8 places to visit with your children in Japan
Thinking about helping parents to choose places to go for a walk with their children, we have selected a number of theme parks, amusement parks, zoos and water parks where everyone can have fun, including parents.
1. Universal Studios Japan in Osaka (ユ ニ バ サ ル · ス タ ジ オ · ジ ャ パ ン)
Universal Studios Japan is a huge theme park that belongs to the famous American film industry. It is located in the city of Osaka and is divided into nine areas: New York, Hollywood, San Francisco, Jurassic Park, Universal Wonderland, Minion Park, Water World, Amity Village and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.Each area has a variety of attractions among 4D movie theaters, roller coasters, and even specialty stores selling articles related to the famous films.
There are also services and facilities for families such as baby changing facilities, baby strollers, special menus for children in restaurants and different accommodations for them in hotels. It will be difficult to contain the excitement and visit the place in just one day.
Admission fee (1 day studio pass) *
Adults and from 12 years old: 7,600 yen
4 years old up to 11 years old: 5,100 yen
Seniors age 65 and over: 6,830 yen
* Some attractions are not included in the ticket 1 day studio pass
See more information at: http://www.usj.co.jp/e/ticket/
Hours in August:http://www.usj.co.jp/e/parkguide/calendar.html
Contact Phone: 0570-20-0606
Location: 〒554-0031 大阪 府 大阪 桜 桜 島 二 二 1 番 33 号 (Osaka-fu Konohana-ku, Sakurajima 2-1-33)
See the website: http://www.usj.co.jp/e/access/
Website: http://www.usj.co.jp/e/
2. KidZania in Tokyo (キ ッ ザ ニ ア 東京)
Who said that a child can not be a police officer, a confectioner, a hairdresser, a scientist, or even a court judge?This is KidZania’s proposal in Tokyo. It is a mini-city where the little ones can exercise these and various other professions and activities as if they were adults. Through the work they are paid with KidZos, name of the currency that circulates in the small locality, then the children can use the “money” to buy toys, souvenirs, sweets and other goodies sold at the convenience stores and food court. The most fun is doing all this while playing and still being a kid. Parents can already take advantage of the moment to get a sense of the vocation of their children.
Admission fee:
From 3 years old: 2,950 yen ~ 4,800 yen
Primary students: 3,250 yen ~ 5,400 yen
Students gym: 3,350 yen ~ 5,500 yen
Adults from 16 years old: 1,950 yen
Seniors aged 60 and over: 950 yen
* Rates are not included
* Prices of tickets vary according to the day of the week and the chosen shift
See more at: https://www.kidzania.jp/tokyo/en/admission/index2.html?did=201708101617374795370
Opening Hours:
Two-shift operation: 9h to 15h and 16h to 21h
Contact Phone: 03-3536-8405
Location: 〒135-8614 東京 都 江東 区 豊 洲 2-4-9 (Tokyo-to Koto-ku Toyosu 2-4-9)
By train: By station Toyosu (exit 2) on the Yurakucho line of the Tokyo subway, then walk for 8 minutes.
By the Toyosu station on the Yurikamome line, then walk for 8 minutes.
See the access by the site: http://www.kidzania.jp/tokyo/en/access/
Website: http://www.kidzania.jp/tokyo/en/
3. Tokyo Disney Resort in Chiba(東京 デ ィ ズ リ ー リ ゾ ー ト)
Contrary to popular belief, Tokyo Disney Resort or simply Tokyo Disney, despite its name, is located in Chiba Prefecture. The theme park is divided into two major areas: Tokyo Disneylandand Tokyo DisneySea. TokyoDisneyland is comprised of over 40 attractions. For children, we can highlight the Jungle Cruise: Wildlife Expeditions, Western River Railroad, Mark Twain Riverboat, Snow White’s Adventures, Snow and the seven dwarves. Tokyo DisneySea is where more than 40 water attractions are located. Children will love the boat trips that pass through the Mediterranean port, Venice, the American Waterfront and the Lost River Delta. It is very difficult to see the two large areas in just one day. See Disney’s hotels and affiliates http://www.tokyodisneyresort.jp/en/hotel/lists/ to get to know the place for at least two days.
