The (Super) Simple Guide to Super Nintendo World in Osaka, Japan

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Imagine riding a life-size Yoshi, punching yellow question mark boxes to collect gold coins, eating a green Koopa turtle (yakisoba calzone), and walking through Bowser’s fiery Castle. 🏰

You can do all this and more in one day at Super Nintendo World inside Universal Studios Japan!

After visiting Super Nintendo World (a dream of mine and my sister’s since we were kids), I’ve gathered all of the insider tips, advice, and resources to create a SUPER simple and easy guide to follow.

Which tickets do you need? What does it really cost to get into Super Nintendo World? How should you plan your day in the park? I answer all of these questions and more.

Save yourself the headache of figuring out how best to plan your epic day at Super Mario Land inside Super Nintendo World with my guide!

I’ve broken everything you need to know before you go, so you can make the most of your time inside the park and help retrieve the Golden Mushroom that Bowser Jr. stole by collecting keys!

Learn about the Super Nintendo World park layout, including the best rides and attractions, shops and merch, food and restaurants, and tickets and costs below.

*Note: This guide includes only preliminary info about Donkey Kong Country opening in summer 2024.*

The Ultimate Super Nintendo World Japan Guide for First-Timers

How to Get Super Nintendo World Tickets at Universal Studios Japan

Before you book your tickets, read this section first to avoid the big headache we had trying to get tickets.

🎟️ Step 1: Buy a USJ Admission Ticket (Studio Pass or Park Entry Ticket)

First, Super Nintendo World is located inside Universal Studios in Osaka, Japan, so you must buy admission tickets to get into Universal Studios.

In other words, you cannot bypass Universal Studios to go straight to Super Nintendo World.

• Cost: ¥8,600 for Adults (approximately $55-$65 with tax)
  • ¥5,600 ($36) Children (4-11) / ¥7,700 ($50) for Seniors (65+)
• Where to purchase: On the ticketing website or via Klook (recommended)
  • Studio Passes available (1 Day, 1.5 Day, 2 Day)
  • See all pass options and prices on Klook
• Ticket Conditions:
  • Only 4 tickets per booking are allowed via the official ticketing website (Klook allows you to book up to 6 tickets per booking).
  • Cost varies (weekday vs weekend, seasons, availability).

⏰ Step 2: Area Timed Entry Tickets

Second, due to crowds, you need an “Area Timed Entry Ticket / Standby Ticket” OR the same “Area Timed Entry Ticket: Advanced Booking” to get inside Super Nintendo World. (This applies to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter as well.)

What is an Area Timed Entry Ticket, exactly? And what’s the difference between regular, standby or advanced booking?

Area Timed Entry Tickets are technically FREE of charge, but they are required to enter Super Mario World and Harry Potter World.

Essentially, Timed Entry endeavors to reduce crowds in two of the most popular worlds at Universal.

Otherwise, everyone would hang out with Mario and Peach all day, and seeing or doing anything would be impossible!

As explained by their website, Area Timed Entry Tickets can be obtained before (aka the Advanced Booking option), or on the day of your visit (aka general, non-advanced booking or possibly Standby tickets depending on availability).

“We will start issuing Area Standby Entry Tickets once the predetermined number of Area Timed Entry Tickets has been issued. However, we may stop or temporarily suspend the issuing of tickets without notice on the day of your visit due to crowd conditions.”

Universal Studios Japan

To translate this very confusing message, you can either book in advance or try your luck on the day of your visit.

Either way, you need this to visit Super Nintendo World, so DO NOT WAIT TO PICK YOUR TIMESLOTS.

The timed entry gives you a 30-minute window to enter Super Nintendo World.

Once you’re in, though, there’s no time limit for how long you can stay.

How to obtain the Area Timed Entry Tickets (two options):

• Option 1 (Recommended): Purchase an Express Pass (which includes the Timed Entry slots—and you get to choose the time).
• Option 2: Reserve the Area Time Entry Tickets either:
  • A. The day of your visit at a park kiosk (not recommended) or,
  • B. Via the USJ app by scanning the QR code of your Studio Pass). Recommended in the case that you do not purchase the Express Pass.

🌟 The easiest way to book Studio Passes AND Express Passes (with your choice of timeslots) is via Klook.

➡️ With Klook, you can easily select your Timed Entry slots, quick access your digital tickets, and purchase up to 6 tickets per booking (versus 4 if you book through the website).

💰 Use my special code “BUCKETLISTBRI” on Klook for a discount!

Read more below about Universal Express Passes.

🐰 Step 3: Do you need a Universal “Express” Pass to Get Into Super Nintendo World?

You don’t technically need an Express Pass to get into Super Nintendo World.

