I’ve written about the amazing rides one can experience in Universal Studios Osaka, Japan.
Now, what else can you expect if you pay approximately 7,000 yen/RM240 (adult) for a Universal Studio ticket in Osaka?
Well, plenty!
Other than the MUST-visit Hello Kitty, The Amazing Spiderman & the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, popular characters to watch out for include the likeable Minions as well as the Sesame Street gang.
Snoopy was in residence too and this attraction is perfect for the young with rides, a street show and a playland.
Here is the map showing the main areas of interest in Universal Studios Osaka, namely (1) New York where the Terminator 2: 3D theatre show is shown and the Amazing Spiderman 4K3D ride is, (2) San Francisco where the “Back to the Future” ride is, (3) Jurassic Park for those in love with the big monsters, (4) Amity Village where there is a fascinating JAWS ride, (5) Hollywood for the musical Hollywood Dream ride and Universal Wonderland which has 3 main focus now; Snoopy, Hello Kitty, Sesame Street. Oh, let’s not forget the Waterworld which features a theatre show with splashes of fun and water.
Do go as early as possible, for though we were there from morning till evening, we couldn’t visit every attraction here!
If you have been to any Universal Studios (I’ve been to Singapore and now, Osaka) you can expect the air of merriment and festivities as you stroll through the whole park. Music is upbeat and conversation is cheerful.
Leave your worries at the door, for in Universal Studios, no one is unhappy!
All around you are beautiful, colourful buildings and large structures with life-sized characters according to the theme. And because Cosplay is a big thing in Japan, you are more likely to bump into cosplay characters here than any other Universal Studios in the world.
In fact, dressing up is highly encouraged here at Universal Studios Osaka.
There is a daily Costume Party with singing, dancing and parading of costumes at 12.30 pm and those who came dressed up stands a chance to secure themselves a slot to walk in the “Parade de Carnivale” which is at 2.30 pm daily.
Both the Costume Party and Parade de Carnivale are spirited and fun. Music and dancing and a riot of colours from the gorgeous costumes can be expected.
Along with visitors, these performers will sing and dance both onstage and off. Don’t be shy and sing and dance along too!
BELOW: Everyone is having fun!
And like I said, there are many who came dressed up! Before the show, we had the opportunity to see them gather around the Costume Party area and observe as they don their masks, apply make-up and fix their hair.
Don’t be a stranger! Most of them are more than happy to pose for your camera, and with you as well!
It is like a huge party where everyone is invited and everyone is a friend. The show lasted for about 30 minutes and after the crowd dispersed the staff was quick to clean and set the area back to order.
More colours and songs and dancing happened during the Parade de Carnivale.
Now the costumes and theme here aren’t much on Cosplay but the earlier “winners” of best costumes during the Costume Party will get to walk the parade as well at the last part.
The parade is indeed a feast for the senses. Such gaiety, such energy and so much vibrance!
Shake it shake it! Heck, I danced along halfway through the parade. It was infectious fun!
Popular characters like Hello Kitty, Sesame Street and Charlie Brown made their appearance, much to the delight of their fans.
All that walking, dancing and fun times are bound to burn calories.
Now food and drinks are widely available within Universal Studios with almost 20 plus options from cafes to restaurants and snack bars so there isn’t a need for worry.
Unless, of course, you don’t have any Japanese yen on you.
Options: Snacks on the go or to relax in a restaurant and take your time to devour your food?
I saw someone walking around and biting into a turkey leg. Trust me, it was huge!
Halloween mochi anyone?
There was one snack that was extremely popular – banana chocolate popcorn in a Minion case!
This was 3300 yen each (RM130) but almost everybody in Universal Studios was carrying one! The queue to buy it was just as insane.
Anyhow, I couldn’t resist! I bought 2!
Other than popcorn, you can buy assorted minions buns too. They look cute, but I only had the patience to queue ONE time, and that was for the popcorn!
Speaking of minions, fans of these cuties are in for a treat as there is a daily Minion Show at 3;30 pm as well as a Minion Plaza where exclusive minions merchandise are available for sale.
Yeap, you can go bananas over them!
**********************************************************************************************************************
Our set lunch was at Park Side Grille where we feasted on pasta, soup, scallops, chicken and washed it all down with a dessert.
**********************************************************************************************************************
**********************************************************************************************************************
Dinner was a heavy affair at Finnegans. Their signature of onion blossom was soft and sweet and coated in crispy batter. My choice was a beef dish which was fork-tender and delicious.
For dessert, I enjoyed the apple cake with ice cream. Japan’s dairy products are worth every calorie.
So that’s it. My day out at Universal Studios Osaka, Japan.
Will I return and pay the ticket fee? In a heartbeat, hell yes I would!
It is a happy wonderland with colours, sounds and views and activities that transport you back to childhood and make your worries dissipate for the time being.
You can be proper or you can sing and dance on the pavements. Everyone is in a cheery mood and it is infectious.
********************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
Thank you Air Asia X and Universal Studios Japan for this opportunity!
Air Asia flies to Osaka on every Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
Universal Studios Japan is located in the city of Osaka and can be accessed by train. The nearest station is JR Universal City.
visit the official website for more info. Tickets from 6,980 yen per adult, 4,880 yen per child (ages 4-11). For Visa info, check out here.
********************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
