Universal Studios Japan Areas and Rides Guide
Last Updated on September 5, 2025 by Kay
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Are you planning a visit to Universal Studios Japan (USJ) and want to make the most of your time there, but are feeling overwhelmed with all the information out there?
I go to USJ every month, so I’m very familiar with the park, but for first-time visitors (or even second-time, speaking from experience), it can be a sensory overload when you reach the park and wonder where to go first and how to get there.
In this article, I’ll cover one of the most important things every visitor to Universal Studios Japan should know: the areas in Universal Studios Japan and the rides. This way, you’ll move faster than most people from the moment you clear security and your day will feel calm rather than chaotic.
There are ten different areas at Universal Studios Japan. I will introduce these areas and their rides in order, according to the ones closest to the entrance, and then go clockwise.
Table of Contents
Areas and Rides at Universal Studios Japan
Before we get into the areas and rides, here is a map of USJ to help familiarize you with the park’s layout.
I also highly recommend purchasing tickets for Universal Studios Japan before your visit to save time.
Hollywood Area
The entrance and exit for USJ are located in the Hollywood area. Here you will find Guest Services/Family Services as well as wheelchair and stroller rentals.
Past this, you will find a ton of souvenir shops where you can purchase character headbands. They carry Super Nintendo ones as well, although sometimes Super Nintendo World has limited ones that are only for sale in that area.
For the best Sanrio headbands (such as Hello Kitty, My Melody, and Kuromi), go to Hello Kitty Design Studio.
If you’re wondering what is the best souvenir shop at Universal Studios Japan, all of them in the Hollywood area generally sell the same things, and a variety of items featuring characters such as Mario, Minions, etc.
For the best selection of character-themed souvenirs, head straight to the area of the park that features them. Want Princess Peach merch? Super Nintendo World is where you’ll find the best of it, especially at the dedicated souvenir shops there.
Keep in mind that the souvenir shops in the Hollywood area are very crowded near closing.
You will find greetings in the Hollywood area as well with characters such as Hello Kitty and Minions, seasonal parades (check the Shows section on the USJ app), and live shows like Curious George and SING. (If you like the movie SING, definitely watch the show, it’s quite fun and entertaining.)
The Hollywood Area has popular character restaurants such as Studio Stars and the Mario Cafe. Studio Stars notably has seasonal collaborations with anime, such as Pokémon, during the Halloween season:
The Mario Cafe is one of the best places to grab a drink because the line isn’t usually long and the carbonated peach or strawberry drinks are refreshing, tasty, and super photogenic (a rare combination). I like to grab one before parades (if USJ is having any at the time) or on the way home if I decide to leave USJ early.
Lastly, in terms of rides, the Hollywood Area is home to Hollywood Dream as well as Space Fantasy and seasonal rides (currently ONE PIECE, Apothecary Diaries, and SPY x FAMILY).
Hollywood Dream — The Ride
This is one of the most famous rides at Universal Studios Japan.
I have a fond (?) memory of getting into an argument with my husband almost a decade ago when we visited USJ from Tokyo, because I loved this ride and wanted to go on it with him, and he was afraid of getting motion sick. (And this is coming from a man who went on roller coasters at Fuji-Q Highlands — in comparison, Hollywood Dream is very tame, but anyway…)
Hollywood Dream is a roller coaster that is notably very smooth to ride and yet exhilarating, especially with the music in the background that you can select yourself! There are lots of turns but no 360-degree loops, although there is a backdrop version where you can ride backwards.
Minimum height requirement when riding with an adult: 132 cm
Minimum height requirement when riding alone: 132 cm
My rating: ★★★★★
⭐️ Universal Express Pass Ride
Space Fantasy
This indoor roller coaster takes you on a ride through space as you glide through a dark room speckled with stars.
Space Fantasy used to be one of my favorite rides at Universal Studios Japan, especially since it usually changes according to anime or game collaborations. For instance, you’ll be given 3D goggles so that the background of the ride transforms into another world such as Demon Slayer or Attack on Titan. It really makes you feel like you’re immersed in that universe and fighting other characters anime-style.
However, this ride is old and desperately needs an upgrade. The goggles are always lose so I have to hold them in place with one hand. The roller coaster is also super jerky so I feel like I’ve been tossed around by the end, and my body hurts.
Note that although you’ll need to wait outside in the beginning, it’s in a shaded area. You’ll spend the majority of the wait time inside the building.
Make sure to put your belongings inside one of the lockers outside before you line up. (I don’t know how people take their phones on the ride because I sure don’t!)