However, if you want to ENJOY and maximize your time in the park, then YES, you need an Express Pass!

Express Passes are expensive (on average, $130 per person depending on day, season, and availability), but they are SO WORTH the cost.

To buy these tickets, I recommend booking through Klook at the same time you buy your 1 Day Studio Pass (base admission ticket) so you can pre-select your timed entry.

It is much simpler and more accessible than buying tickets on the official USJ ticketing website (based on my experience – below).

But before you book, note that Universal Studios Japan also made several options for the Express Passes (as if it wasn’t confusing enough for a first-timer).

These Universal Express Pass options are:

• Express Pass 7 “Variety” (the biggest package, costing, on average, $130+), which includes these top 7 rides:
  • Mario Kart: Koopa’s Challenge
  • Yoshi’s Adventure
  • Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
  • Flight of the Hippogriff
  • Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem
  • The Flying Dinosaur
  • Choose one to use the express pass on: Hollywood Dream (roller coaster) or JAWS ride
• Express Pass 4, of which there are over 10 options based on interest. For example:
  • XR ride
  • Thrills
  • Variety
  • Fun
  • Adventure & JAWS
  • See all options on Klook

If you want a bit of everything, go all in on the Express Pass 7. You have time for it all in one day, and you get to skip the lines at all the best rides and attractions.

For the timed entry slots, you want to focus on the two main areas inside Universal: Super Nintendo World and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

Read more below for my recommended itinerary for one day in Universal Japan.

Booking via the official website: My sister and I tried booking our passes side-by-side on the official website (to get the same Timed Entry slots), which gave us error after error. Her purchase went through, but mine failed over 12+ times, no matter which credit card I used. That’s when I desperately checked on Klook, and it saved the day! Luckily, the same timeslots my sister got were still available. Whew!!!

Again, save yourself the hassle and book with Klook.

I think I ended up paying $20-30 more (total for two people) for the Express Passes compared to the website, but it was the only option I had left, and I’m so grateful to have snagged those timeslots!

Also, with Klook, you can select up to 6 tickets per booking (instead of only 4 via the website). Easily save your digital e-ticket/voucher in the Klook app or show your pdf sent to your email after purchase.

🍄 Super Nintendo World Tickets Summarized

In summary, you need these tickets for Super Nintendo World (and/or Harry Potter):

1. Universal Studios Admission Ticket (Base Ticket — as explained above)
   • Cost: $55 – $65 per adult
   • Buy Studio Passes
2. Area Timed Entry Ticket (Time-designated entry)
   • Note: Universal Express Passes include this!
   • Cost: FREE or included in Express Passes
3. Express Pass – Optional (Skip the 90-120 minute lines! I HIGHLY recommend splurging on an Express Pass.)
   • Cost: $115 – $190 (varies)
   • Buy Express Passes

An Insider’s Guide to Super Mario World (Super Nintendo World Japan)

What to Know Before You Book Tickets & Visit Super Nintendo World

If your main reason for visiting Universal Studios Japan is Super Nintendo World, choose a timeslot that allows you to get into Super Nintendo World early in the day (but, preferably, not the morning; read why below).

Things to keep in mind:

• Entry into Super Nintendo World at USJ is time-designated
  • Example: Area Entry from 10:00 am to 10:30 am means you must enter the park between these times, or admission isn’t guaranteed.
• Once you enter and exit once, you cannot re-enter.

Therefore, I don’t recommend visiting Nintendo World in the morning because once you exit, you cannot re-enter, and you don’t want to feel pressured to leave before you’re ready for the sake of visiting the rest of USJ and Harry Potter World.

Plus, seeing the day turn into the night inside Super Nintendo World is MAGICAL! The Mushroom Kingdom lights up at night, and it is worth staying there until closing.

Finally, note that if you want to eat at Kinopio’s Café inside the Mushroom Kingdom, reservations are highly recommended.

Once you get into the park, visit the cafe to scan the QR code and select a reservation time. From what I’ve seen, you can’t make reservations in advance without being in the park.

The Perfect Itinerary for Enjoying Super Mario at Universal Studios Japan

Below is my suggested itinerary for enjoying Universal Studios Japan and making the MOST of your time at Super Nintendo World. ⬇️

Morning: Harry Potter World (Timed Entry)

Start in the magical Wizarding World of Harry Potter!

Buy an interactive wand, drink Butterbeer*, shop in Hogsmeade, ride the Flight of the Hippogriff coaster, and listen to the Frog Choir.

*During the summer, the butterbeer is available as a slushie (and it’s so creamy and good!).

