Legoland, Nagoya - Things You Need To Know before Going
It's interesting how Nagoya, commonly and erroneously (in my opinion) dubbed as one of the boring cities in Japan, houses an underrated theme park - Legoland. Maybe tourists are not yet seeing what Nagoya is capable of offering. Anyway, in this article, we shall be exploring more about the park. We'll also talk about whom it is recommended for, and zoom in some sections of the park that I feel strongly about. You can find the article navigation below so that you can jump into the information you need.
- Best Time to Visit
- How to Navigate to Legoland
- Is Legoland Just for Kids?
- Ticket prices
- Attraction and Rides
- Miniland
- Submarine Adventure
- Food in Legoland
Best time to visit Legoland
When we went there in November, there weren’t many other visitors around. It was also a weekday which may explain why it was considerably empty. I may have not verified this too much, but I think November may be a good month to visit. Plus, it's a transition month from fall to winter which makes the weather reasonably cool (playing between 10°C to 20°C), making it ideal to visit.
How to navigate to Legoland
This amusement park is easily accessible via train just like many other parts of Japan, which I suggest Google Maps for navigation. From the Kinjo Futo station you will be passing a collection of interesting establishments leading eventually to the entrance of Legoland.A part of me was heartbroken passing through because Legoland may not be receiving the number of visitors it initially expected. This left some of the establishments with no choice but to close, giving the area a bit of a 'ghost town' feels. Still, it's quiet mesmerizing trailing that path as it adds novelty to the experience. By the way, there's a huge gatcha store among those establishments, and it's open!
The photo on the right is just before the main gate of Legoland, Japan. Of course, it's great to take your mandatory photo for the sake of having something to remember with.
The Legoland's banner is quirky and just outside, there are already Lego standees and characters
Who will be able to enjoy Legoland?
Contrary to your possible initial guess, this place is not just for kids. In fact, different groups of varying interests may enjoy a visit here in the amusement park. These groups include, but may not be limited to the following:
- Children and child at heart - they have rides and great visuals around the park, very playful
- Photography enthusiasts - there are multiple spots around the park that is great to capture, and it’s Miniland is a perfect subject to play along with some shots
- Thrill-seekers - although few, there are a couple of rides that goes 360°, and that can fill in the needs of daredevils
- Toy-lovers - there are lots of toy shops within the park, and of course Legos to purchase and tinker with
Fountain with Lego Statues and Ornament
Ticket Prices
Ticket price, as of 2024, is around ¥4,500 per adult or ¥3,300 per kid. For Filipino readers, you can get it cheaper at around ¥3,500 (or ₱1,400) via Klook. Regardless of whether buying via Klook or not, the ticket price is considerably cheaper compared to more famous theme parks such as Universal Studios or Disney. However, do manage your expectations as the experience is not comparable.
Me trying to catch this speeding grandma
Let's make up a story here: so, after I chased this speeding grandma, I got to talk to her, and she talks about lots of stuff. She's talkative. Anyway, I just love that there are interesting displays like these. Good to just look at, or take photos with.
Me in the police car, and me speaking with the speeding grandma
Around the Park
Even just being in the park is a visually enticing scene. Almost in every corner, there are spots to take photos with. It may not be very apparent, but some sections of the park have specific themes. Such as the one below, Pirate Lock-Up. This is because there is also a ride in this area that's related to pirates and the sea (i.e. Splash Battle, which you'll read more about later).
Pirate Lock-Up makes it seem like you are captured pirates, with guards on standby
It's very amusing how pieces of Legos are built together to make interesting sculptures such as these two different types of dragons.
The one on the left is Ninjago with a dragon, and the one on the right is a fairytale dragon
This next photo is me and my friends holding up some Banana keychains we bought together. As mentioned earlier, shops are spread out here in the park, and each offers something interesting. Some of these are even exclusive only here in Legoland, so it's great to drop by and scout some toys to collect.
Sitting with the Banana Lego along with our banana keychains
Attractions and Rides
There are a handful of attractions and/or rides in Legoland. It may not be as many and fancy as Disney or Universal Studios, but they are still interesting. The Lego Observation Tower for example gives you a wonderful view of the entire park. The observation deck also rotates, which allows you to scan the entire area!
