I have written a guide on Super Nintendo World for Japan Travel Planning here with my general tips. Take a look here now.
Random suggestions if you are staying at Universal Studios with kids for several days – it is expensive so it is worth looking at the cost of an annual pass for Universal Studios Japan vs your ticket prices. Sounds crazy but an annual pass allows you to skip queues and can be cheaper than buying lots and lots of express prices ahead of time.
Just a heads up, Universal Studios Japan can have MEGA MEGA lines in peak season.
Personally, I wouldn’t consider visiting without pre-purchased express passes (unlike Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo Disneysea where you cannot request or pay for premier passes until you are physically in the park.) Without express passes at USJ, for me, it’s just too much waiting.
DO YOU REALLY NEED EXPRESS PASSES TO VISIT UNIVERSAL STUDIOS IN OSAKA WITH KIDS?
My personal opinion is yes. I would NEVER go to Universal Studios with kids without an express pass. This makes for a very expensive day out so if you are cutting costs on your trip – I highly recommended choosing Tokyo Disneyland or Disneysea instead – it will save you a LOT of money.
There are many people that do go to Universal Studios without an express pass and have managed to still make it into the new Super Nintendo World by running straight there or being super lucky with the timed entry – but for me? It’s just too much risk – especially with little kids with big expectations.
So please allow me to be blunt – without an express pass I think it’s not fair to take children. They will spend too long waiting and may miss out on some of the best bits for them.
The exception to my “rule” about express passes? Small babies and toddlers who really only want to go on the little rides and don’t care for Harry Potter or anything Mario.
DO YOU REALLY NEED THE POWER UP BAND WHEN VISITING UNIVERSAL STUDIOS JAPAN?
Power Up Bands are slap wrist bracelets with QR codes attached. If you decide to buy them, I recommend doing so ahead of time with a travel agency like JTB or to purchase them once inside Super Nintendo World (not at the SNW entrance as the line there is always a big line there.)
If you are watching your budget and your children are small I think you could get away with having two children share one bracelet.
We made the mistake of buying them for all 4 of us (adults included) and we should have just got them for the kids instead.
The Power Up Bands are used to tap against different items in Super Nintendo World area and collect stars and stamps and points – that then appear in the app. Once a certain amount of stars or stamps have been collected, band wearers can participate in a Nintendo style battle.
Unfortunately, as the SNW section is small and crowded, it can be quite a wait to tap the band at certain sections – so if your kids are small and won’t care about doing this -then skip the power up bands entirely.
HOW DO I GET MY UNIVERSAL STUDIOS JAPAN TICKETS ON TO THE USJ APP?
See this image on how to load your tickets on to the Universal Studios Osaka app.
PREPARING AHEAD FOR UNIVERSAL STUDIOS IN JAPAN
Much like in my Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo Disneysea advice, for kids it is best to be prepared and pack ahead. One of the reasons it to be ready for long waits for rides.
This free Mario printable is fab to have in your back pocket and can buy you a good 20-30 mins of quiet, entertained kids.
Here is the link for this Mario free printable worksheet.
WHAT TO PACK WHEN VISITING UNIVERSAL STUDIOS
Weather appropriate clothing (not too many layers to carry around as you want to “travel light” ) so, in winter, I recommend one warm jacket with light clothing underneath
Some small snacks (anything that resembles fast food or a meal will not be allowed in- I pack some sweets and some chopped veggies and maybe a few cookies?)
It’s also best to know everyone in your group’s height in cms before you go so you don’t line up for a ride to be told later that you are too tall or too short to take part.
Make sure you have the Universal Studios Japan app already downloaded on your phone.
UNIVERSAL STUDIOS RIDES WITH HEIGHT RESTRICTIONS
See here for the height restrictions for Universal Studios Japan rides.
For those who are not tall but do have bigger bodies – unfortunately there isn’t a way to check if you are able to ride certain rides until you are in the park (they will have a sample carriage/ride for you to try.) However, the general rule is, if the safety bar cannot close properly – guests are unable to ride (pretty understandable but it is a shame that it’s hard not being able to check ahead.)
