One day, a few years ago, my daughter had a special meeting at school and, afterwards, we decided to make the rest of the day a “Girl’s Day.”
We raced straight for a new place for both of us, Hanayashiki Amusement Park – the oldest amusement park in Japan.
It first opened in 1853 and, after being there – I believe it! Hahahaha.
Don’t get me wrong – we had a fantastic time and I’m absolutely dying to go again. But I’m laughing because it was sooooo old school and so kitsch that I could not stop giggling (and taking pictures.)
Almost everything is candy coloured, has a little mascot statue on it and everything also click, click, clicks along its rails… and I already can’t wait to go back!
If you like this kind of old school amusement park, you’ll also love my other recommendations like Grinpa Amusement Park and Seibuen Amusement Park.
My daughter also had a ball. As we visited at 11:30am on a weekday the place was almost deserted. We did all of her favourite rides before 12:15!
Everything is truly old-school retro and we loved it!
I would, however, make sure that you eat before or afterwards as the food court also looked a bit too retro for my liking and there isn’t a great selection.
There are lots of restrooms everywhere and even a place to pay 100 yen to charge your phone!
I recommend taking kids younger than 5 (there are a few ‘scary rides’ that older teenagers might like though too – and a truly vintage haunted house!)
I also recommend for instagram addicts like me – it’s random photography heaven.
Almost every ride costs 200 yen and, as my daughter was under five, we only had to pay for one of us when we rode together.
Under 5s are given a sticker like this to wear
They are most popular at night, I’m told as the whole park is illuminated. Check out their instagram @hanayashiki1853 for some amazing pictures.
HANAYASHIKI AMUSEMENT PARK, AKASAKA
台東区浅草2-28-1
2-28-1 ASAKUSA, TAITO-KU
OPEN 10AM-6PM ( HOURS VARY WITH THE SEASONS SO CHECK BEFORE YOU GO)
ENTRANCE 1000 YEN FOR ADULTS, 500 YEN FOR UNDER 12s, FREE FOR UNDER 7s (RIDES NOT INCLUDED IN ENTRY FEE)
WEBSITE
Check out their operational hours here as they are open at night for the illuminations on certain days.
See my Asakusa with kids post for other suggestions in this area.
