Universal Studios Japan, also known as USJ, is a popular theme park that's seen a lot of changes over the years. It has 10 different zones, including Super Nintendo World™, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™, Minion Park, and others. Each year, about 13 million people visit, drawn by attractions like the Harry Potter and Nintendo areas. However, this popularity means very long lines, with waits over 200 minutes for the most popular rides.
Here's a tip: the park is big and full of things to do, which can be overwhelming. You might end up wandering around and missing out on the best rides because you're distracted by other attractions. Some areas, like Harry Potter or Nintendo World, can only hold so many people at a time, so you can't stay long. To make the most of your visit, focus on the top rides and shows. This way, you'll save time and see the best parts of the park. Below is a list of the 10 best rides and 6 top shows at USJ to help you plan your visit.
Recommended Universal Studios Japan tickets
Best Universal Studios Japan rides
1. Flight of the Hippogriff™
Zone: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™
Duration: 2 minutes
The Flight of the Hippogriff™ ride is perfect for Harry Potter enthusiasts. It's a gentle coaster where you pretend to ride a Hippogriff, a mythical creature with an eagle's head and a horse's body. Guided by Hagrid, you'll navigate near his hut and a pumpkin patch. Ideal for fans of the magical creatures from Harry Potter, this ride usually has a 60-minute wait, so consider an express pass to save time.
2. JAWS
Zone: Amity Village
Duration: 7 minutes
The JAWS ride at Amity Harbour starts as a calm boat tour but quickly turns thrilling when a huge shark attacks. This ride is known for its intense moments, as rifles and fire can't stop the shark with its massive mouth and sharp teeth. It's so powerful it seems like it could bite through the boat! While families often ride together, using the single-rider queue can save time.
3. Hollywood Dream - The Ride
Zone: Hollywood
Duration: 3 minutes
The Hollywood Dream rollercoaster is a thrilling ride located in the Hollywood zone of the park. It's a smooth coaster that doesn't flip you upside down but still has exciting drops and high-speed sections. One cool feature is that you can pick a song to listen to during the ride; for example, you might choose Michael Jackson's "Bad." The ride takes you up a tall lift and then down into dips and around sharp turns, including going over the park's Hollywood area and through a tunnel with flashing lights before it ends.
4. Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
Zone: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™
Duration: 5 minutes
Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, located in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Japan, is a must-see. This 4D ride doesn't need glasses to deliver its magic. You'll feel like you're flying in a Quidditch match, dodge a dragon's breath, and face giant spiders, all without leaving Hogwarts Castle. Walking through the castle, you'll see Dumbledore's office, classrooms, and even talking paintings. It's a thrilling mix of the magical world of Harry Potter with the excitement of a roller coaster, creating an unforgettable adventure.
5. Mario Kart: Koopa’s Challenge
Zone: SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™
Duration: 5 minutes
Experience Mario Kart in real life with this new and unique attraction in Japan! Dive into your childhood dreams as you race on tracks inspired by the iconic game. With the latest technology, the Mario Kart ride brings your favorite courses to life. You can even compete against others by throwing shells, just like in the game. Join Mario, Peach, and others in a race to the finish. This interactive ride, a world first, promises an unforgettable adrenaline rush.
6. Elmo's Bubble Bubble
Zone: Universal Wonderland
Duration: 3 minutes
Elmo's Bubble Bubble is a dreamy indoor ride at Universal Studios Japan, perfect for young children. Riders sit on Dorothy, Elmo's goldfish, and navigate a stream filled with bubbles. Created by Elmo, this whimsical journey surrounds you with soap bubbles, making it feel like you're part of Elmo's dream. It's a fun, three-minute experience where you might get a little wet, making it a delightful adventure for kids and their families.
7. Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem
Zone: Minion Park
Duration: 25 minutes
Join the Minions on an exciting adventure at Despicable Me Minion Mayhem in Minion Park at USJ. This popular 3D motion simulator ride, featuring a giant dome screen, turns you into a Minion. No glasses are needed for this immersive experience. The ride, lasting about 25 minutes, includes a detailed intro video with English subtitles to set the scene. Designed by Gru, the ride takes you through his lab for a dizzying journey of flips and spins, supervised by Gru and his daughters. Dive into the Minions' chaotic world for a heartwarming, thrilling experience.
