This is the first of a whole series of posts about traveling to Japan with kids.
Visiting Japan has always been a bucket list dream for us, but we just weren’t sure how easy it would be with the boys. What we found was a place where children are incredibly welcome and where there is near-constant entertainment and sensory stimulation for them.
Although we started our trip in Tokyo before moving on to Osaka and Kyoto by Shinkansen, I’m starting this series with Universal Studios Osaka because that’s what started the whole Japanese adventure for us. The boys watched Youtube videos of the Super Nintendo world being built and then opening there and decided with single-minded determination that they HAD to see it.
And so we did.
Which is why for us Universal Studios is where it all began for us.
What’s There?
There are currently 10 sections of Universal Studios Japan. They are Hollywood, New York, San Fransisco, Jurrasic Park, Waterworld, Amity Village, Universal Wonderland, Minion Park, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Super Nintendo World.
If you’re travelling with smaller children then Universal Wonderland is the place for you. It’s home to Sesame Street and Hello Kitty-themed rides that offer gentle thrills. The carousel was beautiful, and there are plenty of play elements here so tiny legs can run off their energy.
If you want to visit Super Nintendo World then you’ll need to download the Universal Studios Japan app. You then have to request a time slot for entry: do this early, as soon as you arrive in the park if possible. These go quickly, but we managed to get in on both days by arriving at the park before the official opening time (they usually open the gates 30 minutes before the time listed on the website).
I’ve asked the boys what their ride highlights were and outside of Nintendo World they have suggested that Harry Potter land, Jurrassic World, and Jaws are all essential if you’re travelling with primary school aged kids.
Universal Studios Japan does have its own hotels but as we were visiting as part of a wider trip to Osaka and Kyoto we stayed off site. The park has its own metro stop and it was incredibly easy and convenient to get to.
How Much Does It Cost?
We booked our park entrance tickets through Klook which was a godsend for us because it meant we could book almost all of our attraction tickets/activities in English and using our UK bank cards (using these on Japanese-based websites can be tricky)
We paid £51 per adult and £35 per child per day. We visited for 2 days and were glad to have 2 days to fit everything in.
On our first day we also splurged on the Express Pass 7 which is effectively a fast pass that gives you direct queue-free access to the 7 biggest rides (and the ones with the biggest queues). This was definitely a huge additional expense, but as we were travelling during one of the busiest periods of the year we just wanted to make sure we got everything done.
This cost an extra £115 per person. Which explains why we only did this for one day!
How Does It Compare To Universal Studios In Florida?
The main difference between Universal Studios in Orlando and Universal Studios in Osaka is the size. The Osaka model is much smaller. But smaller doesn’t mean worse! The size was perfect for us, and we managed to see and do everything in two days: some of the best rides more than once!
Universal Studios Osaka also has rides that you can’t find elsewhere. The Jaws ride that shut down years ago in Orlando, for example, is a fan favourite in Osaka.
It also has its own themed restaurant where you can eat shark nuggets: that we managed to kill and then eat the murderous shark was a real highlight for the boys!
And of course the pinnacle of rides in Osaka that you won’t find elsewhere is Super Nintendoland! Although this has now been replicated in the U.S the Osaka area is much bigger and also features two rides (the other park only has one ride) as well as a brand new Donkey King Kingdom that is under construction.
I will write a whole separate post about Super Nintendoland in USJ because there’s so much to say, but if you’re a gaming or Mario fan then this area of the park is worth visiting for in its own right.
The same is true of the Harry Potter section of the park which was beautifully themed and packed full of entertainment.
What Did We Eat?
The true stand out highlight of our trip to Universal Studios Japan for me was the food. Everything is themed around the ride or attraction, the attention to detail is fantastic, and it just plain tastes good! This is unlike any theme park in the UK or Europe where the quality of the food is pretty abysmal.
Next to the Hello Kitty cupcake ride you’ll find Hello Kitty cupcakes and churros.
Every dish in Super Nintendo Land is shaped like an element from one of the Super Nintendo games. Even the popcorn here was (princess) peach flavoured.
Though the shark nuggets looked just like you would expect fish nuggets and chips to look, they went above and beyond with the packaging.
The food was worth the journey, and the prices were surprisingly affordable too.
That Mum Travel Life 