Modeled after sister parks in the USA, 'USJ' bursts with Hollywood movie-related rides, shows, shops and restaurants. Top billing goes to the new, ¥45 billion (!) Wizarding World of Harry Potter , a painstakingly recreated Hogsmeade Village (shop for magic wands, Gryffindor capes and butterbeer) plus the 'Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey' thrill ride through Hogwart's School. Wizarding World admission is by timed ticket. Other popular rides include Spider-Man .
Leaflet maps and signage are in English, though narrations and entertainment are in Japanese.
Long queues are common at the park's major venues (90 minutes is not unusual on the Harry Potter ride). To shorten waits, USJ offers a variety of fast passes that allow you to bypass queues, at an (often significant) extra charge; check the website.
To get here, take the JR Loop line to Nishi-kujō Station, then switch to a Universal Studios shuttle train (total trip ¥180, 15 minutes). There are also some direct trains from Osaka Station (same fare).
