Universal Studios Japan’s Super Nintendo World Complete Guide! Food and Attraction Experiences
Super Nintendo World, which opened at Universal Studios Japan (USJ) in March 2021, is a dream destination for Nintendo fans. In this guide, we’ll introduce you to all the exciting attractions, food, and shopping experiences that Super Nintendo World has to offer! Use this as a reference when planning your visit.
1. Access to Super Nintendo World and Overview
Super Nintendo World is an area themed around popular Nintendo characters like Mario, Luigi, and Princess Peach, where visitors can fully immerse themselves in the world of Mario games. To enter this area, you must obtain a ‘Timed Entry Ticket’ through the official USJ app. Since you can only get one ticket per day, it is recommended to secure your ticket early, especially during weekends or holidays when it tends to get crowded.
As you step into the area, you pass through a giant ‘pipe’ and are instantly surrounded by the expansive world of Mario. Princess Peach’s Castle and Bowser’s Castle tower over the landscape, while Goombas, Question Blocks, and Coins are scattered all around. The vibrant design and attention to detail make you feel as if you’ve truly entered the game. There are also many spots where you can take photos with Mario, Luigi, and Princess Peach, making it a popular destination not only for game fans but also for families and couples.
2.Overview of the Attractions
Super Nintendo World features two attractions: ‘Yoshi’s Adventure’ and ‘Mario Kart: Koopa’s Challenge.
Yoshi’s Adventure
On Yoshi’s Adventure, you can enjoy the world of the Mario series, with Mario’s friends and unique landscapes appearing throughout the ride. Since you get a panoramic view of the entire area, there are many great spots for taking photos, especially for capturing Instagram-worthy scenery. It’s a relaxing ride, making it perfect for families and first-time visitors to enjoy at an easy pace.
Another great point is that the wait time is relatively shorter compared to other attractions, at around 60 minutes. This is a big advantage for those who want to efficiently enjoy the attractions.
Mario Kart: Koopa’s Challenge
Mario Kart: Koopa’s Challenge’ is one of the most popular attractions at Universal Studios Japan’s Super Nintendo World. This ride-type attraction faithfully recreates the world of Mario Kart, allowing guests to actually hop into a kart and race against Bowser and other characters. Using VR technology, players can experience the thrill of racing through iconic Mario Kart courses, making it feel like they’ve fully immersed themselves in the game world, which is the biggest draw.
Attraction Features
Course Experience: On the ride, you’ll race through familiar courses from the Mario Kart series, such as “Bowser’s Castle” and “Rainbow Road.” You can fully enjoy the essence of the game as you compete against rival characters and use items to win the race.
Wearing VR Goggles: During the ride, VR goggles provide a 360-degree view, allowing you to experience the realistic world of Mario Kart. Actions like throwing items and dodging enemies are also recreated, making it feel as if you’re actually inside the game.
3. Culinary Experience at Super Nintendo World
Be sure to visit ‘Kinopio’s Cafe’ and ‘Yoshi’s Snack Island’ at Super Nintendo World. Here, you can enjoy Mario-themed gourmet treats. Below is a detailed introduction of the menu items I tried.
Kinopio’s Cafe
Kinopio’s Cafe is themed around Chef Toad, and you can enjoy dishes inspired by characters and items from the Mario series. The wait time can exceed 100 minutes, but it’s definitely worth it.
- Mario’s Bacon & Cheese Burger ¥2,600（approx.$17.57 USD）: This juicy bacon and cheese burger is inspired by Mario’s iconic red hat. With a thick patty, savory bacon, and rich cheese, it’s a perfectly balanced and hearty dish. Not only is it visually unique, but it’s also a must-try for Mario fans. It’s both Instagram-worthy and filling!
- Luigi Burger (Green Curry Chicken) ¥2,600 (approx. $17.57 USD): This spicy green curry chicken burger is based on Luigi’s signature green color. The flavorful green curry sauce, with its zesty kick, perfectly complements the juicy chicken. The balance of spice and rich aroma makes this a mouthwatering dish that will surely ignite your appetite.
- Teriyaki Chicken & Super Star Rice ¥2,400 (approx. $16.22 USD): This set features juicy chicken finished with a sweet teriyaki sauce, paired with star-shaped Super Star rice. The sweet and savory flavor of the teriyaki perfectly complements the fluffy rice, making it a fun and enjoyable dish for both kids and adults alike.
- Bowser’s Hamburger Steak (With Bread or Rice) ¥2,600 (approx. $17.57 USD): This hearty hamburger steak is inspired by Bowser’s boldness and comes with a rich spinach sauce that perfectly complements the juicy patty. The set includes your choice of bread or rice, making it a filling and satisfying dish.
- Yoshi’s Spaghetti (Spinach Carbonara) ¥2,400 (approx. $16.22 USD): This creamy spinach carbonara reflects Yoshi’s signature green color. The smooth sauce clings to the chewy pasta, with the vegetable flavors adding a refreshing touch. It’s a healthy yet satisfying dish, offering both richness and a hearty bite.
