Visit to Universal Studios Japan in Osaka

We are back with our Japan Travel Series. I waited until the holidays passed and people got back into track to continue our adventure in the far east. For this post I chose to share with you our stay at Universal Studios Japan. If you’re planning a visit to Universal Studios Japan in Osaka, especially during Halloween as we did, you’re in for a real treat! This theme park is known for its festive Halloween celebrations, and they pull out all the stops to create a spooky and exciting atmosphere for visitors.

Universal Studios Japan, located in Osaka, is a must-visit destination for any theme park enthusiast. The park offers a wide variety of attractions that cater to visitors of all ages, and it’s a great way to experience the magic of Hollywood in Japan.

Rides and Attractions in Universal Studios Japan

One of the park’s most popular attractions is the “Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey” ride, which is located in the “Wizarding World of Harry Potter” area of the park. This ride simulates a journey through Hogwarts castle and allows visitors to experience some of the most iconic scenes from the Harry Potter movies. It’s also different from the ride in Florida by including the dragon challenge rollercoaster.

Another popular attraction is the “Jurassic Park: The Ride,” which takes visitors on a thrilling journey through a dinosaur-filled park. The ride features animatronic dinosaurs and special effects that make it feel like you’re right in the middle of the action. The Jurassic Park ride in Japan also features different dinosaurs than the one in Florida.

For those who are looking for a more family-friendly experience, the “Universal Wonderland” area of the park is a must-visit. This area features kid-friendly rides, character meet-and-greets, and a variety of other activities that are perfect for families with young children.

Another unique aspect of Universal Studios Japan is the “Minion Park” which is not found in Florida. Here, visitors can experience the world of the Minions from the Despicable Me franchise, with rides, attractions, and meet-and-greets featuring the beloved characters.

For the much sought after Super Mario World part of the park, make sure to get special passes well in advance. We didn’t, and because of the crowds I didn’t get to see that part of the park.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Japan is a must-visit destination for any Harry Potter fan, as I am. This was the best part of the whole experience for me. The area is an immersive and faithful recreation of the wizarding village of Hogsmeade, complete with authentic-looking buildings, shops, and eateries.

One of the main attractions of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is the “Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey” ride. This ride simulates a journey through Hogwarts castle and allows visitors to experience some of the most iconic scenes from the Harry Potter movies. The ride is incredibly detailed and realistic, and it’s definitely one of the best Harry Potter-themed rides in the world.

In addition to the “Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey” ride, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter also features other popular attractions such as the “Dragon Challenge” rollercoaster and “Flight of the Hippogriff” family rollercoaster. The Dragon Challenge is different from the one in Florida, as it features different dragons and a different layout.

Another great aspect of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is the variety of shops and eateries that are located in the area. Visitors can stop by Ollivanders wand shop to purchase a wand, Honeyduke’s sweetshop for some delicious treats, and the Three Broomsticks for a meal. The shops and restaurants are designed to look just like the ones from the Harry Potter movies, making it easy to feel like you’re part of the wizarding world.

Overall, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Japan is an immersive and exciting destination that any Harry Potter fan will love. The area is filled with exciting rides, authentic shops and eateries, and live shows that bring the magic of the wizarding world to life.

Halloween in Universal Studios Japan

One of the highlights of Halloween at Universal Studios Japan is the park’s special “Halloween Horror Nights” event. This event features terrifying haunted houses, spine-chilling live shows, and creepy scare zones. The haunted houses are based on popular horror franchises, such as “Resident Evil” and “Silent Hill.” The live shows are also not to be missed, featuring dance performances and acrobatics.

Another great way to experience Halloween at Universal Studios Japan is by visiting the park’s various themed areas. For example, you can visit the “Wizarding World of Harry Potter” to see Hogsmeade and Hogwarts castle all decked out in Halloween decorations. Similarly, the “Minion Park” is also transformed into a spooky playground for the little ones to enjoy.

Overall, a visit to Universal Studios Japan during Halloween is a must-do for any theme park enthusiast. With its spooky haunted houses, festive decorations, and thrilling rides, this is sure to be a experience that you’ll never forget. Book your tickets in advance online, make sure to head in early because of the crowds and enjoy a care-free day in this theme park.

Our journey would continue the next morning as we boarded the bullet train to Hiroshima. More on that visit in the next installment.