The Lego Observation Tower provides you a 360 view of the entire park. Photo on the left shows how it looks from the inside
There are also interactive rides such as this Splash Battle. You can shoot water at other passengers, or even aim for bystanders. It's really amusing. Even if you are not riding it, you can participate by shooting water from the perimeter. There are even buttons to press to launch a water bomb.
Legoland's Splash Battle will surely get you all wet!
There are several rides for kids including the Driving School where they can ride these colorful Lego cars around the designated area.
There are also a slightly passive attraction such as The Secret Chamber of Amset-ra where kids can play with lego pieces in this Egyptian-inspired room.
The area around this attraction is fascinating as well, and sort of reminds me that of Universal Studios Singapore (near The Mummy).
One interesting ride for the adult is this one called Cat Cloud Busters. I don't seem to understand why it was named as such, but it's a ride that will require some physical strength and stamina. The way this works is that you'll need to pull yourself up via the pulley, and release it so that you'd gradually fall down. You can then repeat this again. It's a good exercise!
This is me and my friend readying up and showing off for this ride
Legoland's Miniland
The Miniland by itself is a visual feast! There are literally a whole area filled with various miniature copies of famous Japan landmarks. Each of them having specific theme, charm or antics. You can spend hours just by being fascinated with all the small details across these miniature structures.
Feel like Godjira (Godzilla) hovering over the tiny miniature towns
The details are very intricate, and you can see the passion poured into these miniature replicas. Take a look at this stadium. It looks realistic from afar. It's full of minute details!
Lego Stadium in Miniland, Legoland
Most of the replicas pertain to iconic landmarks, not only of Nagoya, but other parts of Japan as well. The photo below shows me with the Lego-version of the Mode Gakuen spiral structure, and the Nagoya Science museum.
Featuring Nagoya's Mode Gakuen and Science Museum in the background
I highly suggest that you visit Miniland prior and during sunset, because that adds more dramatic effect on the miniature sets. It makes it more visually captivating. Let the photos speak for themselves, check these out:
Sunset makes every replica a very enthralling sight to behold
It was a solemn moment for me when the sun was setting illuminating the replicas with glorious rays. That made me really appreciate that particular moment, and I took lots of visual snapshot to store in my core memory. It felt so liberating to just stand there as I observe the sunset from various angles of different replicas here in Miniland. Such a spectacle!
Before we jump into a different section of the park, here's our photo a few minutes prior to the golden hour. It's cool how it seems a bit realistic from this angle. It looks like we were transported elsewhere. Hence, this supports why I was telling earlier that Miniland is great for visual enthusiasts and photographers alike.
The Submarine Adventure
Just like Miniland, this too deserves a dedicated section because this made our ticket even more worth it. The Submarine Adventure is a 5-minute ride wherein you submerge into the tank via the submarine, and watch real ocean creatures such as sharks, dolphins and various kinds of fish.
These are the wonders you will witness once the submarine takes you for an oceanic ride
You may even ride this twice and still have a different experience altogether. You'll never know which ocean creature appears before you. Must-see!
Near this ride, there are displays of weird-looking oceanic creatures that seems robotic or extraterrestrial
Legoland Food
There are about 5 different themed restaurants or food halls around the park, and the one we visited was this one - Knights Table Restaurant. Each themed restaurant offer different ranges of cuisine. The Knight Table offer more western.
Ground Floor, Knights Table Restaurant in Legoland
The restaurant/food hall is located on the second floor, and on the ground floor, there are lots of things that build on the medieval theme of the hall. You can even feel playful around these Lego characters, like pretending to be under the mallet.
Again, the Knights Table builds on the medieval theme, and it's amazing how they combined Lego elements to it. This restaurant is spacious and may seat a huge crowd.
Meals in the Knights Table range from ¥2,500 to ¥3,500, and comes with refillable drinks
Dishes here in the restaurant are pricier than outside restaurants, just like other more famous amusement parks. However, there's novelty to it.
In a nutshell
Legoland has a lot to offer. It may not be as famous or hyped-up like Disney or Universal Studios, but this amusement park has lots in its sleeves. Whenever you decide to travel to Nagoya, make sure to include this in your itinerary!
If there are things you want to share regarding Legoland, can be recommendation, experience or anything you like, kindly drop a comment. Thanks!
