*AI Translated
Japan is one of the world’s leading countries for anime and manga. From trending characters like Chiikawa to globally popular icons such as Pokémon, Studio Ghibli, and Sanrio, as well as beloved national anime and manga, children’s characters like Anpanman and Doraemon, and even international characters like Disney, Snoopy, and Moomin, a wide variety of theme parks and museums can be found all across Japan.
This article introduces 27 character-themed facilities, including theme parks, amusement parks, museums, art galleries, interactive experiences, and multi-purpose complexes. Of course, there are many in major cities like Tokyo and Osaka, but you’ll also find plenty in other regions. At the end, there’s a map showing all the facilities so you can easily see their locations at a glance.
So, are you ready to dive into the world of your favorite characters?
*Please note that opening hours may vary by facility and by day. For details, please check the official website.
*Admission fees may vary depending on ticket type and age. For details, please check the official website.
*By purchasing or reserving products introduced in this article, a portion of the sales may be returned to FUN! JAPAN.
Trending Character: Chiikawa
Chiikawa, created by illustrator Nagano, became a sensation on social media and is now one of the most popular characters in Japan!
▶[Animate] Click here to purchase Chiikawa-related products
[Tokyo] Chiikawa Park
- Characters: Chiikawa, Hachiware, Usagi
- Facility type: Indoor theme park and interactive experience
- Highlights: Immersive exhibits recreating the world of the series, photo spots, game corner, exclusive merchandise shop, and more
- Address: Sunshine City Annex B1F/1F, 3-3-5 Higashi-Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo
- Access: About 3 minutes on foot from Higashi-Ikebukuro Station, about 8 minutes on foot from Ikebukuro Station
- Opening hours: 10:00–21:00 (last entry 19:00)
- Admission: Adults ¥3,500
- Estimated time required: About 1–2 hours
- Advance reservation: Required (purchase in advance via Asoview!)
- Website: https://chiikawapark-tokyo.jp/
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Pokémon: Loved Worldwide
Since its debut in 1996, Pokémon has been loved all over the world. From games and anime to the trading card game, Pokémon continues to expand. In 2026, the first large-scale outdoor Pokémon theme park, PokéPark Kanto, will open near Tokyo, becoming a new mecca for fans.
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[Tokyo] PokéPark Kanto
- Characters: Pikachu and over 600 other Pokémon
- Facility type: Theme park
- Highlights: Pokémon Forest (forest walk and Pokémon observation), Kayatsuri Town (shows, attractions, shops), and more
- Address: 4015-1 Yanokuchi, Inagi City, Tokyo (inside Yomiuriland Amusement Park)
- Access: About 5–10 minutes by gondola from Keio Yomiuriland Station (Yomiuriland Amusement Park)
- Opening hours: 10:00–18:00
- Admission (example): (Elite Trainers Pass) Adults ¥14,000
- Estimated time required: About 3–4 hours
- Advance reservation: Required (purchase in advance or lottery via official website)
- Website: https://www.pokepark-kanto.co.jp/ppark/top/index
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Dive into the World of Studio Ghibli!
Studio Ghibli works, including Hayao Miyazaki’s “Tonari no Totoro” and “Sen to Chihiro no Kamikakushi,” are beloved around the world. In Tokyo and Aichi, there are facilities where you can experience the worlds of these works, making them must-visit spots for fans!
