What is the charm of Japan’s oldest amusement park, “Asakusa Hanayashiki”? A deep dive into its retro highlights and history

4. Top 7 Recommended Attractions at Hanayashiki for Different Purposes

Hanayashiki offers a wide variety of attractions, from thrilling rides to gentle experiences suitable for small children. Here, we introduce ten recommended attractions tailored to different purposes.

4.1 Thrilling classics: Popular roller coasters

If you want to experience the thrill while enjoying the view of Asakusa, these attractions are perfect.

〇 Roller Coaster

Built in 1953 (Showa 28), it is Japan’s oldest existing roller coaster. Although its top speed is only 42 km/h, the layout, which skims past buildings and houses, offers more thrill and excitement than the numbers suggest. The retro ride experience with rattling sounds is also part of its charm.

Restrictions
Height of 110cm or more. Not available for those aged 65 and above.

〇 Disk-O

This attraction features a disc-shaped seat that rotates while swinging widely left and right on the track. The unpredictable combination of spinning and swinging creates intense centrifugal force, providing a fresh and exhilarating experience. It is a relatively new thrill ride that is highly addictive.

Restrictions
Height of 120cm or more.

4.2 Retro and cozy attractions for a relaxed experience

If you want to enjoy the park’s nostalgic atmosphere at a leisurely pace, these attractions are recommended.

〇 Merry-Go-Round

This enchanting merry-go-round is a symbol of the amusement park. With its dazzling decorations and beautifully crafted horses and carriages, everyone can relive childhood and enjoy a dreamlike moment. At night, it is illuminated, creating an even more romantic atmosphere.

Restrictions
Children under 5 require an accompanying adult of junior high school age or older.

〇 Haunted House

This haunted house is based on stories rumored to have actually occurred during the Edo period. Performances with living dolls and actors’ voices evoke the unique horror of Japanese-style horror. Experience the curse of neck-breaking passed down in Hanayashiki firsthand.

Restrictions
Children under 4 require an accompanying adult of junior high school age or older.

〇 Swan

This attraction features a swan-shaped boat that gently glides on the water. Pedal to move and enjoy a peaceful time, perfect for family or loved ones. The view of the park from the water surface is also exceptional.

Restrictions
Children under 4 require an accompanying adult of junior high school age or older.

4.3 Attractions for families with small children

There are many adorable attractions where small children can enjoy safely.

〇 Pyon Pyon

This attraction features a frog-shaped ride that jumps up and down as if it were hopping. Simple yet fun movements make it very popular among children. It’s a delightful experience for parent and child to share smiles.

Restrictions
Available from age 2. Children under 4 require an adult of junior high school age or older to accompany.

〇 Helicopter

This retro-designed helicopter ride allows you to enjoy a skywalk. You can control the vehicle’s up and down movement with a lever, feeling like a pilot while viewing the park from above.

Restrictions
Children under 4 require an accompanying adult of junior high school age or older.

〇 Carnival

This is a traditional shooting game corner reminiscent of old-fashioned festivals. Load cork bullets into the rifle and aim at targets. It’s fun for both adults and children, and winning prizes makes for great souvenirs.

Restrictions
None in particular.

For the latest information on attractions and any closures, please check the official website.
Hanayashiki Attractions List

5. Deepening the history of Japan’s oldest amusement park: The journey of Hanayashiki

Hanayashiki, beloved as a symbol of Asakusa, is actually Japan’s longest-standing amusement park with over 170 years of history. Here, we unravel the grand story of Hanayashiki, which has survived many eras from the Edo period to Reiwa.

5.1 The park was originally a botanical garden: The secret story of its birth in the late Edo period

The history of Hanayashiki dates back to 1853 (Kaei 6), when it was established by landscape architect Rokuzo Morita as a botanical garden called “Hanayashiki.” At that time, there were no rides, and it was a refined spot to enjoy seasonal flowers, serving as a relaxing place for Edo residents.

5.2 Overcoming many difficulties and rebuilding as an amusement park

In the Meiji era, the park gradually added animal exhibits, shows, and small-scale rides, transforming into an entertainment facility. However, the journey was not smooth. Damage from the Great Kanto Earthquake and, during World War II, forced evacuation and destruction in 1942 caused the park to temporarily close. It disappeared from the public eye for a time, holding many memories.

After the war, local residents’ enthusiasm for reconstruction led to the park’s revival in 1947 as “Hanayashiki.” In 1949, Toyo Amusement Machine (later Togo), a company involved in amusement park operations, took over management, launching a new era for the park.

5.3 From a national amusement park of Showa to a retro spot of Reiwa

During the postwar reconstruction, Hanayashiki experienced significant growth. Notably, the oldest existing “roller coaster” in Japan, installed in 1953 (Showa 28), remains a symbol of the park. Even after more than 60 years, it continues to thrill and scream, embodying Hanayashiki’s spirit. During the Showa era, it was bustling with families and young people, establishing itself as a nationally beloved amusement park.

As the eras changed from Heisei to Reiwa, Hanayashiki has maintained its compact, nostalgic atmosphere despite the rise of modern theme parks. Its Showa retro charm is now highly appreciated as “emo” and “nostalgic,” attracting tourists from Japan and abroad. Below is a summary of its main milestones.

Era	Main Events
1853 (Kaei 6)	Opened as a botanical garden “Hanayashiki” by landscape architect Rokuzo Morita.
Meiji to Taisho era	Added animal exhibits and amusement facilities, transforming into an amusement park.
1942 (Showa 17)	Closed and dismantled due to WWII impacts.
1947 (Showa 22)	Reopened as “Hanayashiki.”
1953 (Showa 28)	Installed Japan’s oldest existing “roller coaster”.
2004 (Heisei 16)	Management transferred to Bandai Namco Amusement Group.
2016 (Heisei 28)	The iconic “Bee Tower” ceased operation.

For more detailed history, please refer to the official website.

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〈In-park Gourmet, Souvenirs, and Nearby Attractions〉