Japan (2013) Day 3: Universal Studios Japan, Osaka

Date Visited: 12th October 2013

"I want to go to Disneyland" my mom said to me.
"But there is no Disneyland in Kansai area" I replied to my mom.
"However, there is Universal Studios Japan in Osaka" I added.
"Cool! Let's plan a trip there" she expressed out happily.

So theme park, here we go again! My mom never been to Universal Studios in Singapore but I don't know what made her so eager and thrill to go to the one in Osaka. Perhaps, she is young at heart, just like me. I can't deny I love to go theme parks and so far I've been to quite number of theme parks around the world such as Disneyland in Hong Kong and Paris, Disneysea in Tokyo and Universal Studios in Singapore. 

#1: The iconic globe of Universal Studios 

We bought the tickets one day earlier cause we didn't want to waste our time to queue up merely for the tickets. We went on weekend, Saturday to be exact and hence, we were expecting the crowd would be more packed and cramped than normal weekday. 

#2: Getaway to USJ

Similar to all the theme parks, Universal Studios Japan (USJ) is arranged into seven distinctive zone areas by the time I visited. Of course if compare to the one in Singapore, USJ is more larger in terms of size by double at least. With the latest addition of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter which opened last year July, now USJ has total number of eight different zone areas. Now I wanna go back USJ just for Harry Potter!

There are abundant of amusement rides, ranging from child-friendly carousels to lung-screaming roller coasters and simulators inspired by famous and popular blockbuster Hollywood movies such as Spiderman, Terminator, Back to the Future, Jurassic Park and Jaws. Absolutely  a theme park filled with world-class family entertainment for all ages. 

Hollywood Zone Area

#3: Welcome to Hollywood zone area - This particular area is similar to Singapore 

#4

#5

#6: Shrek & Sesame Street 4D Theater - in Japanese language but my mom enjoyed this so much

#7: Mummy Museum

New York Zone Area

#8: Terminator 2 - 3D (mini sequel to Terminator 2: Judgement Day)

#9: Trick or Treat?

#10: The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man - The queue was significantly long and so we skipped it.

San Francisco 

#11: Inspired by Back to the Future film series 

#12: I love this Coke building 

#13

#14: Our quick lunch. My mom ordered the creepy left bun on the left side - Jason's Bloody Mask

Jurassic Park

#15: This ride inspired by the notable Steven Spielberg's blockbuster films. We waited for more than two hours but didn't manage to experience it.

#16: Get soak with this water-based amusement ride

#17

Amity Village

#18: Jaws

Universal Wonderland

This area is mainly focused for children and families. It houses three different themed zones; Hello Kitty, Snoopy and Sesame Street. 

#19: The three main characters of Universal Wonderland area

It was too crowded and packed to the extent that I didn't really enjoy as much as I did in Universal Studio Singapore. Surprisingly majority of the visitors were local Japanese instead of foreign visitors. I have to admit that besides being friendly, Japanese are indeed patient people in the whole wide world. Imagine they were willing to queue for Jurassic Park ride for more than two hours without any complaints and cutting queue. Salute them to the max.

How To Get To Universal Studios Japan

There are several direct trains per hour and many more connections require a simple transfer at Nishikujo Station before reaching Universal City Station on the JR Yumesaki Line. Upon reaching Universal City Station, five minute walk to the entrance gate of the Universal Studios Japan. 

Admission Fee: 6,980 for adult and 4,880 for children 

Opening Hours: 10 am to 8 pm on low season and 9 am to 9 pm during peak season 

Next Post >>> Day 4: Part 1- Himeji Castle & Kokoen Garden