Move over “Disney Adults” – the primary-coloured, da-ling, da-linging Super Nintendo World Japan is well and truly open and has old-school arcade game lovers completely captivated. After stepping into Super Nintendo World, it feels like guests have literally fallen inside their handheld Nintendo switch devices.

And even more magical? Holding the hands of the newest wide-eyed mini Marios and looking at them knowingly as they stare wide-eyed at the primary-coloured world of Nintendo.

I’ve written this article to give you a detailed guide to Super Nintendo World to help you best plan your visit. I explain what Super Nintendo World is and its location and give you information on ticket purchasing and pricing, park layout, and available rides. I also describe power-up bands in detail (including using them for stamps and key challenges) and talk about the food and merchandise options. I finish with my suggested itinerary and how long to spend at Nintendo World.

What is Super Nintendo World Japan?

Super Mario Land Japan is a Wizard of Oz-style technicolour Super Mario slap to the nervous system.  It’s an immersive experience; almost every Mario element moves, dings, and rolls along.

It’s like an augmented reality experience where the game world becomes the real world – right from when you first enter that first warp pipe and enter the main Super Nintendo World arena.  

Universal Studios Japan in Osaka originally intended to open its door to  Super Nintendo World in time for the Tokyo Olympics, but that, like the rest of the world over the past few years, had to be paused. 

Now, the vibrant, gold-coin collecting land is open and fully operational to domestic and international visitors, and it is heaving with happy guests and tourists.

No expense was spared with its creation. You see, the life-sized Super Mario video game landscape cost more than US$575 million dollars to create and has been five years+ in the making. The very novelty of experiencing Super Nintendo World in the very country where all things Mario and his mates were created is lost on no one.  This is just how it was all meant to be. 

Its creators clearly love the Nintendo universe but also adore its consumers and have, therefore, considered carefully how to make it a truly immersive and interactive experience for all visitors.  

The Location of Super Nintendo World Japan?

Super Nintendo World Osaka is located inside Universal Studios Japan – the theme park also known for the well-renowned Harry Potter World and featuring other theming such as Minions, Spiderman, and Hello Kitty – to name just a few. 

Which City Can Super Nintendo World Japan be Found in?

Universal Studios Japan can be found in Osaka – a city known for being the funnier, friendlier sidekick of the bigger brother, Tokyo. 

Osaka is a few hours from Tokyo by bullet train. It’s even more easily accessible for international visitors via Kansai International Airport. 

Where is Super Nintendo World Inside Universal Studios Japan

Once you enter Universal Studios Japan, Super Nintendo World is in the back right corner of the theme park – past Universal Wonderland with the rides for the younger children and just behind “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.”

How Much Does it Cost to Go to Super Nintendo World in Japan?

When working out the cost of going to Super Mario World Japan, there are two parts to consider: the general entry ticket price and a possible Express Pass.

General Entry Tickets to Universal Studios Japan

As you can imagine, in order to enter Japan Super Mario World, you will first need your general entry ticket to Universal Studios Japan. 

Note that entry park ticket prices vary depending on the specific day you plan to visit, and for your date there will be either an 1 Day Studio Pass A, B or C available – if your date is greyed out, click on the other entry pass options until you are able to select your date.

Please note that the Universal Studios Japan website is notoriously terrible for not being able to process international credit cards, so Klook is a great option with easier payment processing, plus you also get loyalty discounts and regular sales to save money when planning your visit to Japan. If you are experiencing this frustration when trying to book on the official site, don’t worry, as you are not alone. Alternative purchasing options are available such as:

• Klook; 
• At the park ticket gates or at one of the registered Universal Studio Hotels (although these two are higher risky options. I’ll speak about that more below.)

Is it Necessary to Pre-Purchase Tickets to Enter Super Mario World Japan?

