Tokyo Joypolis: A Deep Dive into SEGA’s Playground

A trip to Tokyo Joypolis is perfect for avoiding the blistering Japanese summer heat or staying dry from the heavy torrential rain. Joypolis is an indoor amusement park featuring arcade games, VR games, rides, special attractions, and more.

Whether you are:

• a SEGA enthusiast,
• a fan of virtual reality gaming or
• a thrill-seeker looking for some unique white-knuckle rides,

Tokyo Joypolis has something to keep everyone entertained, from families to groups of friends and couples.

Joypolis has long been a staple attraction in Tokyo and is one of Japan’s most popular amusement parks for local and foreign tourists. 

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Introduction to Tokyo Joypolis

For those unfamiliar with Joypolis, it is an indoor amusement park in Odaiba, Tokyo. It is recognised as one of the premier indoor amusement parks in the world. SEGA operates Tokyo Joypolis, and it reflects the modern Japanese gaming culture.

Joypolis Tokyo is one of the only indoor amusement parks in the world that offers a unique blend of traditional arcade games, interactive gaming attractions, thrill-seeker rides, and cutting-edge VR experiences that will blow visitors’ minds. 

There were previously other Joypolis locations across Japan in cities such as Yokohama, Kyoto, and Osaka. 

Today, the only Joypolis in Japan outside of Tokyo still operating is Sendai Joypolis Sports. Joypolis Sports focuses more on indoor sports such as table tennis, trampolining, archery, and bubble soccer.

Brief History of Joypolis

The first Joypolis amusement park opened on the 20th of July 1994 in Yokohama, Japan, before opening in various cities across Japan and finally China. 

Their flagship amusement park, Joypolis Tokyo, opened in Odaiba on the 12th of July 1996. The park has been refurbished twice, in 2000 and 2012.

Created by Sega, Joypolis are parks featuring amusement rides and arcade games based on Sega’s intellectual property and popular licensed franchises. 

Five Joypolis parks are operating today: Tokyo and Sendai in Japan, and Qingdao, Shanghai, and Guangzhou in China.

Overview of Joypolis and Attractions

Joypolis Tokyo features three floors filled with rides, games, attractions, and cafes. 

First Floor

The first floor features the two most popular white-knuckle rides at the Odaiba amusement park. 

• The Gekion Live Coaster is a roller coaster combined with a musical game. 
• Halfpipe Tokyo is a snowboarding halfpipe-based ride set to music.

There are also a number of games on the first floor including:

• For fans of shooting games, Pirate’s Plunder is an attraction that combines a video ride with a shooting game. 
• Spicy Taxi is a cooperative driving simulator combined with a rhythm and quiz game. 
• Zero Latency VR is a virtual reality shooting game that allows up to 6 people to play together simultaneously.

Second Floor

The second floor features:

• House of the Dead: Scarlet Dawn. This classic arcade game has become an attraction with moving seats and a surround-sound system. 
• Sonic Athletics is a fun game for up to 8 people, allowing them to compete in track and field athletics. 
• Storm-G is a bobsleigh simulator that rotates the riders 360 degrees while you race against rivals. 
• Transformers: Human Alliance Special combines a Transformers arcade game with a ride that moves and spins. 
• Tower Tag is a cooperative multiplayer Virtual Reality laser shooting game.

Third Floor

The third floor features:

• Attack on Titan: The Attraction, is an immersive walkthrough ride based on the hit anime series. 
• Ace Attorney is an investigation game based on the popular game and visual novel series. 
• Mystic Mansion: Tale of Pandemonium is a 3D horror-themed ride based on traditional Japanese folklore. 
• Murder Lodge is a Sega-original immersive audio horror attraction. 
• Sadako: The Curse Psychic Manor is a walkthrough horror attraction based on the character Sadako from The Ring. 
• There are three Wild exploring rides. Wild Jungle Brothers is a jungle-themed jeep simulator. Wild River is a jungle-themed dingy simulator. And Wild Wing is a jungle-themed hang glider simulator.

Overview of Other Attractions at Joypolis

Many other attractions in Tokyo Joypolis aren’t rides. 

