When it comes to Japan's Universal Studios, many rides and attractions have been inspired by famous movies. From popular mascots like the Minions to the Amazing Spiderman, Universal Studios delivers an unforgettable experience as you explore the worlds you've only seen behind the screens.
Table of Contents
- A Brief History of Universal Studios Japan (USJ)
- Famous Movie Inspired Attractions at Universal Studios Japan
- Soon to Rise at Universal Studios Japan
- Operation Hours and Tickets
- Conclusion
A Brief History of Universal Studios Japan (USJ)
Why Japan
Universal Studios Japan is managed under Comcast NBCUniversal. USJ has an area of 54 hectares in the Osaka Bay area, featuring a number of rides; both geared towards children and adults who may have an appetite for exhilarating rides. It is the first Universal Studio theme park outside the USA.
Some of the reasons why the management chose Japan are:
(1) the Japanese love of movies;
(2) there are a limited number of theme parks in Japan as compared to the USA;
(3) the potential number of customers since the population base in Japan and other neighboring countries is enormous; and
(4) there is a good partnership of the management with the City of Osaka and other businesses within the area.
USJ’s design is similar to Universal Studios Orlando. However, there were services designed solely for Japan— a former one being the Woody Woodpecker’s Animation Celebration and a current one being the Snoopy Studios.
USJ History
The theme park's research and development started in 1994, and after two years, the master agreement concluded. The licensing agreement was decided upon and the construction began in 1998, and after three years, USJ finally opened.
From 2002 to 2006, USJ continuously added a few attractions like the Hollywood Premier Parade, Sesame Street 4D Movie Magic, Shrek's 4D Adventure, The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man, Happy Harmony Celebration, Peter Pan's Neverland, Land of Oz, and WICKED. Later on, the Hollywood Dream – The Ride, Universal Wonderland, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Minion Park, Universal Spectacle Night Parade – The Best of Hollywood, and SING ON TOUR were introduced to the public.
Today, USJ has eight sections, which are The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Universal Wonderland, Waterworld, San Francisco, New York, Jurassic Park, Hollywood, and Amity Village. Each section offers food that is matched to the area's theme, adding to the customers' delight.
※ Universal Studios Japan, "History of Universal Studios Japan"
Writer's Pick
Famous Movie Inspired Attractions at Universal Studios Japan
The majority of the attractions are inspired by movies. Steven Speilberg—the popular screenwriter, producer, and director who is known for bringing us blockbusters like Jaws, Indiana Jones, E.T the Extra-Terrestrial, and Jurassic Park—is a creative consultant for Universal Theme Parks, so precision with every detail is expected.
Wizarding World of Harry Potter
It’s not surprising that USJ has dedicated a part of the park to the highly influential Harry Potter. Allow your inner child to take over and get lost in the sight of robes and wands, be mesmerized with the smell and taste of butter beer, and be enamored with the castle. Every Harry Potter fan knows a true wizard’s first tool is his or her own wand. So, start off by going to the Olivander’s Wand to choose the apt wand for you. When you visit this park, try the famous Butter Beer or the Butter Beer-flavored ice cream, and who would forget Bertie Bot’s Every-Flavored Beans? Or, let your eyes feast on the Hogwarts Castle and try the rides in 3D.
Despicable Me Minions Mayhem
The Minion theme park is an area based on the Despicable Me movie. The favorite ride is the Minion Mayhem in which the tourists are seated in a vehicle that will move along with the 3D images shown. This area also offers a lot of stores great for souvenir-spotting. The Minions will tickle your funny bones.
Hollywood Dream Rides
There is the Hollywood Dream-The Ride which is the roller coaster with the common forward-facing flow and there is the Hollywood Dream-The Ride- Backdrop. If you want to experience riding the roller coaster backwards, the latter ride is for you. The backward roller coaster is one of the most sought-after rides in USJ. You can ride the coaster all while listening to music!
