Whether you’re a first-time or repeat traveler to Osaka, a visit to Universal Studios Japan is definitely a must. The amusement park, which opened in 2001, is one of the country’s most popular tourist attractions, housing 10 themed ‘worlds’ inspired by movies, games, and filming locations associated with Universal Studios. 

 

 

Universal Studios Japan definitely has something for everyone. But with an array of attractions to explore, it may be hard to know where to go first. So, here’s a list of the best activities to add to your Universal Studios Japan must-do list based on your personality. 

 

1. For the gaming fan: explore Super Nintendo World™

 

 

As the newest area in Universal Studios Japan, Super Nintendo World™ is a must-visit for all game lovers. The area transports you to the Mushroom Kingdom of Super Mario with familiar elements and characters from this world-famous franchise. 

 

With a Power-Up Band™ that you can purchase in carts and shops in Super Nintendo World, you can interact with various objects in the area and collect coins — making you feel like you’ve really jumped into the game. You can also experience what it feels like to be a Mario Kart: Koopa's Challenge™ racer or just have a relaxing tour of the kingdom with Yoshi’s Adventure. Lastly, don’t forget to check out Kinopio’s Cafe™ for some treats and buy some souvenirs at the merchandise shop to complete your experience!

 

2. For the adrenaline junkie: go for a round at Jurassic Park - The Ride

 

 

Following the concept of its namesake film, Jurassic Park - The Ride takes you on an exciting boat ride along Jurassic Park. The relaxing trip takes a sharp turn when one of the park’s aggressive T-rexes escapes, leaving guests on a blood-pumping chase against the raging dinosaur. Aside from the realistic effects and animatronics guests will encounter during the ride, the boat also hits a thrilling 25.9-meter drop, marking the end of the ride and a successful escape from the dinosaur. Pro tip: There’s a big chance you’ll get splashed with a lot of water, so bring a raincoat or extra clothes!

 

If the rush of Jurassic Park - The Ride not enough to get your blood racing, hop aboard The Flying Dinosaur, where a Pteranodon takes you for an exhilarating ride through a steel-flying rollercoaster that goes through the entire Jurrasic World area in 360 degrees.

 

3. For the Potterhead: have a magical time at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™

 

 

Pull out your wand, dress in your House colors, and unleash the Potterhead in you at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter™.

 

Join Harry, Ron, and Hermione in Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey™ — an immersive ride that will take you all around  Hogwarts. You can also explore the magical stores in Hogsmeade™ and grab your own interactive wand at Ollivanders™ wand shop. These interactive wands can actually cast spells around the village, letting you experience what it feels like to be a witch or wizard. Before you leave, don’t forget to have your fill of (non-alcoholic) Butterbeer like a true Hogwarts student.

 

4. For the pop-culture super fan: catch your favorite characters at the No Limit! Parade

 

 

Get ready with your cameras, special Bubble Wand, and character headbands to celebrate your love for pop culture characters in the No Limit! Parade. The parade features crowd-favorites like Super Mario, Pikachu and other Pokemon, the Minions, Hello Kitty, Snoopy, and more. Bright, colorful floats and exciting performances are the highlights of this parade, with the parade music inviting you to move to the beat.

 

5. For the kids and kids-at-heart: playful mayhem at Minion Park

 

 

Kids and kids-at-heart will love this Universal Studios Japan attraction that’s inspired by the playful and lovable Minions. Win a stuffed toy featuring Despicable Me! characters like Agnes at arcade games like Space Killer or Banana Cabana, where you need to collapse coins or flip bananas. Unleash your inner mastermind by competing against Minions and their schemes in Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem and Freeze Ray Sliders. Don’t forget to take home delicious treats and cute memorabilia featuring these chaotically cute creatures from the merchandise shops and stalls like POP-A-NANA and Sweet Surrender.

 

Upcoming Limited Time Events You Can’t Miss

Aside from the familiar attractions seen in other Universal Studios, Universal Studios Japan features seasonal themed attractions unique to Japan. Previous time-limited attractions included famous works such as Spy x Family, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, Attack On Titan, and Sailor Moon. Here are some of the themed attractions you can’t miss if you’re visiting Universal Studios Japan in the latter half of 2023:

 

 

Tips to Make the Most Out of Your Universal Studios Japan Experience

Booking Tickets

• Try to schedule your visit during regular weekdays instead of weekends and public holidays (like Golden Week) to avoid congested crowds.
• For smoother entry, you can also reserve tickets in advance online at https://www.usjticketing.com/. 
• Universal Express Passes can also be purchased beforehand to cut the waiting time in lines for certain attractions inside the park. Note that this pass requires separate payment from the Studio Pass (for entry to Universal Studios Japan). For more information, visit https://www.usj.co.jp/web/en/us/tickets/express-pass#howtouse.
• For popular attractions like Super Nintendo World and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™, area-timed entry tickets are occasionally required to avoid congestion. These tickets can be secured in designated areas inside the park and are free of charge. Area-timed entry tickets can also be secured through Universal Studio Japan’s official app.

 

Park Attraction Tips

• Universal Studios Japan’s official app is a must-download! The app provides useful information on how timed-entry ticketing for certain attractions work; a live update of the estimated waiting time for each ride; detailed information about the attractions, shows, restaurants, and shops; the Universal Studios Japan park map, and more. For more information, click here.
• Make sure to check the app or the website beforehand for the park’s show and parade schedules so you don’t miss them.
• Some Universal Studios Japan rides tend to focus on solo experiences (i.e. Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, Mario Kart: Koopa’s Challenge, to name a few) so it’s advised to go for the Single Rider lines instead of the group lines to shorten your queue waiting time. 
• There are many unique food items available at Universal Studios Japan (mostly themed around your favorite characters) so it is best to dine in the park’s in-house restaurants and food stalls.
• Wheelchairs and strollers may be rented within the park for a certain fee.

 

 

Images courtesy of Universal Studios Japan 
WIZARDING WORLD and all related trademarks, characters, names, and indicia are © & ™ Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Publishing Rights © JKR. (s23)
Minions and all related elements and indicia TM & © 2023 Universal Studios. All rights reserved.
© Nintendo TM & © Universal Studios & Amblin Entertainment
©2023 Pokémon. ©1995-2023 Nintendo/Creatures Inc. /GAME FREAK inc. TM & © Universal Studios. All rights reserved. 

 

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