• The JP Store is the official store of Joypolis Tokyo that features lots of gifts and souvenirs as well as plenty of Sega-themed merchandise. 
• The Main Stage is on the first floor and features a large stage and video screens for special events. 
• The Prize Corner is also on the first floor, which features UFO catchers with exclusive merchandise. 
• There are also Print Sticker Machines with photo booths to create unique photo souvenirs. 
• On the second floor, Sonic Carnival features familiar carnival games themed to Sonic and his friends.

Overview of Tokyo Joypolis Cafes and Eateries

There are various restaurants, cafes, and eateries in Tokyo Joypolis for a quick bite to eat or sit down, relax, and enjoy a meal. 

• The first floor has Mr Crepe, which sells a variety of crepes and bubble tea. 
• Also on the first floor is Dippin’ Dots Ice Cream, which sells mini-ball ice cream. 
• On the second floor, a cafe called D-Lounge sells various snacks and drinks, including alcohol. 
• On the third floor is Frame Cafe, where you can enjoy lunch, dinner, or a coffee while having a spectacular view of Odaiba and the Rainbow Bridge.

Who Will Enjoy Tokyo Joypolis the Most?

Are you still unsure if Tokyo Joypolis is really for you? Joypolis is one of the best amusement parks in Tokyo, but it isn’t for everyone. However, after visiting Joypolis Tokyo and spending a full day at the park, I believe it offers something for many different types of visitors. 

Tokyo Joypolis is ideal for:

• Gamers and Tech Enthusiasts: Range of experiences – From classic arcade games to the latest in VR technology
• Families: With a blend of attractions suitable for adults and children, families can find something for everyone. There are kid-friendly zones as well as more thrilling rides for older visitors.
• Couples: Tokyo Joypolis can be a fun date spot. 
• Tweens, Teens, and Young Adults: Given the energetic vibe, colourful settings, and the trendy nature of some attractions, younger individuals and groups of friends might find Joypolis particularly appealing.
• Tourists Interested in Modern Japanese Pop Culture: For those wanting to experience contemporary Japanese entertainment beyond traditional cultural sites, Joypolis offers a glimpse into modern recreational activities popular among locals.
• Fans of Anime and Manga: While Joypolis is primarily a gaming centre, the aesthetic and some of the attractions might resonate with fans of Japanese anime and manga due to thematic overlaps and the overall ambience.
• Repeat Visitors to Tokyo: For tourists who’ve already seen Tokyo’s primary attractions on previous visits and are looking for something different, Joypolis offers a unique experience.

Who Might Be Less Suited to Tokyo Joypolis?

As fun as Joypolis Tokyo is, some groups would find it less appealing. This includes:

• People with Motion Sickness or Certain Medical Conditions: Some VR attractions and rides can be intense. Those prone to motion sickness or with medical conditions that make them sensitive to rapid movements, bright lights, or loud sounds should reconsider.
• Seekers of Tranquility: Individuals looking for a quiet, serene environment might find Joypolis overwhelming. It’s typically bustling, with loud games, music, and excited visitors.
• Visitors with Limited Interest in Gaming or Technology: If someone has no interest in video games, virtual reality, or tech-based rides, a significant portion of Joypolis’ attractions might not appeal to them.
• Those with Accessibility Concerns: Though many modern attractions in Tokyo, including Joypolis, strive to be inclusive, certain rides or areas might not be easily accessible for people with mobility challenges. It’s always best to check ahead.
• People who Dislike the Theme Park Experience: Though this is not exactly a theme park, many rides have long lines similar to what you will find at theme parks. Some of the rides have wait times of 60 minutes or more. So visitors should be prepared to do lots of queueing.

When to Visit Tokyo Joypolis

Sega Joypolis has a major selling point for a day out: it is all completely indoors. All of the rides, attractions, and games are under one roof. 

When planning a day at a theme park, there is always the chance it could be ruined due to weather conditions. This is very relevant to Japan, especially during the rainy season, when a downpour could start any minute without warning. 

When I visited Joypolis, it was during a typhoon, and it was a great way to spend a whole day out while keeping dry. 

Tokyo summers are notorious for being hot and humid, making it another great time to visit Tokyo Joypolis. Have some fun while staying cool and hiding from the blistering sun.

Like most theme parks, the best days to visit Tokyo Joypolis are weekdays, with Monday to Thursday being the quietest days. 