▶[Animate] Click here to purchase Ghibli-related products
[Tokyo] Ghibli Museum, Mitaka
- Characters: Totoro, Catbus, and other Ghibli characters
- Facility type: Museum
- Highlights: Exhibits on animation production, special exhibitions, screenings of original short films, Catbus Room, café, shop
- Address: 1-1-83 Shimorenjaku, Mitaka-shi, Tokyo (inside the west area of Inokashira Park)
- Access: About 15 minutes on foot or 5 minutes by bus from Mitaka Station
- Opening hours: 10:00–18:00
- Admission: Adults 1,000 yen
- Estimated time required: About 2–3 hours
- Advance reservation: Required (purchase in advance via Lawson Ticket)
- Website: https://www.ghibli-museum.jp/
[Aichi] Ghibli Park
- Characters: Totoro, Chihiro, Howl, and characters from all Ghibli works
- Facility type: Theme park
- Highlights: Five areas including Ghibli’s Grand Warehouse, Hill of Youth, Dondoko Forest, Mononoke Village, and Valley of Witches. Exhibits, buildings, and gardens recreating the worlds of the works
- Address: 1533-1 Ibaragabayama Otsu, Nagakute-shi, Aichi (inside Expo 2005 Aichi Commemorative Park)
- Access: Right next to Ai-Chikyuhaku Kinen Koen Station
- Opening hours: 9:00/10:00–17:00
- Admission (example): (Oosanpo Ticket Premium) Adults 7,300–7,800 yen
- Estimated time required: About 3–8 hours
- Advance reservation: Required (purchase in advance via Boo-Woo Ticket)
- Website: https://ghibli-park.jp/
Related Articles
- 8 Studio Ghibli Pilgrimage Sites in Japan: Totoro, Sen to Chihiro no Kamikakushi, Ponyo, and Princess Mononoke!
- A Complete Guide to Each Area of the Popular Aichi Tourist Spot “Ghibli Park”
- A Thorough Report on the Charms of Ghibli Museum, Mitaka in Tokyo
Sanrio Characters Loved for Over 50 Years
Sanrio, with over 50 years of history, is home to Hello Kitty, My Melody, Pompompurin, and more. There are large theme parks in Tokyo and Oita where you can enjoy meeting the characters and watching shows.
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[Tokyo] Sanrio Puroland
- Characters: Hello Kitty, My Melody, Cinnamoroll, and other Sanrio characters
- Facility type: Indoor theme park
- Highlights: Parades and live shows, attractions such as boat rides, character greetings, shops, and more
- Address: 1-31 Ochiai, Tama-shi, Tokyo
- Access: About 5 minutes on foot from Tama Center Station
- Opening hours: 10:00–17:00/18:00
- Admission (example): (Day Passport) Adults 3,900–5,900 yen
- Estimated time required: About 4–6 hours
- Advance reservation: Recommended (can be purchased in advance on the official website)
- Website: https://www.puroland.jp/
[Oita] Sanrio Character Park Harmonyland
- Characters: Hello Kitty, My Melody, Kuromi, and other Sanrio characters
- Facility type: Theme park
- Highlights: Attractions such as a Ferris wheel, live shows and parades, Kitty Castle, shops, and more
- Address: 5933 Fujiwara, Hiji-machi, Hayami-gun, Oita
- Access: About 12 minutes by bus from “Yokoku Station,” about 7 minutes by bus from “Kitsuki Station”
- Opening hours: 10:00–17:00
- Admission (example): (Day Passport Ticket) 3,600–4,200 yen
- Estimated time required: About 3–7 hours
- Advance reservation: Not required
- Website: https://www.harmonyland.jp/
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[Hyogo Prefecture] HELLO KITTY SMILE
- Character: Hello Kitty
- Facility Type: Indoor complex facility
- Highlights: Hello Kitty greeting, media art "Otohime Ryugujo", shop, painting experience, and more
- Address: 985-1 Nojima Hikinoura, Awaji City, Hyogo Prefecture
- Access: About 25 minutes by shuttle bus from Iwaya Port, about 20 minutes by shuttle bus from Awaji IC
- Opening Hours: 10:00/11:00–19:00
- Admission Fee: Adults 1,500 yen
- Estimated Time Required: About 2–3 hours
- Advance Reservation: Not required (advance reservation recommended for restaurants)
- HP: https://awaji-resort.com/hellokittysmile/
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Japan’s Beloved Anime and Manga Pilgrimage Sites
There are museums, art galleries, and memorial halls dedicated to beloved national characters that every Japanese person knows, such as Doraemon, Meitantei Conan, and Chibi Maruko-chan. Through exhibits of original drawings and production materials, you can gain a deeper understanding of the appeal of these works.
