Universal Studios Japan, Osaka

Universal Studios Japan (USJ, ユニバーサル・スタジオ・ジャパン) is a renowned theme park in Osaka and the first Universal Studios-branded park in Asia. Opened in 2001, it is one of Japan’s most popular theme parks. In its opening year, over 11 million guests visited, making it the fastest theme park to surpass 10 million visitors at the time. In 2023, USJ attracted 16 million visitors, ranking as the third most visited theme park in the world, behind Magic Kingdom and Disneyland.

Spanning 54 hectares, the park features 10 themed zones, each offering unique entertainment, immersive scenery, and a vibrant atmosphere, ensuring an exciting experience for visitors of all ages.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

One of the most popular and immersive zones at Universal Studios Japan transports guests into the world of the Harry Potter books and movies. The centerpiece of the area is the majestic Hogwarts Castle, designed to look just like the real thing. Inside, visitors can experience the attraction Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, an unforgettable adventure that takes you on a magical broomstick ride through iconic scenes from the films. While waiting in line, guests can explore detailed sets, including Dumbledore’s office, the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom, and the Gryffindor common room.

You can also wander through Hogsmeade, where you'll find:

• Honeydukes – A candy shop offering Chocolate Frogs, Bertie Bott’s Every Flavor Beans, and other sweets from the books.
• The Three Broomsticks – A cozy pub serving Butterbeer, pumpkin juice, and traditional British fare.
• Shops like Ollivanders, where you can choose your own wand, and Dervish and Banges, which offers magical souvenirs and paraphernalia.

Super Nintendo World

A one-of-a-kind area at Universal Studios Japan, opened in 2021, that quickly captured the hearts of video game fans worldwide. Visitors step into the world of iconic Nintendo games, where characters and locations from the Mario universe come to life. It’s a dream come true for gamers and anyone who has ever wanted to be inside a video game.

Guests will see the famous green pipes, spinning gold coins, “?” blocks, Princess Peach’s Castle, and Bowser’s Castle. Every detail has been meticulously designed to make visitors feel like they’ve stepped straight into the game world.

Attractions and Entertainment:

• Mario Kart: Koopa’s Challenge
  The zone’s main attraction lets you take part in the legendary Mario Kart races. Using augmented reality and interactive elements, you’ll throw projectiles, collect coins, and compete against other players for victory.
• Yoshi’s Adventure
  A family-friendly ride where you journey on Yoshi’s back, exploring a world filled with surprises. This attraction is perfect for kids and those who want to take in the stunning scenery of the area.
• Power-Up Bands and Interactive Games
  Guests can purchase special Power-Up Bands that sync with the park’s smartphone app. These wristbands let visitors engage in interactive games—collecting coins, completing challenges, activating “?” blocks, and even battling Bowser Jr. in mini-games.

Jurassic Park

An exhilarating themed area at Universal Studios Japan, inspired by Steven Spielberg’s iconic Jurassic Park franchise. Here, prehistoric creatures come to life, and the lush jungle setting immerses guests in an unforgettable adventure—perfect for dinosaur enthusiasts and thrill-seekers alike.

Jurassic Park Zone Attractions

• Jurassic Park: The Ride
  The zone’s signature attraction is a thrilling water adventure that starts as a peaceful boat tour through the dinosaur park. However, the journey quickly takes a dangerous turn when dinosaurs break loose, and you find yourself in a security failure zone. The ride’s climax is a heart-pounding, 25-meter drop, delivering an intense adrenaline rush.
• The Flying Dinosaur
  One of the most extreme rides at Universal Studios Japan, this attraction suspends riders in a horizontal position, simulating the flight of a pteranodon. Guests are launched into a breathtaking journey featuring loops, sharp turns, and high-speed drops—an experience designed for true thrill-seekers.

Minion Park

Universal Studios Japan’s most vibrant and entertaining zone is dedicated to the beloved characters from the Despicable Me film series. This lively area is bursting with the mischievous energy of the yellow Minions, creating a fun-filled atmosphere for visitors of all ages. While especially popular with children, adults will also find plenty of reasons to smile in this playful world.

Minion Park Attractions:

• Despicable Me Minion Mayhem
  The zone’s main attraction is a dynamic simulator that transports guests into the chaotic world of the Minions. In this adventure, you become part of Gru’s latest experiment, where you are transformed into a Minion. What follows is a thrilling, fast-paced journey filled with jumping, flying, and wild antics inside Gru’s laboratory.
• Freeze Ray Sliders
  A fun, family-friendly ride featuring Gru’s “frozen” rockets. With smooth movements and colorful visuals, this attraction is perfect for young children and anyone looking for a lighthearted adventure.

Hollywood

The Universal Studios Japan area where guests can experience the magic of Hollywood firsthand. From strolling along the Walk of Stars to thrilling rides inspired by iconic films, this zone offers a variety of attractions for movie lovers and entertainment enthusiasts alike. Designed to resemble the streets of Los Angeles, the Hollywood zone features palm-lined boulevards, grand facades, and décor reminiscent of classic movie theaters. Visitors can also enjoy street performances, parades, and photo opportunities with beloved film characters.

