolphins, orcas, and beluga whales, while the South Building houses the massive outdoor tank showcasing diverse marine life, a stunning coral reef exhibit, and a glimpse into the deep sea.

Kamogawa Sea World | View on Klook

Located in Chiba near Tokyo, this sprawling marine adventure park blends interactive experiences with educational exhibits. Here, visitors get to learn the importance of wildlife and environmental conservation through interaction with marine creatures. There are a variety of themed zones, including the Eco Aquarium, Tropical Island, and Rocky World. You will also get to see, feel, listen, and touch the marine animals.

As the aquarium is located between 2h30 to 3 hours by train from Tokyo, visiting it can be part of a 2-day trip in Chiba. I’d recommend spending the night in the park’s hotel Kamogawa Sea World Hotel as it boasts tatami rooms, sea views, and play spaces for kids. It makes for a relaxing getaway from Tokyo.

Final Words

Once you’ve chosen your preferred aquarium(s), be sure to purchase tickets ahead of time, and take your time to enjoy the exhibits (don’t rush!). With so many things to do and see in Japan, you might be tempted to pack your schedule as much as possible, but I find the best way to enjoy yourself is to relax, take your time, and go at your own pace. And even more so with aquariums!

Japan has a word for ruins: haikyo. And some of the creepiest haikyo of the country are its abandoned amusement parks. Places where people used to gather to have fun are now sitting idle, slowly becoming overrun by nature. 

Each of these abandoned theme parks is weirdly unique. From the secret tunnels used by the staff to the control rooms for the merry-go-round, they let you see everything behind the veil. In this blog post, I share Japan’s top abandoned theme parks and how you can visit them. (Actually—is it even allowed to visit them? Keep reading to find out!)

If you think Nara Dreamland is going to be on our list of abandoned theme parks in Japan—it’s not. Unfortunately, this clone of Disneyland (even the maps are similar!) was demolished in 2016.

Western Village

Step back into the Wild West at this former park, located 2.5 hours from Tokyo. The park was built in 1975 as a place where people could enjoy cowboy-like activities. It features a Western saloon, jail, ghost house, shooting gallery, post office, actual fake Rio Grande, and vast Mexican barrens. 

However, the cowboy-themed park closed down in 2007 for supposed maintenance works—and never reopened after that. It is believed that its remote location could be the reason for shutting down. The perimeter fence of Western village has gaps, and the park often attracts urbex enthusiasts.

Niigata Russian Village

The most elaborate theme park, Niigata Russian Village, was opened in 1993 with the hope of fostering cultural exchange between Japan and Russia. Located near Niigata City, this was once a bizarre and ambitious theme park. However, it got shut down 6 months after it was renovated in 2002. 

Today, it makes for one heck of a place to explore. A large cathedral, a golf course, and a taxidermised woolly mammoth are a few of its intriguing features. But the hotel was recently set on fire, and no one knows how or why. Explorers back in the day also claim it was abandoned in a rush. Talk about spooky…

Kejonuma Leisure Land

Located in the grassy fields of Tohoku is Kejonuma Leisure Land. Once a hub of amusement for families, the park’s rusty remains are now overtaken by nature. It was opened in 1979, and later shut down in 2000. However, the owner technically didn’t abandon it—he’s reportedly looking for a buyer. 

Even today, everything is still intact with little vandalism. A Ferris wheel, go-kart track, golf course, train track, and teacup rides, can be seen rusting. There’s also an interesting myth (or is it reality?) about the park: it is built next to a pond where a woman committed suicide. I cannot think of a better location for an abandoned amusement park in Japan.

Arima Wanda Garden

Nestled in the Hyogo Prefecture is the Arima Wanda Garden: an amusement park for dogs. Sounds a little off, eh? I was also left with more questions than answers, too… Did the dogs go to the park for entertainment? Were you meant to bring them to the park? The entire situation is just a little disturbing, and ultimately led to the park closing down in 2008.

Features of the park included tracks for dog races, splash pools, dog-sized houses, and dog-shaped train rides. There was also a cinema (for dogs, really?!) and a restaurant serving both human and canine treats. Dog-less folks could even rent a dog and take it for a walk.

The canine amusement park now stands quiet and still…

Legality and Safety Risks of Visiting Abandoned Theme Parks in Japan

In Japan, trespassing on private property—even if abandoned—is illegal. Such violations can result in penalties, such as fines, community service, or even imprisonment. So is it legal to visit these abandoned theme parks in Japan? You understood already, but unfortunately, it is not.

Some abandoned amusement parks may also have security measures in place to prevent trespassing. For example, surveillance cameras, fences, and on-site security personnel.

It is also important to consider safety risks before visiting. These include uneven floors, broken structures, and potential wildlife encounters. And maybe… the animatronic figures that inhabit the space? Not that they’re sentient or anything—but hey, we can’t be too sure.

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.

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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.

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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.

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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!