The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man Ride
This attraction has a story and the guests must keep up with Spider-man to help conclude the narrative. The Amazing Adventures of Spider-man features action-packed rides and stunts with villains that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Jurassic Park
For the fans of Jurassic Park, there’s a special place for you. USJ also offers the tropical world of Jurassic Park with the boat tour where tourists are introduced to the prehistoric environment when dinosaurs roamed the earth. Wait for the heart-pumping surprise as you go along the tour. There is also a newly installed roller coaster named The Flying Dinosaur. It’s not your typical roller coaster—everyone lies horizontal to the ground. Not for the faint of the heart but still so worth it!
Additionally, if you are looking for shows, USJ offers 30-minute shows throughout the day. There is also Universal Wonderland where tourists can interact with famous childrens’ characters. After all, characters are a huge part of the USJ experience, where you can interact with Snoopy, Hello Kitty, Minions and so on!
Soon to Rise at Universal Studios Japan
Super Nintendo World
The world of Nintendo is finally arriving in USJ, which will be available in 2021. It will feel real because the Super Mario game section will feature a Power Up Band—a wristband enabling the guests to collect coins and items, hit blocks, just like in the games and other interactive activities. Another feature to be excited about is the Mario Café & Store, which is the world’s first immersive Super Mario café & store, featuring Mario and Luigi sculptures & colorful gradients from the Mushroom Kingdom. If you are looking for Super Mario accessories and merchandise, look no further!
The Secret Life of Pets
This cute ride based on the movie is opening soon at Universal Studios Hollywood which will feature 64 animated figures. Something the pet lovers all look forward to! With the movie’s success, there is anticipation in constructing the same in Universal Studios Japan. Fingers crossed!
Operation Hours and Tickets
Park Entry Tickets and Where to Get Them
The park entrance and use of all attractions are included in the Admission Ticket. Tickets are typically bought at the gate, and ticket booths are open from an hour before the opening and until two hours prior to the park's closing. Ticket sales via travel agencies are suspended as of the moment due to the pandemic. Partner hotels also offer tickets on the check-in day and the subsequent day. If you are looking for nearby hotels, check out Hotel Keihan Universal Tower, Park Front Hotel, Hotel Keihan Universal City, and Hotel Universal Port.
Ticket Costs and Discounts
Admission fees depend on the age of the guest and the date of purchase. As of the moment, it is indicated on the theme park’s website that adults who are twelve years old or over shall pay 7,800 yen for a one-day studio pass. A two-day studio pass amounts to 15,400 yen. As for children from ages 4 to 11, a one-day studio pass amounts to 5,400 yen and for seniors who are aged 65 or above, there is a one-day pass amounting to 7,100 yen.
Only the Annual Studio Passes grant re-entry to the park after exiting. There are also Express Passes, which allow the visitor to skip the lines for certain rides. However, unlike a Fastpass at Disneyland, these must be purchased in advance.
※ Universal Studios Japan, "Tickets"
Operating Hours
The opening hours are from 9 AM to 7 PM during national holidays, and 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM during weekdays. Before or after touring the USJ, you can stroll at the mall outside the theme park called Universal Citywalk Osaka where different shops and restaurants are offered. Inside the Universal Citywalk Osaka is the Osaka Takoyaki Museum, where tourists can taste local dishes by different vendors.
※ Universal Studios Japan, "Latest News"
Conclusion
Kids and adults who are young-at-heart will definitely cherish the memories in Universal Studios Japan. It offers first-rate entertainment, jaw-dropping attraction, and spectacular shows. These are proved by the constant awards and top rankings of this theme park. In fact, according to the Global Attraction Attendance Report, USJ had topped the rankings of the amusement/theme parks worldwide in the last five years— top 4 in 2015, 2016, and 2017, and top 5 in 2018 and 2019. Universal Studios Japan lives up to its tagline, "Bringing You the Best of the World."
※ AECOM, "2015 Theme Index - 2015 Museum Index," p.12 ※ Themed Entertainment Association, "Theme Index Museum Index 2016," p.10 ※ Themed Entertainment Association, "Theme Index Museum Index 2017," p.10 ※ AECOM, "Theme Index Museum Index 2019," p.12
