Universal Studios Japan Complete Guide: A Must-Read for Those Who Want to Experience It All!

This is a new area that opened in 2021 as a collaboration between Universal Studios Japan and Nintendo. It is centered around the popular character Mario and features attractions like Peach's Castle and Coin Blocks, allowing visitors to feel as if they’ve stepped into the game. For the first time, this area incorporates a multi-layered design, creating an immersive experience where the world of Mario unfolds right before your eyes.
The main attractions are Mario Kart: Koopa's Challenge and Yoshi's Adventure. Both have been very well-received, so be sure to check them out. In the latter half of 2024, Donkey Kong Country will be added, promising to enhance the excitement even further.

This is an area where you can fully immerse yourself in the world of Harry Potter. It will celebrate its 10th anniversary in July 2024, with various events planned. Universal Studios Japan’s dedication to detail is evident throughout, offering an extraordinary experience on an impressive scale.
One of the highlights is the opportunity to walk through locations from the films, such as Hogwarts Castle™ and Hogsmeade Village™. With the Wand Magic, you can cast spells and experience magic with a flick of your wand as if you were a Hogwarts student like Harry. Be sure to enjoy attractions like Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey and Flight of the Hippogriff, which allow you to fully immerse yourself in the magical world through all your senses.

This area, inspired by the cityscapes of the Despicable Me movie series, is home to adorable Minions scattered throughout the park. Opened in 2017, it is known as the world’s largest Minion-themed area. Embracing the concept of “Let’s have fun in a chaotic way!” the area is divided into EAST and WEST sides, each packed with Minion charm.
The greatest attraction of this area is that it excites a wide range of visitors, from children to adults. As soon as you step in, you'll likely feel a sense of fun. You can also take photos with Minions during occasional meet-and-greet events, and there are many popular photo spots throughout the area. With exclusive merchandise and original food options available, you'll have the chance to create memorable and wonderful experiences.

This area is themed around a city inhabited by globally beloved characters like Elmo, Snoopy and Hello Kitty. It is divided into three zones: Snoopy Studios, Hello Kitty Fashion Avenue and Sesame Street Fun World. Spanning approximately 30,000 square meters, it offers a wealth of attractions and entertainment for families and parents with children to enjoy together.
With over 30 attractions, the ways to have fun are endless. Elmo's Go-Go Skateboard, where you can experience thrills with your child, is especially popular. Many of the facilities are indoors, making it a great option for play even on rainy or hot days.

This area serves as the gateway to Universal Studios Japan, the first place you enter after passing through the park entrance. It recreates the glamorous streets of Hollywood from the 1930s and 1940s, naturally elevating your mood. It's a lively zone with a concentration of thrilling attractions and shops, offering a taste of a more adult-oriented America. The area also features buildings modeled after famous movie sets from films like Pretty Woman and Beverly Hills Cop, adding to its charm.
The area features many details, including classic exteriors, striking decorations, and eye-catching displays, making just walking around enjoyable. It’s especially irresistible for fans of vintage Hollywood. Additionally, the popular Universal Monsters Live Rock and Roll Show, which has been a staple since the park's opening, is a must-see experience.

This area lets you experience the streets of 1930s New York. From the down-to-earth Delancey Street to the glamorous Fifth Avenue, you can enjoy the atmosphere of the time. As you explore the area featured in numerous films, you're sure to experience authentic entertainment.
Photographing the retro brick buildings and charming alleyways here can capture scenes that feel straight out of a movie. The area boasts a variety of restaurants, including Park Side Grille, where you can taste authentic aged beef in a venue with a great view, and SAIDO, a Japanese restaurant. With such a wide range of options, you're sure to find something to suit your taste.

This area is modeled after the port city of San Francisco on the West Coast of the United States. It features charming replicas of famous landmarks such as Fisherman's Wharf and Chinatown. Although the attractions ended in 2023, the area remains bustling with a sense of openness and vitality. As you take in the view of the lagoon (a lake formed where the sea extends into the land) while feeling the sea breeze, you'll feel enveloped in an atmosphere just like the real San Francisco.
Happiness Cafe, featuring Minion-themed cuisine, is perfect for a quick break. Additionally, the restaurant Lombard's Landing™ changes its appearance to match various themes, so it's worth checking out. In the past, it has collaborated with Detective Conan and ONE PIECE, and from July 2024, it will host a limited-time “Sanji's Pirates Restaurant.”

