Japan's Largest Indoor Theme Park Is A Futuristic Utopia With Rides And Pop Culture Nods

When thinking of Japan, a few words may come to mind: anime, Michelin-star dining, sake, and maybe even ninja fantasy parks. Those, however, only scratch the surface of Japan's traditional and futuristic wonders. Now, imagine a place where all these ideas of Japan come together in one location — would you believe it? Japan never fails to surprise, and there is one word travelers should familiarize themselves with before planning their trip: Joypolis.

Joypolis is an indoor amusement park chain created by SEGA, one of the most prominent video game and hardware companies in history. The first Joypolis location opened in Yokohama in July 1994 but has since closed along with other locations, like those in Kyoto and Osaka. Today, the most famous flagship location is in the Odaiba district of Tokyo. The only other Joypolis still in operation is Sendai Joypolis Sports. However, it differs from Tokyo's Joypolis as its primary attractions are sport-inspired, like table tennis, trampolining, archery, and bubble soccer.

Joypolis sets itself apart from other indoor amusement parks worldwide, as it primarily features SEGA's extensive library of intellectual property but also includes popular franchises such as Attack on Titan and Demon Slayer. This unique combination of park attractions with arcade games, state-of-the-art virtual reality experiences, and interactive entertainment makes it fun for local and international visitors of all ages. It is a futuristic utopia with rides and exciting pop culture nods, worthy of its consideration as one of the best indoor amusement parks in the world.

Now, the fun stuff. Joypolis offers a wonderland of games, activities, and experiences — the most challenging part is choosing where to start! If you like a thrilling ride, consider starting with their number one attraction, Half-Pipe Tokyo. It's also conveniently located near the entrance on the first floor, so you can't miss it. This ride simulates a skateboarding or snowboarding half-pipe challenge where riders control spinning the board — if you enjoy snowboarding, you should head to this Japanese winter island destination. Joypolis is the next best thing. The best part is that riders can compete with each other in real time.

On the second floor, you can find another main attraction: SEGA's fifth installment of the 1996 arcade classic "House of the Dead: Scarlet Dawn." Joypolis offers an unparalleled arcade experience for fans and newcomers alike. With a massive screen, moving seats, and surround sound, you can shoot your way through this horror-themed game. But is it really a SEGA experience without Sonic the Hedgehog? Sonic Athletics is a game where you and seven others can race each other on treadmills.

Moving up to the third floor, you'll find some of Japan's darkest fun within its horror attractions, notably, the walk-through experience of SADAKO -The Curse Psychic Manor-. Here, you'll be greeted by a psychic and get locked in a coffin, coming as close as possible to a terror similar to "The Ring," with creative uses of special effects and performances by real specialized actors.

After a day of nonstop thrills and chills, take a much-needed break. On the first floor, you can find treats like bubble tea, crepes, or Dippin Dots for a quick snack. Or, brew yourself back to reality with a cup of tea or coffee at Frame Cafe, where you can also enjoy the view of Tokyo Bay's Rainbow Bridge and skyline. Additionally, if you're still up for some silliness while on break, check out D-Lounge, a digital entertainment lounge that offers snacks and alcoholic beverages.

Before you leave, try getting back in the action with Zero Latency VR, a must-try for anyone seeking a cutting-edge virtual reality experience. As the name suggests, there is no lag, making your virtual experience as realistic as possible. Plug yourself in and freely roam with six others in a VR space. You can choose from various games, including zombie survival and multiplayer shooters.

Tokyo Joypolis is filled with everything an indoor theme park should have, making it an attraction worthy of all visitors: adults, couples, families, anime and manga fans, gamers, and, of course, tourists. One bonus: there are bilingual instructions for each game, making it also friendly for English speakers. It's best to purchase tickets online in advance, as in-person tickets can be more expensive. "Passport tickets" allow unlimited rides, whereas admission tickets simply allow you in, rides paid separately. But the good news is if you visit on your birthday, a passport ticket is free!