If you love theme parks and you're visiting the Osaka area, Universal Studios Japan (USJ) is a must-do! As a big fan of amusement parks, I'd argue USJ has the best rides in all of Japan. Here are the best rides at USJ, plus useful tips to save time.

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USJ has surged in popularity in recent years thanks to incredible new areas like The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Super Nintendo World, drawing roughly 13 million visitors a year. That popularity also means very long queues — wait times at the most popular attractions can exceed 200 minutes! Here are two tips to cut your waiting time as much as possible.

Tip one: use an Express Pass, which can be purchased together with your ticket. With an Express Pass, your waiting time can drop to around 20–30 minutes.

Tip two: the park is huge and has so many rides and attractions that it can feel overwhelming at first. Some areas, like Harry Potter and Nintendo World, also have limited capacity and time-restricted entry. So my second recommendation is to choose only the best rides and skip the rest, making the most of your time.

With that in mind, here are my picks for the 10 best rides at USJ, so you can enjoy the fun, explore the shops, and be impressed by the park's shows.

1. Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey

By far my favorite attraction — worth every minute of the wait. I've visited theme parks in many countries, but this ride was a completely new experience. Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey is a 4D experience that makes you feel as if you've stepped into the real wizarding world, complete with the adrenaline of a roller coaster.

2. Mario Kart: Koopa's Challenge

One of the most eagerly awaited new attractions, especially for fans of Nintendo's legendary Mario Kart. Ever dreamed of playing Mario Kart in real life? Now you can. It's a unique experience available only in Japan that will take you straight back to your childhood.

3. Jurassic Park – The Ride

No amusement park is complete without a water ride — everyone's summer favorite! At Jurassic Park – The Ride, you can cool off from the heat while being amazed by huge, life-size dinosaurs.

4. The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man

A must for Marvel fans. One of the best 4D attractions at USJ, you'll enjoy sweeping views of New York City alongside Spider-Man as he protects you from villains. Feel like a superhero for a day!

5. Hollywood Dream The Ride – Backdrop

If ordinary roller coasters no longer excite you, try Hollywood Dream The Ride Backdrop, which uses cutting-edge technology to run backward. You'll feel a whole different kind of thrill from not seeing what's coming next — it might just take your breath away.

6. The Flying Dinosaur

An amazing roller coaster at USJ and a must for thrill-seekers. The Flying Dinosaur is the world's longest flying coaster at 3,688 feet, so be brave and fly like a Pteranodon.

7. Space Fantasy – The Ride

Go on an adventure through space to save the sun in this ride that combines adrenaline with virtual reality. On your journey to the sun aboard a spaceship, you'll see Saturn, Earth, and other beautiful planets. Your mission: bring back the sun's radiance.

8. Flight of the Hippogriff

Not one of the most intense rides, but one that will surely delight Harry Potter fans. Feel as if you're riding a Hippogriff, the half-bird, half-horse magical creature with an eagle's head, a horse's body, sharp claws, and scaly wings.

9. Despicable Me Minion Mayhem

The Minions have been among the most beloved characters at USJ since their arrival in 2017. At Despicable Me Minion Mayhem, enjoy a 3D motion-simulator ride that turns you into one of the Minions and drops you into their world.

10. Hollywood Dream – The Ride

If the backward-running Backdrop version sounds like too much, try the standard version instead. Hollywood Dream – The Ride is a thrilling roller coaster that lets you simply enjoy the speed.

USJ also offers unique limited-time activities available only in Japan. Under the name "Cool Japan," the park collaborates with popular anime, manga, and video game franchises such as My Hero Academia, Detective Conan, and Monster Hunter — plus special parades featuring Super Mario and Pokémon.