Admission fee: 1-Day Passport *
Over 18 years old: 7,400 yen
12 years old and up to 17 years old: 6,400 yen
4 years old and up to 11 years old: 4,800 yen
Under 3 years old: Free
Special rates for people over 60
*Ticket prices refer to the one-day period for Tokyo Disneyland or Tokyo DisneySea
*To enjoy both parks can be made upgrades for two days or more, see more at: http://www.tokyodisneyresort.jp/en/ticket/
Hours in August: http://info.tokyodisneyresort.jp/en/calendar/201708.html#20170810
Contact Phone: 045-683-3333
Location: 〒279-0031 千葉 県 浦 安 市 舞 浜 1-1 (Chiba ken Urayasu shi Maihama 1-1)
Website: http://www.tokyodisneyresort.jp/en/tdl/index.html
4. Fujikyu Highlands in Yamanashi (富士急 ハ イ ラ ン ド)
If your children want to live strong emotions, the Fujikyu Highlands is a good option. Located in Yamanashi Prefecture, the park has some of the largest roller coasters in the world.Among them the Fujiyama, the king of roller coasters, Takabisha, Eejanaika 4 dimension coaster and the Dodonpa. There are much quieter options such as Merry-Go-Round, Shining Flower, Tea Cups and Thomas Land, the world of the famous little buddy train with lots of attractions for kids. Access by car is facilitated by the expressway Chuo.
Admission fee + free pass *
Over 18 years old: 5,700 yen
12 years old up to 18 years old: 5,200 yen
3 years old and up to 11 years old: 4,300 yen
* The ticket prices refer to the period of one day
* There are also free pass for two days, night free pass (night), special prices for people over 65 and groups. See more at: http://www.fujiq.jp/en/ticket/
Hours in August:
See the following website http://www.fujiq.jp/calendar/monthly_10_12.html
Contact Phone: 0555-23-2111
Location: 〒403-0017 山 梨 県 富士 市 市 新 西 原 5-6-1 (Yamanashi-ken Fujiyoshida-shi Shin Nishihara 5-6-1)
By train: From Shinjuku station, take JR Chuo Main to Otsuki Station and transfer to Fujikyu Line for Fuji-Q Highland.
See the access by the site: http://www.fujiq.jp/en/access/
Website: http://www.fujiq.jp/en/
5.Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise in Kanagawa(横 浜 島 パ パ ー パ ラ ダ イ ス)
Getting to know the Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise is like diving in the ocean without getting wet. The site is one of the largest aquariums in Japan.It is located on an island in Kanagawa province and concentrates more than 500 varieties of fish and about one hundred thousand marine species scattered in three huge pavilions. One of the most appreciated sites is the underwater tunnel. There, the children will have the impression that they are swimming with dolphins and rays. In addition to souvenir shops and restaurants, the amusement park is another great attraction next to the aquarium. The place has an immense green area in its surroundings, ideal for families who also enjoy a picnic or just walk quietly hand in hand.
Admission fee:
From 4 years old: 2,050 yen
Primary and gym students: 3,600 yen
College students and adults: 5,050 yen
Seniors from the age of 65: 3,600 yen
* Ticket prices refer to the one-day period for both the aquarium and the amusement park, except for some attractions, which are charged separately. See more at: http://www.seaparadise.co.jp/english/ticketinformation.html
Hours in August: http://www.seaparadise.co.jp/info/index.html?facility=aqua
Contact Phone: 045-788-8888
Location: 〒236-000 神奈川 県 金 沢 区 島 (Kanagawa-ken Yokohama-shi Hakkeijima)
See the website: http://www.seaparadise.co.jp/english/access.html
Website: http://www.seaparadise.co.jp/english/
6. Nasu Highland Park in Tochigi (那 須 ハ イ ン ド ド ク ー ク)
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Located in the north of Tochigi, the Nasu Highland Park is in a privileged place surrounded by lots of greenery.There is fun for the whole family. One of the rides that most catches the public’s attention is the Sky Balloon. It is a trip on a balloon, from where it is possible, at a good time, to appreciate the nature of the region. Another fun enjoyed by children is the Mini Train that takes a tour of the park. Other traditional rides like the Waves Wolfinger, Big Wheel and several types of roller coasters stand out. Another great advantage for families is the facilities offered such as areas reserved for baby strollers, special children’s menu offerings in the park’s restaurants and hotels provide accommodation for the children.