- Fire Flower Spaghetti (Meatballs & Tomato Sauce) ¥2,400 (approx. $16.22 USD): Inspired by the Fire Flower, this spaghetti features a classic tomato sauce base. Juicy meatballs are perfectly paired with the rich tomato sauce, creating a flavorful and satisfying dish. It’s a simple yet irresistible option that never fails to whet your appetite.
- Chef’s Special Omurice with Shrimp & Mushroom Cream Stew ¥2,400 (approx. $16.22 USD): This luxurious dish features fluffy omurice topped with a rich cream sauce of shrimp and mushrooms. The tender texture of the shrimp combined with the creamy sauce perfectly complements the omurice, delivering a deep and satisfying flavor experience with every bite.
- Fishbone White Fish Meunière (With Bread or Rice) ¥2,600 (approx. $17.57 USD): This dish features white fish prepared as meunière, accompanied by a creamy sauce. You can choose between bread or rice, offering a variety in your meal. The tender, flaky fish pairs beautifully with the sauce, creating a delicate and light texture that’s a true delight.
Salad and Soup
- Piranha Plant Caprese Salad ¥1,400 (approx. $9.46 USD): This fresh caprese salad, inspired by the Piranha Plant, features ripe tomatoes and mozzarella cheese. Its photogenic presentation makes it a must-try for game fans, offering a fun and delicious twist on a classic dish.
- Mushroom Soup ¥900 (approx. $6.08 USD): This creamy mushroom soup is served in a Super Mushroom-shaped container, making it a perfect choice for chilly days. The rich mushroom flavor is deeply satisfying, offering a comforting and warm experience.
- Yoshi’s Favorite Fruit & Vegetable Salad ¥1,400 (approx. $9.46 USD): This refreshing salad features a mix of fruits and vegetables, topped with a tangy dressing. It’s a light and healthy dish, perfect for those looking for a nutritious option.
- Super Mushroom Pizza Bowl (Mushroom & Tomato Sauce) ¥1,700 (approx. $11.49 USD): This pizza bowl features a crispy bread crust filled with a generous portion of mushrooms and tangy tomato sauce. Bacon is also added, giving it a rich and satisfying flavor. It’s a hearty and delicious dish served in a fun, mushroom-shaped bowl.
- Giant Mushroom Pizza (Bacon & Colorful Vegetables) ¥1,700 (approx. $11.49 USD): This unique pizza, shaped like a mushroom, is topped with bacon and a variety of colorful vegetables. While its appearance is whimsical, the robust flavors make it a delicious and satisfying dish.
ドリンクとデザート
- Super Star Lemon Squash ¥700 (approx. $4.73 USD): This refreshing lemon squash is packed with colorful jelly and served in a cup featuring a Super Star design. It’s a cute and visually appealing drink, perfect for hot days.
- Super Star Hot Yuzu Lemonade ¥700 (approx. $4.73 USD): This hot lemonade is infused with the rich flavor of yuzu and topped with whipped cream. The combination of the sweet and tangy yuzu with the creamy topping creates a perfect balance. It’s an ideal warm drink for colder seasons.
- Double Cherry Chocolate Cupcake ¥950 (approx. $6.42 USD): This rich chocolate cupcake is topped with adorable cherries, offering a moist texture and a slightly less sweet flavor, perfect for adults. It’s not only delicious but also photogenic, making it a must-try for chocolate lovers.
- Question Block Tiramisu ¥950 (approx. $6.42 USD): This tiramisu is served in a container shaped like a Question Block. The creamy mousse and mildly sweet tiramisu are accented with a berry sauce, adding a refreshing twist. As an added bonus, the container can be kept as a souvenir after enjoying this delightful dessert.
- Goal Pole Cake ¥950 (approx. $6.42 USD): This cake is inspired by the iconic goal pole from Mario’s games. It features multiple layers of cream and sponge cake, offering a perfectly balanced flavor. The fun and playful design makes it a visually appealing dessert, perfect for game fans and Instagram-worthy.
- Princess Peach Cake ¥3,500 (approx. $23.65 USD): This share-sized cake, inspired by Princess Peach, is perfect for 3 to 4 people. It features fluffy sponge cake, sweet cream, and fruit, all perfectly balanced. With its charming and adorable design, it’s ideal for parties and special occasions.
4. Yoshi’s Snack Island
Next, let me introduce the takeout-only “Yoshi’s Snack Island.” Here, you can enjoy light snacks themed around Yoshi, perfect for a quick and fun bite.
- Koopa Shell Calzone (Yakisoba & Cheese) ¥800 (approx. $5.41 USD): This unique calzone, shaped like a Koopa shell, is filled with a generous amount of yakisoba and cheese, offering a satisfying and flavorful snack. The chewy dough pairs perfectly with the savory yakisoba and melted cheese, making it a popular choice for a quick bite. It’s an ideal item for eating on the go as you explore the park.