The best time to visit Joypolis is in the morning when the park first opens, 10 am or 11 am, depending on the day. The park gets busier from 2 pm onwards, so it’s best to get there early and beat the traffic for the big rides.

As Tokyo is a massively populated city, Sega Joypolis can become very busy on weekends. And this amusement park is very popular with children and teenagers, so you should avoid visiting on school holidays.

How to Buy Tokyo Joypolis Tickets

Buying tickets to Joypolis Tokyo doesn’t have to be as tricky as trying to beat your favourite video game. Here are some easy ways to purchase tickets that don’t require any cheat codes. 

Admission Tickets and Passport Tickets

Two types of tickets are available for entering Tokyo Joypolis: an entrance admission ticket and a passport ticket.

The passport ticket covers admission and all of the rides.

The entrance ticket allows you to enter the park. Then, you can buy individual tickets for the rides. If you go with the entrance ticket option, “charge stations” throughout the park allow you to purchase ride tickets.

Where to Buy

There are several ways to purchase Tokyo Joypolis tickets, including buying through online providers such as Klook, KKDay, Rakuten or directly at Tokyo Joypolis. You can also save money by purchasing a Klook Tokyo Pass, which bundles attraction tickets together at a great discount.

Klook

Advance tickets are available at Klook, KKDay or Rakuten. Currently, only the 1 Day Passport tickets are available to buy. They are at a discounted price compared to buying directly at Joypolis:

• Adult Tickets: ¥ 4,200 (US$ 28.10) (18 yrs and over)
• Child Tickets: ¥ 3,600 (US$ 24.09) (7 to 17 yrs)

The entire process is made very simple by purchasing through Klook, KKDay or Rakuten. You can choose your date in advance and buy your tickets. The Klook app will update with a QR code. 

When you arrive at Joypolis, they will scan your QR code and issue you a physical ticket. This ticket is scanned to enter the park and go on rides. 

Buying at Tokyo Joypolis

You can buy both admission tickets and passport tickets directly at Joypolis. Buying tickets when you get there is more expensive than buying a passport ticket in advance through a provider like Klook.

(7 to 17 yrs) Admission Tickets:

Adult Tickets: ¥ 1,200 (US$ 8.03) (18 yrs and over)

Child Tickets: ¥ 900 (US$ 6.02) (7 to 17 yrs)

Passport Tickets:

Adult Tickets: ¥ 5,000 (US$ 33.46) (18 yrs and over)

Child Tickets: ¥ 4,000 (US$ 26.77) (7 to 17 yrs)

Tokyo Joypolis Discounts and Promotions

If you are lucky enough to be in Japan for your birthday, Tokyo Joypolis will give you a free passport ticket.

You can receive a discount at the ticket counter if you are in Japan during your birthday month. Birthday Month Passport Ticket prices are as follows:

• Adult Tickets: ¥ 4,500 (US$ 30.12) (18 yrs and over)
• Child Tickets: ¥ 3,500 (US$ 23.42) (7 to 17 yrs)

To receive the Day of your Birthday ticket or Month of your Birthday discount, visit the ticket booth at Joypolis and show your passport when purchasing your ticket.

Tokyo Joypolis Hours of Operation

Tokyo Joypolis is open seven days a week, with the hours changing on different days.

• Monday 10 am – 7 pm
• Tuesday 11 am – 7 pm
• Wednesday 11 am – 7 pm
• Thursday 11 am – 7 pm
• Friday 11 am – 7 pm
• Saturday 10 am – 8 pm
• Sunday 10 am – 8 pm

I recommend checking the official website calendar before visiting in case it is closed for a private event or a public holiday.

Getting to Tokyo Joypolis

Tokyo Joypolis is located on the artificial island of Odaiba in Tokyo Bay. Odaiba is across the Rainbow Bridge from Central Tokyo. 

The address is:

3F-5F Decks Tokyo Beach, 1 Chome−6−1

Odaiba, Minato City, Tokyo, 135-0091

Telephone Number: 03-5500-1801

Access by Train

Odaiba is easily accessible by Train. Here are a couple of options:

• The Yurikamome Line takes you to Odaiba Kaihin Kouen Station, and then it’s a 2-minute walk. Try to ride in the first car for the best views.

• The Rinkai Line takes you to Tokyo Teleport Station; from there, it is a 5-minute walk.