Main Attractions of the Hollywood Zone

• The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man – The Ride 4K3D
  One of the most popular attractions in the zone, this ride combines state-of-the-art 3D technology with a moving platform. Join Spider-Man in an action-packed adventure, soaring through the city, escaping villains, and experiencing incredible special effects.
• Hollywood Dream – The Ride
  A thrilling roller coaster that delivers an unforgettable experience with its towering heights and high speeds. What makes it unique is the ability for riders to choose their own soundtrack, making each ride a personalized and exciting journey.
• Hollywood Dream – The Ride: Backdrop
  A daring twist on the classic roller coaster—this version sends riders speeding backward for an even more intense and adrenaline-pumping experience, making it one of the most extreme rides in the park.

New York

This Universal Studios Japan zone brings the vibrant energy of Manhattan to life with its towering skyscrapers, bustling streets, lively bars, and classic American architecture. Dedicated to the dynamic culture of New York City and the iconic films set there, this area features thrilling attractions, themed restaurants, and exciting street performances.

The New York zone meticulously recreates the city’s unique spirit, with brick buildings, neon-lit cafés, street performers, and jazz melodies filling the air. Guests can wander through the lively streets, snap photos against realistic backdrops, and enjoy the atmosphere of the city that never sleeps.

San Francisco

This zone seamlessly combines the essence of everyday San Francisco life with cinematic charm and exciting entertainment.

The San Francisco zone is impressively authentic, featuring iconic elements of the city such as docks with fishing boats, Victorian-style facades, and the lively atmosphere of the legendary Fisherman’s Wharf. Designed for leisurely strolls, every street captures the laid-back spirit of the West Coast.

While this area does not have major attractions, it draws visitors with its relaxed atmosphere, scenic backdrops, and excellent photo opportunities. Guests can also catch themed shows and performances that bring even more energy and character to this lovely part of the park.

WaterWorld

This zone transports guests into a post-apocalyptic world submerged in water, where adventure unfolds through high-energy, action-packed performances. The highlight of this area is its large-scale stunt shows, featuring breathtaking special effects, thrilling stunts, and an engaging storyline.

Main Attraction: WaterWorld Stunt Show

At the heart of the zone is an impressive arena where daily water stunt performances take place—one of the most popular shows in the park.

What to Expect:

• High-speed jet ski chases
• Jaw-dropping stunts, including high jumps, fire effects, and explosions
• Intense battles between heroes and villains in a fight for survival
• A chance to sit in the “wet zone” and cool off in the water spray

The show lasts about 20 minutes, delivering an unforgettable experience with spectacular sound and visual effects that bring the action to life.

Amity Village

Universal Wonderland

One of the park’s most vibrant and family-friendly attractions, especially popular with children. Opened in 2012, this area features a variety of colorful and exciting rides based on beloved characters and franchises designed for younger audiences.

Themed Areas and Attractions:

• Hello Kitty’s Ribbon Couture
  An enchanting attraction where guests can meet Hello Kitty and immerse themselves in a world of fashion and jewelry. The area includes various rides and stores offering exclusive Hello Kitty merchandise.
• Elmo’s Bubble Blow
  A fun-filled interactive experience where young visitors can play and engage with characters from the beloved Sesame Street series.
• Snoopy’s Great Race
  A whimsical carousel featuring characters from the classic Peanuts comic strip. Riders can hop into different cars themed around characters like Snoopy and Shermy for a delightful adventure.
• Dreaming Up!
  A vibrant and imaginative attraction that brings guests into the world of animated characters such as Pocahontas and the Snow Queen. Combining elements of a carousel and a scenic ride, it offers a magical journey through fantastical landscapes.

How to Get to Universal Studios Japan

Address: 2 Chome-1-33 Sakurajima, Konohana Ward, Osaka, 554-0031, Japan 

Universal Studios Japan is conveniently located in the Konohana district, near the center of Osaka. For those using public transportation, the best way to reach the park is by train. From Osaka Station, take the JR Yumesaki Line to Universal City Station, which is located right at the park’s entrance. The journey takes approximately 15 minutes.

Visiting Tips for Universal Studios Japan

• Opening hours: 9:00 am – 9:00 pm
• Buying Tickets: It’s highly recommended to purchase tickets in advance, especially during peak seasons. Tickets can be bought online through the park’s official website. Options include single-day and multi-day tickets, as well as Express Passes, which help reduce wait times for popular attractions.
• Best Time to Visit: Weekdays are the ideal time to visit, as the park tends to be crowded on weekends and holidays. Arriving early in the morning allows you to maximize your time and enjoy more rides.
• Food & Drinks: The park offers a variety of restaurants and cafés serving both Japanese and international cuisine. Be sure to try themed snacks, including magical treats from The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.