Disney Japan: Why is It So Popular?  

Japan is full of cute cartoons and amusement park fun, and Disney Japan is no exception. While paying tribute to Walt Disney’s vision and creativity, Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea offer something distinctly Japanese. So, come on! Let’s explore Disney Japan’s history, tour both parks and meet Duffy and his wonderful friends. Ikimashou! (Let’s go!)

How did the world of Disney arrive in Japan? 

Tokyo Disneyland, Tokyo DisneySea, and Ikspiari Shopping Mall are part of Tokyo Disney Resort in Urayasu, Chiba. They’re the only Disney parks not owned or operated by the Walt Disney Company but instead by The Oriental Land Company (OLC).

Plans for a Japanese Disneyland have been in the works since the 1950s, but construction started in 1980. However, there was the Disney-inspired Nara Dreamland, which operated from 1961 to 2006. 

Disney is popular in Japan for several reasons, notably its focus on childhood and kawaii concepts. The Tokyo Disney Resort is also easily accessible via public transportation.

Finally, its amusement parks feature Japanese elements: storytelling with a Japanese perspective, friendly staff, music and light shows, and ethnic foods. Disney anime is also becoming more popular, both licensed works like Studio Ghibli movies and original productions like Twisted Wonderland.  

Tokyo Disneyland 

Did you know Tokyo Disneyland was the first Disney park to open outside the United States? Operating since 1983, it became the world’s fourth-most visited theme park in 2023, drawing 15.1 million visitors. At 115 acres (47 hectares), Tokyo Disneyland features many familiar sights and some original attractions, including “Pooh’s Hunny Hunt” (one of its most popular rides) and “Enchanted Tale of Beauty and the Beast.” 

Besides thrilling rides and fun photoshoot spots, there are tasty snacks: Mickey-shaped churros, popcorn carts, and alien mochi. Popular merch includes Huey, Dewey, and Louie sweatshirts and Nakayoshi Club cookies. Finally, Tokyo Disneyland is home to parades like Disney Harmony in Color and Electrical Parade Dreamlights. If you visit the park before March 16, 2025, you’ll catch the Disney Pal-Palooza Vanellope’s Sweet Pop World.

Location: 1-1 Maihama, Urayasu, Chiba, Tokyo

Hours: 9am to 9pm almost every day (check hours online)

Are you looking for great snacks while discovering Disney in Japan? Check out YumeTwins! YumeTwins sends all kinds of kawaii character goods – from Japanese plushies to stationery – right to your door so that you can enjoy your best kawaii lifestyle on your way!

Tokyo DisneySea 

23 minutes away by bus, Tokyo DisneySea lets you live out your ocean dreams. Open since 2001, it became the world’s seventh most-visited theme park in 2023, with 12.4 million visitors.

It’s slightly bigger than Tokyo Disneyland at 176 acres (71 hectares) and features eight ports of call, the newest one (Fantasy Springs) opening in June 2024. Rides found only at Tokyo DisneySea include “Soaring: Fantastic Flight” and “20,000 Leagues Under the Sea.”

Each location is unique, whether it’s Mysterious Island or Mermaid Lagoon. Souvenirs include the Fantasy Springs postcard-and-holder set and Duffy & Friends cookies.

For a quick snack, we recommend the Ukiwa Bun and Sea Salt Ice Cream Monaka (sadly, Chandu’s Tail is no longer on the menu). Tokyo DisneySea’s entertainment is not to be missed, with shows like Duffy and Friends’ Wonderful Friendship and Believe! Sea of Dreams.

Location: 1-13 Maihama, Urayasu, Chiba, Tokyo

Hours: Same as Tokyo Disneyland

Who is Duffy the Bear? 

You know Mickey Mouse, but have you heard of Duffy the Disney Bear? This adorable sailor was initially created in 2002 for Disney Springs, but he wasn’t popular until the Tokyo Disney Resort adopted him in 2004.

He became a walk-around character at Tokyo DisneySea in 2005 and American parks in 2010. In his initial origin story, Duffy is a toy brought to life by Tinker Bell. In the official story, he’s a stuffie given to Mickey as a traveling companion. 

Duffy and friends ShellieMay (another bear), StellaLou (a bunny), and Gelatoni (a cat) have their spots at the park. They also performed musical shows at Tokyo DisneySea, Shanghai and Hong Kong Disneyland, and Disneyland Paris. If you can visit Tokyo DisneySea, say hi to Duffy and buy yourself a plushie to take home!

Why do people in Japan like Disney so much?

Disney Japan combines Disney magic with Japanese values and charm. It offers rides not found in American parks, makes excellent use of space, and treats visitors to friendly service and visual and audio shows for everyone to enjoy.

Not only that, but Disney Japan has original rides and characters. Duffy and his friends will sing, dance, and take photos with anyone looking for a magical experience. Finally, adorable souvenirs and tasty treats are available only at Tokyo Disney Resort. The parks offer an experience that’s uniquely Japanese while still being Disney!

Disney Japan brings a new spin to tales as old as time. The parks creatively incorporate Japanese qualities into beloved stories and add unique attractions and characters. Have you been to Tokyo Disneyland or Tokyo DisneySea? Share your stories with us in the comments.