Access by Bus

Another convenient way to access Tokyo Joypolis is by bus. Bus options include:

• The Toei Bus – From Bus Stop No.5 near the Tokyo Metro Tozai Line Monzen-nakacho Station, take Umi 01 and get off the bus as Daiba nichoume. From there, it is a 3-minute walk.
• The Odaiba Rainbow Bus – From the bus stop near the JR Shinagawa Station Konan Gate or the JR Tamachi Station East Gate, get off at Daiba Nichoume. From there, it is a 3-minute walk.
• The Keikyu Bus – From the bus stop near the Keikyu-Line Aomono-Yokocho Station, get off at Fuji-Television-Mae. From there, it is a 2-minute walk. 

Tokyo Water Bus

The most interesting way of getting to this Odaiba amusement park is by the Tokyo Water Bus. 

The Water Bus goes from Asakusa Pier to Odaiba Pier and offers visitors a stunning view of Tokyo Bay.

The Water Bus journey offered by Tokyo Cruise could be a more relaxing and comfortable way of travelling to Odaiba while turning the trip into part of the experience. 

The rooftop deck of the cruise offers visitors a 360-degree view of the Tokyo cityscape. 

Manga artist Leiji Matsumoto designed the boats, and their design looks futuristic.

The Water Bus takes 70 minutes from Asakusa pier to Odaiba pier, costing 1720 yen (US$ 11.51) for an adult and 860 yen (US$ 5.75) for a child ticket.

Games, Attractions, and Rides at Tokyo Joypolis

Visitors flock to Tokyo Joypolis daily for its rides, attractions, and uniquely fun Japanese games. Joypolis covers three floors, each with various games, rides, attractions, gift shops, and more.

First Floor

You’ll find Gekion Live Coaster, Halfpipe Tokyo, Pirate’s Plunder, Spicy Taxi, Zero Latency VR, and the Joypolis Explorer on the first floor.

Gekion Live Coaster

This roller coaster is combined with a musical rhythm game that lets you control the ride. 

This is one of the most popular rides at Joypolis, and when I visited, it was always around a 60-minute wait. 

Each car can hold up to 4 people, which makes it suitable for solo visitors, couples, friends, groups, and families.

You must be over 130 cm (4 ft 2) to ride. Without the passport ticket, this ride costs 1000 yen (US$ 6.69).

Halfpipe Tokyo

This is a huge snowboarding halfpipe-based game ride set to music played cooperatively. 

You use foot pedals with your partner to get your board to spin, which will win you points. Large screens show how many points your team receives. It’s a real thrill-seeker ride combined with a fun game. 

Two people ride together, which makes it perfect for couples and friends.

You must be over 130 cm (4 ft 2) to ride. Without the passport ticket, this ride costs 1000 yen (US$ 6.69).

Pirate’s Plunder

This attraction combines a video theatre ride with a shooting game. 

Before you enter the ride, there is a video with English instructions explaining the game’s rules. 

For Pirate’s Plunder, up to 26 people can play simultaneously, so the wait time is quite short. I waited 10 minutes for this ride.

No height restriction exists, but you must be over three years old to ride. Without the passport ticket, this ride costs 700 yen (US$ 4.69).

Spicy Taxi

This is a cooperative driving simulator combined with a rhythm and quiz game where you sit inside a Tuk Tuk, which spins 360 degrees and does wheelies. 

Each Tuk Tuk can hold up to four people, so this ride is best for couples or friends, families, and groups of four as you have to work together. 

Five Tuk Tuks are racing against each other through driving skills, mini-games, and quizzes. 

This ride was another quick wait time of 10 minutes.

You must be over 90 cm (2 ft 9) to ride. People over 90 cm (2 ft 9) but under 110 cm (3 ft 6) must be accompanied by an adult. There are no restrictions for people over 110 cm (3 ft 6). Without the passport ticket, this ride costs 600 yen (US$ 4.02).

Zero Latency VR

This highly popular virtual reality shooting game allows up to 6 people to play together simultaneously. 

This game concept originated in Australia and is a VR experience that offers a large space for roaming and realistic environments. 

Six people can play at a time, making it fun for friends, groups, and families. 

There are five different VR games available at this attraction: Undead Arena, Outbreak Origins, Singularity, Zombie Survival, and Far Cry VR. 

