A trip to Osaka Japan will never be complete without a visit at Universal Studios Japan. So, on our 2nd day in Osaka, we spent the whole day at Universal Studios Japan or simply referred to as "USJ." The moment we stepped in inside USJ, I knew it would be so much fun! I hurriedly ran to the Universal Studios globe and snapped a few photos while I enjoy watching other people - foreign and local tourists - also having their selfies at the USJ Globe.
Universal Studios Japan is one of the many attractions to see and experience in Osaka. Opened in March 2001 in the Osaka Bay area, it offers a wide array of attractions and fun rides that will surely be a delight for kids and adults alike. It sits on 39 hectares property and is considered as the most visited amusement park in Japan after Tokyo Disney Resort. When visiting Japan, USJ should definitely one item to be included on top of your list of things to do in Osaka.
I am definitely amazed by how many people - kids and families - are enjoying every attractions offered at Universal Studios Japan. Walking from the entrance, I saw some shops, street performers as well as face painting along the streets.
Wizarding World of Harry Potter
First on our itinerary is the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, which is the first and only one in Asia. I am honestly not a fan of Harry Potter, so with a quick search on Google and some questions to my friends, I somehow got to know where we are and what Harry Potter is. Hahaha!
Opened in July 2014, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is a favorite among local and foreign tourists, especially the Harry Potter fans visiting Universal Studios Japan.
At USJ, the Village of Hogsmeade was recreated -the village where wizards resides. At Hogsmead, you can also sample on some food and purchase souvenirs from some of te wizarding world's best known establishments.
At Hogsmead, we also got the chance to experience being a wizard by trying the Wand Magic.
Dominating the Hogsmead is the Hogwarts Castle with the black lake. Inside the castle, you can enjoy its flagship attraction, the Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey 4K3D ride. It is a scenic dark ride that gives you the experience of flying around Hogwarts Castle using state-of-the-art 4K3D technology. This is truly a one-of-a-kind ride and exciting experience you should not miss when visiting Universal Studios Japan.
Looking for Nice Hotels near USJ?Book a room in one of the many hotels near in Universal Studios Japan! Click here to check rates and room availability. Find and book the best hotel deals in Osaka and save up to 40% on room rates when booking via Agoda! |
After the ride, we went to the Three Broomsticks Tavern for lunch. We had their Halloween special feast composed of soup, baby back ribs, corn and grilled chicken. And what a better way to end it is to partner it with a Butterbeer. This popular wizarding beverage is a sweet, non-alcoholic drink that everyone will surely enjoy while exploring Hogsmead Village.
Travel Notes:
- Taking photos while on board the ride is not allowed.
- If you don't want to take the ride, you can also just walk through the Hogwarts Castle and take photos.
- There are coin return lockers inside the castle where you could leave your bags.
- The best place to take photos of the Hogwarts Castle with the black lake is at the Three Broomsticks while having your meals.
ALSO READ: OSAKA AMAZING PASS: Cheap and Easy Way to Get the Best Out of Osaka, Japan!
Universal Re-boooooooorn Party
Next on our itinerary is the Universal Re-boooooooorn Party. It is an ultimate costume party where guests are dressed up while enjoying the show prepared by Universal Studios Japan. We got to party with the Minions, Snoopy and other characters. Yes, Halloween started early at USJ!
Japan Visa?SEE ALSO: HOW TO APPLY FOR A JAPAN TOURIST VISA IN THE PHILIPPINES (with List of Requirements and Steps in Application) |
Halloween Trick or Treat
We then proceeded to the Hollywood area where the Halloween Trick or Treat for kids is being held.
The Exorcist
After the Universal Re-boooooooorn Party, we proceeded to The Palace to experience The Exorcist. Based on the movie "The Exorcist" it is an exciting attraction that will surely thrill your group.
The Exorcist (Photos from Universal Studios Japan)
Walking around USJ
When visiting USJ, you should definitely wear a pair of comfortable shoes because you'll be having a lot of walking around. Also, drink a lot of water especially when visiting during the summer. You'll definitely enjoy walking around USJ as every spot is "selfie-worthy" and a feast to the eyes.
Tatari
After experiencing The Exorcist, we proceeded to another thrilling attraction - the Tatari. It is one of USJ's new attractions for Halloween located at the J-Horror area. It's a favorite among visitors which evident with the long queue to the attraction. The Tatari features a maze where we walked through while some "creatures" followed us. It was quite a thrilling and scary experience. And also so much fun!
Photo by: @markyramonego
Tatari (Photos from Universal Studios Japan)
Jurassic Park's The Flying Dinosaur
After the Tatari experience, went to the Jurassic Park area. I am not a fan of roller coaster rides, so I have to pass in riding the Flying Dinosaur roller coaster ride. Hahaha! But some of my friends tried it.DID YOU KNOW?: You can buy an Express Pass 4 to Spider-Man, Minion Mayhem or The Flying Dinosaur & more. BUY AN EXPRESS PASS TICKET HERE
While waiting for them, we lounge at the waiting area and enjoyed Matcha Churros. Yummy!