Lunch and Early Afternoon: Universal Studios

Around noon, you can shop, eat, and ride around USJ’s different themed areas, including:

• Hollywood Boulevard, 1930s New York, San Francisco Bay Area
• Minion Park (Despicable Me)
• Amity Village (JAWS fishing village)
• Jurassic Park
• Universal Wonderland (Hello Kitty, Sesame Street, Snoopy)
• Waterworld (futuristic water-based stunt show arena)

Since The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Super Nintendo World have limited dining options, I recommend eating in the general areas inside USJ for more options and fewer crowds.

Another reason to explore Universal Studios midday is because the rides included in the Express Pass 7, and that I preferred and think are worth the experience, are The Flying Dinosaur (Jurassic Park roller coaster where you “fly” horizontally) and the Hollywood Dream (a classic coaster).

In contrast, I don’t recommend Minion Park’s XR ride unless you are not sensitive to dizziness. Our group got very nauseated during this one. Other than that, it’s Minions, so it’s cute!

Late Afternoon til Evening: Super Nintendo World (Super Mario & Donkey Kong*)

You’ll want to spend most of the day at Super Nintendo World to enjoy your favorite game(s) coming to life.

There are so many coin blocks to find, stamps to collect, and pictures to take in Super Mario, and soon, there will be bananas and more fun to discover in Donkey Kong Country!!

Mario Kart: Koopa’s Challenge was a highlight and 100% worth including in your Express Pass.

It’s a super fun thrill in Super Mario Land, and we were blown away by the level of creativity poured into Bowser’s Castle, which you walk through to get to the Mario Kart ride!

Read more about the power-up bands, rides and attractions, and food options inside Super Mario (Super Nintendo World) below!

PS — Mentioning it again here in case you don’t see it, but don’t forget to reserve the Kinopio (Toad) Café in advance for dinner!

🌼 Power-Up Bands & Collecting Coins

First, Power-Up Bands are not required to enjoy Super Mario Land, but they make the experience 100x more immersive and memorable.

So, YES! If you are already investing in your day at Super Nintendo World, the extra $30 cost is worth it!

For the Power Up Bands, you can choose from six characters:

• Daisy (my girl!)
• Peach
• Mario
• Luigi
• Toad
• Yoshi

Aren’t they cute!?

How much do the bands cost, and where to buy them?

Of course, the Super Nintendo World Power-Up Bands come at an extra cost (about $30 per band). So, while it does add to the total cost of the trip, it is worth it.

A little truck sells the power-up bands on the path leading to the official “pipeline” entrance into Super Nintendo World.

You don’t need to buy them in advance; you can purchase them here or inside the park if you change your mind later.

There are trash cans nearby for disposing of the box. Keep the map included in the case, though!

To activate your Power-Up Band, turn it over and scan the QR code inside your Universal Studios Japan app. You need this app to enjoy the Super Mario theme park to the fullest!

🌟 Click Home > Super Nintendo World > Scan/Add band in the app to register your band. You can also rename your player name and follow other players!

Watch your coins add up with each punch of a coin block, and don’t forget to collect the stamps and keys to unlock the Universal Studios Japan experience fully!

Tip: The “Map” feature of the app shows you all the locations of every question block, stamp, key, star attraction, and character meet-up.

🏎️ Rides & Attractions

There are three main rides and attractions in the Mushroom Kingdom at USJ:

1. Mario Kart: Koopa’s Challenge (Virtual reality ride with slow-moving track in Bowser’s Castle)
2. Yoshi’s Adventure (very slow coaster with views on the Mushroom Kingdom)
3. Bowser Jr’s Shadow Challenge (unlockable interactive mini battle)

Mario Kart: Koopa’s Challenge is an exciting yet slow-moving VR ride where you shoot virtual green turtles to hit opponents and collect coins while “racing” on a slow-moving coaster track.

You can expect to steer, spin, collect power-ups, and watch the chaos unfold in your VR goggles (that snap onto your Mario cap!). It’s not exactly like the game, but it’s the next best experience!

Unlike other VR rides, this one doesn’t make you feel sick since you’re actually moving forward and not just shaking everywhere (like the Minions XR ride).

Due to its popularity, Mario Kart usually has a 100-minute wait time unless you have the Express Pass.

Whether you do or don’t have the pass, the interior of Bowser’s Castle, which you walk through while waiting for the ride, is one of the most epic walk-throughs I’ve ever seen in a theme park.

Overall, the ride gets mixed reviews since people expect more of a “kart racing game,” but as long-time Mario Kart gamers, my sister and I had a blast.

The next big ride is Yoshi’s Adventure!

This slow and colorful ride gives a pleasant overview of the Mushroom Kingdom “on Yoshi’s back.”

