This is a little suburban amusement park just by the Sumida River.
I think that it’s best for families with children aged 1-6 years old. I recommend visiting here if it is near your accommodation – or you just don’t like crowds that much.
It is a bit like visiting a local community fair.
This little suburban Tokyo amusement park has been around since 1922!
When visiting here it is good to have coins with you. It’s pretty old school.
There is a big ferris wheel in the middle, a sky cycle ride (pedal over the top of the park), a merry-go-round, a water spraying fireman’s ride and a little ride on train that goes around the park.
My favourite is, by far, the fireman’s ride as it is just so random.
Thomas the Tank Engine fans will also like the coin operated train vehicles.
There is also a petting zoo here (ponies, bunnies, capybara, kangaroos, alpacas) – but it does close during summer when it gets too hot.
There are also Pony rides for kids aged 4-10 years old.
Almost all of this amusement park is outdoors so it is tricky to do in the heat and also on a rainy day.
The exception is a kids play space within the park called Waku Waku House (but it does get really really busy when the weather turns bad.) There is also an outdoor playground out the back with climbing frames and slides.
There is a little creek with a water canon for kids to play. It’s small but it’s enough to make a toddler or baby happy.
The park is well known in Tokyo for its nighttime illuminations.
Food stalls here sell only a few simple options such as omurice, hot dogs and potato croquettes. We really liked the ice cream we bought from the hamburger shop just outside of the park.
Mid-July-August, there is a big public pool near by. It is shallow (25-80cms deep throughout.)
It is open from 10am-4pm (final entry at 3pm)
Entry is 350 yen for high school students and older and 150 yen for anyone younger.
Babies are toddlers are allowed to swim in swim nappies/diapers.
HOW TO GET TO ARAKAWA YUEN (ARAKAWA AMUSEMENT PARK)
By train, take the Toden Arakawa Line to Arakawa Amusement Park-Mae Station and walk for 3 mins.
(If you are coming from the JR Yamanote line – take the train to Otsuka Station and then transfer to the Toden Arakawa Line.
ADMISSION FEES FOR ARAKAWA AMUSEMENT PARK
No need to book ahead.
Yes – get the unlimited rides option as individual rides add up and you’ll just end up paying more.
*As I mention above, this is very much a cash-only type of place.
Adults 800 yen or unlimited rides & admission for 1800 yen.
Seniors (65+) 400 yen or unlimited rides & admission for 1400 yen.
Junior High Students 400 yen or unlimited rides & admission for 1000 yen.
Elementary School Students 200 yen or unlimited rides & admission for 700 yen.
3 years to School age Free or unlimited rides & admission for 500 yen.
2 years and younger – completely free.
There are also prices for admission after 4pm for Fri-Sunday for those who would like to visit while the park is all lit up. Please see the Arakawa Amusement Park website here for pricing.
OPERATION HOURS FOR ARAKAWA AMUSEMENT PARK
Open 9am-5pm (Pony rides from 10:30am)
Closed on Tuesdays (or Wednesday if Tuesday is a National Holiday) & Dec 29-Jan 1
If you like this kind of old school amusement park- I think you’ll also enjoy Japan’s oldest Amusement Park Hanayashiki
If you’re looking for somewhere to eat lunch afterwards – you can do to Pla-Rail ga Hashiru Cafe Kotetsu.
It is 6 mins walk from Arakawa Amusement Park.
It is a toy train themed cafe with a kids menu and actual toy trains!
The food is served on bullet train style plate. Kids meals are just 770 yen.
In the centre of the restaurant is a big pla-rail train set – there is also a kids play space on the ground floor.
They have high chairs here and space for strollers. They also offer low allergen menu options.
This cafe accepts most major credit cards. I would budget for around 1000 yen per adult to eat here.
You can see pictures of the menu and the space at Cafe Kotetsu here.
PLA-RAIL GA HASHIRU CAFE KOTETSU
7-19-11 NISHIOGU, ARAKAWA-SHI
OPEN 10:30AM-6PM (FROM 10AM ON WEEKENDS AND NATIONAL HOLIDAYS)
CLOSED ON TUESDAYS