Universal Re-boooooooorn Parade
We then went back to the stage area where the Universal Re-boooooooorn Parade was held in celebration of Universal Studios Japan's 15th Anniversary.
Halloween Re-boooooooorn Market
We then proceed to Halloween Re-boooooooorn Market to have some snacks. We tried the Costume Cookies and the huge BBQ Garlic Turkey Leg. Quite a filling snacks! If you happen to visit Universal Studios Japan, don't miss this market located near the Jurrasic Park area.
Spider-Man
Awarded as The world's best attraction and the first to win world's best ride award for 7 consecutive years, The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man is definitely one of the most popular attractions at USJ. We enjoyed and exciting 4K3D ride which will surely confuse you with the imaginary with the reality.DID YOU KNOW?: You can buy an Express Pass 4 to Spider-Man, Minion Mayhem or The Flying Dinosaur & more. BUY AN EXPRESS PASS TICKET HERE
Free Time
We had an hour of free time. So I decided to roam around and check out the souvenir shops. Not to be missed when walking around are the street performers as well as the cute Japanese wearing different costumes that will surely be a delight to anyone. I saw a wide array of costumes during our visit, although most were of the "zombie' or "scary" types, there are also some sexy cops, nurses and anime themes.
Looking for Nice Hotels near USJ?Book a room in one of the many hotels near in Universal Studios Japan! Click here to check rates and room availability. Find and book the best hotel deals in Osaka and save up to 40% on room rates when booking via Agoda! |
Finnegan's Bar-Grill
We had a very filling early dinner at Finnegan's Bar-Grill, an Irish Pub located at the New York area of Universal Studios Japan. Finnegan’s offers a wide array of menu choices including salads, sandwiches, burgers, fish, steak, and more.
Street Zombies
For Halloween, not to be missed is the Street Zombie. When the night comes, you can see many street zombies roaming around the park while some are performing some acts. These street zombies will surely be a delight to everyone specially when visiting USJ during the Halloween.
Street Zombies (Photos from Universal Studios Japan)
Japanese Horror Area
We then visited the Japanese Horror Area. Universal Studios Japan’s horror night is certainly trilling and horrific.
Death Eater
We ended our Universal Studios Japan experience with the Death Eater at the Hogsmeade Village. I am quite tired by this time So I just sat at one side while my friends enjoyed the show.
Death Eaters (Photos from Universal Studios Japan)
These are only few of many wonderful things to do at Universal Studios Japan. Whether you're a type of person who likes adrenaline rush, a fictional enthusiast or a horror fanatic, a visit to Universal Studios Japan will certainly complete your Osaka trip.
This Osaka Japan Familiarization Tour is organized by Cebu Pacific Air, JG Summit Holdings Inc. and Universal Studios Japan. Thank you again for inviting me to experience Japan. This time, in Osaka!
Follow our adventures in Osaka via #CEBfliesOsaka and #CEBtravels in Facebook, Twitter and Instagram!
SEE ALSO: TRAVEL TIP: Osaka and Kyoto Japan 4D/3N Tour Itinerary
How to Get to Universal Studios Japan
From our hotel Righa Royal Hotel (Check rates online), we took a taxi and travel straight to Universal Stuios Japan. Fare is around 2,000 Yen and and travel time is less than 30 minutes. If you're coming from Kansai Airport, take a JR Kansai airport rapid train to Nishikujo Station and transfer to the JR Yumesaki Line to Universal City Station. Travel time is about 1 hour and 5 minutes and fare is around 1,200 Yen. Alternatively, if you're already in Osaka, you may go to Osaka Station and take the JR Osaka Loop Line to Nishikujo Station (approx. 6 minutes) and transfer to the JR Yumesaki Line to Universal City Station (approx. 5 minutes). For more details on how to get there, please refer to the photo below.
USJ Park Ticket Fees
1 DAY Studio Pass
- 7,400 yen (for 12 years old and above)
- 4,980 yen (for 4 to 11 years old)
- 6,650 yen (for seniors aged 65 years old and above)
2 DAYS Studio Pass
- 12,450 yen (for 12 years old and above)
- 8,420 yen (for 4 to 11 years old)
Flights from Manila to Osaka Japan
Cebu Pacific Air, the leading airline in the Philippines, flies between Manila and Osaka (Kansai International Airport) five times weekly, with lowest year-round fares starting from PHP 6,399. The flight leaves Manila at 03:05 PM and arrives in Osaka at 07:55 PM. The return flight leaves Osaka at 08:40 PM and arrives in Manila at 11:45 PM.
Cebu Pacific also flies from Manila to Tokyo (Narita), Nagoya and Fukuoka, as well as from Cebu to Tokyo (Narita). Book its trademark lowest fares now through http://bit.ly/CEBOsakaflights or (+632) 702-0888, or follow its Facebook or Twitter pages for the latest seat sales.
Photo by: @thepinaysolobackpacker
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