Mario, Hogwarts, and Jurassic Park at Universal Studios Japan

One of the most fun days I spent in Osaka was at Universal Studios Japan. This park is much more than just rides each area feels like a fully built world. From Mario to Harry Potter and Jurassic Park, the day was packed with excitement from start to finish.

Entering the Park, the Map, and PLANNING (Very Important)

The first thing I did after entering the park was take a photo of the park map, and honestly, this turned out to be one of the most important parts of the day. At Universal Studios Japan, walking around without a plan can waste a lot of time.

Waiting times for attractions can easily reach:

1–2 hours
and on busy days, up to 3 hours

Because of this, it’s crucial to plan:

restroom locations
food and drink spots
resting areas

right from the start.
Being stuck in a long line while needing the restroom or food can quickly ruin the experience.

The Universal Globe and the Start of the Day

After checking the map, I took a photo with the iconic rotating Universal globe behind me. It’s a classic shot, but it really marks the beginning of the day and sets the mood.

Super Nintendo World: Fun Meets Heavy Crowds

Entering Super Nintendo World is truly impressive but it’s also one of the most crowded areas in the park. The colors, sounds, and constant movement make it feel like you’ve stepped straight into a video game.

I took photos in the Mario shop (yes, with the hat), and while it’s incredibly fun, moving around can be slow because of the crowd. The videos from the streets clearly show how detailed and immersive this area is.

A Quick Note: The Shark Burger

Out of curiosity, I tried the shark meat burger. To be honest, it tasted bad. It was interesting to try once, but I would not recommend it. Not everything at Universal Studios Japan is amazing and this was one of those things.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Where the Real Magic Is

The moment you enter the Harry Potter area, the atmosphere completely changes. The Hogwarts sign, the entrance, and the architecture are incredibly well done. This transition is very clear in the entrance video.
Seeing the famous blue car Harry crashed, standing in front of the Hogwarts Express with the conductor, and visiting the wand shop all add to the immersive experience.

Souvenirs and the Real Cost of Shopping

Souvenirs in the Harry Potter area especially the wands are very expensive. Wand prices are high, and in general:

Souvenirs start at around $50 USD
Buying just a few items adds up very quickly

Realistically:

Setting aside around $500 USD just for souvenirs and memorabilia at Universal Studios Japan is completely normal.

Shopping here also needs to be planned, just like the rest of the visit.

Hogwarts Castle: The Highlight of the Day

Seeing Hogwarts Castle from a distance is already impressive. Taking a photo with the castle behind me was one of the best shots of the day. In the video walking toward the castle, the light slowly turns golden, which makes the moment even more special.

Inside, areas like the greenhouse, the famous mirror, and Voldemort’s scene are recreated in incredible detail.

Evening Atmosphere and Exit

As evening arrives, the Hogwarts streets transform completely. The lights, architecture, and quieter atmosphere make this area even more impressive. The video I took while leaving was one of the best moments of the day.