Jul 19 (newsonjapan.com) - Japan is a land of refined culture as much as quirky entertainment venues. From manga-themed restaurants to karaoke and pachinko parlors, there's no running out of fun things to do.
Incidentally, the country also boasts several world-class amusement parks. While some are local variations of famous entertainment brands, others are quintessentially Japanese. So, are you in for a fun trip? Let's discover four theme parks to cross off your bucket list.
Universal Studios Japan
Back to the Future, Jurassic Park, and Jaws. You've seen them all. So, why don't you immerse yourself in your favorite movies while traveling through Japan? Opened in 2001, Universal Studios Japan is one of only six theme parks operated by the Universal Company worldwide. And it was the first Universal Studios to ever open outside of the U.S. before Singapore and Beijing followed suit.
The park welcomes about 8 million visitors annually and is among the top five theme parks in the world. In 2014, a Harry Potter-themed area boosted the park's attendance to further heights. The USJ inaugurated many more attractions since then, including some manga-infused rides like the Attack on Titan XR coaster or the Hunter x Hunter 4D experience, and even a Super Nintendo World. Visitors can also attend live performance shows, as families enjoy a Minions kung-fu dance-off while anime fans team up for a fierce Jujutsu Kaisen battle.
Fuji Q Highland
Are you looking for an adrenaline rush? Then the Fuji Q Highland boasts some record-breaking rollercoasters. Adrenaline seekers can ride aboard the Do-Donpa, the world's fastest rollercoaster. Or perhaps visitors would prefer testing their limits on the steepest coaster on the planet, the Takabisha. Apart from scary rides and horror houses, the park caters to families with the outdoor Thomas the Tank Engine area and a French-inspired village.
But tourists also visit the Fuji Q Highland to soak in some gorgeous sights. Located in the heart of the Fuji Five Lakes region, this heart-racing amusement park lies at the feet of Mount Fuji. Guests can climb up the Fujiyama Deck for an unparalleled view while saying hi to the Fujiyama King of Coasters as it rushes past. And after a hair-raising day at the park, the hot springs in Hakone are a perfect stopover for the night.
Edo Wonderland Nikko Edomura
Have you ever wondered what life was like during the Edo Period? Edo Wonderland Nikko Edomura is the attempt at an answer. This historic amusement park is a recreation of a small Edo-style town showcasing the golden cultural era known as Genroku. Thanks to its authentic feel, the park has been used frequently as a setting for historic TV dramas and movies.
Actors roam the park in period costumes, while park guests can dress up the Edo way to visit a yokai-filled Haunted Temple or a ninja-themed maze. The park's attractions include traditional themed shows as well, such as live-action martial arts performances and water magic acts.
Tokyo Joypolis
Tokyo is a Mecca for gamers. If you're a gaming enthusiast, thus, head to the Odaiba area. Across three floors, the Tokyo Joypolis features some cutting-edge attractions blending virtual and augmented reality. This indoor theme park is also heaven for fans of Japanese pop culture as it boasts themed attractions based on popular franchises like Resident Evil, Ace Attorney, and Sonic the Hedgehog.
The Tokyo Joypolis is one of many entertainment venues in Odaiba, from a Ferris wheel to arcade halls. Gamblers can even push their luck at a nearby casino. But if you don't have time for a poker game during your trip, top online casinos have got you covered. Gambling sites give you access to the best machine slots and table games anytime and anyplace. The best platforms even feature live dealer sessions and video poker for an ever-more thrilling experience. And bonuses like free spins or cashback offers make it easy to try out every game in the book.
Amusement parks make for a fun day trip while in Japan. And we've barely skimmed the surface! In the Tokyo area alone, there are countless parks ranging from the world-famous DisneySea to local favorites like Seibuen. To top it off, new venues are set to open, like the long-anticipated Ghibli Park in Nagoya.
Photo Credit: Jeremy Thompson - Flickr