[Kanagawa Prefecture] Fujiko F Fujio Museum
- Characters: Doraemon, Perman, and other characters from works by Fujiko F Fujio
- Facility Type: Museum and art gallery
- Highlights: Original artwork exhibits, interactive displays inspired by the works, F Theater (short films), Harappa (outdoor exhibits), café, shop, and more
- Address: 2-8-1 Nagao, Tama Ward, Kawasaki City, Kanagawa Prefecture
- Access: About 9 minutes by bus from Noborito Station
- Opening Hours: 10:00–18:00
- Admission Fee: Adults 1,000 yen
- Estimated Time Required: About 2–3 hours
- Advance Reservation: Required (purchase in advance on the official website)
- HP: https://fujiko-museum.com/
▶[Animate] Click here to purchase Ghibli-related products
[Shizuoka Prefecture] Chibi Maruko-chan Land
- Characters: Chibi Maruko-chan and more
- Facility Type: Museum
- Highlights: Reproduction of Maruko’s house, recreation of a school classroom, photo spots, theater room, reference room, goods shop, and more
- Address: 13-15 Irifunecho, Shimizu Ward, Shizuoka City, Shizuoka Prefecture, S-Pulse Dream Plaza 3F
- Access: About 10 minutes by free shuttle bus from JR Shimizu Station
- Opening Hours: 10:00–20:00
- Admission Fee: Adults 1,200 yen
- Estimated Time Required: About 30 minutes to 2 hours
- Advance Reservation: Not required
- HP: https://www.chibimarukochan-land.com/
▶[Klook] Click here for advance ticket reservations
[Hyogo Prefecture] Takarazuka City Osamu Tezuka Memorial Museum
- Characters: Tetsuwan Atom, Black Jack, and other characters from Osamu Tezuka's works
- Facility type: Museum / Memorial Hall
- Highlights: Permanent exhibition (Osamu Tezuka's life and works), special exhibitions (changed three times a year), Atom Vision (video screenings), Animation Workshop (production experience), library with about 2,000 books, and more
- Address: 7-65 Mukogawa-cho, Takarazuka-shi, Hyogo
- Access: About 7 minutes on foot from Takarazuka Minamiguchi Station, about 10 minutes on foot from Takarazuka Station
- Opening hours: 09:30–17:00
- Admission: Adults 700 yen
- Estimated time required: About 1–3 hours
- Advance reservation: Not required
- HP: https://www.city.takarazuka.hyogo.jp/tezuka/
▶[kkday] Click here for advance ticket reservations
[Tottori Prefecture] Gosho Aoyama Manga Factory
- Characters: Meitantei Conan and other characters from Gosho Aoyama's works
- Facility type: Manga / Anime Museum
- Highlights: Reproduction of Gosho Aoyama's childhood and workspace, Conan's trick experience, Professor Agasa's invention experience, limited-edition goods shop, and more
- Address: 1414 Yurashuku, Hokuei-cho, Tohaku-gun, Tottori
- Access: About 20 minutes on foot or about 5 minutes by taxi from Conan Station (JR Yura Station)
- Opening hours: 09:30–17:30
- Admission: Adults 700 yen
- Estimated time required: About 1–2 hours
- Advance reservation: Not required (advance purchase available on the official website)
- HP: https://www.gamf.jp/
[Tottori Prefecture] Mizuki Shigeru Memorial Museum
- Characters: Kitaro and other yokai characters from Shigeru Mizuki's works
- Facility type: Memorial Hall
- Highlights: Exhibitions of works, materials, and videos in the permanent exhibition room, special exhibitions, and more
- Address: 5 Honmachi, Sakaiminato-shi, Tottori
- Access: About 10 minutes on foot from Sakaiminato Station
- Opening hours: 09:30–17:00
- Admission: (Memorial Museum) Adults 1,000 yen
- Estimated time required: About 2–3 hours
- Advance reservation: Not required
- HP: https://mizuki.sakaiminato.net/
[Miyagi Prefecture] Ishinomori Manga Museum
