City ❀ Country ❀ Beach
Our family day trip to this awesome theme park turned out to be one of those rare experiences that genuinely lives up to the hype and then goes a little further than what you expected. We did our best to make the most of our …
Osaka quickly became one of the most memorable stops on our family trip to Japan. It is a place where vibrant energy, rich history, and incredible food all came together in the best possible way. We did our research prior to visiting and found that …
If you’re visiting Japan for the first time, you’re probably wondering: Is Universal Studios Japan worth it? You may be also wondering if Universal Studios Japan (USJ), which is located in Osaka, will fit into your itinerary. With so many incredible cultural experiences, historical sites, food adventures, and cities to explore, theme parks can feel like a gamble. The short answer is it depends. Like many attractions in Japan, Universal Studios Japan can be amazing for the right traveler and underwhelming for the wrong one. Let me break it down for you.
Do visit if:
1. You have small children who are already into any of the park’s themes, characters, or franchises. Seeing their favorite worlds come to life can be magical.
2. You have older children or teens who love thrill rides and immersive attractions.
3. You’re a fan of the Universal Studios empire and enjoy visiting different versions around the world.
4. You’re into Japanese anime and pop culture and want to see exclusive collaborations.
5. You genuinely love theme parks and consider them a destination, not just an add-on.
6. You want to compare the differences between Universal Studios in the U.S. and Japan and experience how Japanese culture puts its own spin on familiar attractions.
Don’t visit if:
1. You have very limited time in Japan and want to prioritize temples, shrines, neighborhoods, and food experiences.
2. You weren’t a fan of either of the U.S. Universal Studios parks and don’t enjoy theme parks in general.
こんにちは (Konnichiwa) – “Hello”
Walking into Universal Studios Japan feels familiar yet completely different at the same time. The entrance, layout, and branding mirror the U.S. parks, but the language, crowd energy, and attention to detail immediately remind you that you’re in Japan. Even if you’ve been to Universal in Florida or California, USJ has its own personality.
Visiting Universal Studios Japan requires more planning than simply purchasing an entry ticket. If you want to make the most of your day — and avoid standing in extremely long lines — you’ll need to think ahead. Many popular areas and attractions require timed entry tickets, and certain rides require you to select a specific return time.
We decided to go all out and purchased express passes. Keep in mind that express passes often cost more than the actual park admission. Entry tickets to USJ typically run about $70 per person per day, while express passes can run closer to $100 per person, depending on the season and crowd levels.
Pricing and availability vary based on when you visit, as USJ can get extremely crowded, especially during weekends, holidays, and school breaks. While this system might sound complicated at first, I actually liked it. It helped structure our day and removed a lot of guesswork. Instead of wandering and waiting, we knew exactly when to return for major attractions.
We selected an area timed entry into Super Nintendo World. One important thing to note: once you enter, you can stay as long as you want, but once you exit, you cannot re-enter. Since our visit, USJ has implemented an official app that you must use to manage timed entries and reservations, so be sure to download it ahead of time and familiarize yourself with it.
One thing that truly sets Universal Studios Japan apart from its U.S. counterparts is the food. Everything is in Japanese, of course, but beyond the language, the creativity is on another level. If you’re a foodie like me, you’ll absolutely love USJ.
They offer classic theme park foods with Japanese twists, along with beautifully designed, character-inspired snacks that almost feel too cute to eat. From themed popcorn buckets to limited-edition desserts, the park goes all out. Even better, food offerings rotate based on seasons, holidays, and anime collaborations, which means there’s often something exclusive that you can’t find anywhere else.
Another standout feature of Universal Studios Japan is its limited-time events. Depending on when you visit, the park may be hosting special attractions, shows, or collaborations that won’t be around forever. This makes every visit feel a little different.
When we visited, they were featuring a One Piece show, which we purchased tickets for well in advance. These events can sell out quickly, so it’s important to check the official USJ website ahead of your trip for schedules, announcements, and promotions.
