[JAPAN] Osaka Universal Studio

18:30 Travel Bunny 0 Comments

Universal Studio Japan in Osaka has greeted over 100 million visitors since its opening in 2001. The popular ride Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, located in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, is named the world’s number one ride for five consecutive years. Of course, I wouldn’t miss the opportunity to visit Universal Studio Japan while I was in Osaka.



It was a rainy day that day. Passed by the Universal City Walk links Universal City station with the park entrance.



There is a limited time special attractions “Universal Cool Japan” which features Japanese anime characters like Sailor Moon, Final Fantasy, Conan and Godzilla from 19 January to 24 June 2018.



Entrance to Universal Studio Japan.



Minion Park is another popular themed area in Universal Studio Japan.

This is the second Universal Studio theme park that I’ve visited. The first is the one in Singapore. All-you-need-to-know information about Universal Studio Japan is at the bottom of this post.



A cute child in a Minion rain coat.



The opening time of Universal Studio Japan is typically 8.30am to 9am. But it may be changed without notice. Please check the official website again before visiting. Also, there is a possibility of starting admission earlier than the park opening time on that day.



This is the Sesame Street.



Universal Wondeland is an area aimed at children and families. It contains three themed sub-zones including Snoopy Studios, Hello Kitty's Fashion Avenue, and Sesame Street Fun Zone.



At peak times, it may be necessary to have a Timed Entry Ticket to visit The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Japan. Free Timed Entry Tickets can be obtained free of charge in the Central park but the ticket is in limited number and only allow entry at designated time.
But since it was a rainy day, so Timed Entry Ticket was not needed on that day.



At the entrance of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, people are lining up to take photo with Weasley family’s flying car in Harry Potter series.



We were excited to have entered The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.



A butterbeer stall behind me. Butterbeer is a popular drink which is a sweet non-alcoholic drink that can be enjoyed by children and adult alike. It’s cheaper to buy it with a plastic cup, or you can buy it with a glass and get to keep the glass afterwards.







There are two rides in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey and Flight of the Hippogriff. The main attraction is of course Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey in the Hogwarts Castle.



You must be 122 cm tall before you can take the ride. The waiting time was 120 minutes. And this is the off-peak time.



The waiting line was sure long.



Finally, we got to enter the Hogwarts Castle.



The castle looked gloomy on a rainy day.



It is possible to walk through Hogwarts Castle without riding the ride attraction. Just like the movie, there are many talking and moving portraits inside. The ride was sure fun and you have to experience it yourself! The ride is also recently upgraded so visitors can now enjoy the ride without 3D glasses and the special effects have been enhanced even more.



After the ride, we visited the various Harry Potter themed stores.







Harry Potter fans can buy replicas of Harry Potter film character’s wands in the souvenir shop.





Have you seen this Wizard poster.



Even the bathroom is modelled after the movie set.



Decided to have lunch here at Three Broomsticks, a tavern which serves its specialty, Butterbeer.



Interior of Three Broomsticks.



Cheers to our adventure in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. As mentioned earlier, you can keep the Butterbeer glass after drinking.



Outside Three Broomstick, you can have a good view of Hogwarts Castle.







After lunch, we visited Honeydukes, a sweetshop selling unique sweets which is loved by students of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.



Popular sweets such as Bertie Bott’s Every-Flavour Beans and Chocolate Frogs are sold here.



Taking a photo together in the Honeydukes.



Replica of Hogwarts Express Steam Engine is a great place to take a commemorative photo.



The Universal Studio Japan staff was kind enough to take a photo of me and my sister in front of the train’s carriage.



Next, we moved to the Jurassic Park.



It has a terrific roller coaster ride, The Flying Dinosaur, for adrenaline junkie as the entire ride is upside down!



Moving on to the Minion Park.





You can see Minions all over the place. I bought a King Bob Minions popcorn bucket for 3,200 yen.



Cro Minion popcorn bucket also priced at 3,200 yen.



Minions sweets (500 yen).



Minions toys…



Minions Crocs…



And even Minions underwear!



You can also dress your toddler head to toe dressed in Minions.





The bank ATM machine at Minion Park is decorated as Bank of Evil, haha.



It’s another long line waiting to ride the Despicable Me Minion Mayhem. It’s a 4D ride which is quite fun and exciting too.



We also visited Backdraf attraction, which is quite exciting at the end. You can really see and feel the inferno up close.



We didn’t played much ride that day. Was tired of standing and waiting the long line, so we just hanged out at one of the cafes.



Before we knew it, it was already evening.



It’s time to leave the theme park.



Had one last stopover at the souvenir shop, and we’re off.



Universal City Walk at night.



Taking the JR line back to our hotel.


Universal Studio Japan
Admission fee: normal entrance ticket – 7,038 yen per adult
Fast Pass is sold separately. The cost is depending on how many attractions you’re buying (3, 5 of 7).
Where to buy:
1. The easiest way for tourists is to buy at the Tourist Information Center at Kansai International Airport
2. Buy online at www.usj.co.jp (Only the Japanese website allow you to buy online tickets. You’ll need to translate the website into English and register as a member. I bought the tickets through this way but it’s quite a hassle because you need to fill in your Japanese name and address. The ticket is in pdf format and you can print it out or save in your cell phone to scan the QR code.)
3. Buy at the entrance of Universal Studio Japan (not recommended as you will spend time waiting in line to buy the tickets, then wait in another line to get in)

Opening time: typically 8.30am to 9am. But it may be changed without notice. Please check the official website again before visiting. Also, there is a possibility of starting admission earlier than the park opening time on that day.

Getting there: JR Osaka Loop line to Nishikujo station and change to JR Yumesaki line to Universal City station.

To download the USJ map, click here.