UNIVERSAL STUDIOS JAPAN - A MAGICAL PLACE EVERY FAMILY SHOULD VISIT

Mrs.Wise was given a special mission last January 2019.  To travel to Japan... and experience the world class theme park in the heart of Osaka -- Universal Studios Japan.

At first -- I must admit, I was afraid to say "yes" to this mission. Why? Because, it will be my first time to travel to Japan, and I will be ALONE. Yes, dear readers --- solo travel in Japan.

First, I am afraid of the language barrier. There are only three words in my very limited Japanese vocabulary -- Arigato Gozaimasu, moshi moshi and sayonara!  

Second, will I be able to survive Japan's network of railways? 

Third, by the time I reach Osaka, it is already spring. But gosh... the temperature can still drop to 8 degrees at night and as low as 12 degrees during daytime. I know a lot of you will LOVE this cool Osaka weather -- but I am sensitive to cold. An airconditioned room with temperature of 21 degrees can make me shiver to the bones. 

But of course, my innate hunger for adventure and travel put these challenges on hold. Tried as much to prepare to combat them one by one. Downloaded google translate so I can somehow understand some Japanese words;  Downloaded google maps to be able to navigate Japan's train system (and yes, google maps will be your BFF in Japan);  and lastly, thermal clothing FTW!

Now, I am ready to conquer Osaka Japan!!!  (fingers crossed from take-off to landing hahaha)

GOING TO OSAKA: JAPAN's 2nd LARGEST METROPOLITAN AREA AFTER TOKYO

My 9am flight was delayed. I was supposed to touchdown Kansai airport at around 2:30 pm, but reached it around 6pm. It was getting dark at that time. Before going out of the airport's lobby, I tried to find where the JR booth is, because I had to buy my ICOCA card and my bullet train ticket to Fukuoka.  Why? The reason will be discussed in my succeeding articles.

Good thing, my driver who was supposed to pick me up at 2:30pm was still there at the airport waiting for me. With his ready smile - he urged me to ran to the vehicle, because the weather is very cold when I arrived.  

     

It was a good 30-minute drive from Kansai airport to the hotel. There was no traffic. The sceneries changed from industrial to cosmopolitan as I reached my destination. New Oriental Hotel will be my home for two nights. I was happy that it is just a few steps away from Awaza station. It will be easier to navigate the train system, from Awaza.

Eager to explore Osaka on my first night -- I mustered all the courage that I can get - with my 3 layers of clothes, to travel from my hotel to Dotonbori District. Again, this story is the subject of my succeeding blog articles :)  But I felt accomplished, because my Dontonbori mission was a success -- I did not get lost  :)  

TOUCHDOWN JAPAN. MY FIRST NIGHT.

MRS.WISE UNIVERSAL STUDIOS JAPAN EXPERIENCE

I was so excited that after my authentic Japanese buffet breakfast at the hotel, I was ready to explore USJ Japan.  My driver picked me up at around 9am. On my 2nd day in Japan, I was already amazed at how prompt the Japanese are. Their train system and buses are always on the dot. 

Enjoyed the 20-minute drive to USJ. Passed by some residential area. The weather was sunny, but it is still 13 degrees. Saw some bikers on the street ready to go to work. But I loved the mommies on their bikes with their cute babies.  How I wish the Philippines could also be a haven for bikers... and some local parks still with traces of the cherry blossoms.

 

And before I knew it, I reached Universal Studios Japan. Because I was traveling alone, I needed to get that mandatory selfie by the spinning globe. One word: I was damned excited to explore!

First, met up with Universal Studios sales and marketing representative, Shiori Tatebayashi, as she gave me my express pass for the day. After the short meeting, I was on my own -- to explore this magical theme park.

 

REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD BRING YOUR FAMILY TO UNIVERSAL STUDIOS JAPAN

As a mother, I want to be sure, that when we travel as a family, I will be able to give my teens the BEST. I want to make our trips MEMORABLE.  And this is what I experienced at Universal Studios Japan.

STATE OF THE ART ENTERTAINMENT.  The 4d experience of Harry Potter's The Forbidden Journey Ride and  the Amazing Adventures of Spiderman 4K3D Ride were awesome. The sensation was like riding a roller coaster,  but the truth -- seat moving, the smoke and water effects, synchronized with the movie I am watching -- felt very real.  I got the express ticket, but I waited in line for another round of both rides - because both were too awesome not to repeat!!

SUPER IMPRESSIVE VIDEO MAPPING AT HARRY POTTER'S WIZARDING WORLD

VERY COURTEOUS STAFF.  The downside of traveling alone, you have no one to take your photos. But the staff at USJ, were always more than willing to take your photos and assist all your needs.

FAMILY FRIENDLY FACILITIES.  If you are traveling with babies, USJ has facilities for breastfeeding, baby feeding and diaper changing. The theme park really makes extra effort to make your visit worthwhile even if you have small kids with you.  Like other amusement parks, Universal Studios Japan is a stroller-friendly and family-friendly place. You can even rent a baby stroller for a day for 1,000 yen.

MRS.WISE TIPS:

I know you are all excited to visit Universal Studios Japan. A few reminders though: 

> The best time to go is during  weekdays, Friday to Sunday can get too crowded

> Ideal time to go is very early in the morning, and usually gates open at 8:30 am        

   (weekends at 9am).  But you can start queueing at around 7:30 to be safe.

> Once you entered the park, you cannot go out and re-enter again.  

> Aside from purchasing a Studio Pass (for 1 or 2 days) which includes park entrance and 

   use of all the facilities in the park, consider to buy Express Pass to skip the long lines to 

   some of the rides

> Plan your exploration. As for me, as soon as I entered the park, I surveyed the whole 

   area, and concentrated lots of hours on my favorite area -- Harry Potter Wizarding world. 

   I spent a total of 4 hours inside. And yes, as I posted in my instagram... I will not deny it, 
   but was close to tears when I finally set foot at Hogswart. It was a dream come true :)

IT WAS NICE SEEING MARLYN MONROE :)

I DID NOT TRY ANY EXTREME RIDES (AFRAID OF HEIGHTS)  BUT ENJOYED
SIPPING MY COFFEE IN  THE COOL OSAKA WEATHER 

enjoyed the flowers

and the butterbeer was really worth the trip to USJ

I managed to experience pretty much all of the attractions I was interested in, and still have time to take in the spectacular views of the park. And this is the highlight of my experience! Enjoy watching guys  :)

Big thanks to https://www.facebook.com/hismnl/  and https://www.usj.co.jp/e/ for making this once in a lifetime trip possible!!!