Anime in Japan, as you probably already know, is HUGE — and USJ reflects that perfectly. The park regularly features rides and shows based on popular anime series. These experiences change over time, so availability depends entirely on when you visit. In addition to the One Piece show, we also experienced a Chainsaw Man 4D show and a Demon Slayer thrill ride, both of which were incredibly immersive.
One of our absolute favorite areas at Universal Studios Japan was Super Nintendo World. The level of detail is unbelievable — from the music and moving elements to the interactive features throughout the land. Since returning from Japan, Universal Studios Florida near where we live has opened EPIC Universe, which also includes Super Nintendo World.
I still find it wild that we experienced Super Nintendo World in Japan before it officially opened in the U.S. However, Donkey Kong Country had not opened yet in Japan when we visited, so we’re excited to experience that attraction at EPIC Universe here at home.
Harry Potter World and Mel’s Diner are also found in Florida, so we didn’t spend too much time in those areas. That said, it was still interesting to see how USJ adapts them. When we visited in early October, the park was already preparing for Halloween, which added a fun seasonal twist. Mel’s DRIVE-IN had even been transformed into Mel’s DIE-IN, complete with spooky decorations.
Universal Studios Japan also has its own version of Citywalk, and it’s absolutely worth visiting. While it includes familiar favorites from the U.S., it also features unique restaurants, shops, and specialty stores you won’t find elsewhere. Whether you’re looking for souvenirs, snacks, or a place to relax after a long park day, Citywalk is a must-see.
Now we circle back to the big question. Is Universal Studios Japan worth it? Ultimately, it comes down to whether you feel your time, money, and energy are best spent there. Ask yourself the “do visit” and “don’t visit if” questions from the beginning of this article and answer them honestly.
For us, the decision was easy. We had two full weeks in Japan, we’re theme park people, we wanted to experience everything through a cultural lens, and we were among the first to experience Super Nintendo World. That combination made USJ an easy and memorable addition to our trip.
I hope this article was helpful for you, and I’d truly appreciate any shares, saves, likes, or comments on social media.
ありがとうございます (Arigatō gozaimasu) “Thank you”
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When people think of Tokyo’s skyline, they often think about famous landmarks like Tokyo Skytree or Tokyo Tower. Both are beautiful in their own ways, and they charge admission fees for the breathtaking views they offer. Nestled in the heart of Shinjuku is the Tokyo …
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Tokyo is a city that knows how to blend tradition and modernism so seamlessly that sometimes you don’t even notice the shift until you step back and take it in. One moment you’re strolling through the quiet grounds of an ancient shrine with wooden lanterns glowing softly in the dusk, and the next, a futuristic skyline flashes neon against the night. Nowhere is this contrast more striking than when you see Tokyo Skytree soaring above the cityscape. It isn’t just a broadcasting tower. It’s an emblem of modern Japan, a marvel of engineering, a playground of entertainment, and for travelers our family, a place where you can feel the immensity of Tokyo all at once.
I still remember the first time I spotted it. We were walking in the quaint city when around the corner of my eyes I saw it! How can you miss it? It’s so tall! And yet, as my eyes adjusted, it felt like it was exactly where it was meant to be—a north star in Tokyo’s endless sprawl. Later that day, standing at its base, I felt both small and in awe. This isn’t just another sightseeing stop; this is a city experience in itself. This is one of the stops that the Eki stamp book can be stamped at!
Tokyo Skytree measures an incredible 634 meters tall, making it the tallest structure or tallest tower in Japan and the second tallest in the world after Dubai’s Burj Khalifa. Numbers aren’t usually what stick with me when I travel, but this one does because of its cultural layer. You see, the number 634 isn’t random. In Japanese number wordplay called goroawase, 6 (mu), 3 (sa), and 4 (shi) combine to form Musashi. That’s the old name for the region that includes Tokyo and its surrounding prefectures. So even though the tower is a gleaming piece of futuristic design, its very height nods to the deep roots of the land it rises from. Interesting, right?
That’s what I love about Japan—you’ll find this subtle weaving of history into even the most modern of structures. It’s as if the past is always present, hidden in plain sight, waiting for you to learn its language.
