Opened on March 31, 2001, Universal Studios Japan welcomed 11 million guests in its first year, making it the fastest theme park to reach the milestone of 10 million guests.
In 2022, it hosted 12.3 million visitors, making it the third most visited theme park in the world, behind Magic Kingdom and Disneyland, and the most visited theme park in Asia.
#7 WaterWorld
WaterWorld is the show that has made many Universal parks around the world famous in recent years, starting with Universal Hollywood.
It has become such an icon that there are a few “copies” of it, such as the U.S. Army Show at Movieland, just to name one.
#6 Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey™
An identical copy of the one at Universal Hollywood, and with a few differences compared to Orlando, this land is the perfect representation of Hogsmeade, complete with shops, restaurants, and the iconic Hogwarts Castle, inside of which you’ll find Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey™ where you’ll soar aboard the most famous broomstick in cinema.
#5 The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man 4K3D – The Ride.
The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man 4K3D – The Ride is an identical copy of the one in Orlando, but here it’s placed in an area that enhances its appeal, thanks also to a truly spectacular themed entrance.
#4 Jurassic Park – The Ride
Jurassic Park – The Ride is a Universal park classic, but here I wanted to highlight not so much the originality as the impeccable maintenance. I found a ride in perfect working condition—I’ve never seen it like this, not even in Orlando!
#3 Jaws
JAWS is also a classic Universal park attraction, but here they really went all out. Besides being the last attraction dedicated to the shark, there’s an entire land that recreates the atmosphere of Amity Island.
#2 The Flying Dinosaur
The Flying Dinosaur is one of the most intense flying coasters I’ve ever experienced—possibly even more intense than Manta, which I rode years ago at SeaWorld Orlando.
#1 Mario Kart: Koopa’s Challenge™
This is the attraction that every nerd should experience at least once in their life.
The queue alone is worth the trip to Japan due to its immersive theming.
The attraction itself is hard to describe because it’s the world’s first to use augmented reality. So, if you get the chance to try it, make sure to follow the video tutorial shown in the pre-show carefully—even if you don’t understand Japanese, you’ll still get what you need to do.
Basically, you’ll be thrown into the most iconic worlds of the Mario Kart saga—from rainbow roads to blue skies, everything will feel like you’re truly inside the video game.
