Introduction
Planning a trip to Japan with kids and wondering if Universal Studios Japan 2025 is worth it? This USJ Osaka family guide shows how we enjoyed Nintendo World’s Donkey Kong and Mario Kart, Harry Potter experiences, and the brand-new Minion ride—all in just one summer day. You’ll also see why USJ Osaka can actually feel easier and more family-friendly compared to Universal Studios in the U.S.
Why USJ Osaka is Different from U.S. Universal Parks
- Compact but efficient: Unlike Orlando, which takes days, USJ Osaka is small enough to cover highlights in one day—perfect for families on a tight Japan trip.
- Japan-only experiences: The brand-new Donkey Kong coaster and special XR attractions like Spy x Family are unique to Japan.
- Cultural twist: From themed food to the playful staff interactions, the Japanese attention to detail adds a different layer of magic.
Our Summer Day at USJ Osaka
🕖 Arriving Early
We caught the first train and arrived before 6:00 AM. By then, we were already second in line at the gate. Families spread picnic sheets, ate breakfast, and waited. Gates opened around 8:30 AM—by then, the crowd was huge behind us.
🎢 Donkey Kong’s Mine Cart Adventure
We power-walked straight to Super Nintendo World. At 8:20 AM, we boarded the new Donkey Kong coaster with almost no wait. By the time we exited at 8:30, the line was already up to 30 minutes. This ride was our family’s favorite—fun, thrilling, and not too scary.
🚗 Mario Kart: Koopa’s Challenge
Next stop was Mario Kart. We waited about 30 minutes, which was manageable in the morning. With interactive AR goggles, even our daughter loved racing through Bowser’s Castle.
🍕 Early Pizza Lunch
By 10:00 AM, we were hungry again (breakfast was before 6!). We grabbed pizza near Nintendo World. At this hour, it was empty—no lines, relaxed atmosphere. Eating early made the rest of the day smoother.
🪄 Harry Potter Area
After lunch, we headed to Hogsmeade. To our surprise, the wait for Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey was only 30 minutes. Later, we used Hermione’s wand to try the magic spell spots. Watching flames burst out after casting a spell was unforgettable!
🤖 Spy x Family XR Ride
This summer’s limited-time attraction was the Spy x Family XR ride. You wear VR goggles while riding a coaster. Normally, my daughter avoids roller coasters, and I’m scared of rides like Space Mountain—but this one felt different. She bravely tried it and loved it. I even enjoyed it! This was a unique Japanese highlight you won’t find in the U.S.
🍧 Minion Fun & Cool Treats
The Osaka summer heat is intense. We cooled off with a pineapple shaved ice in the Minion area—it felt like coming back to life! Since there’s no eat-in space, we searched for shade to enjoy it. Chairs are hard to find, so we ended up sitting on stone ledges or any spot we could find. Tip: Wear clothes comfortable enough to sit on the ground if needed.
🎮 New Minion Blast Trial
Right after that, we experienced the brand-new Minion Blast shooting game. This attraction lets you customize your weapon and track your score through the official app. Competing on the live ranking board made us want to ride again and again. It’s the kind of repeatable fun that adds a fresh twist compared to traditional rides.
🎯 Carnival Games
We ended the day with carnival games—throwing balls to win plushies. We didn’t get the big prize, but took home a Woody Woodpecker badge, which became a fun memory anyway.
Express Pass vs. Early Entry
Our strategy was to arrive early, and it worked—we rode Donkey Kong, Mario, Harry Potter, and Spy x Family without Express Pass. But if waking up before 6 AM feels impossible, the Express Pass is worth it. It’s pricey, but guarantees you’ll fit in the top attractions.
👉 For a full breakdown of pass options and strategies, check out our detailed guide: How to Use USJ Express Pass Effectively
👉 You can also book tickets and Express Passes directly from the Official Universal Studios Japan Website.
Final Thoughts
Visiting USJ Osaka in summer 2025 was intense but rewarding. Compared to U.S. Universal parks, it felt:
- More compact and manageable in one day.
- More unique attractions (Donkey Kong, Spy x Family XR).
- More family-friendly with strategic meal times and cooling breaks.
If you’re planning a Japan trip with kids, don’t skip Universal Studios Japan 2025. With the right plan, you can see it all in one day—and maybe even discover a new favorite ride like we did.
Related Links
Osaka, Kyoto, and Nara Travel Guide – Perfect add-ons to your USJ trip
👉 Discover nearby spots to plan a complete Kansai family itinerary.
Expo 2025 Osaka Family Guide – Our visit before USJ
👉 Check how we explored Expo 2025 just before heading to USJ.
Coming Soon: Osaka Business Hotel Review from our USJ trip
👉 Perfect base for combining USJ with Osaka city sightseeing.
Universal Studios Japan 2023 Report + Korean Dinner at Tsuruhashi
👉 See how our previous trip compared and what has changed since 2023.
