Universal Studios Japan Rides List: Top 20 (& How to Enjoy Each)
Universal Studios Japan features cutting-edge attractions utilizing advanced ride systems and immersive theming. With rides like Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge™ employing augmented reality and The Flying Dinosaur offering intense inverted coaster thrills, the park sets industry standards. Here is a (short) Universal Studios Japan rides list to get you started…
Top 5 Must-Ride Attractions at Universal Studios Japan:
- The Flying Dinosaur: Experience the ultimate thrill on this high-speed inverted coaster in Jurassic Park. It’s one of the most intense rides in the park, perfect for adrenaline seekers.
- Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey: Immerse yourself inside Hogwarts on this groundbreaking dark ride. Advanced technology and captivating storytelling make it a must-visit attraction.
- Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge™: Engage in an interactive racing adventure in Super Nintendo World™. Utilizing augmented reality, this ride offers a unique experience you won’t find anywhere else.
- Hollywood Dream – The Ride Backdrop: Take on the excitement of riding a coaster backward. This twist on the popular attraction adds an extra layer of thrill to your experience.
- Jurassic Park – The Ride: Embark on a water adventure filled with dinosaurs and a heart-pounding big drop. It’s a classic ride that combines excitement with immersive theming.
These top five attractions are selected for their popularity, technological innovation, and unique guest experiences. They are ordered based on thrill level and impact, starting with the most exhilarating. Be sure to include these in your itinerary to make the most of your visit to Universal Studios Japan.
Want to unlock secret features like scanning your Power-Up Band on Mario Kart or spotting Spielberg’s glasses in Jaws? Continue reading for detailed ride breakdowns and insider tips to maximize your Universal Studios Japan experience…
Elmo’s Go Go Skateboard
Race down the slopes with Elmo on a giant skateboard, thrilling kids and making even adults scream with excitement. The unpredictable twists and turns will leave everyone on the edge of their seats!
| 🎉 Year Opened | 2015 |
| 📍 Section | Universal Wonderland |
| 🤞 Rider Height | 36″ (92 cm) or Taller |
| 🎢 Ride Type | Mild Spinning, Flat Ride |
| 👨👩👧 Best For | Preschoolers, Young Kids, and Families |
Insider Tip: For Elmo’s Go Go Skateboard at Universal Studios Japan, one fun detail is that the ride’s pace and movements are designed to be gentle, making it ideal for young children and families. The ride’s colorful theming and cheerful music from Sesame Street create an immersive and enjoyable experience without being too intense for first-time riders.
Elmo’s Bubble Bubble
Set sail in Elmo’s dream world as you ride Dorothy the goldfish across shimmering waters! Watch as Elmo makes bubbles on this magical indoor cruise, perfect for a relaxing adventure.
| 🎉 Year Opened | 2012 |
| 📍 Section | Universal Wonderland |
| 🤞 Rider Height | 36″ (92 cm) or Taller |
| 🎢 Ride Type | Gentle Spinning, Teacup-Style Ride |
| 👨👩👧 Best For | Preschoolers, Young Kids, and Families |
Insider Tip: Elmo’s Bubble Bubble is a seasonal, family-friendly show at Universal Studios Japan. While it’s a fun spectacle featuring bubbles, the attraction is known to rotate or change with the season, so be sure to check the park schedule in advance to confirm it’s running during your visit.
Elmo’s Little Drive
Kids ages 3 to 5 can take the wheel and zoom around the track in adorable Elmo-themed go-karts. This exciting ride lets your little ones experience the thrill of driving in a safe, fun environment!
| 🎉 Year Opened | 2012 |
| 📍 Section | Universal Wonderland |
| 🤞 Rider Height | 42″ (107 cm) |
| 🎢 Ride Type | Slow Car Ride |
| 👨👩👧 Best For | Toddlers, preschoolers, Kids |
Insider Tip: Elmo’s Little Drive is designed for toddlers, and parents can ride along with their kids. The line typically moves quickly since it’s a low-capacity ride, and strollers can be parked right outside the entrance, making it easy for families with young children to hop on and off the ride.
