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 free, twice-weekly email of theme park news and to participate in the next ranking survey.

Certain locations may not be available due to Covid-19 restrictions.

Rides

The big addition to Universal Studios Japan in 2021 is Super Nintendo World, which opened March 18. Guests who buy and wear Power Up bands can punch Question Blocks and collect virtual coins at interactive locations throughout the land, which is designed to bring Super Mario games to life. The two attractions are:

  • Mario Kart: Koopa's Challenge
    An augmented reality dark ride in which guests drive in a real-life Mario Kart game. Height requirement: 36 inches
  • Yoshi Adventure
    A track ride atop Yoshi's back where you hunt for a Golden Egg that Captain Toad was seeking. Height requirement: 34 inches.

Top recommendations

  1. 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
  2. The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man ★ ★ ★
    Motion-base 3D dark ride in New York. Height requirement: 40 inches
  3. 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
  4. 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
  5. 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 Manga 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.
  2. Universal Spectacle Night Parade ★ ★
    The park's evening parade features units themed to Harry Potter, Transformers, Minions, and Jurassic World.

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

The new restaurant in Super Nintendo World is Kinopio's Cafe, Chef's Toad's counter service restaurant serving Mario Burgers, Super Mushroom Pizza Bowls, Caprese Salad, and Question Block Tiramisu.

Top recommendations

  1. The Three Broomsticks ★ ★ ★
    Counter service British pub fare in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Hogsmeade
  2. Finnegan's Bar and Grill
    Irish pub and table service restaurant in New York
  3. The Hog's Head Pub
    Bar inside The Three Broomsticks [It's the shortest queue for Butterbeer.]

Map

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