- Characters: Kamen Rider, Cyborg 009, and other characters from Shotaro Ishinomori's works
- Facility type: Manga Museum
- Highlights: Original artwork exhibitions, interactive exhibits, video hall, special exhibitions, goods shop, and more
- Address: 2-7 Nakaze, Ishinomaki-shi, Miyagi
- Access: About 12 minutes on foot from Ishinomaki Station
- Opening hours: 09:00–17:00
- Admission: Adults 900 yen (from March 20, 2026: Adults 1,300 yen)
- Estimated time required: About 1–2 hours
- Advance reservation: Not required
- HP: https://www.mangattan.jp/manga/
[Tokyo] Machiko Hasegawa Art Museum
- Characters: Sazae-san, Katsuo, Wakame, and other characters from Machiko Hasegawa's works
- Facility type: Art Museum
- Highlights: Collection exhibitions, special exhibitions, material displays, and more
- Address: 1-30-6 Sakurashimmachi, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo
- Access: About 7 minutes on foot from Sakurashimmachi Station
- Opening hours: 10:00–17:30
- Admission: General 900 yen
- Estimated time required: About 1–2 hours
- Advance reservation: Not required
- HP: https://www.hasegawamachiko.jp/
[Tokyo] Kochikame Memorial Museum
- Characters: Ryo-san (Ryotsu Kankichi), Nakagawa Keiichi, Akimoto Reiko, and others from "Kochira Katsushika-ku Kameari Koen-mae Hashutsujo"
- Facility type: Memorial Hall
- Highlights: Original artwork and personal item displays, famous scene experience games, photo spots, and more
- Address: 3-32-17 Kameari, Katsushika-ku, Tokyo
- Access: About 3 minutes on foot from Kameari Station
- Opening hours: 10:00–18:00
- Admission: Adults 700 yen
- Estimated time required: About 30 minutes to 2 hours
- Advance reservation: Recommended (advance purchase available on the official website)
- HP: https://kochikame-kinenkan-official.jp/
Character Facilities for Children
Anpanman and Thomas the Tank Engine are extremely popular characters among children in Japan. There are various facilities where you can enjoy the worlds of these works in different ways, such as children’s museums, theme parks, and vehicle experiences.
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[Kanagawa Prefecture] Yokohama Anpanman Children's Museum
- Characters: Anpanman, Baikinman, and others
- Facility type: Museum
- Highlights: Stage shows, character greetings, playground equipment, craft workshops, shops, bread factory, food court, and more
- Address: 6-2-9 Minatomirai, Nishi-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa
- Access: About a 3-minute walk from Shin-Takashima Station
- Opening hours: 10:00–17:00/18:00
- Admission: 2,200–2,600 yen for ages 1 and up
- Estimated time required: About 2–4 hours
- Advance reservation: Required (purchase in advance on Asoview!)
- Website: https://www.yokohama-anpanman.jp/
*There are also “Anpanman Children's Museums” in Fukuoka, Nagoya, Kobe, and Sendai.
For more details, visit the official website: https://www.anpanman.jp/odekake/kodomo.html
[Kochi Prefecture] Kami City Yanase Takashi Memorial Hall
- Characters: Anpanman and other characters from works by Yanase Takashi
- Facility type: Museum / Memorial Hall
- Highlights: Exhibits of Yanase Takashi’s original drawings and picture books, diorama of the world of Anpanman, Poetry and Fairy Tale Picture Book Hall, Anpanman Song Path, outdoor lawn area, and more
- Address: 1224-2 Miroku, Kahoku-cho, Kami-shi, Kochi
- Access: About 25 minutes by bus from Tosa-Yamada Station, then a 5-minute walk
- Opening hours: 09:30–17:00
- Admission: 1,200 yen for adults
- Estimated time required: About 1–2 hours
- Advance reservation: Recommended (advance purchase available on Asoview!)