The Flying Dinosaur
Soar through the skies as a wild Pteranodon grabs you, sending you spiraling 360 degrees through the heart-pounding world of Jurassic Park. This cutting-edge flying coaster will leave you breathless with its towering heights and adrenaline-pumping twists!
| 🎉 Year Opened | 2016 |
| 📍 Section | Jurassic Park |
| 🤞 Rider Height | 52″ (132 cm) or Taller |
| 🎢 Ride Type | Big Drops, High-Speed, Extreme Thrill |
| 👨👩👧 Best For | Older Kids, Teens, Adults |
Insider Tip: Look closely at the detailed theming in the queue for The Flying Dinosaur. As you enter the final part of the line, you’ll notice “Jurassic Park” logos subtly etched into the steel framework of the ride’s station, a nod to the attraction’s deep connection with the movie franchise. Also, check for the velociraptor cage near the loading area—an Easter egg that many miss!
Jurassic Park – The Ride
A raging T-Rex forces the expedition group into a heart-pounding escape, plunging 25.9 meters down a steep slope. Desperation fuels their fall as they scramble to survive the prehistoric beast!
| 🎉 Year Opened | 2001 |
| 📍 Section | Jurassic Park |
| 🤞 Rider Height | 42″ (107 cm) or Taller |
| 🎢 Ride Type | Big Drops, Water Ride, Thrills Rides, Dark, Scary |
| 👨👩👧 Best For | Older Kids, Teens, Adults |
Insider Tip: While on Jurassic Park – The Ride at Universal Studios Japan, look for the iconic “Dilophosaurus spit” scene, where animatronic dinosaurs can spray unsuspecting riders with water. Standing by the railing on the lower left side of the boat can increase your chances of getting sprayed—an unexpected surprise for many!
Jaws
A peaceful boat tour turns into a heart-pounding battle for survival when a giant man-eating shark attacks, straight out of the movie Jaws. Brace yourself for a thrilling, high-stakes adventure where danger lurks beneath the waves!
| 🎉 Year Opened | 2001 |
| 📍 Section | Amity Village |
| 🤞 Rider Height | 42″ (107 cm) or Taller |
| 🎢 Ride Type | Water Ride, Thrill Ride, Scary, Loud |
| 👨👩👧 Best For | Older Kids, Teens, Adults |
Insider Tip: When riding Jaws at Universal Studios Japan, keep an eye on the boathouse scene. As you pass through, look closely at the details—there’s a hidden nod to Steven Spielberg with a set of glasses resembling his signature eyewear tucked away in the boathouse. This Easter Egg pays homage to the director of the original Jaws film!
Space Fantasy – The Ride
Soar through the vast universe, darting freely among glittering stars on an epic space adventure. Embrace the boundless thrill of cosmic freedom as your journey begins!
| 🎉 Year Opened | 2010 |
| 📍 Section | Universal Wonderland |
| 🤞 Rider Height | 40″ (102 cm) or Taller |
| 🎢 Ride Type | Spinning Coaster, Thrill Ride, Dark, Mild Drops |
| 👨👩👧 Best For | Families, Teens, Adults |
Insider Tip: If you’re a fan of Sega’s Sonic the Hedgehog, look out for a hidden Easter egg on Space Fantasy – The Ride during seasonal overlays. Occasionally, Sonic makes a special appearance, transforming the ride into a themed adventure. This collaboration is rare, so keep an eye on event announcements to catch this unique experience!