You must be over 110 cm (3 ft 6) to ride and aged 13 or over. 

This ride is separate from the passport ticket. Undead Arena, Outbreak Origins, Singularity, and Zombie Survival cost 2200 yen (US$ 14.73). And Far Cry VR: Dive into Insanity is 2500 yen ($US 16.74). These rides should be reserved in advance. 

The Joypolis Explorer

This ride allows you to explore the facility with a smartphone. 

Visitors must unravel secrets and find hidden emblems, enabling them to open the final door and unlock the secret treasure. If you complete the challenge, you will receive a souvenir photo. 

This attraction requires a knowledge of Japanese to understand it fully. There is no max capacity, so there is usually no wait time.

An adult must accompany anyone under 110 cm (3 ft 6). Without the passport ticket, this ride costs 600 yen (US$ 4.02).

Second floor

On the second floor, you’ll get to experience Tower Tag VR Sports, House of the Dead – Scarlett Dawn, Sonic Athletics, Transformers Human Alliance, and Storm G.

Tower Tag VR Sports

This is a competitive VR shooting attraction. 

This game is for 2 vs 2, so you must cooperate with your partner to win in a physically engaging game. The VR space has physical walls that you can hide behind during gameplay for cover. 

The game is for a group of four, so if you aren’t in a group of four, you will have to join a game with other visitors.

You must be over 110 cm (3 ft 6) to ride and over the age of 7. Without the passport ticket, this ride costs 1000 yen (US$ 6.69).

House of the Dead – Scarlet Dawn

This ride takes the classic arcade video game with you shooting zombies and turns it into an attraction with moving seats, a surround-sound system, and a huge screen. 

Twelve people play together simultaneously, four people on three different machines. 

This enthralling shooting game can become competitive as it displays your ranking against all other people who play together.

You must be over 90 cm (2 ft 9) to ride. If you are under 110 cm (3 ft 6) you must be accompanied by an adult. Without the passport ticket, this ride costs 700 yen (US$ 4.69).

Sonic Athletics

This is a fun game for up to eight people, allowing them to compete in track and field athletics. 

Sonic Athletics is a fun interactive game that requires physicality as you run on a treadmill. This makes your Sonic character on the screen run as you compete against the other competitors.

You must be over 110 cm (3 ft 6) to ride. Without the passport ticket, this ride costs 600 yen (US$ 4.02).

Transformers Human Alliance

This attraction combines the Transformers Human Alliance arcade game with a ride that slides, moves, rotates, and spins while you play. 

You will team up with the Autobots and fight off the evil Decepticons in a shooting battle. 

Two people use one ride at a time, and there are three rides for a maximum of six people at once.

You must be over 130 cm (4 ft 2) to ride. Without the passport ticket, this ride costs 800 yen (US$ 5.36).

Storm G

This attraction is a bobsleigh simulator that rotates the riders 360 degrees while racing against rivals. 

Each ride holds two people, and there are four rides simultaneously. 

Each ride has handles on the side that allow you to control the direction and a button that lets the car spin if pushed together. The more you spin, the faster you will go as you race against the other riders.

You must be over 140 cm (4 ft 6) and under 200 cm (6 ft 5). Without the passport ticket, this ride costs 800 yen (US$ 5.36).

Third Floor

The attractions you can enjoy on the third floor include Ace Attorney, Fortune Forest, Lola and Carla – The Beauty Contest, Attack on Titan – The Attraction, Mystic Mansion – Tale of Pandemonium, Murder Lodge, Sadako – The Curse Psychic Manor, and a trio of rides (Wild Jungle Brothers, Wild River, and Wild Wing).

Ace Attorney

This attraction is based on the Phoenix Wright video game characters. 

Ace Attorney is an investigation game featuring a unique story only available at Joypolis. The story features a murder at Joypolis, requiring you to use your intellect and search for clues to solve the case. Unfortunately, this game requires an understanding of Japanese to play.

A guardian must accompany anyone under 110 cm (3 ft 6). Without the passport ticket, this ride costs 600 yen (US$ 4.02).

Fortune Forest

This attraction is a walkthrough ride set in a lost forest and is a nice way to relax after going on some thrill-seeking rides. 

Visitors can have their fortune told by rune stones and enjoy Scandinavian myth motifs. Unfortunately, some Japanese ability is required to understand this ride fully.

