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Visit Nintendo’s new theme park, the world’s first, for the ultimate in game play

For the legions of Nintendo fans worldwide, the newly opened Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Japan provides an unmissable opportunity to see their favorite Nintendo characters come to life. Or, for those looking for a temporary diversion from traditional Japan and its shrines and temples, a visit to Osaka’s shiny new theme park offers the chance to experience first-hand the best of Japan’s iconic gaming culture and cutting-edge technology.

The park has been set up as a completely immersive experience, using cutting-edge technology to bring gaming to vivid life. There are rides, attractions, restaurants and shops themed to the different Nintendo franchises. Visitors can also take the whole experience to a whole new level by clipping on a “Power-Up Band”. These high-tech wristbands are designed to sync with your smart phone as you explore the park, allowing points and virtual coins to accumulate as you go.

For a while, riding in a replica Mario kart through the streets of Tokyo dressed in a Mario, Yoshi or Luigi costume ranked high on the “must do” list of many visitors to Japan. However due to rights issues related to the use of Nintendo’s intellectual property by the kart operator, this service has been stopped and is no longer available. So for those who aspire to jump on an authentic Mario Kart and battle it out with Bowser in the world’s first interactive Mario Kart ride, here’s your chance. You’ll also get a VR headset styled in the shape of a Mario cap to fully bring the experience to life.
And if this is not enough, consider jumping onboard the Super Nintendo World train, designed with the legendary Nintendo characters, as it circuits Osaka’s main commuter lines. Operated by JR West, the train runs along the Osaka loop line and Yumesaki line (the two lines which connect the city center with Universal-City Station, the closest train station to Universal Studios Japan).

Super Nintendo World was originally scheduled to open before the Tokyo Olympics in 2020, but the global pandemic meant that opening date had to be postponed to early 2021. Post-pandemic, the facility has implemented a number of measures to effectively manage visitor numbers (which will initially be half the number of planned visitors) and to ensure all attractions meet rigorous health and safety standards. Visitors will be required to follow standard hand sanitation practices on entry, to wear masks and will also be encouraged to register with the “Osaka Coronavirus Tracking System” on entering the park.
The park has been designed to cater for both international and domestic visitors in a number of international languages, and will appeal to both family groups as well as gamers and enthusiasts both young and old. But best to book ahead – if its success is to be anything like Universal Studios Japan’s original park, then it is likely to be very popular.