7 best indoor theme parks and amusement parks in Tokyo

This attraction inside Tokyu Kabukicho Tower is an interactive game, similar to an escape room, that requires you to solve multiple puzzles and games. The storyline is based on the Japanese light novel series ‘Sword Art Online’ and you’ll have to defeat monsters, find items and escape traps with a group of two to three people.

There’s limited time to complete each task, so you’ll need to work quickly. However, you can buy extra time for ¥500. Make sure to wear something comfortable, as you’ll be expected to move things around, play physical games like tug of war and run on some occasions.

While walk-ins are accepted, we recommend making a reservation online, especially on weekends to avoid the queues. It costs ¥2,000 per person on weekdays and ¥2,250 on weekends. If you want to increase your chances of winning the games, you can buy virtual items (¥125 each) that will give you an advantage in the challenges.

Japan’s largest eSports park opens inside Tokyo Tower, with a host of VR and high-tech attractions spread out across the beloved landmark’s first and third to fifth floors. The entire third floor is a lounge fitted with a massive 15 metre-wide LED screen as well as projection mapping features. Here you’ll find retro games like Pacman and VR games like Beat Saber and KAT Walk.

On the fourth floor are 18 attractions, where you’ll probably spend most of your time immersed in sports-inspired games and activities. Compete with your friends at solving puzzles, jumping rope, or fighting invaders using an AR motion sensor.

Alternatively, build your teamwork skills by playing a VR version of Red Light Green Light or a real-life PUBG Mobile shooting game. You’ll find other physical games that engage your entire body, such as jumping on air mattresses, baseball batting, and shooting basketballs.

The fifth floor is where you can catch a breather and try out some virtual E-motor sports and racing simulators that have been used for training by professional racers. There’s also a poker room for Texas holdem and a separate room dedicated to Japanese and international board games. On event days, you can even catch a show at the Sky Stadium stage – it could be a live music performance, a fashion show or even an eSport showcase.

Joypolis in Odaiba is packed with Sega’s virtual reality attractions across three floors. There are a total of 21 thrilling rides and activities, most of which are available in English. Enjoy a rafting adventure along the Wild River or board the Wild Wing, a hang-glider flying over tropical islands.

For even greater thrills, you and up to five of your friends can arm yourselves with laser guns and fight zombies at the Zero Latency VR attraction (reservations essential; additional fee applies: weedays ¥1,800, Sat, Sun & holidays ¥2,000 per person).

Tokyo’s Legoland Discovery Center may not be as big as the ones in California and Denmark, but it still offers bundles of fun for fans of the world-conquering plastic bricks.

There are two rides to enjoy: at Kingdom Quest you must rescue a princess by zapping trolls and skeletons from your chariot, while over at Merlin’s Apprentice Ride, you’ll enter a fantasy world where you’ll attempt to become the wizard’s top apprentice by helping him conjure magic.

You can also tour a Lego factory, admire a stunning diorama of Tokyo built entirely with the iconic bricks, and catch a film at the 4D cinema. Kids especially will love the Lego NinjaGo City Adventure, where they can conquer various obstacle courses.

Those feeling competitive, however, should head straight for the Lego Racer Build & Test Zone. Here you get to build your own Lego car and put it to a race against other visitors, and maybe even beat speed records while you’re at it.

Ikebukuro’s indoor theme park Namjatown – with its huge range of AR attractions and rides – is also an unlikely hotspot for fans of dumplings. An alley decorated with red lanterns and flanked by one gyoza shop after another, the Namja Gyoza Stadium serves up about 100 different kinds of dumplings, while the nearby Fukubukuro Dessert Yokocho offers fancy cakes and crepes.

Playtime can be educational too, especially at KidZania Tokyo, which introduces future generations to the world of work through fun activities. Here, children can role play as pilots or cabin attendants, police officers, firefighters, car mechanics or factory workers, all set in a fully realised miniature city complete with shops, vehicles and a functioning society.

Non-Japanese speakers should drop in on Wednesdays, when around 40 out of the 100 or so available ‘jobs’ and services can be experienced entirely in English. The kids are also paid a salary at the end of their stint, in the form of the city’s own kidZos currency, which can be used to shop at the department store and soft-serve ice cream parlour, or redeem for several services including the rental of child-sized cars. Activities are designed for ages three to 15, and reservations are recommended.

This indoor theme park in Tama city is a dream come true for fans of Sanrio, the creators of Hello Kitty and friends. Upon arrival, take the escalator down to a fairytale kingdom of hyper-cuteness, where you’ll enjoy a kabuki-style Hello Kitty musical (with translations in Chinese, Korean and English), explore the cat-girl’s mansion to see how she goes about her daily life, and of course, meet and take photos with the feline female herself. There’s also a colourful parade plus an entertaining My Melody ride.

Pop into the new character greeting house on the first floor for a chance to meet Hello Kitty and friends. You could even have a chat with them and take a group photo together. Character availability changes daily, so check the website for details. Note that this section of Sanrio Puroland requires separate tickets that are handed out free on a first come first serve basis at Strawberry Hall.

When you’re feeling peckish, visit one of the four on-site restaurants and order one of the many Instagrammable menu items, including a Hello Kitty curry, a Gudetama roast beef rice bowl and My Melody dessert cups.