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Yomiuri Land is an amusement park located in the western part of Kawasaki, at the border with Inagi in Tokyo prefecture. The place naturally features fun and thrilling rides and is renowned for its seasonal decorations, with a thousand of blooming cherry trees in spring and wonderful winter illuminations.
Opened since 1964, Yomiuri Land is a leisure and theme-park, with forty-three rides catering for all ages and special attractions varying throughout the seasons. There is, for example, an ice rink in winter and a pool complex in summer. A specific decoration is also displayed on each season, such as sakura flowers at the beginning of spring, or wonderful night illuminations, usually between November and February. Due to its location in Tokyo’s residential suburb, the park is particularly attractive to students, teenagers, and families with children.
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During the low touristic season (apart from summer or Japanese holiday periods) on weekdays, Yomiuri Land’s alleys are quiet and not overcrowded with visitors. It is the best moment to try as many attractions as possible, without spending much time queuing. Some visitors might get the wrong idea with Yomiuri Land, thinking it is a modest and a little bit too quiet amusement park, but on a closer look, the place is well tended, the staff is not shorthanded and there is an interesting range of thrilling rides, such as:
Children are not forgotten, and they can ride the adults’ favourite attractions but, in a format suitable to their age. There is also an area dedicated to creation: Good Job Attractions or Goodjoba, where it is even possible to put together a real-life size car. The Car factory is sponsored by Nissan, the Japanese car manufacturer, and the other factories are also sponsored by famous brands.
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On the daytime, the park is a perfect destination for families. However, from the end of the day, Yomiuri Land’s aspect changes, especially in winter. As the days become shorter and temperatures lower, the park begins a second life.
Around 4-5 p.m., the setting sun gives way to the winter light-up named Jewellumination. Each zone in the park is decorated and highlighted with various colours, an artwork of artist and light designer Motoko Ishii. Among the most beautifully lit up areas are:
All these illuminations contribute to a one-night magical escape in the park. The outing will please children as well as couples looking for romanticism. All along the illumination period, various light shows including dancers are also performed.
Yomiuri Land is a great park all year long. Its attractions are certainly not as impressive as Fuji-Q Highland’s, but they are less expensive and quickly accessible from Tokyo. Yomiuri Land winter illuminations live up to their reputation and are worth the visit.
Yomiuri Land
4015-1 Yanokuchi, Inagi,
Tokyo 206-8566
You can get to Yomiuri Land by Odakyu Line or Keio Line from Shinjuku Station.
Admission Fees range from 1000 yen to 1800 yen depending on age group.
The One-Day Pass ranges from 2400 yen to 5800 yen depending on age group.
Please check the Yomiuri Land’s official website for the latest admission fees.
Mondays – Saturdays: 10am – 8.30pm
Sundays: 9am – 8.30pm
Please check the Yomiuri Land’s official website for the latest opening hours.
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