Ultimate Guide to Super Nintendo World Including the New Donkey Kong Country
It’s a-me, Mario! Universal Studios Japan’s (USJ) new area “Super Nintendo World” opened on 18 March 2021. The opening of Super Nintendo World marks the beginning of a memorable anniversary year for Universal Studios Japan, which will be celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2022.
PSA: Super Nintendo World is getting an upgrade — with a brand-new Donkey Kong Country area expansion opening on 11 December 2024!
Experience the World of Mario and Friends With Life-Sized Attractions
Check out this video by Nintendo game director Shigeru Miyamoto for a walkthrough of Super Nintendo World. You can actually hit a hatena block and receive coins when you visit the park!
Photo: @seika.0624(Instagram)
Here’s everything you need to know before you visit Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Japan. Let’s-a go!
Where is Super Nintendo World in Japan?
The colorful new area is located right in between WaterWorld and the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
Image courtesy of Universal Studios Japan
For a closer look, here is the entire map of Super Nintendo World!
Image courtesy of Universal Studios Japan
This is Universal Studios Japan’s first distinctive multi-layered area. True to the video game’s design, there are various obvious layers of areas, like mountains, Bowser’s castle, and Princess Peach’s castle. Just the blocks and coins around the area make it distinctly look like the world of Super Mario!
Numbered Tickets and Entering Super Nintendo World
Due to the popularity of the newest area, Super Nintendo World is expected to be usually crowded. To combat this problem, USJ has come up with a ticketing scheme where guests need one of the following tickets to enter the area*:
- Area Timed Entry Ticket: Advance Booking (charged)
- Area Timed Entry Ticket (free)
*depending on the congestion situation, you may be able to enter without these tickets above.
Image courtesy of Universal Studios Japan
The Area Admission Certificate is a pre-arranged ticket that guarantees your entry to Super Nintendo World for a certain time slot, and at a cost.
The second type of ticket, the Area Admission Numbered Ticket, is a free ticket that can be obtained on the day of your visit to the park through the Universal Studios Japan official app or the ticket vending machine, after which you will also only be able to enter the area at your designated time slot.
What are the main attractions at Super Nintendo World?
1. Mario Kart: Koopa’s Challenge
Image courtesy of Universal Studios Japan
It’s Mario time! The main attraction of Super Nintendo World is Mario Kart: Koopa’s Challenge. Experience realistic Mario Kart racing in this immersive ride’s advanced technology. Strap on your helmets and goggles to begin your race to victory.
Image courtesy of Universal Studios Japan
Acquire random items and power-ups, and challenge the enemies with shells as you aim for first place, alongside Mario and Princess Peach. Win some, lose–the experience changes every time you ride. If you don’t get the gold ribbon the first time, just try again!
Image courtesy of Universal Studios Japan
Mario Kart: Koopa’s Challenge is located inside Bowser’s castle.
Image courtesy of Universal Studios Japan
Bowser’s castle has been recreated with thorned iron fences and a heavy steel door.
Image courtesy of Universal Studios Japan
2. Yoshi’s Adventure
Universal Studios Japan’s Super Nintendo World also features a family-friendly ride on the back of the cutest green dinosaur, Yoshi.
Image courtesy of Universal Studios Japan
Follow Captain Toad’s treasure map to find the three mysterious eggs.
Image courtesy of Universal Studios Japan
If you’ve ever wanted to ride Yoshi like Mario does, this is your chance!
Photo: @ramen_pirate (Instagram)
Hop on this exciting adventure where fun surprises await you and the entire family.
3. Take Your Super Nintendo World Experience to the Next Level With the Power-up Band
Image courtesy of Universal Studios Japan
When talking about Super Nintendo World, we can’t forget about these cool Power-Up Bands. Each band costs 3,200 yen (tax included), and are available for purchase inside Super Nintendo World.
With a Power-Up Band, you can conquer key challenges, earn virtual coins and items, and more to bring the Super Mario gaming experience to life. Simply wear the band on your wrist, and link it with the Universal Studios Japan official app to be able to check the coins and stamps you’ve collected from around the area, and compare ranks with family and friends.