This area is themed around the world of the movie Jurassic Park. With its lush subtropical vegetation, it feels like stepping into a jungle, creating an exhilarating atmosphere as if dinosaurs might pop out at any moment.
With adventure and thrill-filled attractions, this area might even bring you closer to your partner due to the "suspension bridge effect." Watching the movie beforehand will enhance the experience, but even if you're not familiar with it, you'll have a great time. The restaurants and shops are also filled with dinosaur-themed elements, making you feel like you’ve traveled back to the Jurassic period. In addition to popular headbands and costumes, there’s a variety of dinosaur-themed merchandise such as T-shirts and snacks, making it a must-visit for dinosaur enthusiasts.

This area is designed to evoke the fictional fishing village of Amity from the movie Jaws. Once plagued by the terror of a man-eating shark, the village is now set in a world where it has been transformed into a tourist spot that features its history.
Various props and scenery from the movie are recreated throughout the area, so it's recommended to watch the film before visiting. Don't miss the popular photo spot, "Jaws Photo." Against the backdrop of the thrilling Jaws, if you have the crew take a photo with the shout “Hi! Jaws,” it will make for a great souvenir.
Note: It's free if you take photos with your own camera, but if you want to purchase a photo with a holder, it costs 1,500yen per print.

This is an action show that captures the intensity of the futuristic sci-fi film Waterworld. As one of Universal Studios Japan's flagship areas, it has attracted over 100 million visitors. The massive arena, with approximately 3,000 seats, evokes a desolate, futuristic floating city, captivating audiences with its breathtaking realism.
The intense stunts performed by the cast feature Hollywood-style effects, including water skiing and blazing columns. The acrobatics and realistic scenes are sure to leave you amazed. You’ll be amazed by the park’s unique 3D sound system, which makes the explosive sounds resonate deep in your stomach and allows you to feel the impact of gunfire. The show lasts about 20 minutes and runs 2 to 4 times a day. Schedules can vary, so be sure to check in advance.

Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, located in the Harry Potter area, is a ride attraction that lets you experience the world of Harry Potter. It won the "Best Dark Ride (World's No. 1 Ride)" award for five consecutive years from 2011 to 2015, and it’s highly acclaimed globally.
The highlight is the synchronization of 4K 3D visual technology with a ride that moves in all directions, offering an immersive experience as if you’re flying through Hogwarts Castle on a magical broomstick. The cutting-edge special effects provide a thrilling, unique experience as dragon flames (heat blasts) and Dementor’s cold winds hit you directly. The queue area is designed to keep you entertained, with various clever touches like the presence of Dumbledore and the moving portraits in the hallways.

When it comes to iconic roller coasters at Universal Studios Japan, Hollywood Dream – The Ride in the Hollywood area is a standout. Designed with world-class coaster technology, it offers a smooth ride and a sense of openness that delivers an unparalleled experience. Spanning approximately 1,200 meters and reaching speeds of up to 89 km/h, the ride provides exhilarating thrills and a sensation of high-speed excitement over its roughly three-minute duration.
The ride features a variety of thrills, including a dramatic 43-meter drop, providing excitement and sensations such as weightlessness and floating. Another major feature is that it’s a “music-enabled roller coaster.” You can choose your favorite BGM from five tracks, which plays through speakers embedded in the seat, enhancing the overall excitement. For those who love intense thrills, consider trying Hollywood Dream – The Ride: Backdrop, which moves backward for an added thrill.

