What’s one of the most exciting things to do in Japan? Go to Universal Studios Japan (USJ)! There’s something about heart-racing rollercoasters, soundtrack songs, and fictional characters will transport you to a happy place.
From the Wizarding World of Harry Potter to the newly opened Super Nintendo World, USJ has its own unique Japanese quirks that truly make for a delightful visit. As travel is slowly opening, you’ll wanna visit this remarkable theme park!
To help you make the most of your time in Universal Studios Japan, here are the answers to your burning questions:
- About Universal Studios
- How to get there
- Where to get tickets
- Park areas
- Things to do (rides and attractions)
- Where to eat
About Universal Studios Japan
Time to bring out the peace signs in every pic! Image credits: @yukonomeidonomiyage on Instagram
Did you know that Universal Studios Japan in Osaka is one of the six Universal Studios theme parks in the world? It first welcomed guests on March 31, 2001, and has since undergone expansions and renovations. It’s the home to studio classics: Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Jurassic Park, and Minion Park, plus themed specials only in Japan.
Come face-to-face with the Colossal Titan at USJ. Image credits: @yourhero18 on Instagram
Its newest addition is the 2021 Super Nintendo World, the world’s first Nintendo-themed land, while heaps of anime-themed attractions complete the USJ experience: the Attack on Titan XR Ride and the HUNTERxHUNTER: The Real 4D (from March 4 to August 28, 2022).
How to get to Universal Studios Japan
Which airport is closest to Universal Studios?
Aussies planning to visit Universal Studios Japan can book connecting flights from Sydney and Melbourne to Kansai International Airport and Osaka Itami Airport.
How do I get from Tokyo to Universal Studios Japan?
If you’re getting to USJ from Tokyo, you can catch the bullet train from Tokyo Station to Osaka Station, then transfer to the Universal City Station, which will take you straight to the park in three hours. But if you really wanna make the most out of your visit, head out early and take a ride aboard the night bus.
The Tokyo to USJ night bus comes packed with all the necessities to make your overnight ride as comfy as possible. From charging ports and wifi to wide comfy seats and a bathroom, you can sit back and relax before plunging into a fun-filled day at USJ!
Where can I get tickets to Universal Studios Japan?
Snap a pic of your Universal Studios Japan tickets to remember the day! Image credits: @sayaka.888 on Instagram
With so much to experience inside Universal Studios Japan, a day isn’t enough to capture all its movie-themed (and anime-themed) magic. Enjoy a day or two in USJ with these 2-Day Studio Pass tickets, which you can book directly from Klook!
What themed areas are at Universal Studios Japan?
USJ has 10 exciting parks which you can explore, and we’re giving you the lowdown on the best ones you can’t miss:
Super Nintendo World
Don’t pass up this chance to buy some Mario-themed souvenirs while in the park. Image credits: @kikigram_97 on Instagram
Visiting Universal Studios Japan in 2022 would not be complete without spending time at the Super Nintendo World! Explore the colourful world of Mario in real life as you collect mysterious eggs with Yoshi at Yoshi’s Adventure, challenge your best mates to a Mario Kart race inside Bowser’s Castle, and even meet Mario, Princess Peach, and the gang!
Wanna know more about USJ’s newest park? Check out our handy guide:
Wizarding World of Harry Potter
Witches, wizards, and wands at Hogwarts! Image credits: @iam_na__na on Instagram
Potterheads, time to dust off your broomsticks and have your wands ready! The most mystical and magical experience in USJ awaits. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is home to childhood faves: Hogwarts Castle and Hogsmeade. Here, you can indulge in a butterbeer feast, take a commemorative photo with the Hogwarts Express, and even choose your wand from Ollivanders.
Minion Park
Spot your fave minions inside the Minion Park. Image credits: @minmin.0531 on Instagram
Who else can’t stop blasting the Minions Banana song on repeat? Great news! There’s heaps of Minion mayhem at USJ’s Minion Park. Get ready to go bananas when you meet the tiny henchmen during the Minion Greetings in front of Gru’s house. This park area also includes plenty of food stops and cafes where you can cool down, such as the Delicious Me! Kitchen and POP-A-NANA.
Universal Wonderland
Stumble upon the Peanuts trio at Universal Wonderland! Image credits: @rihodisneyworld on Instagram
Sanrio fans, head to Universal Wonderland! This whimsical world is filled with cute characters—some might even be your faves. Come say hello to Hello Kitty, Snoopy, Elmo, and many more when you visit this area. We’re sure everyone in the fam will have a delightful time strolling through Sesame Street and Big Bird’s Big Nest and riding the Flying Snoopy.
