When Nintendo World Japan was announced, I knew I had to go. I grew up playing Super Mario World, and of course, being Japanese, this was a no-brainer. Don’t miss the Kinopio’s Cafe post that details how to get into Kinopio’s Cafe, the menu, and more!
First and foremost, the Super Nintendo World is located inside Universal Studios Japan, which is in Osaka. If you’re visiting Tokyo, you need to take a shinkansen to Osaka. I suppose you could fly, but I do not recommend that. You can check out the Tokyo to Osaka shinkansen trip here on my TikTok!
Also, if you’re headed to Japan, here are a ton of Japan recommendations!
Tickets to Nintendo World Japan
I need to shout out to my brother (who blew up on this TikTok lolz) because, without his research, I wouldn’t have known that I needed a ticket to enter Universal Studios Japan in addition to a separate ticket to enter the Super Nintendo World. This is crucial because you cannot enter Super Nintendo World without this separate pass!
Power Up Band for Nintendo World Japan (and the App)
I was unsure if I wanted to get the power-up band for my visit to Universal Studios Japan, but I am so glad I got them. The Nintendo World Japan experience is not complete without it, trust me! Yes, you can punch the ? boxes and enjoy your time there without it, but you’ll be missing out if you don’t. You won’t have access to the app that tracks your coins, collects stickers, medals, and more.
Once you grab your Power Up bands, it’s time to download the Universal Studios Japan app. The band connects to the app for a more enhanced experience. I lets you choose your character and records all the coins you get as you smash the boxes! Every experience leads to a stamp that you can collect within the app, and you’ll discover hidden challenges as well. There’s a few places that aren’t clearly labeled in the park that’s only explained through the app, especially if you’re going for the final battle (it’ll make more sense when you get it)!
Get Kinopio’s Cafe Timed Tickets
I go into this in detail in my Kinopio’s Cafe blog post here, but you’ll want to make this your first order of business once you enter the Super Nintendo World. Go downstairs, and you’ll (hopefully) see a cast member handing out tickets with times on them. Unlike the rides, you will need a timed ticket to dine at Kinopio’s Cafe, and that’s the only way to get in.
Mario Kart Ride and Yoshi’s Adventure Ride
There are two rides inside the Super Nintendo Land and they’re both super fun in different ways. If you’re a Mario Kart stan, you’re going to obsess over this ride! It’s extremely high-tech and it leaves you wanting to get right back in line. Think Buzz Lightyear ride at Disneyland and multiply it by 100. For Yoshi’s Adventure, it’s slow, wholesome and charming.
Keep in mind that when you buy a pass to the Super Nintendo Land, it will give you timed access to both of these rides. Don’t miss these entry times!
Unlike Kinopio’s Cafe, you are able to get on the rides without a timed entrance. However, make note that the lines can be a 2-3 hour wait as they’re obviously extremely popular. We had timed entries to both and still had to stand in the Mario Kart line for a good 25 minutes.
Final Thoughts
I had high expectations and the experience absolutely exceeded them! I’m looking forward to the Super Nintendo World in Hollywood to open so that I have easier access to the fun. Although, I can’t wait to go back to the one in Japan!
Again, make sure you check out all my Japan posts here, follow me on Instagram and TikTok!
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