If you prefer samurai and superpowers over big-eared mice and princesses, it’s probably time you tried out one of Japan’s anime theme parks. Some revolve around anime, while others have anime-themed attractions or special events. There are rides and zip-lines, missions and escape rooms, and anime-themed food galore to check out. Read on for details, tips, and handy booking links for discounted tickets.
Nijigen no Mori
Awaji Island, Hyōgo Prefecture¥1,800–¥13,000 for adults, discounts for kids
Buy tickets online
For an anime side quest on a trip to Osaka or Kōbe, look no further than Nijigen no Mori. This park focuses on Naruto and Boruto: Naruto Next Generations, but also has appearances from Crayon Shin-Chan and Dragon Quest.
The park is filled with life-sized models and statues, with a castle and replica buildings all around to make you feel closer to the anime world. In the area called Naruto & Boruto Shinobizato, there are mazes, challenges, and photo spots, as well as restaurants like the iconic Ramen Ichiraku from Naruto.
Turn your attention to other parts of the park, and you could find yourself zip-lining through Godzilla’s mouth, wandering through Dragon Quest Island, or getting a bit of a spook at the Crayon Shin Chan horror house.
While some of the attractions are aimed at families and children, there are enough other activities for all ages to enjoy, too.
How much does it cost?
Adult tickets range from ¥1,800–¥13,000 depending on the ticket package you choose. Children’s tickets range from free (for under 5s at Dragon Quest Island) to ¥10,900.
Different ticket packages cover different areas of the park. This makes things a little confusing but also means you can pay just for the experiences you want.
Nijigen no Mori tickets
- Tickets for admission to Naruto & Boruto Shinobizato start at adult/child ¥3,300/¥1,200.
- Separate tickets for the Godzilla attraction start at adult/child ¥3,800/¥1,700.
- For entry to Crayon Shin-Chan Adventure Park, there different options for adults, starting at ¥1,800, which is just to supervise accompanying children (for whom tickets start at ¥2,900).
There are pricier package options for all of the above, which include more experiences and/or special merch. We recommend browising the packages online to get an idea of how it works.
Where is Nijigen no Mori?
You can find this anime and manga park within Awajishima Prefectural Park on Awaji Island. To get there you’ll need to cross the scenic Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge from Kōbe. It’s a good excuse to get out of your comfort zone and explore a different part of Japan.
Travel packages to Nijigen no Mori
If you don’t want to sort out your own transport, you can book a bus and admission ticket package from either Kōbe or Osaka. We saw this priced at ¥4,000 from Kōbe and ¥5,000 from Osaka.
Included in the package:
- Round-trip transportation between Kōbe/Osaka and the park on a Naruto-themed shuttle bus
- Admission to Naruto & Boruto Shinobizato (including the experience fees for Ten no Maki and Chi no Maki)
Universal Studios Japan
Osaka, KansaiFrom ¥8,600 for an adult 1 Day Pass (from ¥5,600 for kids)
Buy tickets online
The great thing about USJ is that it’s a combination of adrenaline-packed rides and a recreation of fictional worlds. Although it’s probably most well-known for its Harry Potter world, there are almost always special events and attractions featuring different manga and anime.
USJ special events and attractions for 2023
- One Piece
- Spy x Family
- Pokémon
- Jujutsu Kaisen
- Detective Conan
- Doraemon
The One Piece attractions include a performance, a dedicated restaurant, and a Hollywood Dream collaboration ride. Both the Detective Conan and Spy x Family attractions feature missions and mystery, and each of the other events are equally on-brand.
While we don’t know anything beyond 2023, we imagine there will be more anime or manga based special events in the future.
The most recent big news at USJ was the opening of Super Nintendo World in early 2023. It features Yoshi rides, Mario Kart, and an immersive world. The rest of the park is filled with other fun worlds to explore too, like the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Minion Park, and Jurassic World.
How much does it cost?
A 1 Day Studio Pass starts at ¥8,600 for adults and ¥5,600 for children. Prices can go up by ¥300–¥1,800 depending on the day of the week and the time of year.
You can buy 1, 1.5 and 2 Day Studio Passes online, which we recommend you do (to avoid having to queue at the park).