Jurassic Park
Journey through the land of the dinosaurs! Image credits: @universal_studios_japan on Instagram
As for dino fans? Jurassic Park is open for biz. Travel back to the time of dinosaurs as you roam the jungle. Here, you’ll come face-to-face with ferocious dinos, as well as heaps of thrilling rides. Soar, spin, and swing in the air and above Jurassic Park when you ride the Flying Dinosaur Ride or plunge straight into the jaws of a raging T. Rex during the thrilling cruise of Jurassic Park - The Ride.
Amity Village
Snap a commemorative photo with the shark that started it all! Image credits: @universal_studios_japan on Instagram
From one heart-racing park to another, Amity Village is home to the notorious man-eating shark, Bruce. In this sleepy seaside town, you’ll discover heaps of dining choices, plus a thrilling boat ride to get your adrenaline pumping….Warning: watch out for JAWS!
Others
Other notable parks in USJ are Water World, where you’ll catch an exciting stunt show complete with gun fires and explosions, and several themed areas that’ll transport you across time. Get dazzled by the glamorous Hollywood Boulevard at Hollywood, while New York offers a glimpse of 1930s NYC and the Amazing Adventures of Spiderman - The Ride.
If you wanna explore more, check out the Universal Studios Japan map here!
Things to do (rides and attractions)
USJ is home to over 60 attractions—some featuring replicas of famous rides across all USJ parks around the globe; others are unique only to Japan.
Inside Universal Studios Japan in Osaka, you’ll find classics such as Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, where you’ll explore Hogwarts Castle, take part in a Quidditch Game, and escape the dragon. At the Hollywood Dream - the Ride, you’ll hurl through the skies—backward!
Kiddos will absolutely love every bit of this colourful world during Yoshi’s Adventure. Image credits: @universal_studios_japan on Instagram
While the adults have their thrills, the little ones will have a blast scouting every corner of the Super Nintendo World. An exciting ride not to be missed inside the park is Yoshi’s Adventure, where you’ll embark on a grand adventure with Yoshi to the Mushroom Kingdom. Oh, and did we mention that this ride is exclusive only to Universal Studios Japan?
A Pteranodon dinosaur will hold you through the adrenaline-pumping journey through the skies. Image credits: @melon_soda331 on Instagram
A new addition to USJ’s long list of heart-pumping rides is the Flying Dinosaur, which spins you 360 degrees in the air!
A day in USJ is definitely jam-packed with excitement, so why not extend your stay at these eighty swanky hotels in Osaka? Scroll down to read our guide:
Where to eat
Foodies, rejoice! Aside from rides, Universal Studios Japan is a food lover’s dream. With an abundance of dining options—including anime-themed foods, you’ll always have the energy to buzz around ride after ride!
Although food doesn’t magically appear out of thin air, we solemnly swear these drinks are the bomb! Image credits: @_amaree94 on Instagram
Of course, when visiting Universal Studios, butterbeer is a staple! Head to Hogsmeade to search for this fizzy, creamy, and witchy drink. Hot and frozen versions are available, so you can keep warm and cool off, depending on the weather!
While in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, treat yourself to a feast at Three Broomsticks. Their Great Feast Platter will have your bellies bursting with its massive serving of roast potatoes, corn on the cob, rotisserie smoked chicken, and spare ribs. Talk about a full feast!
To help you cool off on a hot summer day, Delicious Me! Minions Ice Cream Sandwich are the perfect snacks, featuring a variety of funky flavours: Banana & Milk fruit, Tiramisu, and more.
Feel like you’re part of the Straw Hats as you indulge in this sumptuous treat! Image credits: @i_am_remi112 on Instagram
Still, if you’ve come to USJ hoping to indulge in some anime-themed food, that’s exactly what you’ll get. Inside Sanji’s Pirates Restaurant, you can have a delicious meal of Straw Hat Crew - Meat Plate of Monkey D. Luffy, inspired by the hit series, One Piece.
Meanwhile, Attack on Titans fans, better watch out for the limited edition Captain Levi Popcorn Bucket, the perfect souvenir (and snack) to remember USJ!
Craving more tasty dines at USJ? Fret not—our full list has you covered:
Written by: Jianne Uy
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