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Universal
Studios Japan
A day out like in the movies!
Tickets, Express Pass, Nintendo World and our royal route
A day of impossible worlds, epic attractions, and a grand farewell to Japan.
A whole day inside the movies
We dedicated the entire 9th to Universal Studios Japan in Osaka. It was a very different day from the rest of the trip: fewer temples and transfers, and more adrenaline, themed worlds, fun food, and rides.
We bought the tickets in advance, something I highly recommend if you only have one day to visit the park and want to make the most of it.
Before going
The decisions you make before you arrive can completely change your day. This is something you should keep in mind.
Which ticket should I buy?
The Studio Pass is general admission. The Universal Express Pass is purchased separately and allows you to skip the line at certain attractions. Check which attractions it includes, their hours, and whether it guarantees access to Super Nintendo World. As passes are limited, we recommend purchasing them in advance.
Access to Super Nintendo World
General admission doesn’t always guarantee entry. On busy days, you’ll need a ticket with a reserved time slot, included in some Express Passes, or you can request free entry through the official app. We didn’t download the app during our visit, but it’s currently required to request these digital passes on the day. If your pass already includes an entry time, follow its instructions.
Power-Up Band Bracelets
Power -Up Bands are sold separately and allow you to hit blocks, collect digital coins and stamps, participate in minigames, and gather keys to unlock the final challenge against Bowser Jr. They are not required for entry or to ride the main attractions, they don’t need charging, and they can be reused on future visits. You can also link them to the app to check your scores and achievements.
Lockers and luggage
Luggage cannot be taken into the park and must be left in the outdoor lockers. They cost approximately ¥500, ¥1,000 or ¥2,000, depending on size. Some attractions also provide free lockers or storage areas for your belongings while you ride. Remember that a standard Studio Pass does not allow you to leave and re-enter the park.
From a green pipe
a Hogwarts
Pure color and fantasy
Super Nintendo World
Pipes, blocks, coins, Bowser’s Castle and the constant feeling of being inside a video game. Everything here moves, makes sounds and calls for a photo.
Mario Kart: Koopa’s Challenge™An augmented-reality race inside Bowser’s Castle, launching shells and competing for the Golden Cup.
Yoshi’s Adventure™A family-friendly ride through the Mushroom Kingdom in search of Yoshi’s eggs, with lovely views over the area.
Mine Cart Madness™The Donkey Kong Country roller coaster: mine carts, apparent jumps and a twisting journey through the jungle.
You can also do it within the areaPower-Up Band Key Challenges, hitting blocks, completing mini-games, collecting keys and meeting characters. These are interactive experiences rather than mechanical rides.
My favorite: Mario Kart
For me, the best attraction at Super Nintendo World was Mario Kart. The theming, Bowser’s Castle and the blend of real scenery with augmented reality make you feel as though you are inside the video game.
Cinematic magic
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is incredibly immersive: the castle, Hogsmeade and all the little details make you feel as though you have stepped straight into the films.
Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey™An immersive adventure inside Hogwarts Castle, with sets, movement and effects that make you feel part of the story.
Flight of the Hippogriff™A family-friendly roller coaster through Hagrid’s grounds, passing his hut and the pumpkin patch.
A walk through HogsmeadeSnow-covered streets, magical shop windows, detail-filled stores and the essential Butterbeer.
Hogwarts CastleThe area’s great icon and one of its most spectacular photo spots.
Non-stop adrenaline
Jurassic Park
After Minions, we went to Jurassic Park, one of the park’s most intense areas. We enjoyed its prehistoric atmosphere before continuing our walk.
- The Flying Dinosaur
Jurassic Park: The Ride
Jurassic setting
Minions Area
This was the first themed area we visited after arriving at the park. A cheerful, chaotic place full of details, perfect for starting the day among shops, sets and characters.
Afterwards, we continued towards Jurassic Park and kept exploring the park until we came across the parade.
First stop of the day
Minions Area
It was the first world we visited after arriving at the park. A cheerful, chaotic area full of details, perfect for starting the day among shops, sets, and characters.
Then we continued towards Jurassic Park and continued touring the park until we came across the parade float show.
Kinopio’s Café
After enjoying the attractions at Super Nintendo World —Mario Kart was a real blast— it was time for us to eat at Kinopio’s Café .
We booked a time slot through the app. It’s not just about eating: the decor, the screens, and each dish keep you immersed in that extravagant and colorful world.
Book as soon as you can
It’s one of the park’s most popular restaurants, and reservations can fill up quickly. Book early to avoid disrupting the rest of your itinerary.
🛍️ Shops at Universal Studios Japan
The shops are part of the experience, with exclusive products from Jurassic World, Harry Potter, Super Nintendo World and the park itself. These are some of the souvenirs we found during our visit.
Visual route of the day
Park entrance
We went in eager to explore every corner and started the day without wasting any time.
Minion World
Our first stop: sets, shops and all the yellow madness of the Minions.
Jurassic Park
We continued towards the Jurassic zone and kept walking through the park.
Float show
As we were walking through the streets we came across the parade and stopped to enjoy it.
Super Nintendo World
Our entry time arrived. We went on the rides and Mario Kart was absolutely amazing .
Kinopio’s Café
We stopped for lunch surrounded by details and dishes inspired by Mario’s universe.
Harry Potter
We visited Hogsmeade and Hogwarts. The atmosphere was simply breathtaking.
JAWS
I entered through the Single Rider line and went straight through, without waiting .
Wonderland and its last corners
We finished the day in Wonderland and exploring everything that we still had left to discover.
My advice
The Single Rider line can save a lot of time: at JAWS I went straight in, without queuing.
Essential
Mario Kart, Kinopio’s Café, the world of Harry Potter, and set aside time to get lost in the park.