Shortest answer? Oh my goodness, yes. Even the hardest of hardcore theme park go-ers admit that Universal Studios Japan is possibly the busiest theme park they have ever visited – especially since the introduction of Harry Potter World and now the ever-so-popular Super Mario World Japan.

Leaving the pre-purchase of tickets to Universal Studios Japan until the day (or even the last minute) is a gamble not worth taking as it may lead to extreme disappointment. 

What’s the Deal with Express Passes at Universal Studios Japan?

Express Passes are a way to expedite waiting time at rides and some sections of Universal Studios Japan.  

I consider them to be an essential part of your ticket purchase if you are visiting on a weekend, a national holiday or during high season in Japan as, for these times of the year, they can cut hours and hours off your waiting time (give you up to 5-6 hours of your day back, even) and play a major role in making the one-day event more enjoyable.   

The reasons for long wait times are not only due to pure customer volume but also cultural – Japanese people are well-known for their patience and willingness to join a long queue as an accepted part of the theme park experience.  My Japanese friends and colleagues are the least likely to shy away from a three-hour + wait for one particular ride – and Express Passes have been introduced in order to give park guests other shorter wait time options.

Please note that Express Passes need to be purchased along with your park entry ticket and are only valid for that particular day of park entry. Express Passes regularly sell out in advance for busy periods, so ensure you book your Express Pass as soon as they become available 4 weeks prior to your visit date.

What is the Price for Express Passes for Super Mario World Osaka, Japan

These shorter wait time options do then, naturally, come at a price. 

For Super Nintendo World, Universal Studios has introduced a timed entry system. This can be purchased while buying your Universal Studio Day Pass on Klook.  The price depends on the day and the time of year, but it is usually an additional US$40 per person.

Many of the Express Pass packages on the Universal Website or Klook include timed entry to Super Nintendo World. These packages are bundles of a set of the most popular and/or attractions with the longest wait times. Some of the attractions are set in the packages, and others are left over to choose from, for example, 1 of 4 or 5 rides.

Currently, the Express Pass options which include timed entry to Super Nintendo World and also skip the queue access to the Mario Kart: Koopa’s Challenge experience are as detailed below. Note that Express Pass inclusions can change from time to time, so carefully read the options before booking.

• Express Pass 4: Limited and Variety Choice. Includes timed entry to both Super Nintendo World and Harry Potter World, and skip the queue access to Mario Kart: Koopa’s Challenge, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, Jujutsu Kaisen, and either The Amazing Adventures of Spiderman OR Jurassic Park – The Ride. Click here to check out and book through Klook.
• Express Pass 4: Doraemon XR Ride. Includes timed entry to both Super Nintendo World and Harry Potter World, and skip the queue access to Mario Kart: Koopa’s Challenge, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, Doraemon XR Ride, and either The Amazing Adventures of Spiderman OR Jurassic Park – The Ride. Click here to check out and book through Klook.
• Express Pass 7: Doraemon XR Ride. Includes timed entry to both Super Nintendo World and Harry Potter World, and skip the queue access to Mario Kart: Koopa’s Challenge, Yoshi’s Adventure, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, Flight of the Hippogriff, Doraemon XR Ride, Despicable Me Minion Mayhem and either Hollywood Dream – The Ride OR JAWS. Click here to check out and book through Klook.
• Express Pass 7: SING ON TOUR. Includes timed entry to both Super Nintendo World and Harry Potter World, and skip the queue access to Mario Kart: Koopa’s Challenge, Yoshi’s Adventure, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, Flight of the Hippogriff, Doraemon XR Ride, SING ON TOUR and either Hollywood Dream – The Ride OR JAWS. Click here to check out and book through Klook.
• Express Pass 7: The Flying Dinosaur and Jurassic Park. Includes timed entry to both Super Nintendo World and Harry Potter World, and skip the queue access to Mario Kart: Koopa’s Challenge, Yoshi’s Adventure, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, Flight of the Hippogriff, The Flying Dinosaur, Jurassic Park – The Ride and either Hollywood Dream – The Ride OR JAWS. Click here to check out and book through Klook.
• Express Pass 7: Backdrop and Spiderman. Includes timed entry to both Super Nintendo World and Harry Potter World, and skip the queue access to Mario Kart: Koopa’s Challenge, Yoshi’s Adventure, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, Flight of the Hippogriff, Hollywood Dream – The Ride – Backdrop, The Amazing Adventures of Spiderman and either Hollywood Dream – The Ride OR JAWS. Click here to check out and book through Klook.
• Express Pass 7: Limited and Variety. Includes timed entry to both Super Nintendo World and Harry Potter World, and skip the queue access to Mario Kart: Koopa’s Challenge, Yoshi’s Adventure, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, Flight of the Hippogriff, Jujutsu Kaisen, The Amazing Adventures of Spiderman and either Hollywood Dream – The Ride OR JAWS. Click here to check out and book through Klook.

