Universal Studios Japan Review 2026: Top 5 Best Rides
As a theme park fanatic, Universal Studios Japan in Osaka blew my mind. Here is my honest review of the top 5 must-ride attractions and pro tips for 2026.
I take my theme park adventures very seriously,
making it a point to visit major parks every single year.
So, when I finally planned my trip to Universal Studios Japan (USJ)
in Osaka for 2026, I was beyond thrilled.
I couldn't wait to experience the perfect blend of
American blockbuster vibes and iconic Japanese anime attractions.
Hollywood Dream - The Ride | Jaws | The Flying Dinosaur | Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey | Mario Kart: Koopa's Challenge
Here is my honest review of the top 5 must-ride attractions! :)
Universal Studios Japan
☑️ Daily 8:30 AM ~ 9:30 PM
★ Pro-tip: On-site ticket lines are notoriously long. Online booking is cheaper and highly recommended to save time.
USJ is incredibly accessible—
just a quick 5-minute walk from Universal City Station.
To beat the massive crowds, most visitors either do an
'open run' at dawn or purchase an Express Pass.
I compared ticket and pass prices across platforms,
and currently, Trip.com offers slightly better rates.
You can even snag tickets that include a guaranteed timed entry to Super Nintendo World.
These deals sell out incredibly fast,
so if you're planning a trip, book well in advance!
Don't wait until the last minute. :)
▼▼▼
Check USJ Ticket Prices on Trip.com
Hollywood Dream - The Ride
❇️ Ride Features
A high-speed roller coaster where you can choose to ride forward or backward, with a customizable soundtrack blasting right next to your ears.
❇️ Average Wait Time
60 ~ 80 minutes
❇️ Pros & Cons
The onboard audio makes the ride incredibly euphoric. However, the backward option (Backdrop) might cause motion sickness for some.
As soon as we entered the park,
we secured our 'Nintendo World' timed entry on the app and headed straight for the rides.
The first one we encountered was
'Hollywood Dream - The Ride'.
You have the option to ride forward or backward.
I'm usually fine with either,
but just to be safe and avoid any early-day
motion sickness for my family, we chose forward!
The staff hands out boarding passes based on your party size
for line sorting, so make sure to hold onto them.
Following the staff's instructions,
you must store all large bags in the lockers provided.
After stashing your stuff, you get a QR slip and head back into line.
Phones and smaller items can be placed
on a shelf right before you board.
The wait wasn't bad at all;
it felt like less than an hour.
Since the coaster holds a lot of people, the line moves pretty fast!
Honestly, I went in completely blind
without knowing much about this ride.
That probably made the experience even more mind-blowing.
As soon as you launch, high-energy music blasts into your ears.
I literally felt like I was shooting straight up into the sky
on a Hollywood dream!
The audio integration is so seamless
that you feel like the main character in an action movie.
For pure vibes and euphoria, this is my #1 recommendation.
Jaws
❇️ Ride Features
A boat tour through a highly detailed replica of the 'Jaws' movie set. The live actor playing the boat captain makes the whole experience.
❇️ Average Wait Time
40 ~ 60 minutes
❇️ Pros & Cons
Incredibly immersive with some genuinely good jump scares. The downside is that once you know where the shark pops up, the replay value drops slightly.
The wait time for Jaws is usually on the shorter side.
Since it's a large boat that seats a ton of people at once,
the queue constantly keeps moving.
However, during peak season, anything can happen,
so always check the official USJ app for real-time updates.
Walking through Amity Village is fantastic.
The New England coastal town vibes are spot on.
You board the boats in groups.
Pro-tip: Sitting on the outer edge gives you the best (and splashiest) experience.
Photography is strictly prohibited during the ride,
so I could only snap a few shots at the entrance.
Wow! The animatronics are cool, but the real star is the staff member playing the captain.
Their acting is phenomenal and totally sells the danger!
It genuinely made me realize that working at USJ
requires some serious theatrical talent.
It's an absolute classic and a must-ride at least once.
Don't skip 'Jaws'!
Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
❇️ Ride Features
A breathtaking 4K 3D dark ride that simulates flying on a broomstick alongside Harry Potter, battling iconic creatures from the films.
❇️ Average Wait Time
60 ~ 90 minutes
❇️ Pros & Cons
The hyper-realistic graphics and motion simulation are unmatched. However, there are some intense, dark moments that might scare younger kids (or adults!).
