In my previous post, I rounded up the best Universal Studios Japan attractions for kids, but I saved Super Nintendo World, the most popular area of all, for its own post.
Since Super Nintendo World opened, USJ has become even more popular. For Nintendo fans, it’s a dream come true, and I was amazed when I saw it.
It’s like stepping into a Mario game, and it’s so pretty that I took countless photos. But to get into Super Nintendo World, you need a timed-entry ticket or a guaranteed-entry pass. Only a set number of people can enter each day, so you can’t just walk in. So how do you get one?
As of 2023, there were four ways in. First, buy an Express Pass in advance. Express Pass 4 or 7 products that include guaranteed Super Nintendo World entry confirm one entry on the day, and while it costs extra, you can ride the included attractions without long waits. If you want to ride a lot beyond Mario, I recommend the Express Pass. Supply is limited, so buy at least two months ahead.
Second, rope drop. If you’d rather spend time than money, arrive right at opening; early in the morning you can often enter without a separate timed ticket.
Third, buy Early Park Admission or a separate guaranteed-entry ticket. If you want to get in even before rope drop, Early Park Admission is a good option. Guaranteed-entry tickets have a fixed time slot and cost extra.
If you don’t have any of these tickets or an Express Pass, you can still enter with a timed-entry ticket.
Fourth, get a free same-day timed-entry ticket or enter the lottery. After entering the park, register your ticket in the official app and tap to request entry; you can book any remaining time slot. Without the app, use the orange machines next to the ticket booths. Tickets are issued in 30-minute slots from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., and each slot has a different capacity. Choose a time, get the QR code, and you’re set. If the first-come tickets run out, there’s a lottery. You can only get one per day, so if you got one in the morning, you can’t get another in the afternoon. Go early, get your ticket and ride Mario first.
We couldn’t get an Express Pass that included Super Nintendo World, so we used rope drop plus a same-day timed ticket for 11 a.m. and got in twice. It was a weekend and competition was fierce, but I’d call it a success. We rode Yoshi’s Adventure and Mario Kart twice each, and Yans said they were the best rides of all.
Super Nintendo World Attractions
There are two main attractions in Super Nintendo World: Mario Kart and Yoshi’s Adventure.
For Mario Kart, you wear a Mario cap with goggles attached. You ride along a track and battle enemies like in a video game, which was realistic and fun. At the end, you can see each seat’s score.
Yoshi’s Adventure is a gentle ride that’s great for young kids.
It’s adorable, and you get a full loop of Super Nintendo World, which was amazing all over again.
Super Nintendo World Tips
Restaurants inside Super Nintendo World have long waits. Get a restaurant reservation ticket in advance, or eat outside first. Bringing snacks from outside the area also helps.
The Yoshi noodle bun is delicious, so it’s worth the wait.
The most important tip for USJ is rope drop. It’s busy even on weekdays, so go early and ride Mario first. On weekends and holidays, one attraction can take two to three hours. Follow these tips and you’ll get the most out of Super Nintendo World. If you’re going to Universal Studios Japan, don’t miss it.
Don’t give up on Super Nintendo World; try these methods like I did. This trip was supported by WAUG.
Prices, hours and details in this post are from our visit in November 2023 and may have changed, so check the latest information before you go.