Universal Studios Japan
Having spent a full day from opening to closing, here are my tips and tricks to survive the day!
Universal Citywalk
My first tip is to stay at a hotel around Universal Citywalk. There are several hotels within the complex and there are many upsides to staying near the park. If you fly into Osaka there is an airport bus that will take you directly to Universal Studios. Staying near Universal Studios allows for easy access for an early start and late finish. There are many dining options in Universal Citywalk but try to avoid during peak times. This includes closing time for Universal Studios when the hoards descend. Also note the restaurants close quite early. The Universal City train station also makes it super convenient if you want to travel anywhere within Osaka.
Getting There
Universal City Station is the train station for Universal Studios. You can also get to Universal Studios by bus, sea shuttle and taxi. The easiest is by walking from your hotel within the complex!
Accommodation
We stayed at the Singulari Hotel and Skyspa. Very reasonably priced hotel with an amazing location next to Universal City train station. I chose it specifically for its spa which is a typical Japanese bath house located on the top floor. Unfortunately it gets very busy in the evenings so I only used it once. The rooms are nothing fancy and quite small but perfectly adequate. The hotel only does breakfast which is buffet. I found the breakfast average and preferred grabbing a coffee and pastry from one of the nearby convenience stores.
Tickets for Universal Studios Japan
You first need to buy a Studio Pass to get entry into Universal Studios. I would also highly recommend buying a Universal Express Pass. Super Nintendo World and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter also need separate timed entry tickets. These do not cost extra but must be obtained when you enter the park. If you buy an Express Pass you can book your timed entry tickets at the same time. The easiest way to buy Studio Pass, Express Pass and timed entry tickets is through Klook. There are also combo bundles which include the Have Fun in Kansai pass. This gives free entry into several attractions around Osaka. See my To Do List on other things to do in Osaka.
Entering Universal Studios Japan
Depending what time the park opens, it is recommended to start queuing an hour before. Yes you read that correctly. An hour before opening time. If the park opens at 8.30am there will already be a large queue by 7.30am. Crowd control is good and everyone waits patiently despite the high temperatures and no cover. Important tip – bring shelter and cooling props! For example, an umbrella, sunscreen, fans – paper or electric, ice neck bands… anything that will help keep you cool.
Top Tip – go early to hit the rides with no queues. Everything will have a queue as the day goes on. In the morning you can probably enter Super Nintendo World and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter without a booking. You can then get a preview of the World as your child probably can’t wait for their actual timed entry. The queues will already be long so you can return later to do the rides during your assigned time.
Top Tip – The Express Pass gives you a choice between two rides. Try and do one of each pair in the morning when there is no queue. That way you can use the Express Pass on the other ride later.
The Rides at Universal Studios Japan
Must Do’s
Universal Studios is separated into several areas which each have their own set of rides and attractions. Apart from Universal Wonderland which is for younger children we went on every ride in the park which were :
- Minion Park – Freeze Ray Sliders, Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem, Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast
- The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Flight of the Hippogriff, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
- Amity Village – JAWS
- Jurassic Park – Jurassic Park The Ride, The Flying Dinosaur
- Hollywood – Hollywood Dream: The Ride, Hollywood Dream: The Ride Backdrop, Space Fantasy – The Ride
- Super Nintendo World – Mine Cart Madness, Mario Kart: Koopa’s Challenge, Yoshi’s Adventure™
I would say do them all! The only warning being Hollywood Dream: The Ride and Hollywood Dream: The Ride Backdrop (the same rollercoaster only backwards!) are pretty thrilling and The Flying Dinosaur is the scariest rollercoaster I have ever encountered.
Super Nintendo World is phenomenal, especially if you have grown up playing Mario. All the rides, although not necessarily exciting are worth doing. Mine Cart Madness is brilliant and the queuing area through Bowser’s Castle for Mario Kart: Koopa’s Challenge is incredible.
At Super Nintendo World you can buy a Power Up band to have an interactive experience with the power blocks. This is gimmicky but kids love it and it’s a cute souvenir.
Top Tip – Don’t queue at the carts to buy Power Up bands. Wait until you are inside Super Nintendo World. Go to Mario Motors at the lower level. Head straight to the cashier and they have Power Up bands for purchase.
We spent the entire day and night at Universal Studios Japan. Literally arriving before it opened and leaving when it closed, clocking up 24,420 steps. Kids and adults alike will have a brilliant time at Universal Studios Japan. Just be prepared for the queues and the heat and you’ll be all good!
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