Your ultimate guide to Universal Studios Japan rides

Quick overview of Universal Studios Japan rides

  • Number of rides: 60+ attractions across the park
  • Types of rides: High-speed roller coasters, 4D/VR simulators, immersive dark rides, water rides, family attractions, and kids’ interactive experiences
  • Zones: 10 themed areas — Super Nintendo World™, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™, Minion Park, Hollywood, New York, San Francisco, Jurassic Park, Amity Village, Universal Wonderland, and WaterWorld
  • Crowd pullers: Mario Kart: Koopa’s Challenge™, The Flying Dinosaur, Mine Cart Madness™, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey™, JAWS™

Top rides at Universal Studios Japan

RideZoneMin. heightRestrictionsSuitable forWhat to expectThrill levelPro tip

The Flying Dinosaur

Jurassic Park

132 cm

No heart/back issues; secure loose items

Thrill-seekers

Face-down flying coaster with intense drops

5/5

Ride at opening; waits exceed 120 mins

Mario Kart: Koopa’s Challenge™

Super Nintendo World™

107 cm

3D glasses required

Families, gamers

AR-powered racing inside Bowser’s Castle

4/5

Use Express for guaranteed timed entry

Mine Cart Madness™

Super Nintendo World™

107 cm

No loose articles

Teens, families

Jungle coaster with “broken track” illusion

4/5

Queues spike midday; go early

Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey™

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

122 cm

Motion sensitivity caution

Teens, families

Immersive motion ride through Hogwarts

4/5

Shorter waits during lunch hours

Hollywood Dream – The Ride

Hollywood

132 cm

No loose items

Teens, coaster fans

High-speed coaster with onboard music

5/5

Try single rider to cut wait

JAWS™

Amity Village

None

Loud effects

All ages

Live-action boat ride with shark attacks

3/5

Lines dip during parades

Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem

Minion Park

102 cm

4D motion effects

Families

4D simulator turned Minion adventure

3/5

Great mid-afternoon indoor break

Jurassic Park – The Ride™

Jurassic Park

122 cm

May get wet

Families, teens

River raft ride with dramatic drop finale

3/5

Ponchos save time drying off

Kid-friendly rides at Universal Studios Japan

Yoshi’s Adventure™ (Super Nintendo World™)

A gentle outdoor omnimover ride perfect for younger guests, taking you on a colorful treasure hunt through the Mushroom Kingdom. Minimal intensity and vibrant scenery make it ideal for first-time riders.

Tip: Ride early morning; it fills quickly due to low height requirements.

Elmo’s Little Drive (Universal Wonderland)

A slow-paced driving ride designed especially for toddlers and preschoolers. Bright Sesame Street theming and easy controls keep it playful and stress-free.

Tip: Universal Wonderland queues are shortest right after park opening.

Hello Kitty’s Cupcake Dream (Universal Wonderland)

A cheerful spinning ride with pastel cupcake vehicles and Hello Kitty charm. Movement is gentle and suitable for most children.

Tip: Visit mid-morning before lunch crowds gather nearby.

Snoopy’s Great Race™ (Universal Wonderland)

A junior roller coaster with mild drops and smooth turns, offering just enough excitement without overwhelming young riders.

Tip: Great “first coaster” before moving to bigger attractions.

JAWS™ (Amity Village)

A boat adventure with dramatic shark encounters but no height restriction, making it suitable for most ages who can handle loud effects.

Tip: Lines dip during parade times and late afternoon.

Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem (Minion Park)

A lively 4D simulator packed with Minion humor and colorful chaos. Accessible for most families, though motion-sensitive guests should check restrictions.

Tip: Ideal midday indoor break when queues outside peak.

Thrilling rides for adults at Universal Studios Japan

The Flying Dinosaur (Jurassic Park)

One of Japan’s most intense coasters, this face-down flying ride launches you into high-speed twists, deep drops, and powerful inversions. With a 132 cm minimum height requirement, it’s strictly for adrenaline lovers.

