Step Into the Future: 5 Theme Park Attractions Opening in Japan
May 23, 2025 By Celia Kreitner

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Japan has long been a paradise for theme park lovers, blending high-tech rides with deep cultural storytelling. Every year, new attractions push the boundaries of imagination, drawing visitors from around the world. In 2025, the country is set to unveil 5 major theme park attractions that promise to captivate fans of anime, gaming, and adventure.

These upcoming experiences will transform beloved franchises into real-world adventures, merging cutting-edge technology with immersive storytelling. Whether you're a thrill-seeker or a pop-culture enthusiast, these new additions will make Japan an even bigger playground for entertainment.

Japan’s Top 5 New Theme Park Attractions

Get ready for a new wave of excitement as Japan unveils groundbreaking theme park experiences that will captivate visitors of all ages.

Studio Ghibli’s Valley of Witches – A Magical Expansion

Ghibli Park, which opened in 2022, has steadily been adding new themed areas inspired by the legendary studio’s films. In 2025, The Valley of Witches will be unveiled, offering fans a deeper dive into the enchanting worlds of Kiki’s Delivery Service and Howl’s Moving Castle. This highly anticipated expansion will feature a full-scale recreation of Kiki’s seaside town, allowing visitors to walk along cobblestone streets and peek inside Guchokipanya, the bakery where Kiki worked.

For those drawn to the mysterious allure of Howl’s domain, an intricately designed version of his moving castle will stand tall, blending gothic architecture with whimsical machinery. The attraction is expected to feature interactive experiences, including animatronics of Howl’s companions and a visual effects-laden journey through magical doorways. The addition of themed restaurants and shops selling exclusive Ghibli merchandise ensures that visitors can fully immerse themselves in the world of Hayao Miyazaki.

Super Nintendo World’s Donkey Kong Country – A Barrel-Blasting Adventure

Universal Studios Japan has already set a high standard with Super Nintendo World, a gaming-inspired wonderland that brought Mario’s universe to life. Now, a major expansion focused on Donkey Kong Country is set to launch in 2025, adding new layers of adventure to the park. This new area will recreate the lush jungles and ancient temples of Donkey Kong’s world, complete with tropical waterfalls and oversized banana trees.

The main attraction, Mine Cart Madness, is expected to be a high-speed coaster that mimics the iconic mine cart levels from the classic game. Unlike traditional coasters, this one will feature sections where carts seemingly jump over gaps, an illusion created by hidden track-switching technology. Guests will also encounter interactive elements, including puzzle-solving challenges and hidden bonus areas. The expansion is set to offer themed food stalls with banana-inspired treats and character meet-and-greets with Donkey Kong, Diddy Kong, and other beloved figures from the franchise.

GUNDAM Metaverse Park – A Sci-Fi Dream Come True

Japan’s love for giant robots is about to reach new heights with the opening of GUNDAM Metaverse Park. This ambitious project aims to be the ultimate destination for fans of the Mobile Suit Gundam series, blending physical attractions with virtual reality experiences. Located in Yokohama, where the life-sized moving Gundam statue has already wowed visitors, the park will offer a more interactive approach to the legendary franchise.

One of the major highlights is the Gundam Battle Simulator, where visitors can step into cockpit replicas and experience the sensation of piloting a mobile suit. Advanced VR technology will allow guests to engage in large-scale battles, choosing different Gundam models and customizing their loadouts. Meanwhile, an outdoor showcase will feature live performances of animatronic Gundams engaging in choreographed duels.

The park will also include a deep-dive exhibit into the history of the Gundam franchise, showcasing rare production materials, model kits, and behind-the-scenes insights. Collectors will be able to purchase exclusive merchandise, including limited-edition Gunpla (Gundam model kits).

Tokyo DisneySea’s Fantasy Springs – A Fairy Tale Wonderland

Fantasy Springs, Tokyo DisneySea's largest expansion, is set to open in 2025. This enchanting new area will bring beloved Disney fairy tales to life, featuring attractions inspired by Frozen, Tangled, and Peter Pan. Visitors will immerse themselves in magical landscapes filled with waterfalls, castles, and lush gardens.

The Frozen Kingdom will offer Anna and Elsa's Frozen Journey, a dark ride with lifelike animatronics and musical scenes. In the Tangled section, guests will board a scenic boat ride through Rapunzel's glowing Lantern Festival. Meanwhile, Peter Pan's Neverland will feature an interactive pirate battle ride, where visitors help Peter Pan fight Captain Hook.

Adding to the experience, Fantasy Springs will introduce a stunning medieval-style hotel, offering themed accommodations for guests who want to stay immersed in the magic overnight. With its breathtaking attractions and immersive storytelling, Fantasy Springs is set to be a dream destination for Disney fans.

Pokémon Wonder at Yokohama – A Real-World Pokémon Safari

Pokémon Wonder is set to redefine Pokémon-themed experiences by turning exploration into a real-world adventure. Opening in 2025 in Yokohama, this attraction will move away from traditional theme park elements like rides and digital screens and instead offer an immersive outdoor safari. Visitors will navigate dense forests, riverbanks, and open fields to discover life-sized Pokémon sculptures carefully crafted from natural materials.

With a special Pokédex guidebook in hand, guests will explore themed ecosystems, encountering hidden Pokémon while solving interactive nature-based challenges. Each discovery is designed to evoke a sense of wonder and curiosity, capturing the excitement of real-world exploration.

Unlike other Pokémon attractions, Pokémon Wonder prioritizes adventure, encouraging visitors to slow down and engage with their surroundings. By blending nature with the thrill of Pokémon discovery, it offers a unique and refreshing experience, making it a standout addition to Japan’s growing lineup of immersive attractions.

Conclusion

The upcoming theme park attractions in Japan promise to deliver unforgettable experiences, blending beloved franchises with cutting-edge innovation. From the enchanting worlds of Studio Ghibli and Fantasy Springs to the high-energy adventures of Donkey Kong and Gundam, each attraction offers something unique. Pokémon Wonder adds an entirely new way to explore nature through a Pokémon-inspired safari. With 2025 set to introduce these incredible experiences, Japan is solidifying its place as a global leader in immersive theme park entertainment.

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