Universal Studios Japan

Opened in 2001 on reclaimed land in Osaka Bay, and now consistently one of the busiest theme parks in the world. Two areas carry most of the traffic. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, which arrived in 2014, has Hogwarts Castle and a good dark ride inside it. Super Nintendo World, opened in 2021, is the more impressive piece of construction: a walk-in Mushroom Kingdom where a wristband and a phone app turn the whole area into a game, with blocks to punch and keys to collect. Donkey Kong Country was added alongside it in 2024.

The rest is Jurassic Park, Jaws, Minions, Spider-Man and a coaster called Hollywood Dream that also runs backwards.

Two things determine whether you enjoy the day. First, Super Nintendo World often requires a timed entry ticket, free through the app but limited and gone early, or bundled into a paid Express Pass. Check the rules before you arrive because they change. Second, Express Passes cost roughly as much as admission again, sometimes more, and on a busy day they are the difference between six rides and two. Queues of 120 minutes are normal in holiday periods.

Go on a weekday outside Japanese school holidays, avoid Golden Week and mid-August entirely, and arrive before opening. Halloween brings Horror Nights from September to early November, which is the park at its best and its most crowded.

Universal City Station is a twelve-minute train ride from Osaka Station, then five minutes on foot.