Brave the halls of Hogwarts and come face with the vile dementors of Azkaban at The Wizarding World Of Harry Potter, get lost in Minion Park and explore the world of Despicable Me through the eyes of the Minions, help Spiderman defeat his Rogue’s Gallery as you swing from the New York skyline, or race through the Jurassic skies and take flight with a pterodactyl on the world’s longest “flying” roller coaster. Some of the many adventures you can experience at Universal Studios Japan! The award-winning Theme Park has around 30 attractions, rides, and shows at any given time and is one of Asia’s top destinations for tourists.
If you find yourself in Osaka, Japan and want to relive your childhood or see some of your favorite Hollywood characters come to life, Universal Studios Japan should definitely be on your to do list!
One of four Universal Studios Theme Parks, Universal Studios Japan (USJ) hosts over 10 million guests per year and is ranked 5th amongst the top 25 theme parks in the world.
USJ is divided into 10 areas each with its own themes and attractions and covers a land mass of 54 hectares (108 acres).
The Wizarding World Of Harry Potter opened its gates in 2014 and is USJ’s strongest attraction, drawing in visitors from all over Asia who want to explore the magical world of wizards and witches.
The parks newest and latest attraction, Minion Park, is themed after the successful Despicable Me series and has become another major attraction especially popular with locals and younger children.
*Navigating USJ is easy, and in case you get lost, there are maps and legends scattered about the park.
Universal Studios Japan
2 Chome-1-33 Sakurajima, Konohana Ward, Osaka,
Osaka Prefecture 554-0031, Japan
Business Hours: 8:30 am – 9 pm daily (Times may vary depending on Holidays and/ weather)
Telephone: +81 570-200-606 / 06-6465-4005
Tickets & Bookings: http://www.usj.co.jp/ticket/
Facebook: @universalstudiosjapan
Website: http://www.usj.co.jp/
First Things First
Book your tickets ahead of time.
While it’s possible to purchase entry into Universal Studios Japan at the ticketing booth, we recommend booking online in advance. It will save you a lot of time and spare you from the long queues at the entrance of the park.
We booked our Universal Studios Japan Day-Pass via Klook. They have a wide variety of options for visitors to USJ and are a licensed reseller of USJ Tickets. The best part with Klook is we are guaranteed tickets with no markup or add-on fees.
After booking from our phone we receive a QR code that we scanned at the automated teller, bypassing the lines entirely!
A single Day-Pass at Universal Studios Japan will run you, ¥7,600. (Express Passes and VIP Passes are also available.)
Check out the best rates from Klook Travel:
Universal Studios Japan Ticket (1 Day Pass)
USJ admission tickets to ride your favorite movies!
Universal Studios Japan Express® Pass
Shorten wait times with a fast track e-ticket!
Commuting to USJ is rather easy, and we advise you make use of Japan’s cheap and highly efficient Rail and Public Transportation System.
You can reach Universal Studios Japan via the Japan Rail or JR Line straight from Osaka station (¥160).
There are also a number of other lines connecting from the Osaka Loop to Universal City Station via the JR Yumisake Line.
If you are coming directly from Kansai Airport take the JR Rapid Transit to Nishikujo Station, from there transfer to the JR Yumesaki Line and get off at Universal City Station (¥1,190).
Subway lines and Bus routes also converge at Universal City Walk, 5 minutes by foot from the Parks Main Entrance.
Plan your trip ahead to make efficient use of your time. Hit the areas of the park that most interest you first, and visit any shops on the way out.
USJ is divided into 9 Themed Areas, each area hosts its own specific attractions, rides, and shows.
Areas Include:
- New York
- Hollywood
- San Francisco
- Jurrasic Park
- Minion Park
- Universal Wonderland
- Water World
- Amity Village
- The Wizarding World Of Harry Potter
There are Also “Limited-Time Attractions” That typically feature other famous Japanese Properties like “Attack on Titan”, “Dragon Ball”, or “One Piece”.
Limited-Time Attractions are rotated every few months.
(We are big fans of Attack on Titan and we were ecstatic to get the chance to see a Titan up close on our visit — however — we were a day late! Had we known, we would have booked our USJ visit a day earlier. Always check the dates and schedules beforehand.)
Minion Park
Minion Park is the latest attraction to come to Universal Studios Japan. Here, visitors and fans can explore the world of Despicable Me and meet Gru’s beloved minions in person.
The Park is home to a number of shops and attractions, kids and young children will find plenty of things to do here.
Minions will take time off of their busy schedules to take pictures.
There are also a number of small booths where you can play games or get snacks.
A fun stop, Delicious Me gives you a chance to see the minions hard at work as they make diabolically-delicious ice-cream treats for anyone to enjoy.
The Delicious Me Ice-cream Sandwiches are something worth the try, they come in 3 flavors and are perfect for children and even the kids at heart.
Mango Marshmallow Mousse, Tiramisu Cream, and Banana Ice-cream and fruit. Prices range from ¥500-600 including tax.
(Tiramisu is the winner, a must-try!)
If you just can’t get enough Minion, be sure to check out Sweet Surrender: Candies & Treats.
