Toshimaen Amusement Park was a beloved attraction in Tokyo for over 90 years. The park was well-known for its thrilling rides, beautiful gardens, and relaxing hot springs. Unfortunately, Toshimaen closed its doors for the final time in August of 2020.
The site is now the location for the new Harry Potter theme park (opening June 2023) but we thought we’d take a moment to look back at the much-beloved old park.
Despite its closure, the memories and experiences from Toshimaen live on. For many Tokyo residents, the park was a staple of their childhood and a place where they created cherished memories with family and friends. Toshimaen was also a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from all over the world who were eager to experience the unique blend of excitement, tranquility, and nostalgia that the park offered.
History of Toshimaen Amusement Park
Toshimaen Amusement Park was a popular amusement park located in Nerima, Tokyo, Japan. It was opened in 1926 and operated for almost 100 years before it was closed permanently in 2020. The park was named after the Toshima district of Tokyo where it was located, and it was one of the oldest and most beloved amusement parks in Japan.
Over the years, Toshimaen underwent many changes and renovations to keep up with the times and attract visitors. In the early days, the park featured traditional Japanese gardens and a large pond where visitors could rent boats. In the 1950s and 1960s, the park added more modern attractions like roller coasters, a Ferris wheel, and a haunted house.
One of the park’s most popular attractions was the Toshimaen Monorail, which opened in 1957 and was the first monorail in Japan. The monorail traveled around the park and provided visitors with a unique and exciting way to see the sights. In addition to the monorail, the park also had a large swimming pool, a water park, and a variety of food and souvenir stands.
Despite its popularity, Toshimaen faced many challenges over the years. In the 1990s, the park struggled financially and was forced to close some of its attractions. In 2019, it was announced that the park would be closing permanently to make way for a new development project in the area. The park’s final day of operation was on August 31, 2020, and it was a bittersweet moment for many longtime visitors and employees.
Today, Toshimaen Amusement Park is remembered as a beloved part of Tokyo’s history and a symbol of the city’s vibrant and ever-changing culture. While the park may be gone, its legacy lives on through the memories of those who visited it over the years.
Attractions at Toshimaen Amusement Park
Toshimaen Amusement Park was a popular destination in Tokyo for many years. It featured a variety of attractions that catered to visitors of all ages. Here are some of the most notable rides and activities that could be found at Toshimaen:
- Thunder Dolphin: This roller coaster was one of the park’s most popular attractions. It was known for its steep drops and high speeds, which provided riders with a thrilling experience.
- Crazy Mouse: This spinning coaster was another popular ride at Toshimaen. It featured tight turns and sudden drops that kept riders on the edge of their seats.
- Water Park: Toshimaen also had a water park that was perfect for cooling off on hot summer days. It featured a variety of water slides, pools, and other attractions that were fun for the whole family.
- Haunted House: For those who were looking for a scare, Toshimaen’s haunted house was a must-visit attraction. It was filled with spooky decorations and special effects that made visitors feel like they were in a horror movie.
- Bumper Cars: Toshimaen’s bumper cars were a classic ride that never went out of style. They were a great way to blow off steam and have some fun with friends and family.
There was the Toshimaen Forrest Insectarium recommended for nature and insect lovers, arcade games that could be played even on rainy days, “Super Fishing Toshimaen” where you could enjoy fishing casually, and an outdoor ice skating rink during the winter season. There is such a wide variety of attractions alone.
During the summer, visitors could also play in the swimming pool facility, which is crowded with many people during the season.
There ws also a wide variety of dining and shopping facilities. There are family restaurants and restaurants specializing in curry where you can enjoy authentic curry, making dining at the amusement park even more enjoyable.
The amusement park also held events such as the amusement park hero show on an irregular basis. In addition to these shows, the park also held seasonal events that are typical of the rich natural environment of Toshimaen.
Because Toshimaen offered such a wide variety of features, visitors come from a wide range of age groups. Families, couples, friends, and even older couples and groups could enjoy the park.
Overall, Toshimaen Amusement Park was a great place to spend a day in Tokyo. Its wide range of attractions ensured that there was something for everyone to enjoy. Although the park has since closed down, it will always be remembered as a beloved part of Tokyo’s entertainment scene.
The Closure of Toshimaen Amusement Park
The park first opened in 1926 and operated for nearly a century before closing its doors for good in August 2020. The closure of Toshimaen was a significant loss for the city of Tokyo and the amusement park industry as a whole.
The decision to close Toshimaen was made by the park’s parent company, Seibu Holdings Inc. The company cited declining attendance and financial difficulties as the main reasons for the closure. Despite efforts to revitalize the park and attract more visitors, Toshimaen continued to struggle with competition from newer, larger amusement parks in the area.
Many visitors and locals were saddened by the closure of Toshimaen, which had become a beloved part of Tokyo’s cultural landscape. The park was known for its classic rides, such as the Cyclone roller coaster and the Scramble bumper cars, as well as its beautiful gardens and water park.
While the closure of Toshimaen was undoubtedly a loss for Tokyo, the park’s legacy will live on in the memories of those who visited and worked there. The site of the former amusement park is set to be redeveloped into a new urban park and residential area, providing a new chapter in the history of this iconic Tokyo landmark.
Memories of Toshimaen Amusement Park
One of the most popular attractions at Toshimaen was the pool. The park had a large outdoor pool that was perfect for hot summer days. Families would spend hours there, enjoying the water and the sun. The park also had a variety of water slides and other water attractions that were a hit with visitors of all ages.
Another memorable part of Toshimaen was the roller coasters. The park had several different roller coasters that were known for their thrilling drops and twists. The most popular coaster was the Cyclone, which had been in operation since 1926. Many visitors have fond memories of riding the Cyclone and feeling the rush of adrenaline as they soared through the air.
Toshimaen was also known for its beautiful gardens. The park had a variety of different gardens, each with its own unique style and atmosphere. Visitors could stroll through the gardens and enjoy the beautiful flowers and plants. The gardens were a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Overall, Toshimaen Amusement Park was a special place for many people in Tokyo. While it may be gone, the memories of the park will live on for years to come.
| Park Name | （Toshimaen) |
|---|---|
| Park Address | 3-25-1 Mukoyama, Nerima-ku, Tokyo |
| Official Site | Toshimaen |
| Roller Coaster Cyclone | Mini Cyclone |
| Pirates | Flying Carpet |
| Model Train | Carousel Eldorado |
| Anpanman Happy Sky | Air Slider |
| Animal Cup | Flume Ride |
| Euro 2006 | Auto Scooter |
| Breakdance | Troika |
| Mini Flume Ride | Fluff Land |
| Haunted House | Frog Hopper |
| Mystery Zone | Air Trampoline |
| Perfect Basket | Perfect Tennis |
| Dog Park | Panda Rides |
The Toshimaen Cherry Blossom Festival can be enjoyed from late March to early April, from daytime cherry blossom viewing to illuminated nighttime cherry blossom viewing, so why not visit during this season as well?
Toshimaen’s winter illumination is held from winter to spring. During the cherry blossom season, you can enjoy the illumination and the cherry blossoms lit up at the same time.
Image Credit: Tokyo Navi via tokyo-park.net archive