Located in Jurassic Park, The Flying Dinosaur boasts the world’s longest roller coaster (1,124 meters) and the greatest height difference (37.8 meters). True to its theme of being grabbed by a rampaging Pteranodon and soaring through the sky, the ride features a state-of-the-art roller coaster with a hanging, face-down seating arrangement, instead of traditional seats. Especially at the initial thrilling point, where it reaches a height of 50 meters, you’ll first enjoy a panoramic view of the park before plummeting headfirst into an exhilarating descent.
With numerous steep drops, spins, and twists, The Flying Dinosaur will make you feel as if you’re truly flying through the air, being spun around in 360 degrees. Among the many attractions, this one is especially popular, known for its high-speed, multi-directional movements that deliver a thrilling experience.

Jaws has been a staple attraction at Universal Studios Japan since the park opened in 2001 and remains a beloved feature of Amity Village. This ride offers a thrilling sea tour on a 48-passenger boat, immersing you in a movie-like experience for about seven minutes. It doesn’t have intense shaking or floating sensations like a roller coaster, making it a great option even for those who aren’t fond of extreme thrill rides.
The highlights of Jaws include the grand effects such as large flames, explosive sounds, and splashing water, as well as the captain’s impressive performance, including scenes of gunfire. Particularly, the moment when the enormous Jaws attacks is packed with intensity and excitement.
The experience of Jaws varies depending on your seat location. Seats towards the front offer close-up views of the performance and effects, while those in the back provide a more relaxed pace. Seats in the popular middle area offer a balanced view of all the scenes, but there’s a chance you might get splashed by the water effects.

Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem in Minion Park is a ride-themed attraction set in Gru's mansion and laboratory. The entire experience takes about 25 minutes, including a pre-ride video session, with the actual ride lasting around 3 to 5 minutes.
When you board Gru's specially invented vehicle, you’ll start a wacky training to become a Minion. The ride features immersive visuals on a massive dome screen, allowing you to race through the laboratory with the Minions and enjoy a wild adventure. Another highlight of this attraction is its cutting-edge hybrid 5D technology, which delivers realistic visuals without the need for 3D glasses.

While we've covered some of the classic attractions, there are many more exciting options to explore. Popular choices include the indoor roller coaster “Space Fantasy – The Ride” and the high-quality musical show “SING on Tour.” Be sure to check the official page for detailed descriptions of all 61 attractions.

When it comes to gourmet offerings at Universal Studios Japan, Butterbeer is a must-try. This magical drink from the Harry Potter series can be enjoyed right in the park. Despite its name, Butterbeer is non-alcoholic, making it a tasty treat for those who don't drink alcohol or for children. It has a pleasantly moderate sweetness, making it easy to drink, while the creamy, beer-like white foam on top adds a rich and flavorful touch.
When drinking Butterbeer, it’s a fun tradition to create a foam mustache around your mouth, just like Hermione. Capturing a photo with this foamy mustache makes for a memorable souvenir, not just a tasty experience. You can purchase Butterbeer in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ area at the Three Broomsticks restaurant, the Hog’s Head pub, or from the outdoor beer cart. If the timing is right, be sure to try the summer-exclusive "Frozen Butterbeer" or the winter-exclusive "Hot Butterbeer."

Delicious Me! The Cookie Kitchen is a counter-service shop located near the entrance of Minion Park. The standout item on the menu is the popular “Minion Cookie Sandwich." This treat features a Minion-shaped cookie filled with fruit and ice cream, making it the perfect sweet snack, especially during the hot summer months.
The combination of the cold ice cream and the crispy cookie is excellent, with the texture of the fruits (such as strawberries, oranges, and bananas) adding a delightful touch. One of the charms of this cookie is its cute, social media-worthy appearance. The flavors and lineup change with the seasons, so there’s always the excitement of possibly discovering a new variety with each visit. Even if there’s a line, you can enjoy watching the cookies being made through the glass, so you can enjoy the waiting time.

For a great walking snack, we recommend the Jaws Dog. Sold at Boardwalk Snacks in Amity Village, this hot dog features a crispy and juicy sausage nestled in a distinctive Jaws-shaped bun, making it a photo-worthy treat. Unlike typical hot dogs, the bun is slightly sweet and has a moist, sponge-cake-like texture.
Adding ketchup and mustard to the Jaws Dog makes it a satisfying snack that’s perfect for when you're a bit hungry. The design of the packaging, featuring the Jaws logo, is also worth noting. Since it might not always be available, if you spot it, consider it a great opportunity to give it a try!