The store has a wide variety of Despicable Me merchandise, perfect if you’re looking to bring back souvenirs.
The main attraction at Minion Park is the Despicable Me Minion Mayhem ride and attraction.
Ride along side some of your favorite characters as they cause mischief and mayhem in Gru’s Laboratory.
Another cool memento can be purchased at Pop-A-Nana.
You can buy these adorable Minion banana-flavored popcorn dispensers for ¥2,980.
You can also catch the Minions in a live performance at Hecha-Mecha Time.
New York
The Amazing Adventures Of Spider-Man – The Ride
Ever wonder what it would be like to stare Doctor Octopus right in the face, or go head to head with Electro?
This Amazing 4k–3D Adventure ride gives you the chance to experience a typical evening for everyone’s favorite Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man!
Complete with hydro and pyrotechnics making the experience super immersive.
Jurassic Park
The Flying Dinosaur is the world’s longest flying roller coaster ride which spans an impressive 1,124 m (3,687 ft) reaching speeds of 100 kph.
What makes this roller coaster special is that you are suspended in the prone position simulating flight.
The Wizarding World Of Harry Potter
The most popular attraction at Universal Studios Japan, The Wizarding World Of Harry Potter, draws in Potter fans from all over Asia.
The Attention to detail and realism that went into its construction almost makes you forget that you are in Osaka.
With plenty of live shows and rides, you’ll be entertained for hours.
There are three main attractions at the Wizarding World:
- Flight of the Hippogriff
- Harry Potter and The Forbidden Journey
- Ollivanders: Makers of Fine Wands
We loved Hogsmeade Village and how real everything felt, it was like walking on a set of an actual Harry Potter film.
For the full Harry Potter experience, you can purchase a robe and wand from Hogsmeade Village. Inside a number of shops sell Herry Potter merchandise.
A robe can cost around ¥14,000 and a wand ¥3,000-4,500 (prices are subject to change)
For those who purchase a wand, you can explore the alleyways and streets and learn magical spells from certified Hogwarts instructors in the Wand Magic experience.
(keep your eyes open, there are easter eggs hidden everywhere!)
Food And Beverages
What better way to end your Wizarding adventure than with The Great Feast (¥7,600) from The Three Broom Sticks!
The platter comes with Roasted Chicken, steamed corn, potatoes, broccoli, carrots, and a slab of BBQ Pork Ribs.
A Feast is not a feast without a cold mug of Butterbeer (¥550 Regular, ¥1,000 with plastic mug).
In case you’re wondering, butterbeer tastes like a cross between butterscotch candy and cream soda with vanilla ice-cream. (Definitely a must-try!)
There are a number of restaurants around the park. For lunch we recommend the Happiness Cafe, you can get more Minion themed food items because it’s — so kawaii!
Too cute to eat, the Minion Burger is the only burger that stares back at you!
The Minion Burger Plate (¥1,890) comes with a side of fries and is perfect with the flavored Coca-Cola.
Kids will love this.
The Minion Omucurry Plate (¥1,890) is perfect for rice lovers. Surprisingly light, the dish will get you through the day. Served with a side of fries, broccoli, and a fresh cup salad.
Final Thoughts
We had such a blast at Universal Studios Japan, a day trip is not enough, and we can’t wait to visit again! Universal Studios Japan should definitely be on everyone’s itinerary when visiting Osaka.
Book everything in advance to maximize your experience.
If possible, avoid the park during peak seasons and holidays as we are told that it gets very crowded with tourists and locals.
Head straight to The Wizarding World Of Harry Potter and Minion Park (two of the newest and most popular areas at USJ).
Make sure you wear comfortable shoes and clothing and bring an umbrella during the rainy season, a hat and sunglasses during summer time. The park also has spacious lockers available near the main entrance so you don’t have to worry about lugging extras around.
All major credit cards are accepted and there are ATMs located around the park, best to withdraw money outside to avoid lines.
Universal Studios Japan
2 Chome-1-33 Sakurajima, Konohana Ward, Osaka,
Osaka Prefecture 554-0031, Japan
Business Hours: 8:30 am – 9 pm daily (Times may vary depending on Holidays and/ weather)
Telephone: +81 570-200-606 / 06-6465-4005
Tickets & Bookings: http://www.usj.co.jp/ticket/
Facebook: @universalstudiosjapan
Website: http://www.usj.co.jp/
Check out the best rates from Klook Travel:
Universal Studios Japan Ticket (1 Day Pass)
USJ admission tickets to ride your favorite movies!
Universal Studios Japan Express® Pass
Shorten wait times with a fast track e-ticket!
Live an Awesome Life,
SEAN NOLAN of Team Our Awesome Planet
Disclosure: Our visit to Universal Studios Japan was courtesy of Klook.com and Universal Studios Japan Marketing. I wrote this article with my biases, opinions, and insights. (All Prices Listed may be subject to change by USJ at any time)
P.S. Book your Universal Studios adventure with Klook.com, opt for the VIP or Universal express passes to beat the lines.
Hi,
So there aren’t any Attack on Titan anymore? 🙁