Admission fee (Aqua Resorts Pass + Pleasure Land Pass) *
Student of high school and adults: 5,050 yen
Primary and junior high school student: 3,600 yen
Children from 4 years old: 2.050 yen
Seniors age 65 and over: 3,600 yen
* Special rates for groups of people
See more prices at: http://www.seaparadise.co.jp/english/ticketinformation.html
Hours in August: 9h30 to 17h
Contact Phone: 0287-78-1150
Location: 〒325-0398 栃 木 県 那 須 町 町 高 久 乙 3375 (Tochigi Ken Nasu-gun Nasu-machi Takakuotsu 3375)
See the website: http://www.seaparadise.co.jp/english/access.html
Website: http://www.nasuhai.co.jp/
7. Gunma Safari Park in Gunma (群 馬 サ フ ァ リ パ ー ク)
Opened 35 years ago,Gunma Safari Park became the first in the eastern region of Japan.It was also the first of the archipelago to succeed in breeding elephants in captivity in 1986. It even has a rare species of white tiger. The pinkish color of the nose and the stripes of light brown skin give the great albino feline a mysterious air. In December of 1988, the singer Michael Jackson, during an artistic tour by Japan, went to see the place.
The biggest attraction is the safari. For this, the ranger car (closed jeeps) and buses can be used for the ride among the wildlife, which can be fed by visitors. The course can be done during the night time at scheduled times, giving an idea of how elephants, lions, giraffes and zebras behave at night. The park inhabits more than 100 species from almost every continent. It’s great cultural fun for the whole family to enjoy.
Admission fee:
From 3 years old up to junior high school students: 1,400 yen
Collegiate students: 2,700 yen
* Special rates for groups, people over 65 and disabled
* There are several options for doing the safari, which are charged separately. See more at: http://www.safari.co.jp/guidance/admission_en.html
Hours in August: 9h30 to 16h (17h closing of the gates)
Clearance on Wednesdays, except on holidays
Contact Phone: 0274-64-2111
Location: 〒370-2321 群 馬 富 岡 市 岡本 1 番地 (Gunma-ken Tomioka-shi, Okamoto 1)
About 40 minutes by taxi from JR Takasaki Station
See the website: http://www.safari.co.jp/guidance/access_en.html
Website:www.safari.co.jp/
8.Tobu Dobutsu Koen in Saitama(東 武 動物 公園)
How about a place wherezoo and amusement park are together? It exists, it is located in Saitama and is easily accessible to anyone who comes by car on the Tohoku expressway or by train through the Tobu Isesaki line of the Tobu railway company. The part of the Tobu Dobutsu Koen zoo has 1200 animals of 120 different species. There are two attractions in the area: the lions’ area, where there are tunnels, glass walls and domes or plastic domes that bring us close enough to the big animals. The other area of prominence is the penguins. It is possible to feed them and, in the hottest time of the year, to have the experience of being very close to them, helping in cleaning the space reserved for these birds.
In the amusement park there are more than 30 different toys. The most popular are the giant wheel of about 59 meters in height and the roller coaster made all of wood and that reaches about 90 km/h of speed. Still, there are several other attractions dedicated exclusively to the children’s audience.
Admission fee: one day (admission + unlimited use in attractions with admission ticket) *
From 3 years old: 3,000 yen
Students gym: 3,300 yen
Seniors from 60 years old: 2,700 yen
* Special rates for groups. See more at: http://www.tobuzoo.com/global/english/#section1
Hours in August: http://www.tobuzoo.com/info/
Phone: 0480-93-1200
Location: 〒345-0831 埼 玉 県 埼 代 町 町 賀 賀 110 (Saitama-ken Minami Saitama-gun Miyashiro-cho Suga 110)
See the access by the site: http://www.tobuzoo.com/global/portuguese/#section1
Website: http://www.tobuzoo.com/global/portuguese/