ENTERING THE PARK
If you have purchased tickets via Klook (many people do as they have trouble with their international credit card on the USJ Official Website) then it is best to have ticket screenshots ready as you will need to upload the QR codes into the Universal Studios Japan app when you arrive – in order to apply for timed entry to Super Mario World (if you don’t already have an express pass for this area.)
SUPER NINTENDO WORLD AT UNIVERSAL STUDIOS IN JAPAN
As it is quite new, entry to Super Nintendo World is not guaranteed with a normal ticket to Universal Studios Japan.
For this reason I highly (strongly) recommend you pay extra when buying your ticket and grab an express pass that includes a timed entry to Super Nintendo World.
If you don’t have an express pass it is possible to apply for a timed entry via the app once you have entered the park.
*Don’t buy Power Up Bands on the walk into Universal Studios Japan. There is a big line here and less people lining up inside the area.
Please note that there are a few opportunities to take photos with Peach or Mario etc just inside the entrance to Super Nintendo World. Please keep in mind that, first thing in the morning, lines are getting longer for rides as you line up for a picture so please work out what your priority is.
Koopa’s Challenge (in Japan – the character “Bowser” is called “Koopa.”)
An interactive Mario Cart game. Not that children need to be at least 107 cm to ride with a guardian or 122cm to ride alone.
Yoshi’s Adventure
A slow ride where riders sit on a giant Yoshi’s back and basically take a slow paced tour of the top exterior wall of Super Nintendo World. There is an extra challenge when you need to press one of three coloured buttons when you spot Yoshi’s eggs. Children need to be at least 92 cms tall to ride with an adult or 122cm to ride alone.
Power Up Band Key Challenges
Battle against Koopa in an interactive video games after collecting the keys in various places around Super Nintendo World. More details on the challenges on the USJ website here.
UNIVERSAL STUDIOS JAPAN FOR MINIONS FANS
You can find Minions for a meet and greet outside of Gru’s house in Minion’s Park. They are also sometimes found inside the Basement Lab. More information here. You can also meet Minions at the 42nd Street Greeting Gallery.
One of our favourite rides in the park is the Minions Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem ride. It’s kind of a similar idea to the StarWars ride at Disneyland. You sit in a little rocket with a big screen ahead of you and ride. Please note that kids need to be 102 cm or taller to ride.
My tip : try and ride in the front row (there are two rows) – even if it means saying you’ll wait for the next ride instead in order to do so – my husband is tall so we kept getting put in the back but it wasn’t as fun and didn’t feel as “real” as in the front so we asked to wait for the next car for our second and third times.
While in this area, I recommend getting the ice cream sandwich from the Delicious Me The Cookie Kitchen shop. The cookie part is shaped like a minion’s head and is filled with either banana or strawberry rare cheesecake ice cream.
There is another ride (kind of like the teacups kind of vibe) called Minions Freeze Ray Sliders. This ride and the line are all outdoors so skip it if it is raining heavily. Please note that children need to be at least 92cms tall to ride with an adult or 122cms to ride alone.
UNIVERSAL STUDIOS JAPAN FOR THOSE WHO LIKE THE THRILL RIDES
*Note: if you like thrill rides – do at least one of these first thing in the morning before the lines are too long
The Flying Dinosaur
This is probably the most extreme ride at USJ – I don’t know if we are cool parents or bad parents but we have all been on it and all really loved it. It’s rollercoaster where you are lying down (so kind of in a superman style pose?) the whole time. It’s pretty wild and has spins and loops etc. Not for the faint hearted. Please note that rides need to be taller than 132cm and shorter than 198 cms.
Hollywood Dream the Ride
This is a rollercoaster where you can choose one of four songs to blast as you ride. It’s great fun. Please note that you need to be taller than 132 cm to ride.
Hollywood Dream the Ride : Backdrop
This is the same idea except you ride backwards. I prefer forwards but, if you like coasters, I recommend trying both. Please note that you need to be at least 132 cms tall to ride.