Japan is no stranger to earthquakes, so whenever something this massive is built, the first question is: how does it stay safe? The secret lies in centuries of wisdom. The architects of Tokyo Skytree studied ancient pagodas—the wooden temple towers that have survived countless earthquakes—and used those principles for the design. At the core of Tokyo Skytree is a central column, almost like a flexible spine, that helps absorb seismic energy. The outer structure is designed to move slightly with tremors, reducing damage.
Standing in the observation deck, with Tokyo stretching endlessly below, it’s hard not to think about how fragile things can feel. But knowing this blend of old architectural ideas and cutting-edge technology is protecting you gives a sense of calm. It’s like a metaphor for Japan itself: resilient, adaptive, yet always respectful of tradition.
At this deck there were also some fun photo opportunities with characters that bring Tokyo Skytree to life with the culture it entails.
The highlight for most visitors is, of course, the views. There are two main observation decks, and they each offer a different experience. It offers panoramic views over Tokyo.
The first, the Tembo Deck at 350 meters, already feels like you’re looking out from the heavens. Through the floor-to-ceiling glass panels, Tokyo stretches in every direction, an endless sea of rooftops, highways, and green pockets of parks and temples. On clear days, you can observe Mount Fuji, but we were not fortunate to see it.
Then there’s the Tembo Galleria at 450 meters, often called the “world’s highest skywalk.” This is more than just an observation area—it’s an experience. The glass ramp spirals upward, giving you the sensation of floating as the city falls further and further below you. Even those who aren’t afraid of heights find themselves realizing how high up they are. It’s not scary, though—it’s exhilarating. A humbling reminder of how vast the city is, and how small we are in it.
What’s fun is that you can also test your courage on the glass floor sections. Standing on transparent panels with only the city beneath your feet is both thrilling and nerve-wracking. I watched children hop on and off it without a care, while adults edged slowly, half-laughing and half-panicking (that was me somewhat). It’s those small moments that make the visit personal—you’re not just looking at Tokyo, you’re engaging with it in a whole new way.
Tokyo Skytree isn’t just the tower itself. At its base is Tokyo Solamachi, a sprawling complex that could keep you busy for hours. This shopping and entertainment area has over 300 shops and restaurants, so even if you never go up the tower, there’s plenty to see and do.
Foodies, like me, will love it here. There are casual food courts, elegant restaurants, and snack stands offering quirky Skytree-themed treats, although we didn’t have any here.
Beyond food, Solamachi has a range of attractions. There’s an aquarium, Sumida Aquarium, which highlights Tokyo’s connection to the ocean, and a planetarium that offers a peaceful escape from the buzz of the city. Families especially love this part of the Skytree experience, but honestly, I think anyone can enjoy the variety. It’s part of what makes the Skytree feel like more than just a landmark—it’s a full day’s destination.
If daytime Skytree is all about the views, nighttime Skytree is about the dazzle. As the sun dips below the horizon, the tower transforms into a glowing piece of art. The lights change color depending on the season or occasion. The two main patterns are Iki, a pale blue inspired by the rivers of Edo (old Tokyo), and Miyabi, an elegant purple that reflects refinement and tradition. Sometimes the colors shift to pink for cherry blossom season. We didn’t visit during cherry blossom season, but that would have been gorgeous! We went in early October.
If you’re visiting Tokyo, I recommend taking a night stroll along the river just to catch this view. It’s one of those things that I wish we would have done.
Here’s something many visitors don’t realize: on crystal-clear days, you can see Tokyo Skytree from as far away as Nikko, nearly 100 kilometers from Tokyo. And from the tower itself, the view stretches even farther than most people expect. You can see the Pacific Ocean glittering in the distance, and in winter, the mountains etched sharply against the sky.
Another fun fact? When it opened in 2012, tickets were so in demand that people queued for hours. Now it’s easier to visit, though weekends and holidays can still mean long lines. Pro tip: book your tickets online ahead of time to skip some of the wait and save money (we paid about $20 per person for the combo deck tour), or visit early in the morning for a calmer experience. This is exactly what we did and it worked out perfectly! And, don’t get Tokyo Skytree confused with Tokyo Tower which is near Shibuya. They are both within a 30 minute transportation distance.
