Before diving into the thrills, a little background.

Yomiuriland first opened in 1964 and has grown into one of Tokyo’s most diverse amusement parks. Today, it offers 43 attractions that appeal to everyone, from adrenaline-loving adults to families with young children, couples, and groups of friends.

In recent years, the park has also evolved beyond classic rides. The SPACE Factory in the Goodjoba!! area, which opened in 2021, is home to “Lipovitan Rocket☆Luna,” Japan’s first indoor roller coaster with a spiral lift. The area also features hands-on workshops inspired by the behind-the-scenes world of medicinal manufacturing, adding an interactive twist to the experience.

In February 2026, the park expanded even further with the opening of PokéPark KANTO, a large-scale, permanent Pokémon-themed area. One of its standout features is “The Pokémon Forest,” an immersive outdoor zone designed to make visitors feel as if they have stepped directly into the Pokémon world.

Right next door, HANA・BIYORI offers a completely different pace. This “new style” botanical garden, opened in March 2020, blends seasonal flowers with digital art projections and even features a Starbucks set inside a greenhouse, making it an easy place to slow down and recharge between rides.

Despite its size and variety, Yomiuriland is surprisingly easy to reach. Located about 35 minutes from Shinjuku via the Keio Line, it works perfectly as a half-day or full-day outing and is one of the most accessible large-scale amusement parks in Tokyo.

Cherry blossoms at Yomiuriland usually begin to bloom in late March or early April, lining the park and its surrounding hillsides with soft shades of pink and white.

Nearly 1,000 cherry trees grow in and around the grounds, which is why many visitors come here purely for photos, both in daylight and after dark when the scenery takes on a completely different mood.

You can enjoy the blossoms while wandering between rides, but the most memorable way to take it all in is from above. Hop on the Sky Shuttle Gondola from Keio Yomiuriland Station and glide straight into the park, floating over a sea of sakura below.

From the cabin, you get sweeping views of the treetops, a dramatic look at the Bandit, Yomiuriland’s famous 110 km/h roller coaster, and a clear, postcard-worthy view of the Tokyo skyline. On especially clear days, you may even spot the top of Mt. Fuji in the distance.

Here are some of the other rides and attractions we recommend checking out to get the ultimate sakura experience in Tokyo!

When Bandit opened in 1988, it made headlines as the fastest roller coaster in the world, while also claiming the title of the tallest at the time with a peak height of 78 meters (256 feet). Even today, its speed and scale are a big part of the attraction.

Rather than cutting straight through the park, Bandit hugs the natural contours of Yomiuriland, creating a wild, terrain-following ride that feels fast, raw, and surprisingly scenic. It is thrilling any time of year, but spring adds an extra layer of magic.

During cherry blossom season, the coaster barrels straight through stretches of blooming sakura, briefly surrounding riders with a blur of pale pink petals and branches. The moment is over in seconds, but the mix of speed, height, and blossoms makes it one of the most unforgettable ways to experience cherry blossoms in Tokyo.

Who says cherry blossom viewing in Japan has to end at sunset? At Yomiuriland Jewellumination, the park transforms after dark into a glowing fantasy of color and light, where sakura take on an entirely new personality. One standout spot is the Tanzanite Promenade, a long, gently winding path lined with cherry trees bathed in soft, romantic illumination.

That said, the cherry blossoms are only one part of the spectacle. Jewellumination spreads across Yomiuriland, outlining the park’s hills, rides, and walkways with millions of carefully placed lights. For an especially memorable start, take a nighttime ride on the Sky Shuttle Gondola from the station and watch the illuminated park slowly unfold beneath your feet.

Once inside, wander through glowing tunnels, light-filled gardens, and playful optical displays that change as you move. Visiting on a rainy evening? That can be a bonus. Yomiuriland even features a special light show designed to be seen only on wet nights, turning raindrops into part of the experience.

Jewellumination is a seasonal event, so timing matters. For the current season, it runs from October 23, 2025 to April 5, 2026.

For a quieter, more romantic cherry blossom stroll, head to Seichi Park, a small but beautifully landscaped green space tucked inside Yomiuriland. Surrounded by tall cherry trees, the park feels pleasantly removed from the rides and crowds, making it an ideal spot to slow down and enjoy the season at an unhurried pace.

In spring, fresh greenery and pale pink blossoms frame the paths, while a small pagoda adds a classic touch that makes it easy to forget you are inside an amusement park at all. It is a lovely contrast to Yomiuriland’s high-energy attractions and a great place for photos that feel calm and intimate.

Seichi Park is also known for firefly viewing in early summer and hosts the popular Hotaru-no-Yoi event. While that season draws large crowds, cherry blossom time is generally more relaxed, making spring one of the best moments to experience this hidden corner of the park.

If sweeping views are your thing, the Sky-Go-LAND Ferris Wheel is another must-ride during cherry blossom season at Yomiuriland. Standing 59 meters tall, this classic attraction offers a slow, relaxing way to take in the park, the surrounding cherry trees, and wide-open views toward Tokyo. On clear days, Mount Fuji may also come into view, adding an extra reward to the ride.

Unlike thrill rides, the Ferris wheel is designed for all ages and runs regularly, weather permitting, except during periods of strong wind or heavy rain. Each gondola is fully air-conditioned and heated, making it comfortable in any season. Wheelchair access is also available for chairs up to 70 centimeters wide, so more visitors can enjoy the experience with ease.

After dark, the ride takes on a different charm. During night operations, the Ferris wheel itself lights up, turning a gentle spin above the park into a quietly memorable finale to an evening of cherry blossoms and illumination.

Not every highlight at Yomiuriland is about cherry blossoms, and Spin Runway proves it. This indoor roller coaster trades open-air views for a colorful, story-driven setting that feels completely different from the park’s other rides.

Spin Runway is set inside a playful clothing factory, with four-person cars zipping through bright tunnels, stylized textile machines, and waves of vivid color. Moving at speeds of up to 45 kilometers per hour (28 mph), the ride blends gentle thrills with visual surprises, making it feel part roller coaster, part immersive attraction.

If you need a break from blossom spotting or want something that shines regardless of season or weather, Spin Runway adds variety to your visit and shows off Yomiuriland’s more imaginative side.

Cherry blossoms may be the seasonal star, but Yomiuriland offers plenty to enjoy beyond sakura season, especially for families and thrill seekers.

In the kids’ area, the Custom Garage lets younger visitors build their own cars, test how they perform, and fine-tune the details. It is a hands-on attraction that feels more like playtime mixed with imagination than a typical ride.

Families looking for a shared challenge can try the Campus Challenge, an obstacle course made up of seven different sections that encourage teamwork and lighthearted competition.

For adrenaline lovers, Yomiuriland also features bungee jumping platforms that drop from a height of 22 meters, delivering a pure rush that has nothing to do with flowers. And starting in June, the park shifts into summer mode with the opening of its water area, complete with swimming pools and water slides that turn Yomiuriland into a warm-weather playground.

Yomiuriland is a massive amusement park and these are but a few of the many attractions and rides you'll be able to enjoy when you visit. The place is certainly worth a full day trip any time of the year, but in spring it has the added value of being one of the most entertaining and beautiful spots for cherry blossoms viewing, so if you're visiting between the end of March and mid-April don't miss it!