Universal Studios Japan – 10 Incredible Rides, Delicious Foods and Mesmerising Parades to Check Out

If you’re travelling to Osaka, don’t miss out on visiting Universal Studios Japan which boasts a world of exhilarating roller coasters and captivating live performances. Whether you love adrenaline-pumping thrill rides, cute characters or the Harry Potter series, there is something for everyone at Universal Studios Japan. Check out the 10 rides, foods and parades that you must experience at Universal Studios Japan.

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Rides

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When I first visited Universal Studios Japan last year, I did not try any rides due to the long waiting time. I did not want to waste time queuing, so I only went around taking pictures, eating and watching parades. Fortunately, with the Universal Express Pass 4 Attractions Harry Potter + Minions (Add-on for Universal Studios Japan) from Changi Recommends, Jayden and I managed to experience 4 fun rides during our visit to Universal Studios Japan this year.

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#1 – Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey

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Experience the reality and the thrill of a new dimension in the wizarding world that unfolds 360 degrees around you like never before when you go on the Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey ride. With ultra-realistic images, you can go beyond reality without 3D glasses. With powerful magic effects, you’ll be able to feel the dragon’s heat and the Dementor’s chill as they encounter you. It was an unforgettable sensory adventure with Harry Potter and his friends.

Ps. We walked through the impressive Hogwarts Castle before the ride. You can walk through the castle without going on the ride too.

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#2 – Despicable Me Minion Mayhem

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The Despicable Me Minion Mayhem plunges you into the whirling world of the Minions. With a massive dome screen and hyper-realistic projection system, you won’t know what’s up and what’s down. Climb aboard a vehicle designed by Gru and enter his laboratory to begin the process of becoming an actual Minion. Under the supervision of Gru and his three daughters, you’ll dash through the air and back to earth, going upside down and round and round. It was an exhilarating experience to plunge into the mayhem of the Minions on this ride.

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#3 – The Amazing Adventures of Spiderman – The Ride 4K3D

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The world’s best attraction and the first to win world’s best ride award for 7 consecutive years has been transformed into a whole new ride by gaining the world’s best technology “4K3D”. Unbelievable impact that confuses the imaginary with the reality, and the series of special effects over 100, will give you an incredibly immersive experience. It felt as though we were swinging from one skyscraper to another, together with Spiderman, while fighting off the villains.

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#4 – JAWS

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This ride is totally made for kids. The boat tour departing a peaceful port town starts out in a friendly and relaxed mood, but suddenly a huge, man-eating shark appears, throwing everyone into the depth of fear. Rifles and wall of fire are no match to this unimaginably gigantic body. With its humongous mouth and sharp teeth, it can even bite a hole in the bottom of a ship. Will you be able to find the chance and escape from the repeatedly attacking shark safely?!

We’re pretty sure that many of you love theme parks, but everyone hates queuing. Make the most of your trip to Universal Studios Japan with the Universal Express Pass, which entitles you not just entry into the popular Wizarding World of Harry Potter, but to skip the queues for the top rides in the theme park too. There are 4 and 7 attraction passes for you to choose from, depending on your preference. Please note that this is not the Universal Studios Japan entry ticket. To use the Universal Express Pass, you will need to purchase the general admission ticket.

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Cafés and Restaurants

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You’ll definitely feel hungry after all the excitement and running around. There are numerous cafés and restaurants located inside Universal Studios Japan, and the following are 5 themed foods that are worth savouring.

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#5 – Butter Beer from The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

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Despite its name, Butter Beer does not contain alcohol. This child-friendly beverage is extremely sweet and creamy. Although Jayden is not a fan of the butter beer, I love it, especially the hot version served during the cold months.

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#6 – Minion Fried Chicken Plate from the Happiness Café

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Last year, the Minion Japanese Curry Omurice was available. This year, the menu features the Minion Burger, the Minion Fried Chicken and the Keema Curry. I tried the fried chicken while Jayden went for the curry. The fried chicken is served with marinated pumpkin and bell peppers, rice, salad, corn chowder and a drink of your choice. Kids will never be able to resist the fried chicken. However, be warned that the curry that Jayden had was spicy.

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#7 – Santa Minion Shortcake Cookie Sandwich from Delicious Me Café

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Since we visited Universal Studios Japan during the festive season, we came across the Santa Minion Shortcake Cookie Sandwich. This cookie sandwich is served in 3 flavours – Tiramisu, Banana Ice Cream and Fruits and Strawberry and Cheese. We had the Strawberry and Cheese Cookie Sandwich which was very refreshing.

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#8 – Turkey Leg

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When visiting a theme park, it’s a tradition to chomp down a giant turkey leg. The turkey leg is very well marinated and has tender flesh. It’s a great theme park snack.

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#9 – Cheesy Pizza from Louie’s N.Y. Pizza Parlour

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Louie’s N.Y. Pizza Parlour is one of the few restaurants that is still open in the evening. Upon entering this restaurant, we could smell the aromatic mixture of mozzarella, tomato and freshly baked pizza crusts. The restaurant is very generous with their serving of pizza, and it’s hard not to fall in love with this comfort food.

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Parades and Performances

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There are many parades and performances during the festive season. We watched The Crystal Promise, the Crystal Greetings with the Minions and other parades and performances. However, there is one particular parade that we highly recommend.

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#10 – Universal Spectacle Night Parade – The Best of Hollywood

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This enhanced parade brings new dimensions to life. Experience the up-close excitement from the world of Harry Potter, witness the world’s first transforming float from the universe of Transformers, feel the fury of the dinosaurs as you journey into Jurassic World, and encounter Minion Mayhem as the street turns into a Minions disco party. The illuminated vehicles and outfits are so captivating.

Universal Studios Japan is certainly worth visiting!

Universal Studios Japan
Address: 2 Chome-1-33 Sakurajima, Konohana Ward, Osaka, Osaka Prefecture 554-0031, Japan
Opening Hours: Daily 9am to 10pm. Universal Studios Japan’s operating hour subject to change without notice. Be sure to check the website before visiting.
Website: https://www.usj.co.jp/e/

Universal Studios Park Tickets and Express Passes can be purchased from from Changi Recommends. Note that this is a collaboration with Changi Recommends (https://www.changirecommends.com/).