Welcome to the ultimate guide to the top 10 rides at Universal Studios Japan! Whether you’re a thrill seeker looking for adrenaline-pumping roller coasters or a fan of immersive attractions that bring your favorite movies to life, this park has something for everyone. In this blog, we’ll take you through the must-do experiences that you can’t miss, along with insider tips to help you navigate the park like a pro. Get ready to embark on an unforgettable adventure!
Best Universal Studios Japan Rides
1. Donkey Kong Mine Cart Madness
Opening Soon… Riders will likely join Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong on a wild mine cart adventure through the jungle, collecting bananas and facing off against the Tiki Tak Tribe. This ride is expected to be a “Boom Coaster,” a new type of technology that utilizes a hidden track system to create the illusion of the mine cart jumping off the rails – just like in the Donkey Kong games!
2. Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
Experience a groundbreaking magical adventure through Hogwarts Castle with “Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey.” This immersive ride takes you on a spellbinding journey, encountering iconic scenes and beloved characters from the Harry Potter series. As you soar above the castle grounds, you’ll feel like you’re flying on a broomstick, dodging dragons, and facing dementors. The ride seamlessly combines state-of-the-art technology with elaborate set pieces and special effects, creating an experience that truly brings the magic of Hogwarts to life. This ride is a must-do for fans of the wizarding world and is one of the best attractions at Universal Studios Japan, offering a thrilling and unforgettable adventure for visitors of all ages.
3. Mario Kart: Koopa’s Challenge
Race through a thrilling augmented reality recreation of iconic Mario Kart courses alongside your favorite characters with Mario Kart: Koopa’s Challenge. This ride is a unique and immersive experience that tops the list of must-do rides at Universal Studios Japan. Wearing a 3-D headset and sitting four people to a cart, you’ll find yourself fully immersed in the world of Mario Kart. The objective is to shoot turtle shells at opponents and collect 100 coins, adding a competitive edge to the adventure. With vibrant visuals, interactive gameplay, and beloved characters, this ride offers an unparalleled blend of excitement and nostalgia. It’s a must-experience attraction that brings the beloved video game to life in an exhilarating new way.
Super Mario World Tip: We arrived at the park 8:45am and they were already open. Super Mario had an 80 min wait. We reserved a Timed Entry into the zone at the soonest time which was 1pm. By time we got to the ride, it was an 110 min wait.
4. Despicable Me Minion Mayhem
Step into the world of Gru’s mischievous Minions on a thrilling 3D motion simulator adventure packed with laughter and mayhem. This interactive ride invites you to join the Minions on a hilarious escapade through various misadventures. Perfect for families, it’s cherished as one of the top attractions at Universal Studios Japan, offering a whimsical and engaging experience that delights visitors of all ages.
5. The Flying Dinosaur
This exhilarating suspended coaster takes riders on a high-speed soar through a prehistoric world teeming with lifelike dinosaurs. Known as one of the premier attractions at Universal Studios Japan, it’s a must-do for thrill-seekers craving a heart-pounding experience. Renowned for its thrilling twists and turns, it’s considered the scariest roller coaster in the park, yet despite its adrenaline-pumping reputation, the wait times were surprisingly manageable, averaging around 60 minutes.
6. Hollywood Dream – The Ride – Backdrop
This high-speed backward coaster thrusts you through a vibrant, neon-lit cityscape, complete with unexpected twists and thrilling inversions. Ranked among the top 10 rides at Universal Studios Japan, this attraction is a haven for adrenaline enthusiasts seeking excitement. Adding to the thrill, the ride features upbeat 80’s music that enhances the overall experience. As you zoom backwards through exhilarating drops, the shoulder harness securely holds you in place, creating moments where you feel lifted from your seat in pure exhilaration.
7.JAWS
Face the legendary shark in a thrilling encounter filled with jaw-dropping special effects and heart-pounding suspense. This immersive ride is a must-do for fans of classic thrillers and stands out as one of the premier attractions at Universal Studios Japan. Although it was initially closed on the day I visited the park, I had previously experienced the excitement of this ride at Universal Studios Florida.
