9 Universal Studios Japan Rides Not to Miss

What are the best Universal Studios Japan rides? That’s for you to judge, but we have some recommendations for you!

Universal Studios Japan in Osaka is full of amazing rides, including Universal classics and only-in-Japan attractions. From heart-pounding thrill rides to immersive, interactive attractions… which ones to ride, and how to fit them all in?

When you’re at one of the most visited theme parks in the world, you don’t want to waste your time. You should already have the must-try rides on your radar and know which you’ll hit and which you’ll skip. “Best” is a matter of opinion, or course, but thrill seekers will want to check off most of these attractions.

We’ll give you some top tips as well, to make the most of your time and help you fit in as many of the great rides at Universal Studios Japan as you can!

Want to ride them all?

Saving time at Universal Studios Japan’s best rides

It’s no secret that Universal Studios Japan is intensely popular. Don’t underestimate how much time you can save by following a few universal rules. Be prepared!

Book ahead of time. Get your Studio Pass (entry ticket) in advance, and avoid lining up to buy in those first precious moments of your day.

Arrive early. Some people suggest arriving an hour before the official opening time, to be one of the first in the park. Check the official schedule posted here, and arrive well ahead of the time that’s listed.

Stay late. Themed areas like The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ get quieter at the end of the day. After you’ve hit your target rides, soak up the vibes and take better photos with less people around you.

Avoid weekends and holidays. Don’t compete with the locals. Visit on a weekday, and skip any Japanese national holidays when the park gets busy.

Use the app. The official Universal Studios Japan app (for Apple or Android) will tell you the current waiting time at each ride. If you have a Universal Express Pass, you’ll see that some rides are time-designated, and some are not. Watch your chosen rides on the app, and jump in when the lines are short. Or use an anytime ride from your Universal Express Pass to jump the longest line when it’s busy. You can also get an Area Timed Entry Ticket for Super Nintendo World™ with the app. But they can run out, so choose a Universal Express Pass with a Nintendo ride included, if you want to be certain.

Get a Universal Express Pass. These extra tickets let you use the shorter Express Pass lanes at several rides, and can save hours of time, letting you ride so much more. Get a Universal Express Pass 4 for priority at four different rides, or Universal Express Pass 7 to really maximize your day, with seven rides included. Be aware that Universal Express Passes can sell out early.

If your Universal Express Pass includes a ride in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ or Super Nintendo World™, then you’ll also get an Area Timed Entry Ticket that guarantees access to that special area even when it’s busy.

And now, the rides:

Ok, so this is not exactly 1 ride, but a whole package of anime- and game-related experiences that are part of the Cool Japan event, scheduled from March 1 to June 30. One ride (My Hero Academia: The Real 4-D) is planned to run until August 14 though, so you have most of the summer to get your anime kicks!

Universal Cool Japan 2024 also features Detective Conan: The World and Monster Hunter USJ Festival. The Detective Conan elements include an escape game, mystery restaurant, and a takeover of the park’s musical ride, billed as Detective Conan x Hollywood Dream - The Ride: Private Jet Pandemonium. For Monster Hunter, there’s a themed dining room, and a VR event that sends you into the world of the classic game series: Monster Hunter World: Iceborne XR WALK.

My Hero Academia: The Real 4-D

Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey sends you into a spellbinding world. The robotic ride whisks you through intricate sets, where animatronics blend with a symphony of sound and 4K HD film, bringing the magic of Hogwarts alive. Set in Hogwarts Castle, just walking to the ride itself is a big part of the fun.

Mario Kart: Koopa’s Challenge in Super Nintendo World™ puts you in the driver’s seat, as an augmented reality go-kart simulator ride. Don augmented reality visors and team up with your fellow racers in each kart. You’ll navigate vivid, game-inspired landscapes on a rail track, where your steering directly influences the ride. Work together, and you might just zoom ahead of your virtual competitors in this immersive race against Koopa — aka King Bowser.

