Top 10 amusement parks in Japan

Disney must-sees: Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea

To get there, take the JR Keiyo line from Tokyo station to Maihama station (about 15 minutes). Once there, the park is just a 5-minute walk away.

Prices: 7,400 yen (€56) for a 1-day adult ticket; 6,400 yen (€48.50) for 12-17 year-olds; 4,800 yen (€36.50) for 4-11 year-olds.

Tokyo Disneyland is a must-see destination for those who want to experience Disney magic Japanese-style.

Not far from Tokyo Disneyland is another theme park with even greater success: Tokyo DisneySea. Taking the sea as its theme (a very Japanese theme!), it offers original attractions found nowhere else. The park comprises 7 ports organized around a central volcano, Mount Prometheus. The Little Mermaid and Finding Nemo take center stage! Highlights include Journey to the Center of the Earth (based on the novel by Jules Verne), Indiana Jones Adventure and Tower of Terror.

DisneySea is particularly appreciated for its sumptuous decor and more mature atmosphere than Disneyland, making it just as attractive to adults as it is to children.

Prices: 7,400 yen (€56.50) for an adult 1-day ticket; 6,400 yen (€49) for 12-17 year-olds; 4,800 yen (€36.50) for 4-11 year-olds.

DisneySea is often considered the most beautiful Disney park in the world by many visitors. Book your ticket to Tokyo DisneySea and discover this unique park.

Parks for thrill-seekers: Fuji-Q Highland and Nagashima Spa Land

At the foot of Mount Fuji, less than 2 hours from Tokyo, lies the Fuji-Q Highland thrill park. Some forty activities are on offer, including huge roller coasters for thrill-seekers. Notable attractions include the Senritu meikyû, a huge haunted house in the shape of a life-size disused hospital, which has made this major park a must-see.

Nagashima Spa Land is still relatively unknown to tourists. Yet it has a lot to offer: in addition to a huge amusement park, you'll find a giant shopping mall, a spa with 17 indoor and outdoor baths, a floral park and a museum. With 60 different attractions, from a small carousel to the world's longest roller coaster (Steel Dragon 2000), you'll have plenty of choice for a busy day.

This park near Nagoya is perfect for all ages, with a harmonious mix of roller coasters, hot springs, stores and water attractions. It's particularly popular for its excellent value for money and variety of facilities.

Address: 〒511-1192 Nagashima Urayasu, Kuwana, Mie

Prices: Full pass for park and pools, adult 6,400 yen (€49), child 4,800 yen (€36.50)

Nagashima Spa Land is the ideal place to combine thrills and relaxation.

Cinematic and playful worlds: Universal Studios Japan and Joypolis Odaiba

Universal Studios Japan is a must-see for film and video game fans. Book your ticket for Universal Studios Japan.

For geeks, there are several Joypolis parks across Japan, but the best known isOdaiba in Tokyo. This very special park offers attractions based on Sega video games. On site, you can battle zombies with guns blazing, race cars (the park's specialty!) or try out the Futuroscope-style dynamic cinema...

This indoor park is ideal when it's raining or too hot, and offers an immersive experience in the world of video games. Attractions are regularly renewed to keep up with the latest trends.

Address: Tokyo, Minato, Daiba, 1 Chome-6-1 Decks Odaiba DECKS Tokyo Beach 3F～5F

Prices: Adult ticket for all attractions: 4,300 yen (€33); child ticket: 3,300 yen (€25)

Book your ticket for Joypolis Odaiba and immerse yourself in the futuristic world of Japanese video games.

Original theme parks: Legoland Japan and Sanrio Puroland

Located in Nagoya, Legoland Japan offers visitors the chance to immerse themselves in a Lego world. The park is built entirely from life-size Danish bricks. Rides, roller coasters, reconstructions of famous Japanese landmarks and much more await you.

Legoland is perfect for a family day out, especially with children aged between 3 and 12.

Sanrio Puroland is a park themed around the kawaii mascot Hello Kitty (Kitty-chan in Japanese) and her friends. Restaurants, goodie stores, shows... a whole little pink world to delight youngsters and fans alike.

