Universal Studios Japan

In short

A theme park that opened in Konohana Ward, Osaka City, on March 31, 2001. It offers authentic attractions and shows themed not only around popular Hollywood movies but also around various globally popular entertainment brands such as Japanese anime, attracting many guests from both within Japan and abroad.

• ​The Wizarding World of Harry Potter​​: Opened in 2014, this area faithfully recreates the world of Harry Potter. The streets of Hogsmeade spread out here
• ​Super Nintendo World​​: Opened in 2021, this is the park's first multi-tiered area. In 2024, the area was expanded with the addition of "Donkey Kong Country"
• ​Movie and Character Areas​​: There are "The Flying Dinosaur," a flying roller coaster that swoops through the Jurassic Park area, and "Minion Park," an area dedicated to the Minions

History and Highlights

​Universal Studios Japan​ is a theme park that opened in Konohana Ward, Osaka City, on March 31, 2001. Construction began in October 1998. At the time of its opening, it featured popular attractions carefully selected from the parks in Hollywood and Florida, as well as brand-new attractions developed specifically for Japan.

The origins of Universal Studios trace back to 1915, when Carl Laemmle opened a movie studio on the site of a former chicken ranch. Opening the previously closed, behind-the-scenes world of filmmaking to the general public for the first time marked the very first step of movie-themed entertainment.

Today, the park offers authentic attractions and shows themed not only around popular Hollywood movies but also around various globally popular entertainment brands such as Japanese anime, attracting many guests from both within Japan and abroad.

Viewing and Experience Points

• ​The Wizarding World of Harry Potter​​: Opened in 2014, this area faithfully recreates the world of Harry Potter. Visitors can explore the streets of Hogsmeade and, inside Hogwarts Castle, tour rooms such as Dumbledore's Office and the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom before boarding the attraction.
• ​Super Nintendo World​​: Opened in 2021, this is the park's first multi-tiered area. Peach's Castle and Bowser's Castle rise above the area, and there is also a Mario Kart ride attraction. By wearing a Power-Up Band and punching ? Blocks, visitors can track the coins they collect on their smartphones. In 2024, the area was expanded with the addition of Donkey Kong Country.
• ​Movie and Character Areas​​: In 2016, "The Flying Dinosaur," a flying roller coaster that swoops through the Jurassic Park area, made its debut, followed by "Minion Park," an area dedicated to the Minions, in 2017.

Tips for Exploring

It takes about 10 minutes by direct train from JR Osaka Station to Universal-City Station. From the station to the park, visitors walk down the street of Universal CityWalk Osaka. This street, lined with distinctive restaurants and shops, is introduced in the Universal CityWalk Osaka spot entry.