Jurassic Park the Ride
This one has been around a long time and is starting to age a bit but that big drop at the end is worth it. If you don’t want to get wet definitely buy a plastic poncho from the vending machine at the ride entrance. You get properly soaked. Note: you need to be at least 122cms tall to ride (and kids can be 102 cms as long as they ride with a parent.) I don’t recommend this for kids that don’t like big drops or don’t feel comfy in the dark.
Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
This ride is part mini-coaster and part 4D ride. It feels like you’re on a broomstick behind Harry Potter.
It can be a bit scary – the lead up and pre-show makes it feel a bit scarier than it really is actually -my daughter almost changed her mind. But after we rode it first thing in the morning we lined up to ride it again immediately. My husband and I felt a tiny bit motion sick afterwards but nothing to prevent us from doing it again – just worth noting if someone in your family gets motion sickness easily (I think it’s because the ride takes you past lots of moving giant screens.)
Worth noting that rides need to be taller than 122cm.
**A RIDE THAT NOONE TALKS ABOUT THAT WE LOVE, LOVE, LOVED AT USJ!***
Space Fantasy!
This is an indoor ride with a similar vibe to space mountain but you are in a little spinning coaster. It speeds up at the end and is really really fun ( a bit thrilling so little kids may not like it.)
I can’t wait to ride this again already! I hope that they never get rid of this one. If you like space mountain and big thunder mountain at Disney – you’ll like this a lot.
Please note the riders must be taller than 122cm to ride.
THE LITTLE KIDS’ RIDES IN THE WONDERLAND SECTION
This area is great for kids who love Sesame Street and Snoopy. It’s very colourful and cute.
There is an option called Reserve and Ride ( all participating rides have signage that indicates this option.)
To use, take your entry ticket to each attraction and collect your pass with the set time.
OR reserve your rides via the app once you have entered the park.
You can even use it to ride the same ride many times.
Please note: on very busy days, the Reserve and Ride option may close around lunchtime – so, just in case, make sure you make use of this option early.
The Elmo, Snoopy rides are included as well as the Hello Kitty Ride.
*For the Elmo cars – regardless of height or weight -3-5 year olds can “drive” on their own.
FOR THOSE WHO ARE BIT NERVOUS ABOUT RIDES WITH DROPS AND TURNS:
Jaws
No drops or anything but meant to freak you out when a giant fake shark lunges at the boat. They also make it look like you float past previous “shark attacks.”
If you think your child might get scared.. ride during the day as it all looks super fake and is a bit funny.
This ride is a bit like Space Mountain but I like it even more because the whole ride isn’t in the dark. Doesn’t go upside down or anything but it does go fast.
WHERE TO EAT WITH KIDS AT UNIVERSAL STUDIOS IN OSAKA?
Happiness Cafe ( in the San Francisco/ Minions area)
Unable to reserve.
Popular on hot days as they offer an all you can drink soft-drink bar
They have high chairs
The kids menu plate has a Japanese curry and fried prawn. Kids’ set comes with all-you-can-drink juice bar access.
Their little Choux Creme’s are adorable – they have little minion eyes. Very cute.
Louie’s Pizza Parlor
Takeout pizza in a pizza box is an option – so great for sitting and eating while watching a parade
However, even for takeout, the line to order is looooooong & they don’t allow you to line up with a stroller ( so you’ll need to park it outside)
We had the most success here with one parent lining up to order and the rest of the family hovering over outside tables and ready to pounce when the group before us finished eating.
Mel’s Drive In
American Style burgers.
Need to get your own seat ( lots of seating available but still gets busy.)
The Dragon’s Pearl
Mostly a fried rice restaurant. Not much seating inside but lots of seating options spilling out on the to the street.
Meals are served in a cardboard bento style box so can also be taken away and eaten while waiting for a parade.
Please note that this restaurant closes on certain days so check the USJ website once you arrive.
