Traveling all the way to Japan will put an emphasis on your time. You might want to stay for a couple of months but that’s not the reality for most. That makes putting an emphasis on doing things you can only do there a key. That key extends all of the way to Tokyo Disneyland. While some of what the two theme parks offer there is a copy of what guests can find at Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World, much of it is original. In this post, we’ll share our top ten original thing to do at Tokyo Disneyland!

The Tokyo Disney Resort specific attractions, entertainment and restaurants are fantastic and worth pointing out. That’s the whole reason for this mini series! But I don’t want to over extend and say that these are the top 10 things to do in the park. There are replica attractions at both Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea that are some of the best rides in the world. If you’re a common Disney theme park goer then sure, prioritize this list. But there’s plenty more worth doing, as you can see in our itinerary.

Speaking specifically of Tokyo Disneyland, there are fewer original offerings than Tokyo DisneySea. That park has a unique premise and build while TDL is still a castle park that was built with the classic Disneyland and Magic Kingdom in mind. Getting to a top ten for this list wasn’t hard, there were things left off the list that are quite good, but I had few choices here.

Criteria for this list was simple – be unique to Tokyo Disneyland. Most of my picks are specific but a few managed to be broad. Narrowly missing the list were a few attractions that are now extinct in the states – Splash Mountain and Country Bear Jamboree (the original show). They are both excellent, with pristine upkeep. I didn’t ultimately add them to the ranking because they did exist elsewhere and I don’t want to get in trouble with myself for breaking my own rules. That’d be madness. Alright, let’s get to the list! I did rank them because I’m me but some of these are very apples to oranges comparisons. I prefer oranges.

10. Western River Railroad

Tokyo Disneyland does have a railroad but it is very different from what guests are used to experiencing at Disneyland or Walt Disney World. Western River Railroad doesn’t have multiple stops, instead taking off from Adventureland and then looping around the river. It’s a beautiful ride, as the train chugs right past Splash Mountain to end. Western River Railroad (the cool kids call it Western RR, I’m sure) is one of several experiences where it feels similar to the domestic parks but unique at the same time.

9. The Snacks

This is so general that I kept it low on the list. For my snackers out there, this should be much higher. There’s no lack of interesting options to try in Tokyo Disneyland and all are affordable. Pork Rice Rolls, Seafood Pizza and popcorn are among our favorites. Others would include Pizza Spring Rolls, Mickey Waffles or any dessert offered. Maybe your choice should be to visit Tony Solaroni and grab some adorable Green Alien Mochi. No matter your choice, I think you’ll enjoy it.

8. Harmony in Color

Tokyo Disneyland switches up their daytime parade offerings far more than our parks stateside. Harmony in Color is the latest iteration and is well worth seeing. That it doesn’t quite reach the heights of the parades before it speaks to the quality of those parades. Harmony in Color is vibrant and exciting, with bold costuming and music.

7. Japanese Curry at Hungry Bear Restaurant

To make sure I wasn’t breaking my own self-inflicted rules, I had to specify here. Yes, Hungry Bear Restaurants exist elsewhere. In fact, this one has a Country Bear theme to it much like the remodeled Disneyland version. But the Tokyo edition has fantastic curry! Japanese curry is mild in spice but packs a ton of flavor, similar in taste to a stew. This is among our favorite spots to eat in Tokyo Disney Resort thanks to that curry.

6. Monsters, Inc. Ride & Go Seek!

We’re really getting into the good stuff now! Monsters, Inc. Ride & Go Seek is the first of three dark rides to make this list. This one sits in Tomorrowland and is a recreation of the classic animated movie but is interactive for riders. That makes the ride a family favorite. The cuteness meter really goes through the roof on this one.

5. China Voyager

It was hard to pick which restaurants to include on this list, as there’s a number we like quite a bit but don’t necessarily love. China Voyager crosses that like to love line thanks to an elaborate backstory, incredible decor and a delicious bowl of ramen. When theme park junkies like me ask for an atmosphere and theme in a restaurant, this is what we have in mind. As a sidenote, Queen of Hearts Banquet Hall also deserves to be recognized for that same thing. I just like China Voyager’s creativity and food slightly more.

4. World Bazaar

Tokyo Disneyland’s version of Main Street is beautifully made. An arcade frames the castle perfectly, the penny arcade is working and the side streets filled with restaurants are fun to explore. That’s before even talking about the shopping. While I’m not sure anything can beat Main Street as a park entrance, World Bazaar fits the park it belongs too – being unique and classic at the same time.

3. Enchanted Tale of Beauty and the Beast

The latest Fantasyland addition at Tokyo Disneyland brought a beautiful Beauty and the Beast themed area, a new theater with a park-specific show and a classic, but modern, dark ride. Enchanted Tale of Beauty and the Beast isn’t perfect but it is fantastic, with a few amazing show tricks and a very fun ride system. This is one of the best attractions in the whole resort and Tokyo Disneyland is the only place you’ll find it!

2. Dreamlights!

Really, this should be a tie for first. Dreamlights is our favorite parade in the world and is not to be missed. It doesn’t matter if you’re a parade person or not, this is an incredible experience. The floats are gigantic, the lighting is beautiful and the soundtrack is an absolute banger. Whether this should be number 1 is a simple parade vs. attractions debate.

1. Pooh’s Hunny Hunt

This trackless attraction through the Hundred Acre Woods is such a delight. Nearly 25 years old, this ride is a still a marvel as you’re never quite sure where the ride vehicle is going. While many trackless Fantasyland style rides have come close to this, none have reached the joy that this one brings. It remains one of the best attractions in the world and fits like a glove in Tokyo Disneyland.

What are your favorite unique to Tokyo Disneyland things to do? Let us know in the comments! Planning a trip to Tokyo Disney Resort? Check out planning guide! Thank you for reading Wandering in Disney. If you enjoy what you’re reading please subscribe to the blog via WordPress or email and like our social media pages. You can do both of those things on the right side of this page. Have a great day!