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. Subscribe here to our free weekly email of theme park news to participate in the next ranking survey.
New for 2023
No Limit! Parade - A new daily parade featuring units themed to Hello Kitty, Peanuts, Minions, Sesame Street, Sing, and - for the first time - Mario Kart and Pokemon.
What to Do
Top 10
The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man★ ★ ★
Motion-base 3D dark ride in New York. Height requirement: 40 inches
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
Waterworld★ ★
Live stunt show that far exceeds the Kevin Coster movie upon which it is based.
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
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
Jurassic Park The Ride
Dinosaur-themed shoot-the-chutes flume ride in Jurassic Park. Height requirement: 42 inches
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
Jaws The Ride
Narrated outdoor boat ride in Amity Village (just like the one that used to be in Orlando). Height requirement: 48 inches
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.
Despicable Me Minion Mayhem
Motion base show in Minion Park. Height requirement: 40 inches
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.
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 a whole bunch of Peanuts, Sesame Street, and Hello Kitty-themed kiddie rides.
Where to Eat
Top recommendations
The Three Broomsticks★ ★ ★
Counter service British pub fare in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Hogsmeade
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.
Finnegan's Bar and Grill
Irish pub and table service restaurant in New York
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