Located in the Tokyo suburb of Tama, this indoor park brings to life the eccentric and spirited world of Japan's cutest characters. The park features not only Hello Kitty, but also other popular characters such as Cinnamoroll, Pompompurin and even the lazy egg Gudetama. Visitors can enjoy colorful shows, take part in interactive activities and buy exclusive products that can't be found anywhere else.

Address: 1-31 Ochiai, Tama-shi, Tokyo

Prices: weekdays: adult ticket 3,300 yen (€25); child ticket 2,500 yen (€19); weekends: 3,800 yen (€29) / 2,700 yen (€20.50)

Sanrio Puroland is the place to be for fans of the Japanese kawaii world. Book your ticket for Sanrio Puroland.

Affordable and accessible options: Yokohama Cosmo World and Adventure World

Located by the sea in the city of Yokohama, just outside Tokyo, Yokohama Cosmo World is an old-fashioned amusement park ideal for those with modest budgets. The park is perfect for families, with attractions for all ages. But the undisputed star of the show is the giant 100-meter diameter Ferris wheel, a must-see.

Yokohama is a charming city well worth discovering, and its theme park adds a playful touch to your visit.

Adventure World, located in Wakayama prefecture in southern Kansai, is an original concept that includes a zoo, an aquarium and an amusement park (the Play Zone). The star of Adventure World is the panda, and the star attraction is the safari tour. After visiting the animals, you can have fun on the Ferris wheel, race go-karts or try out the roller coaster.

How to organize your visit: tickets, transport and practical advice

To make the most of your visit to Japan's theme parks, a few tips are in order:

• Book your tickets in advance: most parks offer online tickets, often with discounts if you buy before your visit. For the most popular parks, such as Tokyo Disneyland or Universal Studios Japan, this is even essential during peak periods.
• Check the visitor calendar: avoid weekends and Japanese public holidays, especially Golden Week (late April-early May), Obon (mid-August) and New Year.
• Arrive early: for most parks, it's advisable to arrive at least 30 minutes before opening time to avoid queues at the entrances.
• Use queue-cutting passes: options like the Express Pass at Universal Studios Japan or the FastPass at Disney can save you precious time, especially during peak periods.
• Plan your itinerary: download the park map in advance and plan the attractions you absolutely must do.

As for transport, most of the major theme parks are accessible by train from major Japanese cities. The Japan Rail Pass can be used to access certain parks, such as Tokyo Disneyland (via the JR Keiyo line). For those further afield, shuttles or buses are generally available from the nearest stations.

If you're visiting 5 or more typically Japanese theme parks, consider buying a special pass such as the Hakone Free Pass, which includes access to Fuji-Q Highland, or opt for combined tickets, which often offer attractive discounts.

The best time to visit Japanese theme parks

Choosing the right time to visit Japan's theme parks can greatly influence your experience:

• Spring (March-May): this is a very popular period, especially during the cherry blossom season. The parks are beautifully decorated, but expect large crowds, especially during Golden Week (late April-early May).
• Summer (June-August): the rainy season in June can reduce crowds, but bring a raincoat. July and August are hot and humid, but many parks offer water attractions and special summer events.
• Autumn (September-November): with pleasant temperatures and beautiful autumn colors, this is an excellent time to visit the parks. Crowds are generally lower than in spring.
• Winter (December-February): the parks are less crowded, except during the New Year vacations. Many parks offer spectacular illuminations and special Christmas events. This is also the ideal time to visit indoor parks such as Joypolis Odaiba or Sanrio Puroland.

To avoid the crowds, opt for weekdays, especially Tuesdays and Wednesdays, which are often the least crowded. Mondays can be just as busy as weekends, due to the public holidays that often fall on those days.

The weather also plays an important role: the most comfortable months for visiting outdoor parks are April-May and September-November. In summer, bring water, a hat and sunscreen, as the heat and humidity can be overwhelming.

Finally, find out about seasonal events that can enrich your experience: Halloween at DisneySea, winter illuminations at Nagashima Spa Land, or summer festivals at Universal Studios Japan are all not to be missed.

By following these tips and choosing the right time to visit, you'll maximize your chances of having an unforgettable experience in Japan's theme parks, magical places where tradition and modernity meet to the delight of young and old alike.