8. Elmo's Go-Go Skateboard
Zone: Universal Wonderland
Duration: 2 minutes
Join Elmo for a thrilling skateboard ride at Universal Studios Japan! This attraction lets you ride on a giant skateboard, zooming down slopes with Elmo. The ride's unexpected twists and turns bring excitement for both children and adults, making everyone shout with joy. It's a short, two-minute adventure but packed with fun, suitable for families. The ride can accommodate up to 32 people.
9. The Flying Dinosaur
Zone: Jurassic Park
Duration: 3 minutes
The Flying Dinosaur in Jurassic Park at Universal Studios Japan is the world's longest flying coaster. This thrilling ride simulates being captured by a Pteranodon, tilting you 90 degrees towards the ground for a face-down experience. With nothing between you and the earth below, it offers heart-stopping ascents and drops. Covering 3,688 feet, it twists and turns through the air, giving you 360-degree views of Jurassic Park. This cutting-edge ride combines excitement and fear, making it a must-try at the park.
10. Yoshi’s Adventure
Zone: SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™
Duration: 5 minutes
Yoshi's Adventure in Super Nintendo World is a fun, family ride. Join Yoshi on a quest to find three special eggs, guided by Captain Toad's map. This journey offers great views of the Mushroom Kingdom from Mount Beanpole. It's an enjoyable experience for all ages, perfect for family outings.
Best Universal Studios Japan shows
11. Universal Spectacle Night Parade: The Best of Hollywood
Zone: Hollywood
Duration: 55 minutes
Dive into the action with Universal Studios Japan's revolutionary night parade, where movie magic comes alive before your eyes. Be spellbound by the Harry Potter universe, marvel at the world's first transforming Transformers float, feel the thrill of Jurassic World's dinosaurs, and dance in a Minion disco party. This parade creates immersive environments, making you a part of each story. Experience cutting-edge show technology that syncs music and lights, transforming the surroundings into iconic movie scenes, complete with classic film music. This parade experience, enhanced by a special viewing area, promises an unforgettable adventure into the heart of cinematic worlds.
12. Universal Monsters Live: Rock and Roll Show
Zone: Hollywood
Duration: 30 minutes
Join Beetlejuice and classic monsters for a rocking 30-minute live show at Universal Studios Japan. This energetic performance features Beetlejuice as the DJ, with Dracula, Werewolf, Frankenstein, and his bride turning a graveyard into a stage, performing Hollywood-style songs and dances. Enjoy a concert filled with famous rock hits, where Dracula channels Ricky Martin, Werewolf rocks like Bon Jovi, and Frankenstein strums Santana tunes on his guitar. It's a fun blend of music and monster mayhem that captivates everyone.
13. Playing with Curious George™
Zone: Hollywood
Duration: 20 minutes
Playing with Curious George™ is a 20-minute show at Universal Studios Japan featuring the beloved, inquisitive monkey. In this performance, George leaps from his cartoon world into reality, exploring a studio with boundless enthusiasm. Audiences, especially children, are invited to join George on this exciting journey, participating in games like hide-and-seek and Monkey See Monkey Do. It's an interactive experience filled with fun and dancing, perfect for fans of George's adventures.
14. SING on Tour
Zone: Hollywood
Duration: 20 minutes
Experience "SING on Tour" at Universal Studios Japan, a live show featuring characters from the hit film SING. This 20-minute performance, a first for Illumination, brings to life Buster Moon, Meena, Rosita, Gunter, Johnny, and Ash in high-quality production. Set during the Japanese premiere of “SING ON TOUR” with Buster Moon as the show director, audiences are invited to sing and dance along with their favorite characters in this engaging theater show, making it a unique and memorable experience for fans of the movie.
15. WaterWorld Stunt Show
Zone: WaterWorld
Duration: 20 minutes
WaterWorld at Universal Studios Japan is a thrilling attraction where you'll witness stunning stunts similar to those in the movie, right before your eyes. This popular show features impressive sound effects, making you feel like you're part of the explosive action, complete with gunfire and high-octane battles on water. Get ready for an experience that puts you at the heart of a spectacular aquatic showdown.
16. Frog Choir
Zone: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™
Duration: 5 minutes
Experience the magical harmony of the Hogwarts™ choir at Universal Studios Japan. Watch as students from each of the four houses—Gryffindor™, Slytherin™, Hufflepuff™, and Ravenclaw™—sing songs from the wizarding world, alongside their croaking frog companions. This performance showcases the unique talents of the young wizards and their amphibious friends, creating a delightful musical experience for Harry Potter fans.