Fast passes and special event tickets are sold separately. Easy purchase online options include Express Pass 4 and Express Pass 7.
For more on USJ ticket options, check out our full article here.
Where is USJ Japan?
Universal Studios Japan is another theme park down in Kansai. You can find it in Osaka, so if you’re in Tokyo you can either get a night bus there and back or make it a part of a tour of the area. If you’re already in Osaka, you can book a direct shuttle bus that will take you from Dōtonbori in central Osaka, right to USJ for ¥1,200.
Fuji Q Highlands
Fuji Five Lakes, Yamanashi PrefectureFrom ¥4,100/¥6,000 for adult half-day/full day pass
Buy tickets online
For thrilling rides with a side of anime fun, Fuji Q is considered the best adrenaline-pumping park in Japan. Here, the focus is definitely the fast rides like Fujiyama and Takashiba, and even a new rollercoaster set to open in July 2023.
However, if you need your anime fix, there is a mini version of Nijigen no Mori’s Naruto themed area, called the Naruto × Boruto Fuji Hidden Leaf Village (admittedly a bit of a mouthful).
The area recreates a Naruto-style village and has a few smaller attractions like the Ninjutsu Carnival and a “3D Shooting Ride”. There are also two Naruto-themed restaurants, including the famous Ichiraku Ramen and a souvenir shop for some Naruto goodies.
If you need a bit of anime in your day but can’t get your friends to go to a full-on anime theme park, Fuji Q is a pretty good compromise! If cute and cuddly characters are more your style, you might also be interested in Sanrio Puroland.
How much does it cost?
An adult afternoon pass starts at ¥4,100, and full day passes cost ¥6,000–¥6,800. Tickets can be bought online or at the park. Some online ticket packages include transportation, such as round-trip bus travel to and from the park and Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal.
Where is Fuji Q?
Fuji Q is near Mount Fuji and Kawaguchiko in the Fuji Five Lakes resort area in Yamanashi Prefecture. It’s easiest to visit from Tokyo, or as part of a trip to the Fuji area.
Ghibli Park
Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture¥1,000–¥3,500 (half-price for kids)
Staying true to Ghibli style, the new Ghibli Park has no thrilling rides or big park attractions. Instead, the existing natural elements of the green park are incorporated into the experience, with different themed areas connected by wooded trails.
The park’s main area is Ghibli’s Grand Warehouse, which will feel familiar to anyone who has visited the Ghibli Museum in Tokyo. There you’ll find a cinema, exhibitions, and scene recreations from popular films like Spirited Away. Every nook and cranny has a cute Ghibli touch to it, with walkways and street recreations, as well as a café and souvenir store to take something home with you.
The other areas are smaller but no less Ghibli, with little decorations and nods to your favorite films at every corner.
Going to Ghibli Park
Admission is by reservation only, which can be done from overseas or within Japan. One of the easiest ways to get tickets is to book a package through JTB. They’ll handle all the hassle of securing tickets, and packages include one overnight stay in Nagoya.
Joypolis
Odaiba, TokyoAdult full day pass ¥4,200, discounts for kids and evening visits
Buy tickets online
Joypolis is one of Japan’s largest indoor amusement parks, with over 20 attractions. The reason some many attractions can fit indoors is because a lot of them are VR-based. There are more typical thrill rides, too (including ones enhanced with VR).
Although Joypolis’s permanent attractions don’t feature manga or anime, they often have temporary events. In the past they have had events like an Attack on Titan walkthrough and an Ace Attorney investigation. In 2023, there is a Soaring Sky! Pretty Cure festival, as well as a Bluelock stage show and collaborations across different rides.
How much does it cost
An adult Passport Ticket that includes admission and ride entry costs ¥4,200. If you purchase an admission-only ticket for ¥1,200, rides can be paid for individually. There are different prices for evening passes.
Where is Joypolis?
Joypolis is located in Odaiba, an island on Tokyo Bay and a popular leisure destination. If you’re looking for something in Tokyo, Joypolis is probably your best option.
While we do our best to ensure information is correct, pricing and other details are subject to change.