What if I Don’t Want to Buy an Express Pass

It is possible to save your holiday yen (although it is risky business) by either applying for timed entry, an allowed time to enter Super Nintendo World, via the USJ app once you have entered the park – but this is only really recommended if you are entering the park at the very start of the day and please, please note: you will not be the only person attempting this approach, and these run out quickly.

The other option is to, of course, make a (literal) run for Universal Studios Japan Nintendo World the moment the gates open – although – please be warned – the line for entry into this Mario-themed world is known to often hit a 3-hour+ wait within 30 minutes of the park opening.

I know people who have attended Universal Studios Japan Mario World and have had a wonderful time without an Express or Timed Entry Pass; however, I know many more who attempted it – waited for hours and were unsuccessful.

*Important to note: an Express Pass or timed entry for Super Nintendo World only means just that – entry to Super Nintendo World – waiting for the rides inside that world is still required*

What is the Layout Like at Nintendo Park Japan?

The walk-up to the entrance is a walkway, and there will be staff lining the path to meet and greet all the new visitors, and you can also purchase Power Up Bands.

The main entrance is a giant Mario-style pipe and some character statues and props for photos.

Tip:  Don’t stop here for photographs on the way in. Save it for the way home and go straight in to save yourself from lining up later!

The whole land begins at Princess Peach’s Castle, and there is a large open arena of which the middle is also beautifully Mario-themed. It’s also used as a stage for meet and greets with the characters who often appear for dances or photo opportunities.

Around this general area in the middle are the restaurants, many coin collection points, restrooms and some ride entrances and exits.

This main area has another storey around the edge of the circular-shaped arena decorated with more moving and sounding parts – and those on Yoshi’s adventure ride also play into part of the decor. 

Super Nintendo World Japan Rides

Super Nintendo World has two main ride attractions: Mario Kart: Koopa’s Challenges and Yoshi’s Adventure. Neither of these rides requires the Power Up Bands at any point. 

There are no rollercoasters within Super Nintendo World.

Mario Kart: Koopa’s Challenge

Koopa’s Challenge is a Mario Kart-style race ride, mostly based on the Mario Kart 8 game. Guests wear augmented reality visors.  The ride also uses projection mapping. Guests need to be 107 cm or taller. People between 107 cm and 122 cm in height must be accompanied by another guest.

*This attraction is known to have the longest waiting time within Super Nintendo World.

Why is Bowser Referred to as Koopa at Japan Mario World

Looking at the website and listening in and around Super Nintendo World Japan, you will hear of the character Bowser constantly referred to as “Koopa.”  

You see, Nintendo Designer Shigeru Miyamoto originally titled the character after a Korean soup and rice meal called “Gukbap”, as it seems that he came up with the name over lunch. It was later decided that when the North American release of the game. 

The name Koopa stuck for the most part in Japan, and that includes Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios. 

