Universal Studios Japan

Universal Studios Japan opened on 31 March 2001 as the third Universal Studios park in the world and the first outside the United States. It occupies about 54 hectares of reclaimed land in Konohana-ku, on the western edge of Osaka beside the bay, and is now run by a subsidiary of NBCUniversal. It is one of the busiest theme parks anywhere, with around 16 million visitors a year in 2023 and 2024, which placed it third in the world and first in Asia in 2024.

The park is laid out in themed areas. Super Nintendo World, opened in March 2021, recreates the Mario games at full scale, and its Donkey Kong Country extension followed in December 2024. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, opened in 2014, is built around the castle ride Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. Minion Park, based on the Despicable Me films, arrived in 2017, and Jurassic Park has the water ride Jurassic Park: The Ride and the flying-style roller coaster The Flying Dinosaur. Universal Wonderland, with Snoopy and Hello Kitty sections, is aimed at younger children, while Hollywood, New York and San Francisco areas hold shows, shops and further rides. The line-up changes regularly: the Sesame Street section closed in May 2026, and older rides such as the Spider-Man attraction have been retired.

Plan ahead. Super Nintendo World often operates on timed entry at busy periods, so check the official app and website for how entry works on your date, and consider a paid express pass if you want to ride the headline attractions without very long waits. Opening hours change from day to day and by season, so confirm them on the official site the day before. Weekdays outside Japanese school holidays are generally quieter than weekends, Golden Week, the summer break and the run-up to Christmas.

A full day is the minimum; serious fans of both Nintendo and Harry Potter may want two. The park suits families with children of all ages, teenagers and adult fans of the films and games, though some rides have height restrictions. Food is available throughout the park, and there are shops near the entrance for merchandise, so leave time before closing.

Universal City Station on the JR Yumesaki Line is about five minutes' walk from the entrance, and there are several direct trains an hour from Osaka Station, taking about 15 minutes; otherwise change at Nishikujo. Universal CityWalk Osaka, just outside the gates, has hotels, restaurants and shops, and the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan is across the water at Tempozan.