It’s no secret that Universal Studios Japan is one of the coolest places in Japan. Jam-packed with over 60 rip-roaring, heart-racing, movie-themed attractions, this iconic theme park in Osaka can’t be missed if you’re heading to Japan. Since it’s one of Osaka's most popular tourist spots, you can expect heaps of fun, thrilling rides…and long lines.
But don’t stress! We’ll help you make the most of your visit with these six best rides in Universal Studios Japan that are worth lining up for—scroll down.
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1. Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem
Plunge into the whirling world of the Minions! Image credits: Universal Studios Japan
Ba-ba-ba-ba-ba-na-nana, we’re going bananas over at Minion Park! The Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem is among the newest rides in Universal Studios Japan that’ll have you blasting off to outer space. The 25-minute 3D simulator ride starts off at Gru’s Lab, where you’ll meet Gru himself, Margo, Edith, and Agnes. Then, dash through the air and go round and round in space, so save the snacks after the ride!
2. Mario Kart: Koopa’s Challenge
![Enter Bowser’s lair and speed of the kart-racing action!] Image credits: @yukitabikiroku on Instagram](https://res.klook.com/image/upload/fl_lossy.progressive,q_85/c_fill,w_1000/v1661850079/blog/thwj0ioai1wbeytgk9db.jpg)
Enter Bowser’s lair and speed of the kart-racing action!] Image credits: @yukitabikiroku on Instagram
Who else fancied playing Mario Kart on their Nintendo DS (or Switch) before? We know we did, and Universal Studios Japan’s Mario Kart: Koopa’s Challenge offers a sweet taste of that childhood nostalgia! By bringing to life this Nintendo classic, you’ll step inside Bowser’s Castle and race against your best mates in a real-life Mario Kart obstacle course.
Can’t get enough of Mario? Here’s everything you need to know about the Super Nintendo World in Universal Studios Japan:
3. Space Fantasy - The Ride
The queue may be long, but Space Fantasy is worth the wait. Image credits: @s_knnun on Instagram
Thrill hunters, look no further! Space Fantasy - The Ride will embark you on an intergalactic expedition to save the sun. This indoor rollercoaster ride in Universal Studios Japan is a crowd fave, combining VR experience with high-spinning rollercoaster action. In this four-minute-long adventure, you’ll spot the brightly-colored planets while dodging asteroids on the way!
4. The Flying Dinosaur
Feel like a flying Pteranodon when you board this ride! Image credits: @breakingbrad505 on Instagram
Did you know dinosaurs ruled not only the land but also the skies? Some of these ferocious reptiles, such as the Pteranodon, come with wings to easily hunt their prey—and, lucky you, you get to ride one in Universal Studios Japan! Inside Jurassic Park, you’ll climb aboard the world’s longest flying coaster, the Flying Dinosaur, where you’ll soar and spin 360 degrees above the park’s skyline.
5. Hollywood Dream - The Ride
Blast off to happy tunes as you zoom in the sky! Image credits: Universal Studios Japan
When it comes to classics, you can never go wrong with the Hollywood Dream - The Ride, a smooth, non-inverting rollercoaster ride packed with vertical drops and adrenaline-inducing backward motions that’ll make you scream and hurl! Though the best thing yet, you can groove through music while zooming at top speeds. Whether it’s Taylor Swift’s Shake it Off or the One Piece soundtrack, this Universal Studios Japan ride puts a fun twist!
6. Yoshi’s Adventure
Don’t forget to take some cute snaps dressed as Mario and Luigi (or your fave character)! Image credits: @kikigram_97 on Instagram
After a day of thrilling rides in Universal Studios Japan, wind down with Yoshi’s Adventure. This relaxing attraction is one that the entire fam can enjoy as it takes you on a spectacular egg hunt with Yoshi around the Mushroom Kingdom. During this whimsical ride, you’ll also spot some of your fave Super Mario characters — from Captain Toad to Princess Peach!
Wanna know more about the newest Super Nintendo World and their Power-Up Bands? Check out our complete guide:
Where can I buy Universal Studios Japan tickets?
You can grab your 1-day Studio Pass from Klook and enjoy instant confirmation on your booking! If you wish to spend more time in Universal Studios Japan, 1.5-day and 2-day Studios Passes are also available.
Written by: Jianne Uy