A guardian must accompany anyone under 110 cm (3 ft 6). Without the passport ticket, this ride costs 600 yen (US$ 4.02).

Lola and Carla – The Beauty Contest

This ride is an interactive game that allows you to compete as a hostess or host with the help of your managers, Lola and Carla. 

You will have an interview and a photoshoot and then be presented with your printed photo with your catchphrase, nomination fee, and comments from your manager. 

Unfortunately, understanding Japanese is required to appreciate this ride fully.

A guardian must accompany anyone under 110 cm (3 ft 6). Without the passport ticket, this ride costs 600 yen (US$ 4.02).

Attack on Titan – The Attraction

This ride is an immersive walkthrough based on the hit anime series. 

This attraction uses lights, sound, props, and special effects to transport you into the world of Attack on Titan. 

What makes this ride even more exciting is the choices the visitors make affect the story and outcome of the attraction. So choose wisely. 

Overall, this is an enjoyable and rewarding experience for fans of the hit anime series. Understanding Japanese will help you appreciate this ride more, but you can still have a good time without knowing Japanese.

There are no height requirements for this ride. Without the passport ticket, this ride costs 800 yen (US$ 5.36).

Mystic Mansion – Tale of Pandemonium

This 4D horror-themed ride is based on traditional Japanese folklore with scares and frights galore. 

Mystic Mansion transports you into a Japanese horror theatre and uses excellent 3D technology, moving seats, wind, and more to create a world full of Ukiyo-e monsters. 

This ride feels uniquely Japanese and wouldn’t be in any other theme parks worldwide, so it is a must for any tourists visiting Japan.

You must be over 110 cm (3 ft 6) to ride. Without the passport ticket, this ride costs 700 yen (US$ 4.69).

Murder Lodge

This ride is an exclusive Sega-original immersive audio horror attraction. 

Murder Lodge is essentially an audio story with visitors sitting in a set resembling an old lodge. Eight people at a time sit around a table and put on headphones. The lights turn off, and you listen to the story unfold. 

The sound design is very crisp and clear, and it often sounds like the people speaking are next to you or are walking past you. 

Unfortunately, the whole story is in Japanese, and even with my limited Japanese ability, I barely understood what was unfolding. If you can’t speak Japanese, I would not recommend this ride.

There is no height requirement. Children under seven may not enter. An adult must accompany children between the ages of 7 and 11. Without the passport ticket, this ride costs 700 yen (US$ 4.02).

Sadako – The Curse Psychic Manor

This ride is a walkthrough horror attraction based on the character Sadako from The Ring. 

The Sadako ride combines spectacular stage, lighting, and sound effects with real actors and actresses to create a fun and terrifying experience. If you have a fear of Sadako or creepy things in general, be prepared to do lots of screaming and running. 

Understanding Japanese will help you appreciate this ride more, but it’s not required.

You must be over 140 cm (4 ft 2) to enter and under 185 cm (6 ft 0). Without the passport ticket, this ride costs 800 yen (US$ 5.36).

Wild Jungle Brothers / Wild River / Wild Wing

These three rides are all part of the Wild Exploring series and are all video rides. 

The stories are linked, and the idea of each is very similar. 

Wild Jungle Brothers is a jungle-themed jeep simulator. Wild River is a jungle-themed dingy simulator and Wild Wing is a jungle-themed hang glider simulator. 

Each of these rides has visitors sitting in a moving vehicle that synchronises with the impressive Indiana Jones-style exploration video story. 

All three rides are really good fun, and the wait time is usually decent. I only had to wait around 10 or 15 minutes for each.

You must be over 110 cm (3 ft 6) to ride. Without the passport ticket, this ride costs 800 yen (US$ 5.36).

Arcade Games

For fans of arcade games, there are a variety of classic and modern arcades sprinkled throughout Joypolis to enjoy. 

Beat Saber is one of the latest and most unique VR rhythm games. 

The newest game from the long-running zombie shooter series is here with House of the Dead – Scarlet Dawn. 

While the Tokyo Olympics might have already come and gone, you can join Mario and Sonic to compete in some Olympic sports with Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 – Arcade Edition. 

There are also some of the most popular music-themed arcade games, such as Maimai Deluxe Plus, Chunithm Crystal, and Miku Hatsune Project Diva Arcade Future Tone. 