Kinopio Cafe
This place is very busy but also very family friendly. To dine here, come here right after gates open for a timed entry (before they are sold out and you will just have to line up.)
For gluten free diners, please be aware that, as of late 2023, they no longer have a low allergen menu food option and the Yoshi drinks are no longer gluten free. Currently, the only gluten free options are the vegetable salad and the Super Star Lemon Squash (please double check as you order, though.)
*An additional tip for those who are gluten free: Hard Rock Cafe at Universal City Walk (the area just outside of USJ) has a gluten free menu!
UNIVERSAL STUDIOS RESTAURANTS THAT ACCEPT RESERVATIONS
*Reservations can be made exactly one month prior to reservation date – at 11am on that day.
Please make sure you are logging on right at 11am as reservation times fill up quickly.
As soon as you enter Super Nintendo World you can go straight to Kinopio’s Cafe for timed entry.
WHEN TO EAT AT USJ?
Eat between at 10am or after 2pm -you are allowed to bring light snacks in for kids (no hot food, fast food or bentos) so fill in the gaps with those.
Vegan options inside Universal Studios Japan
The Three Broomsticks in Harry Potter World will prepare a plate of boiled and steamed vegetables if you specify that you are vegan ( not a very exciting options but still… )
You can also try and take a simple meal from home with you – explaining at the gate that you are unable to eat animal products.
Just outside the park at Universal City, I have recommendations for some great options for vegetarians and vegans here.
TOILETS AT UNIVERSAL STUDIOS JAPAN
Toilets can get crowded so remind everyone to go often or let you know as soon as they need to go.
PARADES AT UNIVERSAL STUDIOS OSAKA
Choose and hold a spot for the parade around 1 hour prior to the parade starting. You can get takeout pizza to eat in your spot from Louie’s Pizza Parlor or Fried Rice meal from The Dragon’s Pearl. You can also take turns with one adult holding your spot – warning: if no-one is at your spot the staff can remove your mat or whatever you’re using as a place holder.
Warning – some parade viewing sections are reserved for guest who have pre-purchased viewing tickets ahead of time. Can purchase on the website if you are interested.
BREASTFEEDING AT USJ
Breastfeeding rooms – can also require a wait as can nappy changing stations.
The Hogsmead show & the Ollivanders shows are half in English and half in Japanese.
The Sing Show is almost all in English – the songs are entirely in English, even.
The Waterworld Show is all in Japanese but we all love it for the stunts (warning. – don’t sit at the front if you don’t want to get splashed.) The basic outline of the WaterWorld ride is on the USJ website here.
The Wizarding World in Universal Studios Japan doesn’t have Platform 9 3/4 and no training ride.HOW DOES UNIVERSAL STUDIOS JAPAN COMPARE TO UNIVERSAL STUDIOS HOLLYWOOD?
Hollywood’s Super Nintendo World doesn’t have the Yoshi ride.
Be warned that if you have small children -avoid the evening halloween parade at Universal Studios Japan. It’s scary! Zombies chasing guests and just lots of creepy things going on.
USJ run an all night event for New Years Eve. It sells out really really quickly and is made for couples and university students more than families.
The Donkey Kong merch is already on sale within the park.
WHERE TO EAT BEFORE AND AFTER THE PARK AT UNIVERSAL STUDIOS IN JAPAN?
Dinner after the park – lots to choose from on the Universal City Walk (here are my favourite spots to eat with kids here) but – warning- it is super dooper crowded at lunch and dinner times ( to the point where you can’t even walk into a convenience store with a stroller. I recommend making a reservation for one of the city walk restaurants ahead of time ( although this can be hard to do if you don’t know when you’ll be leaving…)
SOUVENIRS & GIFTS FROM USJ
As you can see here, we love some USJ Mario merch. This Mario hat and popcorn bucket are our favourites.
ARE THERE ANY SPECIAL PACKAGES WHERE I CAN GET INTO UNIVERSAL STUDIOS EARLY?
JTB have special hotel packages for guests staying at official hotels that allow for 15 min early entry.
