10 things to do at the Universal Studios, Osaka

THINGS TO DO, OSAKA Updated : Mar 10, 2017, 01.21 PM IST

Sumedha Bharpilania

Sumedha has travelled across 28 countries, including a major chunk of India, and calls Japan, Thailand, France and Switzerland her pet destinations. She is seasoned in going off the beaten track and loves documenting her journeys. Apart from getting lost in metropolises, being stranded at airports and finding solace in the hills, she actively writes for eminent travel platforms. You can follow her trips on her social media handles.

Photo courtesy: Universal Studios
If Disneyland is the happiest place on earth, the Universal Studios comes a close second. Inaugurated in 2001, the one is Osaka is one of the four such theme parks in the world and has emerged as a major drawcard of the city. With nine elaborately themed areas, the most popular being ‘The Wizarding World of Harry Potter’, as many as 8 million visitors greet the Universal Studios every year and go back with happy memories and a bagful of exciting souvenirs. And if you intend to be one of these people, this guide will help you pick out the best things to do in this wonderland.

Owing to its vastness, it is impossible to get on every ride (there are five roller coasters in total), watch every show, dine in every restaurant and explore every single facet of the park. However, there are ten popular experiences that should be on top of your list. Go as early as possible in order to make the most of your time in the Studios. A magical, eventful day awaits you.

Location: 2 Chome-1-33 Sakurajima, Konohana Ward, Osaka
Opening Hours: 9:00 to 21:00
Tickets: 1 Day Pass : 7,400 yen for Adults; 4,980 yen for Children
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THINGS TO DO, OSAKA

Discover The Magic At The Wizarding World Of Harry Potter

For every Potterhead around the globe, visiting the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at the Universal Studios is like coming back home. Right from the scarlet Hogwarts Express that greets you at the entrance to the magnif...more

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THINGS TO DO, OSAKA

Unravel The Marvel Cinematic Universe In The Amazing Adventures Of SpiderMan

For every Marvel fan, Spider Man is the superhero the world desperately needs but probably cannot have because, well, he is not real. However, in the utopian world of the Universal Studios, you can get up close and perso...more

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THINGS TO DO, OSAKA

Take The Flying Dinosaur Ride Inside Jurassic Park

One of the longest flying roller coasters in the world, ‘The Flying Dinosaur’ in no way hides its intention to frighten its riders while giving them the strongest adrenaline rush of their lives.

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EATING OUT, OSAKA

Have A Hearty Meal In The Mel’s Drive-In Diner

An iconic diner based on the movie ‘American Graffiti’ by George Lucas, Mel’s is all about the classic 50s vibe. Their jukebox belts out catchy tunes from the days of yore and pretty vintage cars line the curb outside.

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Souvenirs

SHOPPING, OSAKA

Buy Tax Free Character Merchandise

Imagine owning a wand of your own along with a pair of custom-made Hogwarts robes. Some Gryffindor House stationery, perhaps? How about a Spider-Man costume, a ferocious T-Rex mask or t-shirts from the world of Sesame St...more

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THINGS TO DO, OSAKA

Watch The Thrilling WaterWorld Show

Water World is all about dangerous theatrics and is an attraction based on a film of the same name. Set in a dystopian future, the story revolves around Helen and the Mariner trying to run away from the evil Smokers so a...more

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THINGS TO DO, OSAKA

Get On The Backdrop Ride If You Aren’t The Faint Of Heart

A roller coaster that goes entirely, hold on to your seats, backward, Backdrop is for those who like to live dangerously. What is evidently a result of Japan’s technological prowess, so much so that it is exclusive to th...more

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THINGS TO DO, OSAKA

Watch A Live Monsters Rock and Roll Show

Who knew that scary monsters like Dracula, Frankenstein, Phantom of the Opera and Beetlejuice could have a sense of humour? Well, the Universal Studios is that quixotic paradise where they do and eagerly perform perfectl...more

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THINGS TO DO, OSAKA

Attend The Universal Parade With The Minions And Hello Kitty

With a spectacular parade that features popular characters like the Minions, SpongeBob, Hello Kitty and Dora among several others, the Universal Studios theme park morphs into a never-ending party every single evening.

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THINGS TO DO, OSAKA

Take The JAWS Boat Tour

What starts out as a relaxed boat ride, replete with fresh air and all the nice things in the world, the JAWS Tour takes a sudden turn and morphs into a horror story with a man-eating shark making an unexpected appearanc...more

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