If you’re flying to Japan anytime soon, then you should definitely add Osaka to your itinerary! Here you can lose track of time as you hop from one attraction to another (think Osaka Aquarium, Osaka Castle, and the famous Universal Studios) or walk around to explore its beauty and culture. 🌸 You’ll also have a blast as you splurge on a street food crawl, where you’ll get to try local must-eats such as takoyaki (fried octopus balls), mitarashi-dango (rice dumpling skewers), kushikatsu (deep-fried meat and vegetable skewers), and long softcream (ice cream).
Now that Japan’s finally fully open to tourists after two years of waiting, everyone looking to fly to Osaka will definitely be adding the iconic Universal Studios Japan to their itinerary — and for good reason! This action-packed attraction has been made even more exciting with the addition of several new rides and themed areas that are just waiting to be discovered by you. There are now more activities in the park for both kids and kids-at-heart, so if that’s starting to pump up some excitement in you, then read on below to know more! 🤩
Before booking that flight, make sure to read this handy guide of Japan’s travel requirements first!
What’s new in Universal Studios Japan?
1. Magical Creatures Encounter
More magic awaits you in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter! See with your very own eyes the creatures you’ve come to know and love in the series – including the proud Hippogriff (be sure to wait for them to bow back BEFORE you approach)! You’ll also get a chance to meet the fluffy and adorable Pygmy Puff, the cute but naughty Niffler who loves shiny treasures, and even a captivating and equally precious baby dragon. Don’t forget to take pictures with these fantastic beasts!
Apart from getting the chance to meet the famous magical creatures, make sure to keep an eye out for limited-edition merchandise in the shops around the Wizarding World!
2. Minion Park
Welcome to the world of the Minions! The Minion Park area in the theme park will take you to different Minions-themed attractions like the Space Killer, Minions Greeting, and Freeze Ray Sliders.
The Space Killer is a feature in the area where you’ll play the bazooka game and get a chance to win a fluffy unicorn toy like the one in the films! The street show, Minions Greeting, is perfect for anyone who wants to see Gru’s home and meet some Minions. You can even take photos with them to have a token of the moment! There’s also a ride, Freeze Ray Sliders, that will have you slipping and sliding on a make-believe ice rink created by the Minions!
Klook Tip: Make sure to pack some extra clothes — it can get pretty wet aboard the Freeze Ray Sliders!
3. Super Nintendo World
Moving on to another crowd favorite is Mario’s World! Gear up as you take on Mario Kart: Koopa's Challenge ride, join in on the Power-Up Band game, and then treat yourself to a much-deserved break at Kinopio’s Cafe later on!
The Mario Kart: Koopa's Challenge ride will take you through a race track where you’ll be guided by Mario and Peach to get to the finish line — ride your kart, put on your reality visor, and start racin’!
The Power-Up Band game gives you the chance to have the full experience at Super Nintendo World — use your band of choice to win various challenges (found everywhere in the Super Nintendo World area) to earn keys, battle enemies like Bowser Jr., and retrieve the Golden Mushroom!
Klook Tip: You must purchase a Power-Up Band inside the park before playing the game. There are several Power-Up Band designs available, depending on which character you choose to rep (by the way, our favorite is definitely the Princess Peach Power-Up Band.)
After running around in Super Nintendo World to win the Power-Up Band game, head on over to Kinopio’s Cafe to take a break! Kinopio’s Cafe offers gourmet dishes made by Chef Toad like Mario’s Bacon Cheeseburger, Luigi’s Green Curry Chicken Sandwich, Super Mushroom Pizza Bowl with Mushroom Tomato Sauce, and Yoshi’s Spinach Carbonara. They also have desserts like Princess Peach’s Cake and the ? Block Tiramisu!
Klook Tip: We recommend the Mario’s Bacon Cheeseburger that’s just bursting with flavors. From the mushroom bun down to the savory patty, it will definitely fill you up and energize you for the rest of the day! After that, wrap up your meal with the ? Block Tiramisu that comes with a cute item surprise!
Other attractions to explore
Once you’re done visiting Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem and Super Nintendo World but still have some time left, fret not, as the theme park still has other attractions for you to explore! Some of our favorites include:
1. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
Step into The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Universal Studios Japan to get a glimpse of what it’s like to be a wizard for a day! Here, the books and films come to life in different forms of attractions like rides, shows, shops, and even restaurants!
Don’t miss the thrilling Flight of the Hippogriff roller coaster ride, the Wand Magic show where you’ll get a chance to cast spells and wait for the magic to happen, and the Ollivanders shop where you can buy the wand that chooses you.
Stop by the Three Broomsticks restaurant where you can choose from a variety of savory dishes like The Great Feast (with different kinds of meat), Black Beer Beef Stew, Rotisserie Smoked Chicken, and Shepherd’s Pie Plate!
2. The Flying Dinosaur
Thrill-seekers are sure to love this ride! The Flying Dinosaur will take you to the world’s second-longest flying roller coaster track measuring 1,124 meters and will leave you speechless during the initial drop. There will also be a 360-degree swing through the world of Jurassic Park, so to be able to take on this ride, you should have a healthy heart and body!
Klook Tip: During the initial drop, make sure to strike your best pose because a mandatory photo of that moment will be captured! You may purchase your photo after the ride.
3. On-the-Go Foods
If you’re fond of amusement park snacks, then make sure to drop by On-the-Go Foods! Taste different snacks selling food items like churros, rice bowls, calzones, shortcakes, ice cream, sodas, and iced teas. It’s the perfect place for a quick energy recharge after a day of walking around the park.
Klook Tip: On-the-Go Foods has stationed multiple carts all over Universal Studios, with each selling different themed snacks and drinks depending on the location. A fun challenge for you is to try to stop by all the carts during your visit to get a taste of their full menu!
Where can I buy Universal Studios Japan tickets?
On Klook, of course, where our Universal Studios Japan ticket is just a click away! We also have this handy guide on how to book Universal Studios Japan tickets prepared just for you.
Now that you know what’s in store for you when you visit Universal Studios Japan, the only thing left for you to do now is to book your entrance tickets! Have a joyful and exciting time in Osaka’s top and iconic attraction, Universal Studios Japan! ✈️
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