It’s not a thriller and is more geared for kids, but it was adorable and added even more fun and fantasy to the park. We got the Sky Blue Yoshi!

As for the rest of Mushroom Kingdom, it is one big interactive park with punchable coin blocks, mini-games, and secrets abound. Collect all coins, stamps, and keys to dominate the scoreboard.

The park’s last “big” attraction is collecting keys to unlock Bowser Jr.’s Shadow Showdown—the final “Power-Up Band Key Challenge.”

Here is where you can get the three keys from playing games in the park.

The Key 🔑 Challenges:

• Piranha Plant Nap Mishap
• Goomba Crazy Crank
• Koopa Troopa POWer Punch

If you want to max out the coins and games, I highly recommend spending an extra hour or two in the park for these side quests.

There is no limit on how many coins you can earn in Super Nintendo World USJ.

🥤 Food & Drinks

There are only a couple of refreshment areas inside Super Mario World where you can eat and drink:

• Kinopio’s Cafe
• Yoshi’s Snack Island
• Pit-Stop Popcorn Stand

Kinopio’s Cafe is the big, red mushroom restaurant on the park’s lower level where you can get Mario and mushroom-themed food like the “Piranha Plant’s” Caprese salad, “Toad’s” pizza bowl, or “Super Star” rice and chicken.

This is the only location in the Mushroom Kingdom where you can sit down for a meal. For Kinopio’s, advanced reservations are HIGHLY recommended.

Lunch and dinner seats go fast, so you should expect no availability the day of if you show up without reserving (unless someone cancels, which is unlikely).

If you miss the Toad Café or crave a light snack, head to Yoshi’s Snack Island for Green Shell Calzones and yummy fruit lassis. Yoshi’s green melon lassi is so good! 💚

These snacks are take-away, so we just went to a side wall to sit down and enjoy a quick snack before playing more games.

The only other refreshment option is the Pit Stop Popcorn.

⭐️ Shops & Merch

• 1-UP Factory
• Mario’s Motors

Inside Super Mario World is one large store, the 1-UP Factory, on the lower floor near Yoshi’s Snack Island, where you can stock up on all things Mario World: Yoshi hats, Peach headbands, keychains, t-shirts, plushies of all your favorite characters (except Daisy or Rosalina), and much more.

We went merch shopping before we got to Super Nintendo World so we could spend more time collecting coins and exploring. Plus, it was fun to wear my Peach headband around the park! My sister snagged a really cool Rainbow Road-style tie-dye t-shirt.

There is definitely not a lack of Super Mario-themed merch inside Universal Studios Japan, however…

Unfortunately, the merch shops inside Super Mario World weren’t different from what you find outside the area, except for a few charms or two that we found new and Mario Kart-themed merch inside the gift shop just as you exit the Mario Kart ride and enter Mario Motors!

We searched USJ high and low to find Daisy merch but with no luck! Interestingly, they decided to make a Daisy wristband but not sell any merchandise. 🤔

FAQS – Super Nintendo World Universal Studios Japan

How much does it really cost to visit Super Nintendo World Japan?

I’m not going to lie; between the tickets, fast passes, wristbands, food, transport, and merch, a day at Universal Studios in Japan is expensive.

For two people, we spent an estimated total of $610.00:

• 1 Day Studio Passes (x2)— $113.70
• Universal Express Passes (x2)— $296.90
• Super Nintendo Power Up Bands (x2) – $63.41
• Estimated food and merch costs — $136.00

When is Donkey Kong Country opening?

Donkey Kong Country is Super Nintendo World’s newest addition, set to open in July 2024. (We just missed it!)

The new area is said to be roughly 70% larger than the current Mushroom Kingdom, and its main ride will be a thriller coaster called “Mine Cart Madness.”

How do you get to Super Nintendo World in Osaka?

Getting to Universal Studios is super easy from anywhere in Osaka.

Pop your closest station in your Google Maps with the destination set as “Universal City Station.” Doing so will suggest the quickest metro/subway line.

We took the red “O” Osaka Line from Umeda JR Station and boarded the cutely decorated Nintendo train straight down to Universal City Station (cost: about ¥190 or $1.20).

Is Universal Studios Japan worth it?

Although it’s a pricey day out, it’s an incredibly memorable experience, especially if you are a big Super Mario gamer or fan.

As a 30-year-old “adult,” I had one of the best days at Super Nintendo World Japan! 👑 ✨ It is truly a dream to see this place in person!

So, while I feel a bit biased, I felt like I’d be happy to spend that money again, and I hope to do so when Donkey Kong Country and, hopefully, HYRULE?! are both open and operational!

Do you have any leftover questions about visiting Universal Studios or Super Nintendo World Japan? Drop them in the comments below!

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