Universal Studios Japan offers a wide array of food options, and what we've covered here is just a small sample. In addition to walking snacks, the park features restaurants with limited-time menus and exquisite dishes crafted by skilled chefs, providing a rich variety. Be sure to check out this official website as well, which explains details about recommended menu items, culinary features and key points.

At the specialty sweets shop "Honeydukes" in the Harry Potter area, unique magical world sweets are faithfully recreated. Among these, "Bertie Bott's Every-Flavour Beans" is particularly popular as a representative souvenir. You’ll find jelly beans with flavors ranging from fruity ones like green apple and blueberry to surprising ones such as earthworm and soap, with a total of 20 unpredictable flavors.
Not only are the names realistic, but the flavors are also made to be as authentic as possible, making them ideal for enjoying a Russian roulette-style experience with a large group. In particular, the flavors like vomit and rotten egg are said to be so unpleasant that even swallowing them is difficult, so be prepared when you try them. A nice touch is that the beans come in both boxed and individually wrapped options, allowing you to choose based on your needs.

1UP Factory is a souvenir shop located in the Mario area, known for its extensive selection of Mario-themed merchandise. A standout item exclusive to the park is the "Mario Assorted Plastic Case," which features cookies and caramel popcorn adorned with Mario and Luigi prints. The highlight of this product is the plastic case with a mechanism that makes Mario move up and down a pipe.
It’s not only a fun toy, with Mario appearing to jump up and down, but it also makes for a charming decorative piece after you’ve enjoyed the treats inside. Its cute appearance and attractive packaging make it photo-worthy, making it an ideal souvenir for Mario fans and a gift that will likely delight anyone who receives it.

The "Snoopy Yuzu-Scented Japanese-Style Dashi Udon" is a park-exclusive cup ramen featuring Snoopy as the motif. This Japanese-style dashi udon has a light, refreshing broth and includes colorful naruto (fish paste) slices shaped like Snoopy and Woodstock, making it visually enjoyable. Adding the included yuzu (citrus fruit) powder introduces a citrusy, refreshing twist to the simple flavor, providing a change.
The cute packaging featuring Woodstock holding yuzu is another highlight of the Snoopy Yuzu-Scented Japanese-Style Dashi Udon. With its satisfying volume, it provides a complete and enjoyable experience in one go. You can purchase it at either Universal Studios Store (Hollywood Area) or California Confectionery (Hollywood Area). Similar witty-named products like "Minimens (Minions)" and "Jurassic Meat Noodles (Jurassic Park)" are also popular.

The three souvenirs mentioned are just a small fraction of the many exciting options available. There are plenty more intriguing items, including limited-time goods from ONE PIECE and Demon Slayer (Kimetsu no Yaiba), as well as park-themed headbands that blend seamlessly into the park experience. Exploring all the souvenir options can be an enjoyable adventure in itself. For more details on the items we couldn’t cover, please check the official page below.

Located just a one-minute walk from the main gate of Universal Studios Japan, it is the closest official hotel to the park, situated right in front of the main gate. The interior of the hotel features a design that reflects its status as an official hotel under the concept of “A Journey Through Time and Space in America.”

Located just a short walk from Universal-city Station, this impressive hotel stands 138 meters tall with 32 floors. All 641 guest rooms are unified by a sophisticated interior with a chic and modern concept, allowing guests to fully enjoy a higher level of relaxation.

This hotel offers an abundance of exclusive perks that only an official Universal Studios Japan hotel can provide. You can purchase Studio Passes within the hotel and also receive original park-themed merchandise as a gift. All guest rooms feature separate bath and toilet facilities, and the spacious layout provides a relaxing environment that feels like home.

In addition to the hotels introduced in this article, there are many other partner hotels with their own unique attractions and benefits. If you're interested in learning more about partner hotels, be sure to check the official website for additional information.

