Universal Studios Japan

Universal Studios Japan

Universal's first theme park outside the United States, Universal Studios Japan opened March 31, 2001 in Osaka. Today, it's Universal's most-visited theme park, drawing more than 14 million visitors in 2019, ranking sixth in the world. In addition to familiar Universal theme park properties - such as Harry Potter, the Minions, and Jurassic Park - Universal Studios Japan also is home to Super Nintendo World as well as characters from Peanuts and Sesame Street, which are found at rival parks in the United States.

Our recommendations below come from our annual survey of Theme Park Insider newsletter subscribers. Locations with star ratings ★ ranked especially highly among our readers. Click here to subscribe to our email of theme park news and participate in the next ranking survey.

Rides

Top recommendations

  1. The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man ★ ★ ★
    Motion-base 3D dark ride in New York. Height requirement: 40 inches
  2. Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey ★ ★ ★
    Kuka-arm dark ride located in Hogwarts Castle in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Hogsmeade. Height requirement: 48 inches
  3. Mario Kart: Koopa's Challenge ★ ★
    Super Nintendo World's main attraction is an augmented reality dark ride in which guests drive in a real-life Mario Kart game. Height requirement: 36 inches
  4. Yoshi Adventure
    A track ride atop Yoshi's back where you hunt through Super Nintendo World for a Golden Egg that Captain Toad was seeking. Height requirement: 34 inches.
  5. Jurassic Park The Flying Dinosaur
    A 3,688-foot Bolliger & Mabillard flying coaster in Jurassic Park, with a 124-foot drop, top speed of 62 mph and five inversions. Height requirement: 52 inches
  6. Hollywood Dream The Ride
    A 3,937-foot Bolliger & Mabillard hyper coaster in Hollywood, with a top speed of 56 mph. Height requirement: 54 inches
  7. Jaws The Ride
    Narrated outdoor boat ride in Amity Village (just like the one that used to be in Orlando). Height requirement: 48 inches

Other notable attractions include an indoor Mack Rides spinning coaster, often operating as Space Fantasy The Ride, but that commonly gets virtual reality overlays themed to various animation franchises. You also will find Despicable Me Minion Mayhem in a Minion Park land, plus a whole bunch of Peanuts, Sesame Street, and Hello Kitty-themed kiddie rides.

Shows

Top recommendations

  1. Waterworld ★ ★
    Live stunt show that far exceeds the Kevin Coster movie upon which it is based.

Universal Studios Japan can be like a trip back in time for American theme park fans, as you will find Backdraft, Terminator 2: 3D and Shrek 4D playing here, along with SING on Tour and Universal Monsters Live: Rock and Roll Show.

Dining

Top recommendations

  1. The Three Broomsticks ★ ★ ★
    Counter service British pub fare in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Hogsmeade
  2. Kinopio's Cafe
    Chef's Toad's counter service restaurant in Super Nintendo World, serving Mario Burgers, Super Mushroom Pizza Bowls, Caprese Salad, and Question Block Tiramisu.
  3. Finnegan's Bar and Grill
    Irish pub and table service restaurant in New York

Map

Take JR West (Japan Railways) Yumesaki Line to the Universal City station.