Universal Studios Japan (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is Universal Studios Japan?
What makes it 96% Kids-Friendly: Children up to 12 enjoy Universal Wonderland’s Snoopy rides, Minion Park, Yoshi’s Adventure and parades, while clear height charts and many restrooms help parents, making the park almost perfect for kids.
Positives:
- Ride Variety for All Ages: Areas like Universal Wonderland and Super Nintendo World have attractions suitable for ages 3–12.
- Family Services Available: Find stroller rentals, baby care rooms, and kid-friendly menus throughout the park.
Challenges:
- Height Restrictions: Some rides require minimum heights (e.g., Jurassic Park – The Ride needs 107 cm).
- Long Queues: Popular attractions can have waits over 60 minutes during peak times.
What is Universal Studios Japan?
- A theme park on Osaka’s waterfront that forms part of the Universal Parks & Resorts portfolio
- A 40-hectare entertainment complex designed around cinematic and pop-culture properties
- A park that opened in 2001 featuring themed lands such as Super Nintendo World, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and Minion Park
What is so special about Universal Studios Japan for with kids?
- Immersive worlds from Super Mario to Minions and Harry Potter
- Kid-friendly zones offering gentle rides and character meet-and-greets
- Interactive play with AR blocks and 4D shows in Universal Wonderland
- Convenient family services: stroller rental, baby care rooms, and menus
- Options like Express Pass and child switch to reduce wait times
Recommended visit duration: 1 day
Why 1 day visit duration is ideal for with kids: A full day lets your family explore key areas, rides, and shows without rushing younger children.
Kids-Friendly Activities in Universal Studios Japan
Super Nintendo World:
Ride Mario Kart: Koopa’s Challenge with AR and explore interactive Mushroom Kingdom blocks.
Tip: Arrive at opening and head here first to beat the crowds.
Universal Wonderland:
Enjoy three zones—Snoopy Studios, Hello Kitty Fashion Avenue, and Sesame Street—for gentle rides and character meetups.
Tip: Visit around midday when family rides have shorter queues.
Minion Park:
Join the Despicable Me Minion Mayhem ride and snap photos with Minion characters.
Tip: Grab a Minion-themed snack nearby to keep energy up.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter:
Walk through Hogsmeade, sip Butterbeer, and ride Flight of the Hippogriff junior coaster.
Tip: Use child switch at the Hippogriff so both adults can ride without queuing twice.
Jurassic Park – The Ride:
Take a water raft adventure ending with a thrilling drop (for kids over 107 cm).
Tip: Bring a waterproof pouch for phones and small valuables.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Universal Studios Japan
- Arrive Early: Get to the park before opening and head straight to Super Nintendo World to enjoy Mario Kart with shorter waits.
- Buy Express Pass: Book an Express Pass online to skip lines on top family rides like Minion Mayhem and Flight of the Hippogriff.
- Use Child Switch: At rides with height limits, ask for a child switch pass so adults can take turns riding without queuing twice.
Reviews of Universal Studios Japan
Muhammad Usman
Visited Universal Studios Japan yesterday and had an amazing time! However, I would strongly recommend getting the Express Pass — without it, the long waiting times make it really hard to fully enjoy the park in a single day. The highlight was definitely Super Nintendo World — it's an absolute must-visit! The attention to detail, the rides, and the overall experience were truly impressive. We al...
Cj Wolfson
Really enjoyed my visit here. As a foreigner all the workers were super nice and most spoke English. The express passes REALLY help if you can get one. Mario world is the biggest attraction and definitely the longest wait. I would recommend getting in there as early as you can if you can. It can be a real PIA wait for all three rides in there. The other areas seem to be fine with wait times maybe ...
Cody P
We were blown away by Universal Studios, even more so than when we visited Disneyland in Tokyo about a week prior. The attention to detail is incredible in any area of the park you’re in. This park, while large, is not huge so you can usually see and do everything you want to in one day. We spent easily half of our time in the Nintendo world section of the park, oh how I had dreamed of this since ...
Yuval Ezov
We had such a great time at Universal Studios Japan with the kids! Every staff member we encountered was incredibly kind, smiling, and helpful, which made the experience even better. We used regular entry tickets without paying for any express passes and still managed to do everything we wanted. The Minions ride was fantastic and super fun, and the Harry Potter castle was simply breathtaking—espec...
Oz Correa
It was a great place to visit. It's not a huge park so there's a really good chance you can do the whole park in a single day. The food is good and the rides are great. I flew the flying dinosaur and it was intense. Hollywood dream backwards was also amazing. The food was also pretty good for theme park food. The lines weren't long but you will need to get online reservations for Nintendo wo...
When is the best time to visit Universal Studios Japan (Osaka, Japan)?
Visit in spring (Mar–Apr) for cherry blossom parades and lighter crowds. Enjoy family-friendly Halloween events in October. From mid-Nov to Jan, see Hogwarts decorated with winter lights and seasonal treats.
Explore These Activities
Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Park tickets (2 adults ¥8,400 + 2 children ¥5,400) | JPY 27,600 |
| Lunch for family meal | JPY 6,000 |
| Power-Up Bands (optional, 2 × ¥3,200) | JPY 6,400 |
| Total Estimated | JPY 40,000 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve
Map of Universal Studios Japan
Address: 2-chōme-1-33 Sakurajima, Konohana Ward, Osaka, 554-0031, Japan
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