For me, the magic of visiting Tokyo Skytree wasn’t just about the view—it was about perspective. Seeing Tokyo from the ground can feel overwhelming. The city is so vast, so alive, and so layered that it’s easy to get lost in its neighborhoods and forget the bigger picture. But from the top of Tokyo Skytree, you see it all at once—the density, the order, and the beauty. You realize how much Tokyo is both a city of the present and a story still being written.
When we visited they had a WISH ribbon activity in which you can write down your wish and tie it with a ribbon. They say that Tokyo Skytree is considered one of the most powerful spiritual sites in Tokyo. This is part of their culture. We did not partake, but it was interesting to see others do it.
Tokyo Skytree is more than a sightseeing checklist item—it’s a lens into the character of Tokyo itself. It blends the future and the past, function and fun, scale and intimacy. It’s a place where you can feel both the enormity of a city and the smallness of yourself, and yet somehow walk away feeling uplifted.
Whether you go for the views, the food, the shopping, or simply to stand in awe at its base, the Skytree delivers an experience that reflects Tokyo’s very spirit: modern yet rooted, playful yet practical, overwhelming yet inviting.
From a cost savings perspective, Japan doesn’t have to be an expensive vacation. In fact, there are three things that made up the bulk of our budget of a family of four. Those three things were: flights (coming from Florida), hotels (we stayed in two different cities: Tokyo & Osaka), and Shinkansen transportation (that’s transportation from one city to another). Everything else we found to be cheaper than home. For instance, the food, souvenirs and subway transportation within Tokyo were relatively inexpensive.
And the best part? Tokyo Skytree doesn’t just tower over the city. It becomes part of your Tokyo story. It’s a must visit if you’re a first timer in Tokyo!
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Senso-Ji Temple is Tokyo’s most famous and oldest temple that tourists visit. If this is your first time in Tokyo, I highly recommend a visit. In association with the 7th century, this period is known as the Edo period. You can hop off the Tokyo Asakusa Station and take a short walk to the Kaminarimon Gate (Thunder Gate). A giant red lantern hangs in the center of the main gate and is considered the main temple.
As we walked toward the temple, we noticed a map and realized this entire area is bigger than we thought. Yes, you will hear people talking, but the talking is at a minimum noise level. You will smell incense in the air. This place is a temple after all and people are worshipping.
We arrived to Senso-Ji Temple around 9am Tokyo time and it was already busy here. It does get busier throughout the day, so I suggest getting here as early as you can. There is a shopping street and you can grab food here as well.
Here at the base of the temple people worship by clapping their hands and forming them in praying formation. It was come to my attention that people clap their hands to show respect and get the attention of the spirits to listen to their prayers.
Just a short walk away from Senso-Ji Temple is a nearby Kimono rental storefront called Yae. It was about $50 for an all day kimono rental plus hairdo. These make great photos at the temple! Men outfits are also available.
What I love most about Japanese temples is the architecture. I love the height of the layers and the peaks that flare up at the corners. The colors are bold and since red is my favorite color its no wonder I love these structures so much. I just think it looks stunning! This 5-story pagoda is one of Tokyo’s tallest.
For a small fee, you can receive a paper fortune called omikuji through a box. If you receive a bad fortune, you can tie it to a designated area and leave it behind. This symbolizes that you’ve left the “bad” luck behind.
With only a 7 minute walk away, you can visit Ueno Park. We didn’t walk too much around here, but it looks like a great place to visit especially during cherry blossom season. It is a large park that is famous for many museums: Tokyo National Museum, National Science Museum, National Museum for Western Art, Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum and also is home to Ueno Zoo.
If you’re especially visiting Tokyo for the first time, make sure you don’t miss visiting Senso-Ji Temple. You will never forget your experience at Tokyo’s most famous and oldest temple.
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A visit to Tokyo Tower is a must if you’re visiting Tokyo for the first time. It resembles the Eiffel Tower in which you can visit the observation decks. However, Tokyo Tower is the tallest tower in the world making it a popular tourist spot! …
