Kids and Seniors Friendly 16D16N Japan Itinerary Day 14 – Universal Studios Japan (USJ) in Osaka

Universal Studios Japan (USJ) in Osaka

ITINERARY

Day 1 and 2 – Exploring Shinjuku and Harajuku, Zauo Fishing Experience and Overnight Hotel Groove Shinjuku Day 3 – Day trip to Yokohama Cup Noodles Museum and  Kid-O-Kid Indoor Playground  Day 4 – Guide to teamLab Planet Tokyo, lalaport, Unicorn Gundam statue at DiverCity Day 5 – Tokyo Shinjuku to Lake Kawaguchi, Overnight Shuhoukaku Kogetsu Day 6 – Exploring Lake Kawaguchi, Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway and Oshino Hakka Day 7 – Fuji Safari Park, Gotemba Premium Outlet, Hyatt Regency Hakone Resort & Spa Day 8 – Hakone Open-Air Museum, Hakone Ropeway, Hakone Sightseeing Cruise Day 9 – Hakone to Kyoto, Kyoto Railway Museum, Kyoto R&RUN Service Apartment Suites Day 10 – Day Trip to Nara Day 11 – Sagano Romantic Train and Arashiyama (Cancelled due to Wet Weather), Kyoto Station Building, Nishiki Market, Teramachi and Shinkyogoku Shopping Arcades and Mipig Cafe Day 12 to 13 – Kyoto to Osaka, Kuromon, Shinsaibashi-suji; Mimaru Namba Station Day 14 – Universal Studios Japan (USJ) in Osaka Day 15 and 16 – Dotonbori, Takashimaya and Home Sweet Home

Universal Studios Japan (USJ) in Osaka is a top destination for thrill-seekers, movie buffs, and families looking for a day of fun and adventure. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about admission tickets, timed entry, rides and attractions, and dining options to ensure you have an unforgettable experience.

Admission Tickets:

• Standard Admission: The basic ticket grants you entry to the park and access to most attractions. Prices vary by age and season, so check the official USJ website for the latest rates.
• Universal Express Pass: To maximize your time, consider purchasing a Universal Express Pass. This pass allows you to skip the regular lines at select attractions, saving you valuable time.
• Timed Entry Tickets: For popular areas like the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, USJ often implements timed entry tickets. These tickets are included with the Universal Express Pass or can be obtained for free inside the park, but availability is limited. Plan to secure your timed entry as soon as you arrive.

 

Rides and Attractions:

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Step into the magical world of Harry Potter. Explore Hogwarts Castle, stroll through Hogsmeade, and experience thrilling rides like Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey and Flight of the Hippogriff.

Super Nintendo World:

Super Nintendo World currently offers two rides. Yoshi’s Adventure is a family-friendly ride where guests join Yoshi on a treasure hunt to find Captain Toad and three mysterious eggs using his map.

The main attraction, Mario Kart: Koopa’s Challenge, is set inside Bowser’s Castle and brings iconic Mario Kart courses to life with advanced augmented reality, projection mapping, and immersive environments. There was also this option to purchase the Mario Band (We didn’t because it was quite expensive) which allows you to go around the world interacting with the features like the question mark boxes.

When we visited, we skipped Yoshi’s Adventure because the queue was too long. We managed to join Mario Kart: Koopa’s Challenge, but the kids didn’t meet the height requirement. Fortunately, we used the Child Switch system, which is a brilliant idea. It allows guests with companions who don’t meet the ride requirements to take turns without waiting in line again. The mother waited with the kids in the waiting room, and once the dads were done, we switched and joined at the start of the queue while the dads left with the kids.

 

Universal Wonderland: This area is home to Elmo, Snoopy, Hello Kitty, and other cute characters popular around the world! There is an indoor and outdoor area and feature rides like Elmo’s Little Drive, Flying Snoppy , Elmo’s Bubble Bubble, Hello Kitty Cupcake Dream and Snoppy’s Sound Stage Adventure. We spent the most time here as the rides are more suitable for our toddlers.

 

Jurassic Park:

Experience prehistoric thrills with the Jurassic Park: The Ride, a water-based adventure featuring lifelike dinosaurs.

