Going to Japan for 16 day trip - Recommend me theme parks!

[JonnyBoy]

Hi there,

 

I'll be going to Japan for a 16 day trip, staying at my girlfriend's dad's apartment in Tokyo.

 

I would like to go to say, 4-5 of their best themeparks. I'm more of the thriller ride and airtime kinda person, rather than beautifully themed but kiddy rides like those in Disneyland.

 

Can you nice people please recommend me some of their best themeparks?

 

Oh ya, and, I'll be going to Disneyland OR Sea. Which one's better?

[zaneymon]

Both Disneysea and tokyo disneyland are awesome go to both and if you get the chance go to tobu zoo park

[SharkTums]

^Did you even read what he wrote!?!?

 

Anyways, if you can only visit one of the Disney parks, go to Disney Sea.

 

As for 'Thrill Parks'...are you restricted to the Tokyo area or anywhere?

 

Tokyo Area:

 

Fuji-Q

Nasu

Yomiuriland

Tobu Zoo

Sea Paradise/Cosmoworld

 

Japan:

Fuji-Q

Nasu

Space World

Expoland

Nagashima Spa Land

[rollermonkey]

Wow! Eveyone's coming to Japan lately!

 

I'll say that Elissa's list is great, let us know if you want more parks or areas you might be visiting. I'd add Mitsui Greenland Arao to the list, but it's a long way from Tokyo!

 

Let me know when you'll be here, I leave in October, but maybe we could meet up?

[The Angry Darren Mullins]

I will be in Japan for a few days later this month. How do you get to Nasu? I have foudn next to nothing online as to how to access this park. How far is it from Tokyo? I have been to 19 parks in Japan. The ones I suggest are:

 

Tokyo:

 

Yomouriland

Cosmoworld

Tokyo Disneyland

La Qua

 

Other parks in Japan that I think you will enjoy are:

 

Harmonyland

Kijima (go for the location)

Osaka Expoland

Space World

Hirakata

Nagashima Spaland

Nara Dreamland-I haven't been yet, but I will go this month. It is closing soon.

[WillMontu]

Be sure to hit Parque Espana for the incredible Escalator Ride!

[rollermonkey]

I will be in Japan for a few days later this month. How do you get to Nasu?

 

The Shinkansen will only take you part way from Tokyo. You have to transfer at NasuShiobara station to the Tohoku line and go one station to Kuroiso station. I can't remember the bus number right now, it's at work, but the nice lady at the information counter had the info taped to the counter in English, too if I can't find it. From Tokyo it isn't too bad, but from where I live (south of Yokohama) I had to leave really early to arrive before noon. From Tokyo station to Kuroiso is between 90 minutes and 2 hours depending on connections. The bus was a good 45 minutes and travels about once an hour, so make sure to pay attention to when they leave from the park end when you get there!

[The Angry Darren Mullins]

Thanks Chris. I am not sure if I wil go to Nasu or not as it may be a bit out of the way timewise. I wish I had been more help to you when you went to Plaza Land in Korea. By the way, I got sick shortly after you went from Korea's yellow dust season. I was sick for two months, but as soon as I was better, I went to Plaza Land only to find out that it had closed for good six days earlier. Has anyone heard anything certain about Steel Dragon 2000? I will go back to Nagashima if it is open, but I will skip the park if Steel Dragon 2000 is still SBNO. I have been there twice and there are many other parks in Japan I haven't been to.

[JonnyBoy]

Wow guys, thanks for the very responsive replies!

 

After some research, and going through that Japan 2004 guide, this is my preference order of the theme parks within reasonable distance from Tokyo.

 

 

Fuji-Q Highland -> LaQua -> Yomiuriland -> Sea Paradise

 

 

(I'm not listing Disneyland/Sea cause they are more for sight-seeing rather than thriller rides. I'm more of a adrenaline lover)

 

Guys, I'm judging based on the pretty outdated 2004 guide, so I would really appreciate if you guys could list out your best 5 thriller theme parks in preference order so I can see which ones are the hot favourites.

 

Oh ya, and is there any site where I can see more updated photos of Japan theme parks?

 

(I'll be staying all of my 16 days in Tokyo, so if it's not closeby, do tell me whether it is worth the travelling time and costs)

 

Oh ya I'll be going from 22nd July till 6th of August, that's less than 2 weeks away!

[SharkTums]

^First off, it's really not that outdated. The Japan parks do not update very often.

 

In fact from our last visit the only new things at parks are the X at FujiQ, a kiddie Coaster at Yomiuriland, and the Rocket Coaster at Space World.

 

If you want more photos you can look at our most recent Japan update: http://www.themeparkreview.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=21216

[JonnyBoy]

Oh I see,

 

Mmm, can you recommend me your top 5 thriller parks that are within reasonable distance from Tokyo? (I think Fuji-Q is probably the furthest I can accept)

[rollermonkey]

Notes:

 

Darren, Duane told me that park had closed. No worries about not knowing how to get there! I made it, but I missed the credits, too!

 

Jonny, Elissa's right about not too much changing since 2004. I'd like to add a couple minor changes around the nation:

One less Zamperla powered coaster in Nagoya, a different new one elsewhere in Aichi.

Possibly new coaster at Sega Joypolis in Odaiba (Tokyo).

Tower of Terror and Raging Spirits added to DisneySea (or was RS there yet when you were here in '04?)

 

Tobu Zoo isn't a huge thrill park, but it has an outstanding woodie and a few other cool rides, like a looping mouse!

 

The rest of the parks in the Tokyo area get small fast. Kanagawa only has the 2 Yokohama parks, Chiba only has kiddy rides outside of Disney.

 

The next furthest 'thriller' park from Tokyo would require a shinkansen ride: Either Nasu Highland or Nagashima Spaland. Either park can be done easily in a day trip from Tokyo.