A trip to Universal Studios Japan

The iconic globe at the park entrance

Ok so I debated whether or not to write about my trip to Universal Studios Japan since it’s not strictly that adventurous and some may think it’s a trip just like any other standard theme park trip. But I decided I’d write about it anyway as for me it wasn’t like other theme park trips and besides it was a great day out!

At first stepping into USJ it felt like I’d somehow transported from Japan to America or Europe, so in other words I felt like I was back in the West. Taylor Swift blared from speakers, the fake and also the real buildings expectantly looked like they were from a Hollywood film set(it is Universal Studios so I’m not sure what else I expected ha) and I saw more English lettering than I had since the arriving in Japan! In fact the only give away that I was still in Japan was the masses of Japanese people, meaning little old foreigner me still somewhat stood out!

Cookie Monster Gang!

The next thing that was brought to my attention was that most people in the park were dressed in matching outfits! When most of us go to a major theme park, such as Disneyland for instance, we may purchase some Minnie mouse ears or the younger (much MUCH younger) of us may dress up in a costume, but here practically everyone dresses up, going all out. No matter the age people will come in themed groups, all matching! Literally! Me and my friends saw groups of girls in matching minion outfits, groups of boys as Hogwarts students, families in matching Spiderman gear and even young couples dressed in his and hers versions of the characters. And like I said they go all out, matching from head-to-the-toe! The funny thing is that even those who don’t come in a themed outfit  will still come in matching “normal” clothes, again matching from the-head-to-the-toe. I felt like I clearly didn’t get the memo on how to dress for Universal Studios, so we all caved from the subliminal pressure and bought matching cookie monster headgear (a poor effort in comparison to many others, but an effort nonetheless!!) easing the outsider complex and unifying us with the matchy society of the park. I mean our efforts clearly worked as I heard a lot more “kawaii”s aimed in our direction than before!

As well as the super cute matchy matchiness you can even deal with the blazing heat in cute style. Japan in the Summer is of course super super hot and super super humid, coupling for sweaty/sunburned people. But fear not for USJ comes to the rescue in the form of hooded character theme towel capes, water guns/water fans and some big cool misty water sprayer you could walk under ( I have no idea what it’s actually called or how to aptly explain it :/). I didn’t buy a towel cape myself as for some unknown stupid reason I was decked out in a long sleeved top and jeans (I obviously need reminding this isn’t English Weather) but I did keep wishing a child would “accidentally” spray me with their water gun, and I was in absolute heaven whenever it came to queuing in air conditioned facilities!

A super pretty Hogwarts castle at Night

Singing minions 

Besides apparel USJ has lots to offer. The park has Spiderman, Minions, Back to the Future, Jaws, Hello Kitty, Jurrasic World ( although sadly this area was closed on our visit) and of course the best of them all… Harry Potter World! We spent the whole day at the park and were lucky enough to go on several rides (for myself and one of my friends this included BOTH Harry Potter rides!) and had the chance to explore the different sections. We got to visit Hogsmeade, caught sight of a minion show, went "back to the future" and lots more.

USJ is one of the top attractions in Osaka and I completely understand why, it makes for a fantastic day with many many things to do. I mean at the end of the day who can knock a day filled with rides, Harry Potter and feeling like a kid again! If you're ever in Osaka it's a must to go, I for one will definitely be going back!