UNIVERSAL STUDIOS

Jurassic Park ride - Bring along extra clothing or newspaper if you do not like to get wet. Middle of the boat is obviously the driest spot. Be forewarned.

Spiderman ride - Strap on your 3D glasses for an amazing roller coaster ride! The Amazing Adventures of Spiderman in the New York area of Universal Studios Japan starts on a tour of the "Daily Bugle," when you find out that the Statue of Liberty has been stolen! Go on a ride with Spiderman to save the statue from an evil gang of villains. The special effects are quite memorable, and it feels like you really are climbing up and down skyscrapers. 12 passengers can ride per car.

The less adventurous and easily motion sick may want to avoid this thrilling 5-minute ride, with its smoke, flashes of light, rapid turns, steep ascents and descents, and sudden loud noises. People with neck, or back problems should not ride. This is one of the most popular rides in the park, with 1 to 2 hour waits being not at all uncommon, so consider using the Express Pass.

Waterworld event - When you enter the main event hall, the seats are divided into two main sections (front and back) with a barrier in the middle. For the brave and looking for a quick surprise, move to the front half. We sat behind the barrier, and were very happy to stay dry. Not just a light splashing either. Some poor folk were drenched.

Shrek's 4D Adventure Show - Fans of the movie Shrek may enjoy seeing a totally new movie featuring Shrek and his donkey. Not only are there 3D glasses, but viewers experience scenes through all senses, with bubbles, dust, and seat movements adding reality to the action. The 25 minute show is packed with action involving favourite characters from the movie, but if you do not understand Japanese, the story may be hard to follow.

Hollywood Theme Area - The first theme area you find when entering Universal Studios Japan is Hollywood. You will see a large, glass-roofed area and the Hollywood Dream jet coaster ride when you enter. However, this section has a lot to see and do, so be sure to take time to explore!

San Francisco Theme Area - San Francisco area lies between the New York and Jurassic Park theme areas. It has two attractions, the Back to the Future ride and the Backdraft show. The area does not have the coherence of some of the others in the park, but the attractions are a fun touch of nostalgia for those who enjoyed the movies they are based on.

San Francisco Candies is a shop featuring Sesame Street goods. It is housed in a red brick building with characters on the awnings. The Back to the Future Gifts is a glass structure with towers in front of the ride with the same name. As one might guess, the theme is gifts related to the ride and movie.

New York Theme Area - Behind Hollywood, the second theme area you will see in Universal Studios Osaka is New York, with skyscrapers in the background. The Amazing Adventures of Spiderman Ride is located here, one of the most popular attractions in the park. The other major draw is the Terminator 2 - 3D show. Be sure to visit Roses of Fame, a lovely garden with strolling paths, for a relaxing break from more intense attractions.

The Amazing Spiderman Store, located in a replica of an old Macy's building, has every imaginable item related to the famous superhero. Hollywood Make-Up is a face-painting studio which can make a wide range of designs to add some colour to your visit.

Amity Village Theme Area - Amity Village in USJ is recognizable by the giant shark suspended from a wooden scaffolding in front of the JAWS ride. The ride is the main attraction in this theme area, which is decorated to look like a rustic harbour town, though there is also a small game centre. The overall feel is that of a small bay with weather-worn wooden buildings around it.

For a cool snack, try Amity Ice Cream. Decorated like an old country store, it features many flavours of ice cream served at a counter in cups or bowls. For a heartier lunch, check out Amity Landing. The menu is mostly fried food served baskets like you might find in a New England fishing village. The soft-shell crab sandwich set is recommended, as is the chicken and French fry basket. Round out the meal with a slice of apple pie or cool down with a refreshing beer before continuing on to other attractions.

Roses of Fame - A rose garden may seem an unlikely addition to a theme park specializing in movie related attractions, but the Roses of Fame garden is a lovely spot for a relaxing interlude. It is located in the New York theme area next to the central lake. Stroll through the paths and enjoy over 1800 plants from over 200 varieties. The plants were chosen for their names, which all relate to the industry in some way: names of famous actors and actresses, authors, characters, hit songs. This garden is not only a pleasure to visit, but is a good site for photographs and some much needed R&R for well walked legs and feet.