Yoshi’s Adventure

Yoshi’s Adventure is a slow-moving ride (similar in concept to Monsters Inc at Tokyo Disneyland). Your task is to find 3 mysterious eggs on the ride and push the corresponding egg button at the correct time. Guests need to be 92 cm or taller. People between 92 cm and 122 cm in height must be accompanied by another guest.

Is There a Donkey Kong Section at Super Mario Park Japan?

There isn’t yet a Donkey Kong section at Super Nintendo World Japan. A Donkey Kong Expansion has been announced and will open in 2024.

There is a large round door in the Super Nintendo World already, and that will be the entrance to the new section.  This new addition will increase the size of Super Nintendo World by 70%.

The new section will include a rollercoaster, additional merchandise and food, and some additional interactive experiences.

 Guide to Power-Up Bands

A power-up band is a slap wristband designed to be worn by Nintendo World visitors. It is used to collect digital coins and digital stamps around the Mario Universe. The coins can then be used for a final battle against Bowser.

Visitors can choose their power-up band character from one of the Super Mario Bros Characters.   The bands can then be taken home, used again, or kept as a Super Nintendo World memento.

Where Can I Purchase Power-Up Bands for Super Nintendo World Japan?

Power Up Bands can be purchased inside the park at the Super Nintendo World entrance, but there can be a line.

The other option is to choose an Express Pass with a power-up band included on the USJ Official Website or on sites like JTB or other participating travel agents. The power-up bands can be collected at the Universal Studios Store outside of the Universal Studios Japan on the Universal City Walk shopping strip OR inside Universal Studios Japan park in the Hollywood section at the California Confectionary store. This depends on the kind of pass purchased and the included instructions for that particular pass.

You can choose your own power-up band character, and yes, it’s all ok for everyone in the group to all have different or all the same characters.

How Much are Power-Up Bands at Super Nintendo World in Japan

Power-up bands cost 3800 yen per person. 

Can I Get Around Super Nintendo World Without Purchasing a Power-Up Band?

If the coin collection part doesn’t interest you or, at least, not all members of your group, you can definitely give the power-up band a miss.

You can still fully participate in ALL the rides without a Power Up Band.  The Power Up Band “powers” are not required in any part of the ride-on attractions – although there are some touch-on points in the ride queues – but that is about it.

The power-up bands are required to participate in the arcade-style mini-games throughout the Super Nintendo World section of Universal Studios though. You must participate in these mini-games to take on the final challenge: the boss battle against Bowser Jnr. See here for a full list of the tap zones and Power Up Band challenges.

Even my Japanese friends go for a shortcut version if they are not interested in the coins or digital stamps OR are watching their spending money. 

One way around purchasing power bands for everyone in the group includes: using one power-up band shared between a couple or group and taking turns touching on games and challenges.  This is a great way to watch your money while still getting a look at the interactive action.

Another option is to purchase power-up bands only for children. This is very common, and unless you are really into Nintendo vibes yourself, it’s a great way to ensure the children are the main characters in their own world of Mario.

How Do I Set-up a Power-Up Band?

To set up a purchased Power Up Band. Download the Universal Studios Japan app,  register and then scan the QR code provided with the band.

How do I Use a Power-Up Band?

A Power Up Band can only be used in Nintendo World and is to be held briefly against the giant golden blocks adorning the giant question mark ( just like in Super Mario).  You’ll know when you have collected a coin or stamp as the band will make a familiar Mario “ding.”

These are scattered around Super Mario Land, including inside some of the ride wait areas and at some of the attractions.

There are 170 stamps to collect in total – designed so that even after many, many visits to Super Nintendo Land Japan, it is not possible to collect them all in one trip. Once a stamp has been collected, it will appear on your Universal Studios app. 

The digital stamp spots are hidden, but you’ll know when you’ve found one as there will be a round button with an M in the middle (there is also an illuminated image of the stamp above that button.). Hold the middle of your Power Up Band to the M to collect.

