Tokyo DisneySea

     Tokyo DisneySea is a fantasy theme park in Tokyo Disney Resort that is unique to Japan. Inspired by the myths and legends of the sea, Tokyo DisneySea is made up of seven themed ports of call: Mediterranean Harbor, Mysterious Island, Mermaid Lagoon, Arabian Coast, Lost River Delta, Port Discovery and American Waterfront.

     While suitable for all ages, Tokyo DisneySea was designed to specifically also appeal to a more grown up audience. The park addresses the Japanese visitors' strong interest in good food by providing a wider selection of table service restaurants than Tokyo Disneyland and by serving alcoholic beverages, which are unavailable at the neighboring park.

Mediterranean Harbor

Mediterranean Harbor at the entrance to the park is styled after an Italian port town. Its waterfront features Venice style canals and gondolas, and its buildings make up the Tokyo DisneySea Hotel MiraCosta. Large shows with boats and water fountains are held daily in the harbor. Mysterious Island      Mysterious Island is found within the volcano at the heart of the park and is a page from the science fiction writings of Jules Verne. Here you can explore the depths of the ocean aboard one of Captain Nemo's submarines or journey to the center of the earth in one of his science vehicles. Mermaid Lagoon      Mermaid Lagoon allows surface dwellers to enter the undersea world of Ariel and her fishy friends from The Little Mermaid. This whimsical area of the park with its rides and shows is geared toward younger children. Arabian Coast      The Arabian Coast recreates the world of Aladdin and 1001 Arabian Nights. Here you can watch a magic show hosted by Genie or travel with Sinbad as he sets sail for discovery. Lost River Delta The Lost River Delta was built among the ruins of an ancient temple pyramid in the Central American jungle. The Indiana Jones Adventure ride explores the bowels of the temple ruins, while the Raging Spirits Roller Coaster rumbles along next door. The port also serves as a stop for the Tokyo DisneySea Transit Steamers which travel between the various parts of the park. Port Discovery      Port Discovery is the marina of the future where visitors can check out the StormRider, a type of virtual rollercoaster, or try out some of the experimental, self-guided watercraft that travel between the rocks, fountains and whirlpools of the Aquatopia attraction. American Waterfront The American Waterfront zone is styled after the 20th century harbor towns found around New York, New England and Cape Cod. The area features an elevated train, American styled restaurants and shops, a playhouse and the S.S. Columbia steam liner that houses a restaurant and lounge. It is also home to the Tower of Terror ride. My opinion:      My favorite attraction in Tokyo DisneySea is Tower of Terror. It is a great free fall ride that's tame enough to appeal to even the little ones. You can get a great view of Tokyo Sky Tree from it!

Hakone

     

     Hakone is part of the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, less than 100 kilometers from Tokyo. Famous for hot springs, natural beauty and the view of nearby Mt. Fuji, Hakone is one of the most popular destinations among Japanese and international tourists looking for a break from Tokyo.

Owakudani

     Owakudani is the area around a crater created during the last eruption of Mount Hakone some 3000 years ago. Today, much of the area is an active volcanic zone where sulfurous fumes, hot springs and hot rivers can be experienced. Additionally, Owakudani has good views of Mount Fuji on clear days.

A short walking trail (about ten minutes one way) leads from the ropeway station into the volcanic zone to a number of steam vents and bubbling pools. Here you can purchase eggs, cooked in the naturally hot water, whose shells are blackened by the sulfur and which are said to prolong one's life by seven years.

For the more adventurous, a hiking trail leads from the ropeway station to the peak of Mount Kamiyama and continues on to Mount Komagatake from where you can catch the Komagatake Ropeway down to Lake Ashi. The hike takes about 2 hours one way and can be rocky or slippery as well as quite windy. Proper hiking shoes and rain gear are recommended.

Alternatively, about 30 minutes past the peak of Mount Kamiyama a trail splits off down towards Lake Ashi. It leads down the mountain and along the lakeshore, ending at Kojiri not far from Togendai, from where the Hakone Ropeway connects back to Owakudani. The round trip takes about 4.5 hours.

My opinion:

This is a place with sulfur gas and hot springs. You can buy boiled egg in natural hot water which is black color. You should try it because it is a signature for Owakudani. A great place to visit.

Fuji Five Lakes

     The Fuji Five Lake region lies at the northern base of Mount Fuji about 1000 meters above sea level around the lakes Kawaguchiko, Saiko, Yamanakako, Shojiko and Motosuko. It is one of the best places to view Mount Fuji from a close distance and a good base for climbing the mountain.

     Fujigoko is known as a lake resort area, where hiking, camping, fishing and snow sports are among the popular outdoor activities that can be enjoyed. There are also plenty of hot springsand museums found in the area, along with Fuji Q Highland, one of Japan's most popular amusement parks with record breaking roller coasters.

