This small area, located in Urayasu just outside of Tokyo, is best known as the gateway to Japan’s wildly popular Tokyo Disney Resort.

Maihama is a small area within Urayasu, a city located in the western corner of Japan’s Chiba Prefecture. It is best known as the gateway to Tokyo Disney Resort. Walk through the main entrance at Maihama Station and into the magical world beyond. Tokyo Disney Resort consists of two theme parks, several hotels and a large shopping centre.

Tokyo Disneyland is instantly recognisable by the Cinderella Castle at its main entrance. Themed areas such as Adventureland, Critter Country and Toontown are packed with colourful rides and entertainment. Nearly all of the attractions of Tokyo Disneyland mirror those found in Disneyland in California and Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom in Florida.

For a unique maritime adventure, visit Tokyo DisneySea. This theme park has several ports that you can explore. Take a gondola ride through the port at Mediterranean Harbour or sail into the future at Port Discovery.

For shopping, dining and entertainment in one convenient location, head to Ikspiari. Explore more than 150 shops or watch a film in the multiplex. For Disney souvenirs, stop by Bon Voyage. This unique shop, shaped like a massive suitcase, has every kind of Disney-themed paraphernalia imaginable.

Disney connections aside, the town has few attractions besides Maihama Station. This railway station, operated by East Japan Railway Company, connects Maihama to the rest of Japan. You can reach Tokyo in less than half an hour by train.

Urayasu is a popular exurb for the much larger nearby cities of Tokyo and Chiba. Besides being the home of commuters and their families, it also has a large student population. Meikai University, Juntendo University and Ryotokuji University are all based in Urayasu.

Many visitors to Tokyo Disney Resort choose to stay in hotels in Urayasu. The prices here tend to be more reasonable and the resort is within easy walking distance. For those who prefer to ride Japan’s network of buses, a bus service makes regular trips between the station and the resort throughout the day.