Sesame’s Big Drive
Hop into a colorful car with your favorite Sesame Street™ characters and cruise through a lively, Central Park-inspired setting. This action-packed ride brings the excitement of city driving to life with fun twists and turns!
| 🎉 Year Opened | 2012 |
| 📍 Section | Universal Wonderland |
| 🤞 Rider Height | 42″ (107 cm) |
| 🎢 Ride Type | Gentle car ride |
| 👨👩👧 Best For | Toddlers, Preschoolers, young Kids |
Insider Tip: While riding Sesame’s Big Drive at Universal Studios Japan, look closely at the dashboard—there’s a hidden tribute to classic Sesame Street characters. The ride’s whimsical details go beyond just the fun mechanics, offering fans a nostalgic nod to the show’s history. Keep your eyes peeled for Grover’s superhero emblem tucked into the design!
Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
Embark on the ultimate Harry Potter™ adventure, where ultra-realistic effects let you feel the dragon’s fire and the icy chill of Dementors without 3D glasses. Dive into a thrilling 360-degree journey, immersing you in magic like never before!
| 🎉 Year Opened | 2014 |
| 📍 Section | The Wizarding World of Harry Potter |
| 🤞 Rider Height | 48″ (122 cm) or Taller |
| 🎢 Ride Type | Dark Ride, Thrill Ride, Scary |
| 👨👩👧 Best For | Teens, Adults |
Insider Tip: In the queue for Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey™ at Universal Studios Japan, look for the Marauder’s Map projected on the wall near Dumbledore’s office. It reveals footsteps and hidden paths within the castle, adding a magical detail to your wait that many fans miss if they’re rushing through.
Hollywood Dream – The Ride
Experience the heart-pounding thrill of soaring through the air on Universal Studios Japan’s cutting-edge coaster, designed by world-class engineers. With your favorite music blasting, every twist and turn will send adrenaline surging through your veins!
| 🎉 Year Opened | 2007 |
| 📍 Section | Hollywood Area |
| 🤞 Rider Height | 52″ (132 cm) or Taller |
| 🎢 Ride Type | Big Drops, High-Speed, Thrill Ride |
| 👨👩👧 Best For | Teens, Adults |
Insider Tip: Hollywood Dream – The Ride at Universal Studios Japan has a “Backdrop” version that many guests overlook. This special feature lets you ride the roller coaster entirely in reverse for a unique thrill. The option is easy to miss, so keep an eye out for signage directing you to the Backdrop queue, offering a different adrenaline-pumping experience!
Hollywood Dream – The Ride: Backdrop
Brace yourself for an unpredictable, scream-inducing backwards coaster that shoots 43m high at a mind-bending angle! The unknown twists and turns guarantee extreme thrills and non-stop excitement.
| 🎉 Year Opened | 2007 |
| 📍 Section | Hollywood Area |
| 🤞 Rider Height | 52″ (132 cm) or Taller |
| 🎢 Ride Type | Backwards Coaster, Big Drops, High-Speed, Thrill Ride |
| 👨👩👧 Best For | Teens, Adults, thrill-seekers |
Insider Tip: For Hollywood Dream – The Ride Backdrop, look out for the option to select your own music from a hidden tracklist. While most riders choose the standard tunes, those in the know can enjoy less commonly heard songs that enhance the experience. Be sure to pay attention at the boarding platform for your chance to choose!
Hello Kitty’s Cupcake Dream
Step into Hello Kitty’s whimsical cake party and spin your way through colorful cupcakes while the music plays! Grab the handle to add extra fun and see which cupcake you’ll choose as you twirl around!
| 🎉 Year Opened | 2012 |
| 📍 Section | Universal Wonderland |
| 🤞 Rider Height | 48″ (122 cm |
| 🎢 Ride Type | Gentle Spinning Ride |
| 👨👩👧 Best For | Preschoolers, Kids |
Insider Tip: At Hello Kitty’s Cupcake Dream, look closely at the walls in the queue for hidden details featuring Hello Kitty’s favorite treats. Fans have reported spotting special cupcake designs with nods to other Sanrio characters, making the wait more fun for sharp-eyed visitors. Keep an eye out for the subtle character references scattered throughout!