Minimum height requirement when riding with an adult: 102 cm
Minimum height requirement when riding alone: 122 cm
My rating: ★★★★★
⭐️ Universal Express Pass Ride
New York Area
This used to be home to the Spiderman Ride (RIP). Now it is where you will find seasonal stage shows and Kuromi Live.
There are lots of great restaurants in the New York Area, my favorites including Finnegan’s Bar & Grill, Louie’s NY Pizza Parlor, and SAIDO.
In terms of attractions, it only has Detective Conan 4D.
Detective Conan 4D
This is a live-action show based on the popular manga and anime, Detective Conan.
I’ve watched the anime because my daughter is obsessed with it, but I am not a die-hard fan. I also don’t care much for 4D shows.
Despite this, however, I really enjoyed this show, especially the scene where Kid shows up! It was fantastic! This show is entirely in Japanese, though, so I don’t recommend it if you don’t understand the language and want to understand everything that’s going on.
The show runs for 30 minutes, so make sure you’re aware of this as well before you go. (You can leave early if you need to, though.)
My rating: ★★★★☆
Minion Park Area
As the name suggests, this area is everything Minions. There are greetings by the Minions themselves, shops selling a great selection of Minions merchandise, and there are three Minion-themed restaurants: Delicious Me!, Happiness Cafe, and Evil Eats.
There are three rides in the Minion Park Area.
Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem
In this ride, you sit in a seat that moves alongside a movie on a screen, making you feel like you’re immersed in a crazy adventure in the Minions world.
It’s an enjoyable ride, especially if the weather isn’t great and you want to wait inside. However, I don’t recommend it for those who get motion sick.
The ride takes approximately 25 minutes as well, so it’s also not great if you’re short on time.
Minimum height requirement when riding with an adult: 102 cm
Minimum height requirement when riding alone: 122 cm
My rating: ★★★★☆
⭐️ Universal Express Pass Ride
Freeze Ray Sliders
This is an outdoor ride where you get spun around in a small vehicle as if you’re slipping on ice. It’s a short but fun ride that always leaves me laughing at the end.
Minimum height requirement when riding with an adult: 92 cm
Minimum height requirement when riding alone: 122 cm
My rating: ★★★★☆
Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast
This is a brand new ride that just opened in 2025.
Riders get an E-Liminator X Blaster, which you use to shoot targets in an attempt to rack up points and become a member of the Vicious Six.
Note that although this ride is indoors, you need to wait outside for a period of time when you’re in line.
Minimum height requirement when riding with an adult: none
Minimum height requirement when riding alone: 122 cm
⭐️ Universal Express Pass Ride
Jurassic Park Area
Personally, I love this area because it makes you feel like you are actually in a tropical forest, and sometimes impressive animatronic dinosaurs come out. (At age six, my daughter is scared of them, but she likes the baby dinos.)
In terms of restaurants, the Jurassic Park area has the Lost World Restaurant (the inside is just like the museum in the original movie), as well as a collab restaurant that’s currently serving meals from ONE PIECE.
I do not like the food at the Lost World Restaurant. I’ve been there twice and disliked it each time. For me, it’s the worst restaurant in the park, and I will not go again.
There are also food carts in and around this area selling the ever-famous turkey-to-go. Personally, I don’t like turkey, so I skip this, but my Osaka friends are obsessed.
There are two main attractions here, Jurassic Park the Ride and The Flying Dinosaur.
Jurassic Park the Ride
This is a mostly outdoor ride with a really fun drop into water. Put anything you don’t want soaked into one of the lockers and make sure to wear a poncho because you will likely get wet. You can purchase ponchos for 500 yen from vending machines at the entrance of the ride, but I recommend bringing your own because these aren’t very reusable, so I think they’re terrible for the environment. If you duck during the drop, you won’t get as wet.
At one point in the ride, you’ll be in a dark room where loud sirens go off. My daughter (at age five) did not like this and has refused to go on the ride ever since. I love this ride, though, and would go again.
Minimum height requirement when riding with an adult: 107 cm
Minimum height requirement when riding alone: 122 cm
My rating: ★★★★☆ (one star off because you get wet and the seats might be wet when you get on)
⭐️ Universal Express Pass Ride
The Flying Dinosaur
If you’re looking for the most adrenaline-rushing ride at Universal Studios Japan, The Flying Dinosaur is it.
I haven’t had the pleasure of going on this ride (nor will I ever), but I will say I haven’t met anyone who actually likes it. In fact, wait times for this ride are notably short compared to other rides in the park.
This large roller coaster has you strapped facing downwards and you zoom through the track and throughout the Jurassic Park area as if you’re in the talons of a flying Pteranodon. There’s a 360-degree loop as well!