For visitors who love trying to win stuffed toys and model figurines, Joypolis hasn’t forgotten about you. 

The first floor features Prize Corner, which has a variety of prizes to be won, including some exclusive ones, such as a stuffed Sonic with the Joypolis logo embroidered on his shoes. The Prize Corner also has a free balloon wrapping service, allowing you to carry the prizes you won inside a large balloon for easy transportation. 

The first floor is also home to some Print Sticker Machines, also known in Japan as Purikura. This is very popular for teenage girls and couples in Japan. This is similar to a photo booth, but it makes your photo extremely cute with filters, and you can decorate it with fun stickers before printing the images to take home with you as a uniquely Japanese souvenir.

Head to the second floor for Sonic Carnival. This features a variety of simple games similar to what you find at most carnivals, so both adults and children can enjoy it. 

Some of the games are based around the world of Sonic and feature details that are fun for fans to spot. There’s some great Sonic photo opportunities here too.

Food and Drink Options at Tokyo Joypolis

Spending a whole day at Joypolis can leave you feeling hungry, but fear not, as there are two different cafes to satisfy your hunger and a couple of extra places for a sweet snack.

Frame Cafe

The Frame Cafe is located on the third floor and is an excellent place to rest while you enjoy lunch, dinner, or even just a coffee and snack. 

The cafe is in a large area with plenty of space to relax. But the selling point is the view. Sit near the windows or on the terrace, and soak in the fantastic views of Tokyo Bay and the Rainbow Bridge.

Enjoy pepperoni pizza, chicken curry, and a BLT bagel. There are a variety of hot drinks, soft drinks, and beer also for sale.

D-Lounge

The D-Lounge is located on the second floor. It is a smaller space than the Frame Cafe, but the D-Lounge makes up for that with the technological aspect.

The D-Lounge is surrounded by large screens with sea life swimming past, making it resemble an aquarium. There is also a face scanner that will transfer your face onto one of the large sea creatures as it swims around the room.

The food available at the D-Lounge is more like snack food, such as chilli dogs, fried chicken, churros, soft-serve ice cream, and pancakes. Again, there are a variety of soft drinks, hot drinks, and alcoholic drinks available, such as orange sour and beer.

For coffee fans, Costa Coffee is served in the D-Lounge. Why not enjoy a latte, cappuccino, or a flat white to give you energy for more exploring of Tokyo Joypolis?

Dippin Dots Ice Cream

The popular ice cream snack, served in many theme parks and baseball stadiums across the USA, is available in Tokyo Joypolis on the first floor. 

Dippin Dots ice cream consists of many small beads that melt in your mouth.

Various flavours include cool soda, strawberry cheesecake, chocolate vanilla, and the exclusive Odaiba rainbow flavour. 

Mr Crepe

Also on the first floor is the deliciously sweet-smelling Mr Crepe. 

Also known as Crepe Ojisan, this shop sells crepes made from an original blend of dough, and their ice cream is created from milk from Hokkaido cows. 

There are a variety of flavours for the fillings of the crepes, including banana chocolate, apple custard, and strawberry chocolate. And why not wash it down with bubble tea (also sold here)?

Shopping and Souvenirs

JP Store is located on the first floor and is the official Tokyo Joypolis shop. 

The shop sells a wide range of goods featuring Sega franchises such as Sonic and House of the Dead, and they also sell collaboration merchandise featuring popular series like Attack on Titan and Tokyo Revengers. 

Many souvenirs are available, from stickers, t-shirts, badges, keychains, bags, and even souvenir food and snacks.

For retro Sega enthusiasts, only a few items featuring the Sega Saturn and Mega Drive are available. These are coasters, pin badges, and smartphone rings. 

However, the star of the show here is Sonic. The fast blue hedgehog has the most merchandise available, including a wide range of stylish T-shirts.

There’s also some exclusive Tokyo Joypolis merch for sale that isn’t available anywhere else. 

One of the big sellers looked to be Tokyo Joypolis Saku Saku Candy, available in two flavours: strawberry and soda. 

There is also Tokyo Joypolis Petit Chou, which comes in a cute box, which makes it a perfect gift.