 

 

 

 

 

Minion Park: Join the mischievous Minions on Despicable Me Minion Mayhem, a 3D ride that’s fun for all ages.

 

Hollywood Dream – The Ride: I wanted to but didn’t get the chance to try this high-speed roller coaster.

 

The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man: Swing through New York City with Spider-Man in this 3D ride combining motion simulation and live-action.

 

Themed Dining Options:

We didn’t have the chance to dine at the restaurants as the queues were all horrendously long! Theme dining for your reference:

1. Three Broomsticks: Enjoy traditional British fare in the heart of Hogsmeade. The rustic atmosphere and hearty dishes make it a must-visit for Harry Potter fans.
2. Mel’s Drive-In: Step back into the 1950s at this classic American diner. Burgers, fries, and milkshakes are the highlights here.
3. Louie’s N.Y. Pizza Parlor: Savor delicious New York-style pizza and Italian dishes in a cozy, family-friendly setting.
4. Finnegan’s Bar & Grill: This Irish-American pub offers a variety of hearty meals, perfect for a sit-down lunch or dinner.
5. Minion Park Food Stalls: Grab quick bites inspired by the Minions, including banana-flavored treats and fun snacks for kids.
6. Kinopio’s Cafe: Located in Super Nintendo World, this café offers creatively themed dishes that look straight out of the Mario games.

We ended up joining the shorter queue for Azzurra di Capri, which is based on the famous Grotta Azzurra in New York, and serves exquisite pasta and pizza.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We stayed till the park closed and headed to Universal Citywalk Osaka for dinner. Universal Citywalk Osaka is a shopping mall just outside the gate, with multiple hotels and many restaurants and shops, including stores selling Universal Studios merchandise and Osaka souvenir.

Also Read about Trip to Johor Bahru

Tips for Your Visit:

• Purchase Tickets Online: Purchase your tickets online before visiting the park to avoid queuing twice. I bought my USJ entrance tickets from the official website and received the QR code tickets via email almost instantly. There’s no need to print them. Simply present the QR codes at the park entrance, get them scanned, and you’ll be whisked right in. I added the Express Pass for the following attractions and highly recommend it if your budget permits. It significantly reduced my waiting time, allowing me to even ride the Harry Potter attraction twice. The general queue was very long. You can choose the timed entry when you are purchasing the tickets.
  • What i chose when i purchased the tickets: Area Timed Entry Ticket: Super Nintendo World™ & THE WIZARDING WORLD OF HARRY POTTER™
  • THE WIZARDING WORLD OF HARRY POTTER Area Entry(10:10-11:10)
    Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey(10:30-11:00)
    SUPER NINTENDO WORLD Area Entry(16:10-17:10)
    MarioKart: Koopa’s Challenge(16:30-17:00)
• Arrive Early: To make the most of your day, arrive at the park before opening time. We arrived only at 10.30 am, and after catering for lunch and nap time, we didn’t have the time to navigate the entire park.
• Use the Universal Studios Japan App: The official app provides real-time information on wait times, show schedules, and maps.
• Use Yoyakunori (Reserve & Ride):
  This system, which is free, allows guests to reserve a specific ride time for Universal Wonderland attractions. The Yoyakunori (Reserve & Ride) Ticket booth is placed near the entrance of each attraction.
• Use Child Switch: . It allows guests with companions who don’t meet the ride requirements to take turns without waiting in line again.
• Stay Hydrated and Take Breaks: With so much to see and do, it’s important to stay hydrated and take breaks throughout the day.
• Plan Your Route: Decide which attractions are a priority and plan your route accordingly to minimize walking and wait times. If you are travelling with young kids, refer to this link for attractions height restriction.

Conclusion:

Universal Studios Japan in Osaka offers an incredible mix of thrilling rides, immersive attractions, and delightful dining options. Whether you’re a fan of Harry Potter, Super Mario, or classic Hollywood films, there’s something for everyone. Plan ahead, make use of Express Passes and timed entry tickets, and get ready for an action-packed day of fun and excitement! Hengboi is already requesting to come back again when he is tall enough to ride the Mario Kart! Overall, in my 16-day trip across Japan, OSJ is one of my favourite attractions as it caters for all ages.