Universal Studios Japan opened in Osaka’s Konohana-ku ward on March 31, 2001, becoming Universal’s third theme park worldwide and its first outside the United States. Built at a cost of roughly $1.7 billion, the park drew more than 11 million guests in its opening year alone and has remained one of Japan’s top tourist draws ever since.
Operated by USJ LLC, a subsidiary majority-owned by Comcast NBCUniversal, the park spans about 54 hectares (133 acres) and blends Hollywood-style movie attractions with anime and video game franchises unique to the Japanese market. With roughly 16 million annual visitors in recent years, Universal Studios Japan regularly ranks as the most-visited theme park in Asia and among the top three worldwide.
Stats at a Glance
- Location: Konohana-ku, Osaka, Japan
- Operator: USJ LLC (Comcast NBCUniversal)
- Opened: March 31, 2001
- Size: About 54 hectares (133 acres)
- Annual visitors: About 16 million (2024)
- Signature attraction: Super Nintendo World
Super Nintendo World and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
The park’s two biggest draws are dedicated immersive lands. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter opened in July 2014, recreating Hogsmeade village and Hogwarts castle around the headline dark ride Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. Super Nintendo World followed in March 2021, bringing Mario Kart: Koopa’s Challenge and Yoshi’s Adventure to life, with a Donkey Kong Country expansion adding Mine-Cart Madness in December 2024.
A Top-Three Global Theme Park
Beyond its headline lands, Universal Studios Japan features Minion Park, a Jurassic Park area with The Flying Dinosaur coaster, and a Hollywood zone built around classic movie attractions like Hollywood Dream – The Ride. That mix of Hollywood IP and Japan-specific additions has helped the park consistently post among the highest attendance figures of any theme park on Earth, trailing only the largest Disney parks in the United States.
Explore more: Explore more theme parks.
Universal Studios Japan FAQs
When did Universal Studios Japan open?
It opened on March 31, 2001, in Osaka, becoming Universal’s first theme park outside the United States.
Is Universal Studios Japan connected to Universal Studios Hollywood?
Both are part of the Universal Parks & Resorts family under Comcast NBCUniversal, but Universal Studios Japan is independently operated by USJ LLC and features attractions and lands, like Super Nintendo World, not found at every Universal park.
What is the newest major attraction at Universal Studios Japan?
The Donkey Kong Country expansion within Super Nintendo World, featuring the Mine-Cart Madness ride, opened in December 2024.
Get More from Universal Studios Japan
Log the coasters, stadiums, and venues you’ve experienced, rate Universal Studios Japan, and see what your friends thought. Get the ThrillZing app.
Photo: Momopy~commonswiki / CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.