Big Bird’s Big Top Circus
Join Big Bird as the ringmaster of a whimsical circus, riding on the backs of colorful animals that spin at his command. This Sesame Street™ merry-go-round whirls you through the vibrant world of your favorite characters!
| 🎉 Year Opened | 2012 |
| 📍 Section | Universal Wonderland |
| 🤞 Rider Height | 48″ (122 cm |
| 🎢 Ride Type | Gentle Spinning Ride, Family-Friendly |
| 👨👩👧 Best For | Preschoolers, young kids |
Insider Tip: In Big Bird’s Big Top Circus at Universal Studios Japan, keep an eye out for a small but fun hidden detail near the entrance: a cluster of colorful balloons designed to resemble Sesame Street characters. These balloons are a charming photo op and a subtle Easter egg that many guests walk past without noticing.
Flight of the Hippogriff
Soar through the skies on a majestic Hippogriff as Hagrid teaches you the proper way to approach this magical creature. Get ready for breathtaking views above Hagrid’s hut and pumpkin patch in this family-friendly flying adventure!
| 🎉 Year Opened | 2014 |
| 📍 Section | The Wizarding World of Harry Potter |
| 🤞 Rider Height | 48″ (122 cm) or Taller |
| 🎢 Ride Type | Family-friendly roller coaster, Small Drops, Mild Thrill |
| 👨👩👧 Best For | Kids, Families |
Insider Tip: As you pass through the queue for Flight of the Hippogriff™ at Universal Studios Japan, keep an eye out for Hagrid’s Hut nestled among the trees. You’ll spot Fang, Hagrid’s loyal boarhound, resting outside. This detail is easy to miss but adds a fun nod to Harry Potter fans waiting in line!
The Flying Snoopy
Take control of your own flight with Snoopy and soar through the sky, twisting and turning around the Peanuts gang! Whether you glide high or low, feel the thrill of flying like you’re floating on clouds.
| 🎉 Year Opened | 2012 |
| 📍 Section | Universal Wonderland |
| 🤞 Rider Height | 42″ (107 cm) |
| 🎢 Ride Type | Gentle aerial carousel ride, gentle thrills |
| 👨👩👧 Best For | Preschoolers, young kids |
Insider Tip: The Flying Snoopy at Universal Studios Japan features a charming detail—if you listen closely while flying, you can hear Snoopy’s playful barking throughout the ride. A lesser-known bonus is the occasional appearance of Woodstock animations, tucked away in the background, adding an extra layer of whimsy for those who spot them.
Mario Kart: Koopa’s Challenge™
Get ready to race through iconic Mario Kart courses, throwing shells and battling alongside Mario and Princess Peach! This first-ever Mario Kart experience, powered by cutting-edge tech, promises nonstop excitement and thrills only found at the park!
| 🎉 Year Opened | 2021 |
| 📍 Section | Super Nintendo World™ |
| 🤞 Rider Height | 42″ (107 cm) or Taller |
| 🎢 Ride Type | Slow Ride, Dark, Loud |
| 👨👩👧 Best For | Kids, Families |
Insider Tip: In Mario Kart: Koopa’s Challenge™, scan your Power-Up Band at the “?” Blocks scattered throughout the queue to unlock extra points during the ride. These hidden interactions connect with the Universal Studios Japan app, allowing you to compete against others and track your score across the park.
Minion Mayhem Ice Cream
Minions unleash their freezing guns, turning the park into a wild, slippery ice race as they skid and slide in chaotic fun! With an ice truck zooming across the rink, the race explodes into a thrilling, unpredictable frenzy.
| 🎉 Year Opened | 2018 |
| 📍 Section | Minion Park |
| 🤞 Rider Height | 36″ (92 cm) or Taller |
| 🎢 Ride Type | Slow Ride |
| 👨👩👧 Best For | Kids, Families |
Insider Tip: At Minion Mayhem Ice Cream, look closely at the shop decor for a hidden “Easter Egg” — the Minion goggles hanging near the entrance are interactive! Some of these goggles light up or make sounds when touched, adding a playful, unexpected twist to your ice cream stop. It’s a fun detail many visitors overlook while in line.