At The Flying Dinosaur, you’ll take flight across the world of Jurassic Park in the claws of a majestic Pteranodon. Strap in for adventure as you swoop face-down above the park, looping 360 degrees at high speed with the wind in your hair.

At Hollywood Dream — The Ride, the thrill isn't just in the height or speed, but the total sensory experience. This ride offers a unique feature: the ability to choose your own soundtrack for the journey. As you coast along the track, popular tunes pulse through the built-in stereo system in each seat, synchronizing with the twists and turns of the ride. Flashing lights dance to the rhythm, making every loop and curve a celebration. Each ride can surprise you with a new playlist, enhancing the replay value. There are also frequent tie-ins with hit Japanese media, turning the ride into a Demon Slayer or One Piece experience if you time your visit right!

Backdrop is a variation on Hollywood Dream – The Ride, which turns up the tension by taking you backwards! Backdrop has a separate line and Express Pass. Unable to see what's ahead, this turns up the adrenaline as you dive into the unknown. Anime tie-in versions of Hollywood Dream are usually not offered on Backdrop. If you’ll ride both ways, do Backdrop first so you won’t know what’s coming!

The Jaws ride at Universal Studios Japan is the sole survivor of its kind, first created for Universal Studios Florida. Begin with a peaceful boat tour led by Captain Jake Grundy through shark-infested waters that swiftly escalates into a thrilling chase. Dodge attacks, witness explosions, and navigate near-misses with the menacing shark. The animatronics and playful acting remind you this is a classic ride, with all the nostalgic charm of revisiting a beloved classic show (that can still thrill you again and again).

At Despicable Me Minion Mayhem, you join the Minions in a chaotic 3D ride through Gru's lab. The adventure starts with a comedic pre-show (with English subtitles) where Gru and his crew prepare you for transformation into a Minion, complete with a banana-scented fart gun experience. The ride itself is pretty frenzied, having you dodge lasers and boxing gloves to narrowly escape a buzzsaw. Perfect for families, it combines action, comedy, and cuteness for a thrill that’s less intense but equally entertaining as the more aggressive simulators.

Not much is known yet about Mine Cart Madness, but it’s sure to be a massive hit when it opens later in 2024! What we do know is that you’ll be blasted out from the Golden Temple, jumping in a mine cart to join Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong for a wild ride through the jungle that looks like it’s inspired by the mine-cart chase scenes of classic movies and games. Mine Cart Madness will be in Donkey Kong Country, the new expansion for Super Nintendo World™ expected to open in the second half of the year (announced on April 19, 2024).

Further reading

Now you know what to ride at Universal Studios Japan, read on and keep planning your perfect trip!

•    5-Day Osaka Itinerary (For First Timers)
•    Where to Stay in Osaka
•    Osaka Neighborhood Guide
•    All You Need to Know About Japan Transport Cards

And finally, don't forget the essentials before your trip!!

Images are for illustrative purposes only.
The information relating to Universal Studios Japan is of May, 2024, and may subject to change without notice.
The opening time and content of the events, attractions, restaurants, and shops may change or even stop having a chance to close down without notification depending on season, time, and weather.
There are some restrictions on some attractions depending on the age, height and health conditions.

Images courtesy of Universal Studios Japan
WIZARDING WORLD and all related trademarks, characters, names, and indicia are © & ™ Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Publishing Rights © JKR.
TM & © Universal Studios & Amblin Entertainment
TM & © Universal Studios.
Minions and all related elements and indicia TM & © 2024 Universal Studios. All rights reserved.
© Nintendo
Detective Conan by Gosho Aoyama (published in Shogakukan’s Weekly Shonen Sunday magazine)
© 2024 GOSHO AOYAMA/DETECTIVE CONAN COMMITTEE　
© CAPCOM
© K. Horikoshi / Shueisha, My Hero Academia Project
TM & © Universal Studios. All rights reserved.