- Website: https://anpanman-museum.net/
[Saitama Prefecture] Thomas Town Shinmisato
- Characters: Thomas, Percy, James, and others
- Facility type: Indoor theme park
- Highlights: Rides, playground equipment, games, exclusive merchandise shop, and more
- Address: Lalaport Shinmisato 2F, 3-1-1 Shinmisato LaLa City, Misato-shi, Saitama
- Access: About a 7-minute walk from Shinmisato Station
- Opening hours: 10:00–20:00/21:00
- Admission: Free entry (attractions require separate fees)
- Estimated time required: About 1–2 hours
- Advance reservation: Not required
- Website: https://www.thomastown.jp/shinmisato/
Complex facilities where multiple characters gather!
A multi-purpose facility where you can meet several popular characters all in one place. In addition to permanent character areas, there are also special collaboration events with hit series such as Kimetsu no Yaiba held in the past, so every visit offers new discoveries and excitement!
▶[Animate] Click here to purchase Mario-related products
▶[Animate] Click here to purchase Minions-related products
[Osaka Prefecture] Universal Studios Japan (USJ)
- Characters: Mario, Minions, Harry Potter, Snoopy, Kimetsu no Yaiba (limited time), SPY FAMILY (limited time), and more
- Facility type: Theme park
- Highlights: Multiple areas, attractions, shows, shops, cafes, and more
- Address: 2-1-33 Sakurajima, Konohana-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka
- Access: About 5 minutes on foot from Universal City Station
- Opening hours: 08:30/09:00–20:00/21:00
- Admission fee (example): (1-Day Studio Pass) Adults 8,900 yen and up
- Estimated time required: About 1 day
- Advance reservation: Recommended (tickets can be purchased in advance on the official website etc.)
- HP: https://www.usj.co.jp/web/ja/jp
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[Yamanashi Prefecture] Fuji-Q Highland
- Characters: Thomas the Tank Engine, Lisa and Gaspard theme park
- Facility type: Amusement park
- Highlights: Attractions, restaurants, cafes, shops, and more
- Address: 5-6-1 Shinnishihara, Fujiyoshida-shi, Yamanashi
- Access: Right next to Fuji-Q Highland Station
- Opening hours: 09:00–18:00
- Admission fee (example): Free entry (attractions require separate fees)
- Estimated time required: About 1 day (including all of Fuji-Q Highland)
- Advance reservation: Recommended (tickets can be purchased in advance on the official website etc.)
- HP: https://www.fujiq.jp/index.html
[Hyogo Prefecture] Nijigen no Mori
- Characters: NARUTO, Dragon Quest, Godzilla, Crayon Shin-chan, and more
- Facility type: Theme park
- Highlights: NARUTO & BORUTO Shinobi-Zato, Dragon Quest Island, Godzilla Interception Operation, Crayon Shin-chan Adventure Park, and other IP-based attractions
- Address: 2425-2 Kusumoto, Awaji-shi, Hyogo (inside Hyogo Prefectural Awajishima Park)
- Access: About 3 minutes by car from Awaji IC
- Opening hours: 10:00–20:30 (varies by season)
- Admission fee: Free entry (areas and attractions require separate fees)
- Estimated time required: About 3–8 hours
- Advance reservation: Recommended (tickets can be purchased in advance on the official website etc.)
- HP: https://nijigennomori.com/
▶[kkday] Click here for advance ticket reservations
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Character Facilities Featuring American and European Characters such as Disney and Moomin
▶[Animate] Click here to purchase Disney-related products
▶[Animate] Click here to purchase Moomin-related products
There are facilities in Japan featuring Disney from America, Snoopy, Moomin from Finland, Miffy from the Netherlands, and Harry Potter from the UK. Unique experiences that can only be enjoyed in Japan are waiting for you.