I would have tried this ride in my twenties, but alas, I am an old lady now, and I don’t have much tolerance for thrilling rides.
Height requirement when riding with an adult: 132 cm.
Minimum height requirement when riding alone: 132 cm
Guests taller than 198 cm cannot go on this ride.
⭐️ Universal Express Pass Ride
Amity Village Area
Dedicated to JAWS, this small area features a fun spot where you can take a photo with the JAWS shark itself. Nearby, you’ll find the JAWS ride, which is one of my favorites.
If you feel like trying a shark meat sandwich, check out the Amity Landing Restaurant. They also offer a chicken burger as well as shrimp for those who would prefer something a little more tame.
JAWS
On this ride, you board a boat for a short cruise that takes an unexpected turn.
I like to go on this ride only when there’s a short wait time. I wouldn’t wait an hour or more for this.
It’s fun to see the reactions of the other riders, and the cast members do a great job of making everything feel realistic (albeit a little cheesy, but in a good way).
I haven’t gotten wet on this ride because I’ve always been in the middle somehow, but I have heard that people do if they sit on the edges.
Minimum height requirement when riding with an adult: none but must be able to sit on their own
Minimum height requirement when riding alone: 122 cm
My rating: ★★★★☆
⭐️ Universal Express Pass Ride
WaterWorld
This is a live show based on the movie WaterWorld.
I had low expectations for it but I was surprisingly entertained with all the stunts and fire. Would I watch it again? No. However, my friend really enjoys it so it depends on the person.
Personally, I would only recommend this if you have nothing else to do, like action shows, or enjoy the movie.
My rating: ★★☆☆☆
Note that WaterWorld is currently closed and instead is running as ONE PIECE Premier Show until October 6th. You need to purchase a ticket to watch this show.
Super Nintendo World
This is arguably the most popular area at Universal Studios Japan, which is why you need an Area Time Entry Ticket to get in.
It’s also essential to know that once you exit this area, you cannot get back in. However, there are exceptions to this, which I talk about in my article on USJ tips.
There is only one sit-down restaurant in Super Nintendo World, which is called Kinopio’s Cafe. You can only get a seat after scanning the QR Code outside the restaurant. If there are no seats available, keep checking every 30 minutes or so and some will pop up for later time slots or if there are cancellations.
This can be a pain, but I really love this restaurant, so for me, it is well worth the trouble.
If you cannot get a seat or do not want to wait, there are three food stalls where you can get something to eat or drink: Jungle Beat Shakes (in Donkey Kong Country), Yoshi’s Snack Island (in between Yoshi’s Snack Island and Donkey Kong Country) and Pit Stop Popcorn (second floor near Mario Kart).
If you want that famous Super Star popcorn bucket that lights up, Pit Stop Popcorn is a must.
There are also greetings with photo opportunities with Peach, Donkey Kong, and Mario and Luigi. These cost around 2000 to 3000 yen, depending on the character, but you will get a professionally printed photo to take home with you as well as downloadable data. Kinopio (Toadstool) shows up occasionally for free photo sessions.
To get to Super Nintendo World quickly, after you enter the park, turn right at the Hollywood area (towards the Hollywood Dream roller coaster).
Super Nintendo World is home to three rides:
Mario Kart
This is one of the most enjoyable rides at Universal Studios Japan, which is why you’ll see long wait times for it.
Wearing a visor, you’ll ride through various stages of the Mario Kart game (including Rainbow Road!) while throwing out turtle shells, banana peels, etc., to rack up points. They’ve done a great job with the ride, especially the waiting area.
The best part is that the ride and the waiting area are entirely indoors, which is a relief during the summer or when it’s raining.
Minimum height requirement when riding with an adult: 107 cm
Minimum height requirement when riding alone: 122 cm
My rating: ★★★★★
⭐️ Universal Express Pass Ride
Yoshi’s Adventure
Yoshi’s Adventure is a super cute and leisurely ride that’ll take you through the land of Yoshi while you find eggs.
I think it’s good to experience it once, especially to get great shots when the Yoshi cars go outside, but don’t expect to be mind-blown by any means.
Most of the ride is indoors, as is the waiting area. However, if there is a long line, you might need to wait outside for a period of time.
Minimum height requirement when riding with an adult: 107 cm
Minimum height requirement when riding alone: 122 cm
My rating: ★★★☆☆
⭐️ Universal Express Pass Ride
Mine Cart Madness
This is Super Nintendo World’s newest addition, which is why you’ll find that it has the longest wait time in the park (usually at least two hours!).
I’ve written an entire article about this ride, as well as the Donkey Kong area, so make sure to give it a read to know more details.