Among the lakes, Lake Kawaguchiko is the easiest to access and offers the most things to see and do for the average foreign traveler. The four other lakes are less developed than Lake Kawaguchiko and are not as easy to access by public transportation.

Fuji-Q Highland

  

      Fuji-Q Highland is a major amusement park located in the Fuji Five Lakes region at the foot of Mount Fuji. One of Japan's most popular theme parks, Fuji-Q Highland is best known for its thrilling, record holding roller coasters and elaborate, anime themed rides and attractions. The park strives to be at the forefront of theme park entertainment, and has been constantly opening new rides and attractions, including Guinness World Record breaking roller coasters.

Currently, the park has four major roller coasters. Fujiyama, the park's centerpiece attraction, was the world's tallest and fastest roller coaster when it opened in 1996, and it continues to rank among the best coasters in the world. Dodonpa (2001) is currently the parks speediest coaster and the world record holder for fastest acceleration. Eejanaika (2006), a "4th dimension" roller coaster with seats rotating within the car, has the most inversions of any roller coaster. Finally, Takabisha, built in 2011, is the steepest roller coaster in the world, dropping at an angle of 121 degrees.

     The park also has several large scale entertainment attractions, many of which are based on popular anime series. Gundam Crisis and Evangelion World are immersive displays of their respective robot suit themed anime and include life-sized models of the robots and characters. There are also three maze attractions: the Ultimate Horror Labyrinth (aka Haunted Hotel), one of the world's largest and scariest haunted attractions; Ultimate Fort, a prison escape themed puzzle maze; and Kassen Sengoku Basara, a warring states period themed attraction.

In addition to those major rides and attractions, the park further offers a host of amusement park staples such as tea cup, frisbee, log flume, pirate ship and drop tower type rides along with traditional rides such as a ferris wheel, carousel and sky swings. Seasonal attractions, such as an ice skating rink, are also available. Restaurants, rest areas, souvenir shops and carnival games are spread out around the park. 

My opinion:

My favourite roller coaster is Dodonpa, top fastest roller coaster in Japan. Don't miss it. But you shouldn't go in winter. Many roller coaster can't play when snowing. 

Tokyo Disneyland

     Tokyo Disneyland is a theme park based on the films produced by Walt Disney. It was opened in 1983 as the first Disney theme park outside of the United States. Modeled after Disneyland in California and the Magic Kingdom in Florida, Tokyo Disneyland is made up of seven themed lands and features seasonal decorations and parades.

My opinion:

This wonderland for all ages ! Great fun but do expect longer lines for popular rides. Good options for food. Some restaurants have set menus which can be viewed before you enter. I think one day is not enough depending on your total queuing time. A must see is the fireworks at night. Head for the castle for a show starting 7:30 pm, followed by their grand fireworks. So beautiful.

World Bazaar

     World Bazaar, located at the main entrance to the park, is a covered shopping arcade lined by shops and restaurants. The area is designed like an early 20th century American town and serves as the park's main shopping area where many guests stop on their way out of the park.

Tomorrowland

     Tomorrowland explores the themes of outer space and future technologies. It is home to popular attractions such as Space Mountain, Star Tours and Buzz Lightyear's AstroBlasters.

Toontown

     Toontown is a suburban toon neighborhood where the Disney characters live, work and play. Aimed at a younger audience, Toontown lets visitors meet Mickey at his house, play on Donald Duck's boat, check out Chip'n Dale's Treehouse and ride a kid sized rollercoaster.

My opinion:

This is the best for me, Monsters Hide and Go Seek - On this ride guests are given flashlights with which to seek out Monsters hidden throughout the various rooms. This is interactive and makes for a different experience each time you ride! This is an original ride at Tokyo Disneyland and can't be found anywhere else in the world. But you will wait a long time for Monsters Hide and Go Seek.

Fantasyland

     Fantasyland is based on the classic animated films by Disney and is home to the iconic Cinderella's Castle at the center of the park, as well as other characters and rides such as Peter Pan, Snow White, It's A Small World and Pooh's Hunny Hunt, an original Fantasyland attraction unique to Tokyo Disneyland.

Critter Country

     Critter Country is home to Br'er Rabbit, Br'er Fox, Br'er Bear and the other characters from the Disney film "Song of the South". Here you can find the popular Splash Mountain log ride, as well as guided canoe tours on the Rivers of America.

Westernland

     Westernland is themed after the US western frontier along the Rivers of America. The area is home to the popular rollercoaster Big Thunder Mountain, while Tom Sawyer Island is located out in the middle of the river.

Adventureland

     Adventureland includes attractions that encompass the spirit of adventure. Here you can join a jungle cruise, explore the Swiss Family Treehouse, ride the Western River Railroad and sail with the Pirates of the Caribbean.