Universal Studios Japan

I have been wanting to visit Universal Studios Japan ever since hearing about the opening of the Harry Potter World!! Yup, who doesn't? During my recent trip to Japan (Jul '15), the main reason was to visit USJ before I officially step into the working world!

Anyway it was an impromptu trip where we booked the tickets only the night before and flew the next afternoon so we didn't really have time to plan for Osaka and Tokyo. Thankfully I have been to both 2 years ago so I still have recollections of it here and there! I would also suggest that you start your itinerary with Osaka and then head up to Tokyo, that is IF you are only going to these 2 places. However, if you have more days in this beautiful country, you can add in Kyoto in between before heading to Tokyo! Kyoto is really gorgeous and more stuffs to see than Osaka, just saying :)

Now back to USJ ... so how do you plan for it?

Book your tickets in advance!

The boy and I did a huge mistake by getting our tickets at the booth itself and it was such a horrible experience!! By that, I mean LONG queues for both ticketing and entry line. We were there early but only to be running a tad late in the end. We had to split up so once he bought the tickets, we get to go into the park immediately! Even though we went on a weekday, all the better express passes were sold out and I only managed to get my hand on a limited express pass which only have 5 rides and most were pretty...lame. To ensure you get a full experience, get your express pass way before hand!!!

Each Adult Ticket cost 7200 Yen (SGD $84) after tax for a 1 day studio pass. They have a 2 day studio pass to if you'd like to spend more time at the park (as below).

https://www.usj.co.jp/e/ticket/

And if you aren't aware, Universal Studios always tweak their express pass's prices according to the day's projection. Offering 3 different types of pass (Express 7, Express 5 and Express 3) , it can be as low as 3300 Yen (SGD $38) after tax or as high as 9800 Yen (SGD $113) with tax depending on the category you choose. The number behind indicates the number of popular attraction at the studio where you can cut all the queues! Always.. just go for the 7 hahaha!!

You can purchase your Advance Tickets from your respective agents which most could be found here: where to buy?. If you want to try your luck on that day itself, then I hope you aren't as unlucky as me! Haha.

What do I need to bring?

If it's just 2 of you, share a bag!!! It really helps to lessen the load a lot! Bring a small bottle of water so you can refill them in the studio once its empty. Depending on your season, wear a cap, bring an umbrella/raincoat or sunblock if you need to. It was July when I went so it was hooot but there was occasional rain so I brought everything basically hahaha :x

Next, if you have an iPad mini, it'd be perfect!! Load up with TV series or stream them by connecting to your pocket Wi-Fi while waiting for your ride! The queue can get up to an hour sometimes especially if you're in Harry Potter Land. That being said.. with all these electronic devices going on, you probably need a portable charger. However, if you're scared that all these are gonna be heavy, you can choose not to and choose to snack instead (at least you can throw them away after eating). Again, bring your own snacks because it can be way overpriced in the studio. Just a reminder: bring some wet tissues, in case you need to wipe off dirt from your fingers and walking to the toilet is just too much of a hassle.

Which ride should I go to first?

WHEN YOU STEP IN FOR THE FIRST TIME, IT FEELS SOOO AMAZINGLY OUT OF PLACE!!!

Harry Potter Castle!!

In my opinion, I think we need to visit HPL first!! I mean.. it's the highlight of the studio right?! To me, at least.. USJ always have this time slot ticket where you can get them at the entrance of the attraction so you can go there at that stipulated time (which makes waiting time less short and less crowded).

Next.. look at your map and plan which attraction is a must you have to complete before leaving!! For me, I would usually look at the reviews online at those rides I wanna take and also videos from Youtube!! From there, you can have a rough gauge of how the attractions will be like and if they are satisfying enough for you :)

Amazing Spiderman Ride :)

Merchandises you can buy at the store! It's damn cool because each attraction has their own store selling a lottt of cute souvenirs..

This bun was so cute I just had to get it at the hot dog store for photo sake!!!
Forget about the taste though, sometimes pretty things ain't nice.

My favourite would be The Amazing Spiderman Ride, Hollywood Dream, Space Fantasy and Harry Potter & The Forbidden Journey!!! I went on the HP ride like thrice?!?! You get to travel through the HP castle and enter the Hogwarts School, explore pass Dumbledore's office, Gryffindor's common room and even the Dark Arts classroom before going on the ride. They used 4K technology with 3D effects and you get to experience the ride in high speed and the adrenaline rush through certain parts is definitely not to be missed! I am never a fan of such rides but this was surely unforgettable.

A pity though.. I didn't have time to take the Hollywood Dream - Backdrop and only managed to go onto The Ride. You need to plan your time wisely to be able to try both roller coasters, enjoyed myself on The Ride nonetheless!

JAWS

A boat tour where you could get slightly wet at certain areas. Basically a man-made shark show attraction which I thought was pretty good. I was quite uncomfortable throughout as I'm not a big fan of sharks, in other words: scared. Haaa :(

This above was taken at the Universal Wonderland where every rides were designed for small children. The theme goes by Hello Kitty, Snoopy and Sesame Street!! Did not queue for any rides there because I wasn't interested in them except their merchandises!!! Omg everything was so カワイイ kawaii (cute) !!!

Remember: Know your route around the studio by starting with either anticlockwise or clockwise direction depending on your very first attraction! Check out their available rides and temporary closed attractions here.

Oh one more tip ... do not prioritize watching their shows!!! All their shows are in Japanese so if you don't speak them, forget it. We went to one of the attraction and ended up wasting our time as we understand nothing except a bit of basic Jap here and there. I wish they do everything in English though..

Where to eat?

The Three Broomsticks - Harry Potter Land
Some fish and chip meal which wasn't even a single bit worth it at all!!!!

There are plenty of kiosks and food restaurants in the park itself but as everyone knows, they don't come off cheap but you still buy them anyway. WHY? you'll most likely finish the food you self-packed (if you did), unless you packed enough OR you simply can't be bothered to pack any HA! I, on the other hand, ate whatever I feel like and buy whatever I feel photo worthy (like the spiderman bun above).

However, if you're not interested in the food in the park, NO WORRIES!!! There are a lot of food places outside the park!!! One of it will be the Takoyaki Museum where you get to try out different brands/type of takoyaki!!! I remembered trying about 3 stalls which all tasted sooo good but it gets sick after awhile.

BRB // Enrolling into Hogwarts

YUP these summarizes up my day to the park. I left USJ a happy girl but I probably wouldn't be back again in the near future. It's time to conquer different theme parks instead :) Enjoy Japan!!! さようなら ♡♡♡