Minimum height requirement when riding with an adult: 107 cm
Minimum height requirement when riding alone: 122 cm
My rating: ★★★★☆
⭐️ Universal Express Pass Ride
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
The name is pretty self-explanatory. Here you can dine at the Three Broomsticks restaurant, have a butterbeer, do magic using wands (which you need to purchase), enjoy shows featuring magical creatures, or go on two different rides (Flight of the Hippogriff and Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey).
Flight of the Hippogriff
This roller coaster is one of my favorites at Universal Studios Japan. It’s not massive, but it’s super fast and quite enjoyable. Although there’s usually around an hour-long wait time for the Flight of the Hippogriff, the line moves fairly quickly.
Note that a relative of a friend of mine couldn’t go on the ride because of her size. I don’t think she’s overweight by any means, but apparently, the staff felt she was too big, which is really unfortunate. There is also a maximum height of 192 cm for this ride.
Minimum height requirement when riding with an adult: 92 cm
Minimum height requirement when riding alone: 122 cm
My rating: ★★★★★
⭐️ Universal Express Pass Ride
Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
This ride gives you the 3D experience of flying around Hogwarts and dodging Dementors without needing 3D glasses.
It’s probably not best for those who have motion sickness, but I like the ride, especially since the wait times tend to be short.
If you’re visiting during the Christmas season, make sure to check out the festive projections on Hogwarts Castle at night; it’s stunning!
Minimum height requirement when riding with an adult: 122 cm
Minimum height requirement when riding alone: 122 cm
My rating: ★★★☆☆
⭐️ Universal Express Pass Ride
Universal Wonderland
This is an area for young children and usually my first stop when I go to Universal Studios Japan. If you have young kids, turn right at the Hollywood Area instead of going straight to the New York Area.
The rides here are pretty tame, such as a merry-go-round and Hello Kitty spinning cupcake ride, but it’s a great place for photos, especially if you like Hello Kitty. Personally, I love Elmo’s Go Go Skateboard. The wait times are typically short, around 5-15 minutes long, and it is just the right amount of thrilling for me.
Hello Kitty and Sesame Street characters like Elmo have shows here about twice a day, too, and Peanuts characters such as Snoopy show up for free photo ops.
I have written an in-depth guide about Universal Studios Japan with kids, so make sure to give it a read if you are a parent traveling with children.
Most Thrilling Rides at Universal Studios Japan to the Least
If you’re a fan of exhilarating rides and wondering what are the best to the worst, here is my ranking to help you figure out which rides to hit up first. (This is also for those of you who can’t stand crazy rides and want to know the opposite!)
- The Flying Dinosaur
- Hollywood Dream — Backdrop
- Hollywood Dream
- Mine Cart Madness (Donkey Kong)
- Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
- Space Fantasy
- Flight of the Hippogriff
- Jurassic Park: The Ride
- Mario Kart
- Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem
- The Flying Snoopy
- Elmo’s Go-Go Skateboard
- Freezing Ray Sliders
- JAWS
- Moppy’s Balloon Trip
- Hello Kitty’s Cupcake Dream
- Yoshi’s Adventure
- Big Bird’s Big Top Circus
- Elmo’s Bubble Bubble
My Favorite Rides at Universal Studios Japan
I thought I would also share my personal ranking for the best rides at Universal Studios Japan to the worst. To give you an idea of the kind of person I am, I am a 30-something-year-old theme park fanatic who used to love crazy roller coasters.
As I’ve gotten older, I’ve chilled out a bit because I don’t have as much stamina as I used to and get dizzy easily. (Thankfully, I don’t get motion sick, though!)
- Hollywood Dream
- Flight of the Hippogriff
- Jurassic Park: The Ride
- Elmo’s Go-Go Skateboard (don’t judge me until you try it, it’s really fun!)
- Mario Kart
- Mine Cart Madness (Donkey Kong)
- Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
- Space Fantasy
- Freezing Ray Sliders
- JAWS
- Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem
- The Flying Snoopy
- Moppy’s Balloon Trip
- Hello Kitty’s Cupcake Dream
- Yoshi’s Adventure
- Big Bird’s Big Top Circus
- Elmo’s Bubble Bubble
Wrap-up: USJ Areas and Rides
I hope this look at the different areas at Universal Studios Japan and the rides has been helpful so you know what to expect. Remember, it’s also a good idea to purchase your tickets in advance so that you can get into the park faster. (I’m not just saying this, I’m speaking from experience.)
For other helpful information that you should know before you go, read my article on USJ tips.
So this leaves one final question — which ride will you go on first?