Universal Studios Japan

From Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan I rode a train at the Osakako station going to Betencho station (JPY230), transferring trains to JR line that took me to Nishi-kujo (JPY160).

I've been to Universal Studios Hollywood early last year and I had to think twice before coming here. A lot of locals are recommending this as a must so after a few research over the internet and banking on the thought that there are unique experiences in this theme park, I decided that I should give this a try. Fairly young, the Universal Studios Japan opened in just in 2001 and is the only Universal Studios in Asia, until the Singapore parks open next year.

Like the other Universal Studios (Hollywood, Orlando) that has entertainment and retail establishments adjacent to the theme park, visitors will pass by Universal CityWalk Osaka on the way to the park entrance. This one is small in scale in comparison with the Universal CityWalk Hollywood.


the other side of CityWalk, near the park entrance


me


Before I entered the park, I purchased a meal at a convenience store nearby and ate first.


park entrance


Universal Studios globe


As I entered the park (entrance to the park was JPY5800), I realized that it's not as big as the one in Hollywood (I should have lowered by expectation), and although this park have lots of similarities with it, there are also a number of notable differences. The park is separated into 9 themed areas.


around the park


Hollywood area


New York area

San Francisco area


street performer


Unique to this theme park is the Snoopy Studios, themed after the famous Peanuts character Snoopy and the gang (Charlie Brown, Woodstock, etc.).


Land of Oz


Amity Village, a whole village dedicated to the 1975 Steven Spielberg movie of a shark attack - Jaws.


view of the park from across the water


Snoopy buns

Jurrasic Park


Water World, I have seen this show in Hollywood so I decided to skip it.


Amity Island signage


Monsters Live Rock and Roll Show


Mel's Drive-In


rollercoaster ride


As you noticed in the pictures, the park was decorated with a lot of halloween paraphernalias in time for the Trick and Treat season on early November. There was also a Halloween Character Parade which I got to see.


Elmo


Sesame Street float including Cookie Monster, Abby Cadabby

Bert and Big Bird



The Wizard of Oz float, including Dorothy Gale, Cowardly Lion, Tin Man

Dorothy Gale


Tin Man




Peanuts float, featuring Snoopy


Lucy Van Pelt

Lucy Van Pelt and Charlie Brown


Hello Kitty floats


After the parade, I also witnessed the Dream Wedding street show of Hello Kitty.


imperial stormtrooper


New York buildings at the background


another show, just as it was about to close


Theater, I was able to watch a Sesame Street show here


Hello Kitty dolls


train from Universal Studios going connecting to city trains in Betencho station


I was happy that I didn't skip the park, other than those I've seen before, there are unique features to the park. For one Peanuts and Sanrio is not usually part of the Universal brand but was licensed to them in Japan, and it was a great experience. It was hard for me to go to the rides and shows though because everything was dubbed in Japanese. Just imagine Arnold Schwarzenegger talking in Japanese at the Terminator ride!