Minion Mayhem
Brace yourself for a wild ride through Gru’s mansion and lab, where you’ll race, fly, and dive headfirst alongside countless Minions and Gru’s three daughters. With chaos all around, this thrilling Minion training adventure will leave you laughing, amazed, and touched by their unbreakable bond!
| 🎉 Year Opened | 2017 |
| 📍 Section | Minion Park |
| 🤞 Rider Height | 40″ (102 cm) or Taller |
| 🎢 Ride Type | Motion Simulator, Interactive, 3D Experience |
| 👨👩👧 Best For | Kids, Families |
Insider Tip: In Minion Mayhem at Universal Studios Japan, keep an eye on the queue’s surveillance screens—look closely, and you’ll catch the Minions causing mischief, like photo-bombing guests in real time. It’s a fun “Easter Egg” that many miss, adding a playful touch while waiting for the ride!
Moppy’s Balloon Trip
Join Moppy on a thrilling balloon ride as you soar through the skies above Wonderland! Spin the gondola with friends for extra fun while taking in the adorable world below.
| 🎉 Year Opened | 2015 |
| 📍 Section | Universal Wonderland |
| 🤞 Rider Height | 48″ (122 cm) |
| 🎢 Ride Type | Gentle Aerial Carousel, Family-Friendly |
| 👨👩👧 Best For | Kids, Families |
Insider Tip: Moppy’s Balloon Trip often surprises riders with playful sound effects when you spot hidden Elmo or Moppy figures scattered throughout the ride. Fans say it adds a whimsical touch to the experience. Also, if you’re visiting on less crowded days, the ride operator may let guests stay for a second spin without re-queuing!
Yoshi’s Adventure™
Hop on Yoshi’s back and join Captain Toad in a thrilling treasure hunt, using his map to find hidden eggs across the Mushroom Kingdom. Climb Mount Beanpole for epic views, meet adorable kids, and dive into nonstop fun!
| 🎉 Year Opened | 2021 |
| 📍 Section | Universal Wonderland |
| 🤞 Rider Height | 36″ (92 cm) or Taller |
| 🎢 Ride Type | Slow-moving, Dark Ride, Family-Friendly |
| 👨👩👧 Best For | Young Kids, Families |
Insider Tip: On Yoshi’s Adventure™ at Universal Studios Japan, look out for a hidden “8-bit Yoshi” hidden in one of the interactive queue areas. This retro Easter egg is a nod to Yoshi’s classic video game roots and is easily missed if you’re not paying attention. It’s a great touch for long-time Nintendo fans who love spotting throwbacks!
FAQ
How many rides are in Universal Studios Japan?
Universal Studios Japan has over 20 rides, ranging from thrilling attractions like The Flying Dinosaur and Hollywood Dream to immersive experiences like The Wizarding World of Harry Potter’s Forbidden Journey.
Can you finish Universal Studios Japan in one day?
It’s possible to finish Universal Studios Japan in one day if you plan strategically, use Express Passes, and prioritize major attractions like Super Nintendo World and Harry Potter areas. However, during peak times, lines can be long, so it may be challenging.
Is Universal Japan worth it?
Yes, Universal Studios Japan is worth it for fans of immersive theme parks. Highlights include Super Nintendo World, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and exclusive attractions like Attack on Titan and Monster Hunter, offering unique experiences you won’t find elsewhere.
Does Universal Studios Japan have roller coasters?
Yes, Universal Studios Japan features several roller coasters, including The Flying Dinosaur, a thrilling inverted coaster, and Hollywood Dream, which offers both forward and backward ride experiences.
