Starbucks
Today we were very exited about the idea of going to Universal Studios Japan, so the girls were up early and bouncing around the room. We had breakfast in the Starbucks near to the Ryokan Shimizu, then walked to Kyoto Station. We caught a train to Osaka, then took the Osaka Loop Line to Nisjikujo Station. From there, the signs to Universal Studios were obvious! It was only a few minutes on another train and we were there.
For Universal Studio Japan
We arrived as the park was opening, and there were already other people waiting. We had decided to walk through all the theme areas looking at everything, then we would go to our favorite rides.
Universal Wonderland flower sign@ USJ
Many of them are more themed for adults than children, so our plan was to go clockwise and end up at Universal Wonderland.
4D Cinema at Universal Studios Japan
However, the Sesame Street 4D Movie Magic Show was practically at the entrance, and there was not a long line. So we broke from our plan in the first few minutes upon entering the park. The girls really loved the show! There was not much of a plot from what we could tell. They just got into the great animation and special effects. They oohed and aahed as the seats moved, bubbles flew, and smells entered the theater. Another group of foreign visitors seemed really nonplussed because it was all in Japanese, but I guess the girls were young enough to ignore that and take the magic in stride.
Snoopy Studio in Universal Studios Japan
After leaving the show, we continued our tour of “Hollywood” and headed to the other sections. We were not impressed by the portrayal of San Francisco or New York though I guess for a theme park you need to take things in stride and not get to wrapped up in details! We stumbled across a rose garden in New York, which was surprisingly pretty and we got some nice photos of the family.
Jurassic Park entrance at USJ
Then came Jurassic Park are with the aptly named Jurassic Park ride. Emi was too small for the ride, but it was fun to watch the boats plummet down the slide into the pool, splashing everyone with water! We got a few photos with dinosaurs, then headed off. WaterWorld seemed like it would be really interesting with all of the special effects but it did not interest the girls, though I think Andrew regretted not seeing that show. Maybe next trip he can watch while we are doing other things, but we didn’t think of that at the time.
Jurassic Park the Ride
Amity Village has a giant shark out front that made for more photo opportunities. The girls then said that they wanted to try the Jaws ride which is on a boat. Emi was rather scared by some of the effects, but we were able to ride with her in the middle between Andrew and I, so she did OK. We kept reassuring her that it was just a ride! Meanwhile, Emma is in a more adventurous phase and took a seat next to the edge where she could see everything up close. I think some of the other passengers got more of a kick out of watching her scream and hide her face when the shark cruised past than watching the show! She was a bit white at the end, but had a great time.
JAWS USJ
Getting off the ride, we noticed Amity Ice Cream and decided it was the perfect place for a snack. The strawberry crepe was really delicious! Then it was time for Universal Wonderland.
Hello Kitty Cupcake Dream @ Universal Studios Japan
The girls are the perfect age for the place, and Andrew and I just had fun watching their pure enjoyment. We started in Hello Kitty land and were able to get photos of the whole family posing with the character. Then we tried out the Hello Kitty Cupcake Ride. That was silly and fun for all of us, spinning round and round in a bright yellow and blue cup with a pink icing umbrella above. The whole family were allowed to ride together, which was nice.
Flying Snoopy USJ
After that, we went to the Snoopy area. Emi pouted that she should be able to ride, too, but there was a height restriction for the roller coaster. Emma and Andrew took that together while we browsed through the shop and I got Emi some stickers. Flying Snoopy also cheered her up, and we happily made our way to Sesame Street Land.
Bert and Ernie Under The Sea @ USJ
It was amazing all there was to see and do in that section! Most of the activities were ones for little kids, while parents stayed at the sidelines. We got some great photos while the girls played. I was impressed at the range of activities, from a dance party where the girls got a small gift for participating to a water park where they could cool down playing in a fountain. They had a fun time in Bert and Ernie under the sea, where there was a big tub of white and blue balls that they could play in.
They also had fun with Ernie’s Rubber Ducky Race. They tried that several times, switching ducks to see who could get theirs to go fastest. They got quite wet from splashing, but it was a hot day, so no one minded.
Mel’s Drive in USJ
Before we knew it, it was becoming evening. We went to Mel’s Drive In for dinner. It was a great replica, with vinyl seats and lots of chrome. Andrew had to check out all the vintage cars parked in front. Upon entering, we got a full dose of the smell of hot cooking oil, and ordered burgers and fries.
Classic car at Universal Studios Japan
We then went to a few of the stores for souvenirs, and picked out several Hello Kitty Universal Studios items.By then, it was almost time for the Magical Starlight Parade. We secured a spot on the parade route and waited. We were pretty tired and wondered if we should just go back to the ryokan, but are so glad that we stayed! It was a wonderful performance with floats all lit up with sparkling lights. There was confetti and dancing and the whole thing was quite magical. The girls were most excited about the Cinderella pumpkin float near the end.
Magical Starlight Parade Cinderella float
After that, we made our way back to the station and took the trains to Kyoto. Everyone was wiped out by the time we arrived at the Ryokan Shimizu, but it sure was a fun day!
photos by:
Richard, enjoy my life! &
masatsu,
adrian8_8,
Wootang01,
GinkgoTelegraph,
GinkgoTelegraph