Klook.com8. Jurassic Park The Ride
This family-friendly water ride offers a thrilling yet accessible adventure through the prehistoric world of Jurassic Park. You’ll journey through lush, tropical landscapes filled with lifelike animatronic dinosaurs. The excitement builds as your boat navigates through tranquil waters, passing by iconic dinosaurs. The climax is an exhilarating 85-foot drop that will leave you soaked and exhilarated. Perfect for younger visitors and dinosaur enthusiasts, Jurassic Park: The Ride is one of the best attractions at Universal Studios Japan for an unforgettable and heart-pounding experience.
9. Flight of the Hippogriff
Flight of the Hippogriff is a family-friendly roller coaster that offers a gentle yet exciting ride through the enchanting grounds of Hogwarts. This smaller and shorter roller coaster is perfect for younger visitors and those new to thrill rides. You’ll weave through the pumpkin patch and past Hagrid’s hut, all while receiving a scenic view of the iconic Hogwarts castle. Inspired by the magical creature from the Harry Potter series, the Hippogriff, the ride simulates the feeling of flying on the back of this majestic beast. With its enchanting theme and thrilling yet accessible design, Flight of the Hippogriff is one of the best attractions at Universal Studios Japan for a truly magical experience in the world of Hogwarts.
10. Yoshi’s Adventure
Join Yoshi on a fun-filled, interactive journey through Yoshi’s Island. This ride is perfect for all ages and adds a charming, whimsical experience to the top attractions at Universal Studios Japan. Would have liked to see some type interaction with video, but nice for younger kids under 12.
Universal Studios Japan Tips
To make the most of your visit to Universal Studios Japan, consider these helpful tips:
- Arrive Early: Get to the park before opening to beat the crowds and enjoy the best Universal Studios Japan rides with shorter wait times. Park opened 8:30am when I went on a Thursday and closed at 8pm.
- Single Rider Lines: Use the Single Rider lines on popular rides to reduce your wait time, especially for must-do rides like The Flying Dinosaur and Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey.
- Download the App: The official Universal Studios Japan app provides real-time updates on wait times, show schedules, and interactive maps to help you navigate the park efficiently.
- Bring a Bottle of Water: You are allowed to bring in a 500ml bottle of water per person.
- Pre-purchase Universal StudioTickets Online and avoid the line. Then register the ticket in the Universal App. Immediately after entering the park, reserve Timed Entry Tickets for Harry Potter and Super Mario World.
Dining at Kinopio’s Cafe: A Magical Feast
After an exciting day exploring Universal Studios Japan, we decided to refuel at Kinopio’s Cafe. Known for its charming atmosphere and themed decor, the cafe offers a variety of dishes that cater to both kids and adults.
We opted for the Mario’s bacon cheeseburger and the portobello pizza. The cheeseburger was good, but little too much thousand island sauce. The portobello pizza was flavorful and juicy. However, it’s worth noting that the meals were on the pricier side, reflecting the theme park dining experience.
To complete our meal, I couldn’t resist trying the famous Hogwarts Butterbeer. This magical beverage, reminiscent of a cream ale with a delightful hint of butterscotch, was a sweet and creamy treat that perfectly captured the essence of the Wizarding World.
Do note that a reservation is required to dine at Kinopio’s Cafe. You’ll need to scan a barcode outside the restaurant to reserve your spot. Despite the higher prices and the need for reservations, dining at Kinopio’s Cafe was a delightful experience, adding an extra layer of enchantment to our visit.
Conclusion of The Top 10 Rides at Universal Studios Japan
As you can see, Universal Studios Japan offers a plethora of exciting attractions that cater to every kind of visitor. From our list of the top 10 rides at Universal Studios Japan, it’s clear that there are many must-do experiences you won’t want to miss. Whether you’re seeking the best Universal Studios Japan rides for thrills or looking for immersive adventures, this park delivers unforgettable fun. Remember to use our Universal Studios Japan tips to make the most of your visit. We hope you have an incredible time exploring the best attractions at Universal Studios Japan! Be sure the read my full Osaka Travel Guide.
