Asakusa Hanayashiki Amusement Park: 8 Attractions That Shouldn't Be Missed!

Asakusa Hayaashiki, the Oldest Amusement Park in Japan

Photo by Pixta

Asakusa Hanayashiki, located in Tokyo's Asakusa district, is said to be the oldest amusement park in Japan with a history dating back to 1853.

This article introduces eight attractions in Hanayashiki that should not be missed!

Free Ride Pass

At this amusement park, regular tickets priced at 100 yen each are used for various attractions. Additionally, the number of tickets required for each attraction is different. For example, a ride on the roller coaster requires six regular tickets (600 yen).

Those wishing to enjoy as many attractions as possible should purchase the free ride pass, which is not included in the admission fee. Visitors from abroad should ask for this pass at the entrance.

The following is the price list as of April 2022:

Adults (Junior High School Student to 64 years old): 2,500 yen
Children (Elementary School Student): 2,200 yen
Seniors (Over 65 years old): 2,000 yen
Preschoolers (Over 2 years old): 2,000 yen

Top 8 Attractions Recommended by MATCHA

1. Roller Coaster

Picture courtesy of Asakusa Hanayashiki

This attraction has the longest history at Hanayashiki. Operating since 1953, the ride is over 60 years old.

The kanji characters for "kanreki," which is a celebration of turning 60 years in Japan, are written on its rear. According to the official website, the maximum speed is "only 42 kilometers per hour." But with the many ups and downs, the ride feels much faster than advertised.

Plus, its 60 years of history adds to the thrill!

Fare: Six regular tickets or the free ride pass

2. Little Star

Picture courtesy of Asakusa Hanayashiki

Despite its cute exterior, Little Star is a thrilling ride in disguise. It keeps on spinning, so those with weak ear canals should watch out.

Fare: Three regular tickets or the free ride pass

3. Pyong Pyong

Picture courtesy of Asakusa Hanayashiki

The ride is named after a Japanese onomatopoeic word for "jumping" since it repeatedly jumps up and down like a frog. The best thing about Hanayashiki may be that children and adults can both have fun.

Fare: Three regular tickets or the free ride pass

4. House of Surprises

While it appears like an old-fashioned house, as the name suggests, this attraction has a lot of surprises inside.

Fare: Three regular tickets or the free ride pass

5. Disk "Oh"

Picture courtesy of Asakusa Hanayashiki

This ride goes back and forth like a pendulum while spinning around furiously.

Fare: Six regular tickets or the free ride pass

6. Kid Ninja Yashiki Nin-Nin Park

Picture courtesy of Asakusa Hanayashiki

Nin-Nin Park, which opened in October 2019, is a fairly new attraction.

Visitors can have fun training as a ninja using shuriken (throwing stars) inside this three-storied indoor facility without worrying about the weather.

Fare: Three regular tickets for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, it will be one regular ticket per ten minutes. The free ride pass can be used for half an hour.

Rides Fit for a Japanese Amusement Park

7. Panda Car

Picture courtesy of Asakusa Hanayashiki

While it seems to be out of style, many people consider the panda car a symbol of Japanese amusement parks.

First, hop on the car, put 200 hundred yen in the slot next to the handle, and the panda will start moving. At Hanayashiki, there are even various souvenirs with panda motifs.

Fare: 200 yen per ride. Only cash is accepted.

8. Haunted House

Picture courtesy of Asakusa Hanayashiki

Although it may look outdated, this haunted house is a signature attraction at Hanayashiki. The motif is about a vengeful spirit from a cherry tree, a tale that has been told since the amusement park opened in the Edo Period.

Fare: Three regular tickets or the free ride pass

Maruhana Ennichi and Other Fun Activities

In addition to the attractions, there is a game corner and Maruhana Ennichi at Hanayashiki.

The latter is designed as "an amusement park to visit wearing a kimono" in the spirit of an "ennichi," or a festival held at a shrine or temple. Maruhana re-opened in December 2021 following renovations.

Visitors can try activities typically seen at festivals, including a shooting gallery, toy scoop, and ring toss. Those who missed attending actual festivities should experience the atmosphere at Maruhana Ennichi.

While eight attractions were mentioned in this article, there are plenty of other appealing rides. After visiting Sensoji Temple and Kaminarimon Gate, head to Hanayashiki to experience the essence of a Japanese amusement park!

Asakusa Hanayashiki

111-0032 2-28-1 Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo

Established in 1853, it is one of the oldest amusement parks in Japan. Located near Sensoji Temple, it has around 25 attractions suitable f...

This article in 2022 is a revised version of the original published in April 2017.