Tips and Tricks for a Great Experience

Before visiting Tokyo Joypolis, there are still some things to consider to make it the best experience possible.

The main point to consider is your time of visit. Due to Tokyo being a massively populated city, the park can become very busy in the evenings and on weekends. 

If you want to skip the wait times, visit on a weekday and go early. Each floor has TV screens that will display the names of the rides on all floors and the current wait times. 

After each ride, it’s best to check this screen in case a ride has a short wait time, and you can ride it quickly before moving on.

Some of the rides have a language barrier, but navigating the park and enjoying most experiences is quite straightforward. Most of the rides have English instructions if the purpose of the ride isn’t immediately obvious. 

There are also some guide videos playing before rides with English subtitles. Non-Japanese speakers can easily visit and enjoy the park. Just a few of the rides won’t be fully appreciated. 

There are vending machines sprinkled throughout Joypolis, which are great if you need a quick drink or an ice cream on the go. 

There are handy umbrella stands on the first and third floors to store your umbrella during your visit. 

Also on the first and third floors are coin lockers, which you can use to store personal belongings such as jackets, backpacks, and any souvenirs you purchase. 

There are no ATMs in Joypolis, but some are available in Odaiba Decks on the first and third floors.

If you require a baby stroller or a wheelchair, head to the Information Counter at Decks Square. These are available for free and can be used inside Joypolis. 

The first and third floors of Tokyo Joypolis have toilets and disability toilets. There are elevators for visitors who need them, so please ask a staff member nearby for assistance.

Nearby Attractions in Odaiba

Tokyo Joypolis is located in Odaiba Decks Tokyo Beach. This massive entertainment complex is home to theme parks, shops, restaurants, and more. 

Odaiba is also home to the Rainbow Bridge and Tokyo’s very own Statue of Liberty. 

Joypolis isn’t the only amusement park at Decks. There is:

• Legoland Discovery Centre is an indoor park full of various Lego attractions to suit all the family). 
• Madame Tussauds features over 60 wax models, including various Hollywood and Japanese celebrities. 
• For something a little more unusual, there is the Tokyo Trick Art Museum, which features trick art galleries for fun photos. Four different areas are available for photos, with one area being based on the Edo period. 

For fans of Gundam or those who want to see something uniquely Japanese, a quick 10-minute walk from Tokyo Joypolis will take you to Diver City, and outside stands the famous Gundam statue of Odaiba. This statue replicates RX-0 Unicorn Gundam and stands at an impressive 19.7 meters (64 feet). 

If you want more Gundam, head into the Gundam Base Tokyo shop for models, posters, clothing, and more.

The rest of Diver City is also worth exploring, as it has plenty to see and do. Some other attractions include:

• A two-floor Round One amusement park features karaoke, bowling, billiards, and arcade games. 
• For kids, there is Little Planet, which is an indoor children’s park known for augmented reality experiences.
• For the adventurous, there is the Unko Museum, known as the Poop Museum in English.

Final Thoughts on Tokyo Joypolis

If you enjoy theme parks and gaming culture, I think Joypolis is a blast. It’s a unique day out and something that feels very Japanese. However, if you don’t enjoy theme parks and you don’t enjoy waiting in line for rides, then Tokyo Joypolis might not be for you.

When I arrived at Joypolis, getting around and trying many rides was easier. But as the day went on, it got busier and busier. A lot of the rides’ wait times went over 1 hour. 

Unfortunately, there were some big rides that I had to skip as the wait times became too long. Looking back, I wish I had done some of those rides at the beginning to ensure I didn’t miss out. 

Plan by checking the website, choosing which rides you want to do, and going on them first. There are also a few rides that more Japanese skills would have helped; unfortunately, the park and website don’t tell you this. 

The only ride I didn’t personally enjoy was Murder Mystery because the whole ride was in Japanese, and I really couldn’t understand it. Of course, this amusement park is in Japan, so I don’t expect the rides to be in English. I only wish I knew before I wasted precious time in lines.

The Passport ticket is excellent value if you want to try and do every ride available. It adds up to pay for each ride individually. 

If you are only interested in thrill-seeker rides, buying the entrance ticket and paying for these rides might be a better option.

Frequently Asked Questions about Tokyo Joypolis?

Now that you are planning your trip to Joypolis, you might still have some last-minute questions or final worries before your visit. 

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