[Chiba Prefecture] Tokyo Disney Resort (Tokyo Disneyland / Tokyo DisneySea)
- Characters: Mickey Mouse, Duffy, and other Disney characters
- Facility type: Theme park
- Highlights: Character greetings with Disney characters, attractions, shows, parades, shops, and more
- Address: 1-1 Maihama, Urayasu-shi, Chiba
- Access: Right next to Maihama Station
- Opening hours: 08:00/09:00–20:00/21:00
- Admission (example): (1-Day Passport) Adults 7,900–10,900 yen
- Estimated time required: About 1 day
- Advance reservation: Required (purchase in advance via the official website or app)
- HP: https://www.tokyodisneyresort.jp/
[Tokyo] Snoopy Museum Tokyo
- Characters: Snoopy, Charlie Brown, Woodstock, and more
- Facility type: Museum / Art museum
- Highlights: Original drawings by Charles M. Schulz, special exhibitions, Snoopy Theater, workshops, café, store, and more
- Address: 3-1-4 Tsuruma, Machida-shi, Tokyo
- Access: About 4 minutes on foot from Minami-machida Grandberry Park Station
- Opening hours: 10:00–18:00/19:00
- Admission: General 1,800 yen and up
- Estimated time required: About 1–2 hours
- Advance reservation: Recommended (can be purchased in advance via eplus)
- HP: https://snoopymuseum.tokyo/s/smt/?ima=0000
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[Tokyo] Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo – The Making of Harry Potter
- Characters: Harry Potter, Hermione, Ron, and more
- Facility type: Immersive entertainment facility
- Highlights: Tour of movie sets, costumes and props on display, Butterbeer experience, shop, and more
- Address: 1-1-7 Kasugacho, Nerima-ku, Tokyo
- Access: About 2 minutes on foot from Toshimaen Station
- Opening hours: 08:30–19:00/21:00 (entry time is designated)
- Admission: Adults 6,300 yen
- Estimated time required: About 4–8 hours
- Advance reservation: Required (purchase in advance via the official website and more)
- HP: https://www.wbstudiotour.jp/
▶[Klook] Click here for advance ticket reservations and purchases
[Saitama Prefecture] Moominvalley Park
- Characters: Moomin, Snufkin, Little My, and more
- Facility type: Theme park
- Highlights: Tour of the Moominhouse, exhibitions, shows, café, shop, and more
- Address: 327-6 Miyazawa, Hannō-shi, Saitama (inside Metsä)
- Access: About 13 minutes by bus from Hannō Station, get off at "Metsä"
- Opening hours: 10:00–17:00/18:00
- Admission: Adults 3,900 yen and up
- Estimated time required: About 3–5 hours
- Advance reservation: Recommended (can be purchased in advance via the official website and more)
- HP: https://metsa-hanno.com/
▶[kkday] Click here for advance ticket reservations
▶[Klook] Click here for advance ticket reservations
[Nagasaki Prefecture] Miffy Wonder Square
- Characters: Miffy and more
- Facility type: Area within a theme park
- Highlights: Area recreating the world of Miffy, attractions, character greetings, photo spots, café, shop, and more
- Address: 1-1 Huis Ten Bosch-machi, Sasebo-shi, Nagasaki (inside Huis Ten Bosch)
- Access: About a 7-minute walk from Huis Ten Bosch Station
- Hours: 10:00–21:00
- Admission (example): (1DAY Passport) Adults from 7,600 yen
- Estimated time required: About 1 day (including all of Huis Ten Bosch)
- Advance reservation: Recommended (advance purchase available on the official website and more)
- HP: https://www.huistenbosch.co.jp/miffy/miffywondersquare/
▶[kkday] Click here for advance ticket reservations
[Shiga Prefecture] Shaun the Sheep Farm Garden
- Characters: Shaun the Sheep, Bitzer, and more
- Facility type: Themed area within an English garden
- Highlights: Photo spots recreating Shaun's world, craft experiences, character greetings, café, shop, and more
- Address: 605-10 Tawada, Maibara-shi, Shiga (inside Rozanberry Tawada)
- Access: About 28 minutes by bus from Maibara Station
- Hours: 10:00–17:00 (may have evening hours)
- Admission: Adults from 2,100 yen (varies by season)
- Estimated time required: About 2–3 hours (including the entire garden)
- Advance reservation: Not required (advance purchase available on the official website)
- HP: https://www.rb-tawada.com/facility/play/shaun/
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