Universal Studios Japan tickets come in five main types, with prices varying across five tiers, and are categorized by age into three groups. Here, we'll introduce three types of tickets. Please note that this information is current as of August 2024, and ticket names or details may change, so be sure to check the official website for the most up-to-date information.

Before visiting Universal Studios Japan, make sure to install the official app (free) on your smartphone. The app provides essential information for a comfortable experience in the park and can enhance your enjoyment. It is especially crucial if you plan to use the "Power-Up Band (details to follow)" in the Super Nintendo World™ area.
Also, the app’s filter function is a valuable tool for finding information such as "restaurant locations" and "attraction height restrictions," making it easier to access the details you need.

If you have your schedule planned in advance, it’s recommended to purchase your tickets ahead of time. Choose the "Direct In" option where you can either print out your ticket or use your smartphone to display the QR code. This way, you won’t have to wait in line at the ticket booth on the day of your visit, allowing for a smoother and quicker entry into the park.
In addition to saving time, you’ll also conserve energy by avoiding unnecessary waiting. Be aware that the lines for admission and ticket purchase are separate, so be sure to get in the correct line.

You might be curious about the popular seasons at Universal Studios Japan. Although many people visit throughout the year, the park is especially crowded during spring break and Halloween. During spring break, students are on long vacations, and the park often has student discount tickets and promotions, with many students visiting due to the overlap with graduation season. During Halloween, the major event “Halloween Horror Nights” is held every year, creating an even more exciting atmosphere than usual. For other popular seasons, check the details below. If you visit during these times, expect the park to be busy, and waiting times for attractions to be longer than usual.

Once the park opens, you should first obtain a free timed-entry ticket for either the Super Nintendo World™ or The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ areas. Timed-entry tickets can be issued via the official app or park ticket machines, but the app is recommended as it allows you to get tickets from anywhere in the park after your arrival. Even on days when timed-entry tickets are not being distributed, it’s best to visit these areas right after entering the park when it’s less crowded.

The Restaurant Priority Seating Service allows you to receive priority seating at selected restaurants. By arriving at the restaurant at a specified time, you will be guided to a table ahead of others in line. This service is not the same as a reservation, so a seat is not guaranteed, but it does allow for quicker entry compared to waiting in the regular line.
It’s common for restaurants to be full during peak seasons, so it’s beneficial to use this service actively. If you already know which restaurant you want to visit, you can apply through the "WEB Application" in advance. If you’re deciding at the last minute, you can apply via "Same-Day Application" by going directly to the restaurant.
The participating restaurants are Parkside Grille, Finnegan's Bar & Grill and Azzurra di Capri, all located in the New York Area.

The Universal Express Pass is a paid ticket that shortens wait times for popular attractions and guarantees entry to certain areas. There are various types of passes available, each with a set price.
Details about each type of pass are summarized in the table below, but this information is as of August 2024, and names, prices, and details may change. So please check the official website for the latest information.
Note that this pass does not include park admission, so you will need to purchase a separate entry ticket. If your budget allows, considering this pass can help you navigate the park more efficiently and with less stress.

The Power-Up Band is a paid item designed to maximize your experience in the Super Nintendo World™ area. You can choose from six different designs inspired by characters like Mario and Luigi.
After purchasing, connect the band to your smartphone to join the team of your selected character. You'll be able to participate in various activities within the area, such as collecting coins and stamps. You can also compete with other players and friends for high scores. Additionally, the band grants access to six exclusive "Key Challenges" that can only be enjoyed by those wearing the band.
There are a variety of engaging activities, such as games where you flip Koopa Troopas and challenges where you complete puzzles within a time limit. These activities require cooperation and precise timing. Since the band can be used on future visits as well, it's a great purchase if you're unsure.

It's advisable to finish your merchandise shopping by the late afternoon. The shops start to get crowded after the evening, and popular items tend to sell out, so we recommend going early to secure them. Make sure to know which shops have the items you're looking for and the best times to visit by using the official app to plan your route efficiently. If you plan to buy a lot, you can store your purchases in the park's locker rooms to avoid carrying them around.