JAPAN HAS REOPENED! Here are 5 cool new attractions to explore.

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Super Nintendo World. Image by Nintendo.

For the first time since its on-again, off-again, pandemic-postponed launch, Super Nintendo World will finally be able to open its doors to international visitors!

I don’t know about you, but especially for those of us who grew up with 2000s video games, it’s a huge deal.

I still have fond memories of playing Mario Kart on the Nintendo 64, and the emotional scars of being hunted down in the battle arena, absolutely terrified, with one lonely balloon keeping me afloat. I still have my (definitely legal, don’t worry about it) copy of Yoshi’s Island (you know, on one of those R4 microSD cards the techy kids at school would download multiple random games on) for my original ice-blue DS, as well my Super Mario Galaxy games for Wii.

Well, Super Nintendo World is like stepping into Super Paper Mario when you switch to 3D view for the first time. The whole park is immersive, with special interactive Power-Up Bands that let you collect coins, scores and stamps (which can be synced to your smartphone) – including punching the iconic question blocks! You have to collect three keys on your Power-Up Band to tackle Bowser’s Castle Challenge. You can also hop on a family-friendly Yoshi themed ride; meet and greet with Princess Peach, Mario, Luigi and Toad; or race around a Mario Kart circuit with AR headsets.

PS: don’t forget to check out the quirky snacks like Question Block tiramisu, Koopa Shell calzones, and Toad’s mushroom flavoured popcorn!

LOCATION:
Universal Studios, Osaka.

TICKETS:
Priced in Japanese Yen (JPY).

Super Nintendo World is part of Universal Studios, so to enter you’ll need a Studio Pass (¥8,200 for adults ¥5,400 for children aged 4-11 to enter Universal Studios (which is super worthwhile anyhow, being that Universal Studios has been voted the best theme park in Japan for four years in a row! In 2023 there will be also be a new Pokémon Parade).

On top of that, you can book in for free timed entry tickets via the app or at one of the designated machines in the park. If you want to beat the queues, you can get a Universal Express Pass Premium (from ¥18,700), Universal Express Pass 7 (from ¥10,800) or Universal Express Pass 4 (from ¥7,800).

Get tickets via the official Universal Studios website.

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Warner Bros. Harry Potter Studio Tour. Image by Warner Bros.

Toshimaen was a Tokyo amusement park which, sadly, closed its doors after 94 years in August 2020. However, reborn from its ashes like Fawkes the phoenix, arises Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo – The Making of Harry Potter.

And if you also still dream of receiving an owl-delivered invitation to study the magical arts at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, it’s a new fix of Harry Potter sorcery for you.

But… you might have a couple of questions.

Like“Is it different to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios?”

The short answer is yes.
And if you love Harry Potter, you should visit both.

“Well, what’s the difference?”

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is part of Universal Studios.
Here, you can explore Olivander’s wand shop (with interactive wands to bring the magic to life!), ride the Hippogriff rollercoaster, enjoy 4D experiences, and head to The Three Brooms restaurant for some Butterbeer. It’s a truly magical time, and if you go to see the new Super Nintendo World, you should definitely tack on a trip to Hogwarts on your Universal Studios journey.

The Studio Tour is a little different. It’s not going to be a theme park with rollercoasters and attractions like Universal Studios. Instead, it’s a walking tour through the sets and props that brought Harry Potter to life in film. You can tour Hogwarts and Diagon Alley, indulge in some behind-the-scenes experiences, see authentic display film sets and sound stages, costumes, props and potions. The tour is about the size of four Quidditch fields (30,000 square metres) and takes about half a day to explore. Set to open for Warner Bros’ 100th anniversary, you should also expect some celebrations! Rumour has it that the two nearby train stations will also undergo a transfiguration spell, with Toshimaen Station’s renovations planned to resemble Hogsmeade train station, and Ikeburuko Station to be inspired by Kings Cross train station in London, so you might even depart from Platform 9 and ¾ by Spring 2023!

LOCATION:
Near Toshimaen Station in Nerima, Tokyo.

TICKETS:
Priced in Japanese Yen (JPY).
The ticket prices are yet to be announced, but if it’s anything like London’s Studio Tour, it will most likely be priced around ¥8,140.

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Japan is primarily a cash country, so you’ll want to take cash for all your day-to-day transactions (food, market stalls, public transport, temple and shrine offerings etc).

For bigger purchases and hotel reservations, pay with your Travel Money Oz Currency Pass! 

There are also heaps of ATMs found in Japanese convenience stores (affectionately known as コンビニ konbini), but be savvy about fees.

For more info on planning travel money for your Japanese holiday, see our Japan Destination Currency Guide and How Much Money Do I Need To Travel Japan blog.

For more inspo for your Japanese holiday, read our Japan: Broke vs Baller blog, Japan: Your Guide to Japanese Festivals blog, Japan: 8 Best Things to Do on a Budget blog, and Japan: Everything you need to know about the new Studio Ghibli Park blog.