Power-up Band Key Challenges

Around the Mario World are 5 “Key Challenges” (simple to complete arcade-style touch games). Once these key challenges are complete, owners can then battle Bowser in an interactive, full-screen, full-body video game challenge. 

Where to Eat at Super Nintendo World

The most popular dining spot is Kinopio’s Cafe. Popular menu items inside Toad’s house include King Bowser’s Hamburger Steak, Teriyaki Chicken, and Superstar Rice.

Another gorgeous and popular option at Super Nintendo World is the Princess Peach cake.  It is 3000 yen and is designed to be shared between 3-4 people. The cake design is based on the scene at the end of Super Mario 64. 

The food is as vibrant as the decor. The food is all themed and is of excellent quality – although portions are small. Some menu items change with the seasons.

Depending on the time of day and the number of people in the park, there are sometimes timed entry tickets for the restaurant handed out early in the day – where guests are given a 15 min window to come and sit down for a meal. The timing is not optional; just first come, first served. Groups with more than 5 people must be split into different groups. These timed tickets are limited.

Without a timed entry, you are able to queue for a table – something that most dining guests do.   On weekends the line is often 90 minutes long during the day and around 40 minutes in the evenings.

Another two food spots within Super Nintendo World are Pit Stop Popcorn (limited edition popcorn buckets are also sold here) and Yoshi’s Snack Island, which sells items such as Strawberry and Melon Lassis, limited edition drink bottles, and calzone filled with yakisoba noodles and cheese.

When purchasing popcorn at Pit Stop Popcorn, you can choose from the Mario Kart Popcorn or the Super Star Popcorn bucket.

Is it Possible to Take Pictures With the Nintendo Characters?

When the characters walk around, you can ask to take photos with your camera/phone.  

If you’d like a more formal photograph with Mario & Luigi or Princess Peach, a paid service is available with a professional cameraman. Photographs with Mario and Luigi are 2500 yen and 2000 yen for a shot with Princess Peach.  Photographs come in a sturdy cardboard frame/wallet.  

Where Can I Buy Nintendo World and Mario Merchandise Within Super Nintendo World?

Two large merchandise stores are located inside Super Mario Land Japan: 1UP Factory and Mario Motors. 

Both stores sell Nintendo-related goods. Options change with the years and the seasons.  Both of these stores also sell general-use items such as batteries, diapers, phone battery chargers and umbrellas.

Is it Possible to Purchase Nintendo Merchandise Outside of Super Nintendo World?

Yes, at Universal Japan, Nintendo merchandise is available outside of Super Mario World.  Although there are more limited options than inside Super Nintendo World, Nintendo merch can be purchased from the Mario Cafe & Store on the Hollywood Boulevard section inside Universal Studios Osaka. 

They also sell Nintendo-themed desserts and drinks.

How Long Should I Spend at Super Nintendo World?

Queuing, timed entry and express passes aside, I would allocate 4 -5 hours at Super Nintendo Osaka.

If this is longer than you plan to spend in this section of Universal Studios, you can cut down this time by not eating a sit-down meal. 

Another way to cut down time, if needed, is to use the single-rider option (available on the Mario Kart: Koopa’s Challenge ride) to cut down waiting time. 

A Suggested Itinerary for Super Nintendo World

I would recommend heading straight for Kinopio’s Cafe in the hope of receiving a timed entry ticket. The other alternative is to eat either as soon as possible (before 11 am) or later in the day after 2 pm.

Next, move on to Mario Kart: Koopa’s Challenge- the most popular ride with the longest wait time.  You can collect stamps and participate in coin challenges along the way.

I would then stop for popcorn, shopping and pictures with the characters before moving on to Yoshi’s Adventure Ride.

Finally, I would then tick off all the remaining Power Band Challenges – gathering together enough coins to compete in the Bowser Jr Mini-Game Showdown before leaving.

Are Masks Required at Universal Studios Japan?

No.  As of March 13, 2023, masks are no longer required, and mask-wearing is left up to the discretion of the individual.

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