Universal Studios Japan Park ユニバーサルスタジオジャパン

Universal Studios Japan, the blockbuster park

The third most visited theme park in Japan behind Tokyo Disney Resort and Tokyo Disney Sea , it welcomes tens of millions of visitors each year in search of great entertainment . The third franchise establishment, it was the first to be built outside the United States.

From its opening in 2001 , Universal Studios Japan met with a success which allowed the park to grow rapidly. Today, it is the fifth busiest amusement park in the world . It is very popular in Japan, so many Japanese have an Annual Pass which allows them to visit their favorite park at any time.

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The park is located in Osaka Bay , which makes it very easily accessible by public transport. It also covers 50 hectares and is divided into nine sections . Its 40 attractions allow visitors, young and old, never to be bored ... The most famous films, cartoons and franchises are entitled to their attraction or show: Shrek, Jurassic Park, Moi Moche et Méchant, Les Dents de la Mer, Sesame Street ... and of course Harry Potter, which holds the top bill.

At certain times, visitors also have access to temporary attractions , which usually relate to popular manga such as One Piece or Attack on Titan.

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Universal Studios Japan, attractions and shows

This huge space is divided into nine sections : Hollywood, NewYork, Minion Park, San Francisco, Jurassic Park, Water World, Amity Village, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and Universal Wonderland .

The locations and attractions dedicated to the Harry Potter film series opened in 2014. A replica of Hogwarts Castle even perches on a false cliff ... This is where you can try your hand at the flagship attraction, "Harry Potter and the forbidden journey " . Roller coasters are also offered with "Flight of the Hippogriff" , and visitors can also get lost in the magic of iconic book and movie shops, with perfect replicas such as Honeydukes Confectionery, Magic Wand Shop d'Ollivander, or the Three Broomsticks tavern.

Then experience a descent of rapids among the dinosaurs of JurassicPark , but also the roller coaster "The flying Dinosaur" where you are installed above the void throughout the course.

Give yourself chills in a frantic race in the streets of New York alongside Spiderman, enjoy Shrek en4D or the magnificent Waterworld show. On the side of Minion Park , the little ones will be able to find their heroes the Minions, mischievous yellow acolytes in the films Me, Moche and Méchant. Universal Wonderland puts forward heroes and franchises such as Hello Kitty, Snoopy, Elmo and more broadly the Sesame Street show.

Universal Studios Japan: Super Nintendo World

Finally, the park will see its number of attractions increase in spring 2020 . Finally, a new themed area opens its doors at the Universal Studios in Osaka: the Super Nintendo World . It is the universe of Mario which is put forward there at first. We already know that an attraction will be dedicated to Mario Kart , and another to Yoshi , but also that Peach's castle and Bowser's castle will be reproduced. In the future, other franchises of the Kyoto firm (such as Zelda or Donkey Kong), could also benefit from attractions ...

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Information and advice for a visit to Universal Studios Japan

First of all, you should know that Universal Studios Japan is a very busy park. You will therefore often have to take your troubles patiently. We recommend that you arrive as early as possible, as the visit lasts all day. If you can, absolutely avoid going there on weekends, Japanese holidays, school holidays, and other popular times such as Golden Week in early May.

Pass prices vary depending on the day of the visit, as do the opening hours. It is advisable to take information directly from the official website , available in English. Also be sure to check the closing dates of some attractions here , which sometimes last for several weeks.

Tickets can be purchased up to three months in advance online . It is also possible to buy your pass on the spot the same day - however, the counters are quickly taken by storm. Finally, there are various " Universal Express Passes " which reduce waiting time for a number of attractions to choose from.