My First Amusement Park Trip - JAPAN!

[ILoveRides]

First off, I wanted to give a huge thanks to Robb and Elissa for all the hard work they put into this site. I've read TPR for years, but it's only after beginning to plan my first coaster trip recently that I've begun to realize what a truly unique and comprehensive source of amusement park information this site is. So I wanted to extend a huge thanks. I probably couldn't have planned this trip without Theme Park Review, so I'm very grateful for the hard work you guys put into the site.

 

Now, about my trip..

I'm going to Japan for two weeks at the beginning of July. It's my first time going to Japan (actually, my first time out of the U.S. even), so I will be exploring a bit and not going to amusement parks every day. However, a good part of the trip will be visiting amusement parks. I'll be staying with a friend in Tokyo, so I am planning on leaving from Tokyo each morning and returning to Tokyo each night, with the possible exception of the nights I go to Parque Espana and Spaland, since those parks seem to be farther away. I've read all the Japan trip reports I could find, and have narrowed where I'd like to go into 3 categories: parks I for sure would like to go to, parks I might go if I have extra time, and parks I'm not likely to go to. That list is below:

 

FOR SURE:

1. Tokyo Disneyland

2. Tokyo Disneysea

3. Nagashima Spaland

4. Parque Espana

5. La Qua (tokyo dome)

6. Sea Paradise

7. Yokohama Cosmoworld

8. Tobu Zoo

9. Yomiuriland

10. Sega Joypolis / Muscle Park

11. Galaxy Express 999 - Aqua Stadium, Japan

 

MAYBE:

1. Hirakata Park

2. Universal Studios Japan

3. Space World

4. Uminonakamichi Seaside Park

5. Lagunasia

6. Hamanako Pal Pal

7. Nasu Highland Park

 

PROBABLY NOT:

1. Expoland

2. Fuji-Q (Looks good, but horrible reviews)

 

 

I would love any general comments or tips anyone might have about my plan, but I also had a few specific questions:

 

1. Some parks seem like they might only take up 1/2 day, and are close enough that they could be possibly be combined into the same day. I was wondering, for the parks on my for sure list, do you think any are 1/2-day-type-parks that are close enough to combine with another 1/2-day-type park in the same day. It seems like Cosmoworld and Sea Paradise probably could be done in the same day. Is that a good assessment? Are there any others close enough to combine?

 

2. Space world and Fuji-Q both seem like excellent parks (at least, as far as the rides go). I decided against Fuji-q after reading all the bad reviews here, and decided against Space World just because it seems so far from Tokyo. For a first timer though, do you think it would be a mistake to miss these parks? I'm still a little undecided. Also, does anyone know how long the train ride from Tokyo to Space World would be?

 

3. Are there any parks that aren't on my for-sure list that you'd recommend seeing, or perhaps any parks on my for-sure list that you'd recommend against seeing. I made this list from what I gathered from all the trip reports, but it's sometimes a little hard to tell from the pictures what the experience is like, so if there's something you recommend seeing that isn't on my list, I'd love to know.

 

4. Not really theme park related, but are there any non-amusement-park sites in Japan you'd highly recommend seeing?

 

Thanks in advance for any help! I'm so excited... leaving in about 2 weeks .

[ebl]

I can't advise you, but I do envy your trip and wish you a lot of fun!

 

Eric "Will get to Japan someday" L.

[jedimaster1227]

Of the parks listed above, I only had the chance to visit two during my trip to Japan, but both of them can be highly recommended.

 

Tokyo DisneySea is incredible, both for the non-Disney fan and for the uber-fan. The place bleeds detail and creativity and the atmosphere alone is worth the price of admission.

 

La Qua (Tokyo Dome City) was also very nice--a little odd, but nice. That being said (and Elissa also noted this on my Japan trip thread way-back-when), it isn't always easy to get all of your credits in during one visit. During my short stay, it rained to the point where Thunder Dolphin and Linear Gale were both closed, leaving me with Spinning Coaster and GeoPanic. While you may not encounter the same kind of weather I did on that day, don't be too discouraged if you can't ride everything in the park.

 

It sounds like you've got a great trip in the works and I wish you all the best on your way to Japan. I miss the place dearly and truly envy you for going back before I do!

[scooterdoug]

I've been to two parks in Japan. Here are my thoughts:

 

Tokyo Dome was an enjoyable place. It's right there in the city, so the sheer convenience makes this place a must-visit. Although, be warned that Thunder Dolphin looks FAR cooler than it actually is. I mean, it's not bad or anything...it's just ok. I certainly found it to be a letdown.

 

Fuji-Q Highland was a good time for me. Now, from what I've read on this site, my day there was far more the exception than the rule. The crowds were manageable, allowing me 1 ride on Dodonpa, 3 on Fujiyama, and 3 on Eejanaika...something that, from what I understand, is not common at all. You'll be in Japan around the same time I was there. Perhaps if you go on a weekday (like I did), you'll have the same good luck I did. If you are lucky enough to go on a low crowd day, then you would certainly enjoy a visit to that park.

 

Well, those are my two cents. Also, for non-theme park related advice, I can give you some culinary advice. If, perchance, you get over to the Kansai region (Kyoto, Osaka, etc.) and have about $100-150 to spare, go to the city of Kobe and treat yourself to Kobe beef...without a doubt the best steak you will EVER have in your life (by a wide margin). And, that's all the advice I have to offer. Whatever you do, enjoy Japan. It's a fun place!

-Doug

[ILoveRides]

Thanks for the tips and info everyone! Leaving in 2 days!!!!!!! I'm crazy excited!