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Japan has two major theme park destinations: Tokyo Disney Resort near Tokyo (with Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea) and Universal Studios Japan in Osaka. With the bullet train, you can easily combine them in one trip. On this page you can read how to get there, what to sort out before you leave and when it's best to go.
Discover Japan
Travelling to Tokyo and Osaka
From Schiphol, KLM flies direct to Tokyo (Narita) and to Osaka (Kansai). The number of flights per week varies by season. Tokyo also has a second airport, Haneda, which is closer to the city. From Belgium, you travel via Schiphol or with a connection in another city.
From Narita and Haneda, you can travel to Tokyo Disney Resort by bus or train. Read more on the page From Narita and Haneda to Tokyo Disney Resort.
Visa-free to Japan
The Netherlands and Belgium are on the list of countries for which Japan has a visa exemption. With a Dutch or Belgian passport, you therefore don't need a visa for a short stay, such as a holiday. On arrival you're given permission to stay for up to 90 days. You may not do paid work during that time.
Always check the website of the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the Japanese embassy for the current rules before you leave.
Time difference:
Japan is 8 hours ahead of the Netherlands and Belgium. During our summer time the difference is 7 hours, as Japan doesn't use daylight saving time.
Money:
In Japan you pay with the Japanese yen (¥). In the Tokyo Disney Resort parks you can also pay contactless.
Visa:
For a holiday of up to 90 days, you don't need a visa with a Dutch or Belgian passport.
The best time to travel
According to the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA), Tokyo averages around 31 °C during the day and 23.5 °C at night in August, with high humidity. In January it's around 10 °C during the day and just above freezing at night. From early June to mid-July, the Tokyo region usually has its rainy season. September and October see the most rain of the year.
Spring and late autumn are therefore pleasant times to go: in November it averages around 17 °C during the day and there's much less rain. Around the holidays, the parks are decorated for Christmas and New Year.
Combining Tokyo Disney and Universal
Many visitors combine Tokyo Disney Resort with Universal Studios Japan in Osaka. If you do, bear the following in mind:
- Travel: according to JR Central, the fastest Tokaido Shinkansen (Nozomi) takes about 2 hours and 21 minutes from Tokyo to Shin-Osaka. You can also fly: KLM flies to both Tokyo and Osaka, so you can arrive in one city and depart from the other.
- Tickets: Tokyo Disney Resort and Universal Studios Japan each have their own tickets. At Tokyo Disney Resort you buy a ticket per park for a fixed date.
- Number of days: allow at least two days for Tokyo Disney Resort (one per park) and one day for Universal Studios Japan, plus travel days.
Use the apps
In the parks' official apps you can buy tickets and see waiting times. Install them before you leave home.
Buy in good time
Tickets for Tokyo Disney Resort go on sale two months in advance and can sell out.
Check the weather
Summers are hot and humid. Check the Japanese weather agency for the monthly averages.