A friend of mine told me that if I only rode one thing all day,
it had to be the 'Forbidden Journey'.
They even warned me not to be intimidated by the line,
assuring me it moves much faster than it looks.
While everyone rushes to Super Nintendo World these days,
I have to admit, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is still pure magic!
The attention to detail is staggering.
It honestly brought back memories of my travels to the UK.
We visited this area in the late afternoon,
and the outdoor queue was completely empty.
The line inside the castle was longer, but you're constantly moving past incredible props.
Once you enter the dungeons,
you have to store everything in lockers, so no more photos.
Let me tell you, I'm not someone who easily gets scared on rides.
But when Voldemort got right in my face, I actually flinched and closed my eyes!
I'll leave the spoilers at that. Haha!
Our entire family agreed this was a masterpiece.
Harry Potter and the 'Forbidden Journey' gets a massive 10/10 from me.
The Flying Dinosaur
❇️ Ride Features
A flying roller coaster where riders are suspended face-down, simulating the feeling of being snatched up by a wild Pteranodon.
❇️ Average Wait Time
60 ~ 120 minutes
❇️ Pros & Cons
Delivers an unparalleled adrenaline rush with its unique prone riding position. However, the face-down posture can be genuinely terrifying for those afraid of heights.
Many thrill-seekers travel to Universal Studios Japan
specifically for the extreme coasters.
'The Flying Dinosaur' is usually the very first stop
for hardcore adrenaline junkies right when the gates open.
Wait times easily stretch from 1 to 2 hours,
but by constantly checking the app, we managed to hop on after just an hour.
Just watching it from the ground is dizzying.
Riding it is a completely different beast compared to standard coasters.
If 'Hollywood Dream' feels like
a joyous, music-filled joyride,
'The Flying Dinosaur' feels like
you are literally flying face-first through the sky.
It's easily one of the most intense and popular rides at USJ.
Highly recommended if you love a good thrill.
Mario Kart: Koopa's Challenge
❇️ Ride Features
A groundbreaking AR (Augmented Reality) dark ride that brings the chaos of Mario Kart into the real world.
❇️ Average Wait Time
90 ~ 120+ minutes
❇️ Pros & Cons
The interactive AR tech is mind-blowing and addictive. The massive downside is the grueling wait time, which can drain your energy before you even board.
Full disclosure: Even with a timed entry ticket to the area,
the standby line for the ride was pushing 3 hours, so I actually had to bail.
Why am I still including it in my top 5?
Because every single friend of mine who has ridden it—especially those with kids—says it's the greatest thing ever.
Just stepping foot into Super Nintendo World
feels completely surreal. The scale is unbelievable.
Missing out on 'Mario Kart' is exactly
why I am already planning my next trip back to USJ.
It's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, but be mentally prepared for the wait,
or bite the bullet and buy an Express Pass.
Aside from these top 5, we managed to squeeze in
several other attractions throughout the day.
Between the world-class parades and endless entertainment,
it's easy to see why people visit year after year.
That wraps up my review of the
Top 5 attractions at Universal Studios Japan.
Writing this brings back all the adrenaline,
and I seriously can't wait to go back!
If you are heading to Osaka soon,
make sure to secure those tickets and Nintendo timed entries ASAP!
▼▼▼
Book Universal Studios Japan Tickets Here
📍 Universal Studios Japan
2 Chome-1-33 Sakurajima, Konohana Ward, Osaka, 554-0031 Japan
Words & Photos by: Saeronde
Share this article
Related Travel Stories
Okinawa Pineapple Park Tickets 2026: Discounts & Visitor Guide
Ready for a sweet escape in Okinawa? Dive into our guide for the Pineapple Park, revealing top tips for discounted tickets, must-see attractions, and planning your unforgettable visit.
Universal Studios Japan Tickets 2026: Harry Potter Ride Review
Planning your USJ adventure? Discover the best ticket options and an honest review of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter's Forbidden Journey ride, plus motion sickness tips.
Kansai Joy Pass Guide 2026: Osaka Itinerary & Savings
Maximize your Osaka trip with the Kansai Joy Pass! Learn how to use it, what's included, and steal our 3-day itinerary to save on top city attractions.