Pro tip: Head here at rope drop or use Express; waits often exceed 120 minutes.

Hollywood Dream – The Ride (Hollywood)

A high-speed outdoor coaster reaching up to 90 km/h, featuring smooth airtime hills and customizable onboard music. Minimum height: 132 cm.

Pro tip: Use the Single Rider line to reduce waits significantly during peak hours.

Mine Cart Madness™ (Super Nintendo World™)

A visually deceptive coaster that simulates jumping broken tracks while racing through Donkey Kong Country. Minimum height: 122 cm.

Pro tip: Ride early morning; timed entry to Super Nintendo World can fill quickly.

Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey™ (Wizarding World)

A dynamic robotic-arm dark ride with rapid movements, sudden tilts, and immersive 360-degree visuals inside Hogwarts Castle. Minimum height: 122 cm.

Pro tip: Queues dip during lunch hours and late evening.

Chill attractions at Universal Studios Japan

Hogwarts Castle Walk (Wizarding World)

Explore the detailed interiors of Hogwarts without riding. Wander past moving portraits and iconic classrooms at your own pace.

Best as: A slower-paced experience when ride queues are long.

Sesame Street 4-D Movie Magic™ (Universal Wonderland)

An indoor 4D theater show with light motion effects and air conditioning. Engaging but not physically intense.

Best as: A cool-down stop during peak heat or rain.

Yoshi’s Adventure™ (Super Nintendo World™)

A slow-moving ride offering elevated views of the Mushroom Kingdom. Bright visuals, gentle pacing, and minimal motion make it ideal between high-thrill attractions.

Best as: A calm reset after Mine Cart Madness™.

JAWS™ (Amity Village)

A seated boat tour through Amity Harbor with cinematic storytelling and dramatic moments, but no big drops or speed. Great when you want something immersive without coaster intensity.

Best as: A shaded mid-afternoon break.

Plan your rides at Universal Studios Japan

Group tour at Universal Studios Japan with Super Nintendo World attractions.
  • Head straight to Super Nintendo World™ for Mario Kart: Koopa’s Challenge™ or Mine Cart Madness™ — timed entry fills quickly.
  • Go next to The Flying Dinosaur before waits cross 90–120 minutes.
  • If Harry Potter is a priority, ride Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey™ early while crowds are still building.
  • Express Pass holders should follow their timed slots strategically, not randomly.
Entrance to Universal Studios Japan with roller coaster track overhead.
  • Arrival time: Be at the gates 30–45 minutes before opening. Early entry can mean 1–2 headline rides done before 10 AM.
  • Crowd flow tip: Most guests stop at the first visible rides in Hollywood. Move deeper into the park first.
  • Prep smart: Keep mobile tickets ready and store loose items early to avoid locker delays at major coasters.
Tourists on a thrilling ride with Minions at Universal Studios Japan's Despicable Me attraction.
  • Indoor attractions like Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem or Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey™.
  • Theater-style experiences and walk-through attractions.
  • JAWS™ typically has steady-moving queues.
  • Use this window for lunch in shaded or indoor dining spaces.
  • Pro tip: Check the official app for live wait times and pivot accordingly.
Universal Studios Japan, Osaka, featuring Mario Kart and Pokémon attractions.

🗓️ 1-day plan

  • Morning: Super Nintendo World™ + The Flying Dinosaur
  • Midday: Indoor rides, lunch before 12 PM
  • Afternoon: Hollywood Dream or Jurassic Park – The Ride™
  • Evening: Re-ride favorites or explore Wizarding World at sunset

🗓️ 2-day plan

  • Day 1: Thrill coasters + top headliners
  • Day 2: Family zones, shows, re-rides, relaxed exploration

Frequently Asked Questions About Universal Studios Japan Rides

While Universal Studios Japan offers attractions for all ages, some rides have height and age restrictions for safety purposes.