Image courtesy of Universal Studios Japan
Take on the Power-Up Band Key Challenge! Play various games in different areas throughout the world of Mario to collect three keys, and defeat Bowser Jr.
Image courtesy of Universal Studios Japan
Find out more about what you can do with the power-bands here.
4. Bring Home a Piece of the Experience at These Shops
Photo Credit: Universal Studios Japan
Head on over to 1-Up Factory for some super souvenirs to commemorate your time in the Mushroom Kingdom. This gift shop is hard to miss with the video game’s iconic green pipe serving as the impressive entrance. Browse through exclusive merchandise created specifically by Universal Studios Japan in collaboration with Nintendo. You won’t get the chance to buy these items anywhere else!
Pick up your next Mario costume here, complete with gloves and a mask to match.
Image courtesy of Universal Studios Japan
They’ve also got the cutest character-themed hats that’ll make it difficult to choose just one.
Image courtesy of Universal Studios Japan
Drop by other gift shops in the area, such as Mario Motors, which has all the Mario Kart-related merchandise you’ll need, and Superstar Plaza near the entrance.
5. Stay a Little Longer for a Meal at Toad’s Cafe
Photo Credit: Universal Studios Japan
Commonly known as “Toad” outside of Japan, Kinopio’s House has been transformed into a restaurant: Kinopio’s Cafe! Enjoy the most adorable Instagram-worthy meals made especially for you by Chef Toad! Here’s a small peek into what you can look forward to at this mushroom-shaped restaurant:
Mario’s Bacon Cheeseburger
Image courtesy of Universal Studios Japan
Check out the mushroom-patterned bun on top of a juicy beef patty, pecorino cheese, mushrooms, and bacon—all held together with a toothpick designed like Mario’s iconic red hat.
Super Mushroom Pizza Bowl with Mushroom Tomato Sauce
Image courtesy of Universal Studios Japan
Almost too cute to eat, this delicious dish is served in a Toad-shaped bowl where you’ll have to break the crispy mushroom head pizza dough to enjoy it.
Piranha Plant Caprese
Image courtesy of Universal Studios Japan
Chef Toad has creatively transformed an ordinary Caprese salad into a playful and unique dish!
Hatena Block Tiramisu
Image courtesy of Universal Studios Japan
Crack open this special block to see what’s inside: a delicious truffle-flavored tiramisu as a sweet little treat to end your meal.
6. Grab a Quick Bite at Yoshi’s Snack Island
Photo: @osaka_gourmet_shokai (Instagram)
If you want an on-the-go snack while you’re walking around, head on over to Yoshi’s Snack island! The star on their menu is a delectable calzone bun shaped like a Koopa shell, with yakisoba (fried noodles) and cheese inside.
Yoshi’s Lassi is another menu must-try. Choose from Yoshi’s favorite fruits, melon and mango, which are blended with fluffy cream for a refreshing dessert drink.
7. Don’t Forget About the Mario Cafe and Store
Image courtesy of Universal Studios Japan
The Mario Cafe and Store actually opened last October 2020, ahead of the new area. Though it’s located outside of Super Nintendo World, they’ve got a wide and unique selection of food and merchandise that you won’t be able to find anywhere else.
New Donkey Kong Country Opens on 11 December 2024
A world-first, Donkey Kong Country is a new attraction based on the popular game Donkey Kong. This expansion will open in Super Nintendo World on 11 December 2024.
The highlight of this new area is the new roller coaster Mine-Cart Madness, located inside the iconic "The Golden Temple". This new ride features an unprecedented ride system that will send riders on a thrilling adventure — including getting blasted out of a barrel and "jumping broken tracks".
Planning Your Visit to Super Nintendo World
Image courtesy of Universal Studios Japan
Excited, yet? Universal Studios Japan’s Super Nintendo World is waiting for you!
Save yourself the time and effort by booking your tickets in advance through Klook! Skip straight to the fun; enter Universal Studios Japan directly with your digital ticket, so you have more time to enjoy everything the park has to offer, including Super Nintendo World!
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