- Yoshi’s Lassi (Strawberry, Mango, Melon) ¥700 each (approx. $4.73 USD): These fruity lassi drinks come in three refreshing flavors—strawberry, mango, and melon. Reflecting Yoshi’s adorable image, the lassis offer a smooth texture and the fresh taste of fruit. They are the perfect refreshment for a hot day at the park.
- Yoshi’s Hot Apple Tea ¥700 (approx. $4.73 USD): This warm apple tea, topped with whipped cream, is the perfect comforting drink for a chilly day. The sweet aroma of apple and the gentle flavor of the tea are perfectly balanced, with the whipped cream adding an extra touch of sweetness. With its cute Yoshi-inspired presentation, it’s an ideal drink to enjoy when you want to relax and warm up.
5. Pit Stop Popcorn
At Pit Stop Popcorn, you can enjoy popcorn served in specially designed popcorn buckets.
- Mario Kart Popcorn Bucket ¥5,300 (approx. $35.81 USD): This popcorn bucket features a playful Mario Kart-themed design, making it a must-have item for fans. The bucket comes filled with flavors like caramel peach or cream mushroom, offering a perfect balance of sweet and savory. It’s not only a fun snack but also a great souvenir to take home, making it a popular item among visitors.
- Super Star Popcorn Bucket ¥4,600 (approx. $31.08 USD): The “Super Star Popcorn Bucket” is a special edition bucket designed to resemble the iconic Super Star. It features a fun lighting effect that blinks at night, making it stand out even in the dark. Not only is it unique and eye-catching, but it also serves as a stylish keepsake that can be used as home decor after you’ve enjoyed the popcorn.
6. Mario Cafe & Store
At the “Mario Cafe & Store” located just outside Super Nintendo World, you can enjoy adorable sweets and shop for fun merchandise.
- Mario Pancake Sandwich (Strawberry Shortcake) ¥800 (approx. $5.41 USD): The “Mario Pancake Sandwich” is an adorable treat shaped like Mario’s iconic red hat. It features fluffy pancakes filled with sweet and tangy strawberry shortcake cream. This delightful snack is perfect for both a light bite and a dessert, offering a fun combination of taste and appearance.
- Luigi Pancake Sandwich (Muscat Rare Cheesecake) ¥800 (approx. $5.41 USD): The “Luigi Pancake Sandwich” is designed to resemble Luigi’s green hat, featuring muscat-flavored rare cheesecake sandwiched between fluffy pancakes. The refreshing muscat flavor pairs perfectly with the creamy cheesecake, making it a delightful and satisfying dessert option.
- Super Mushroom Drink Bottle ¥2,100 (approx. $14.19 USD): The “Super Mushroom Drink Bottle” is a popular souvenir bottle designed after the iconic Super Mushroom from the Super Mario series. It perfectly replicates the mushroom’s distinctive shape and colors, making it a must-have item for fans. Convenient for carrying around and reusable, it’s a hit as a keepsake or gift.
- Super Star Plaza Ice (Berry & Apple) ¥550 (approx. $3.71 USD): Among the many cute and delicious sweets available at Super Nintendo World in Universal Studios Japan, the “Super Star Plaza Ice (Berry & Apple)” stands out. It features a design inspired by the iconic Super Star, making it both visually appealing and fun to eat.
7.Shopping and Exclusive Merchandise
At the ‘1-Up Factory’ in Super Nintendo World, you’ll find a wide selection of exclusive merchandise and souvenirs that are only available here. Game fans will be excited to see a variety of items featuring popular characters like Super Mario, Yoshi, Luigi, and more. With a broad range of products including hats, T-shirts, accessories, and figurines, this is a must-visit shopping spot for any fan
8. Power-Up Band and Mini-Games
The Power-Up Band is an essential item for participating in the mini-games available within Super Nintendo World. By wearing the band, you can join in on six mini-games throughout the park. The band syncs with the official Universal Studios Japan app, allowing you to collect coins and take on boss battles. You can check your collected coins and achievements in the app, making it feel like you’re experiencing the game world in real life
How to Purchase a Power-Up Band
You can purchase a Power-Up Band at the ‘1-Up Factory’ shop within Super Nintendo World or at other shops. When purchasing, you can choose your favorite character design, with options like Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, Yoshi, and more, each reflecting the personality of the character. Once you enter the park, be sure to get your Power-Up Band first to enhance your attraction experience even more.
Summary
Super Nintendo World is a dream-like place where you can fully immerse yourself in the world of Mario. Enjoy thrilling attractions, unique Mario-themed food, and exclusive merchandise to make it a special day with family and friends. In the spring of 2024, a new area, ‘Donkey Kong Country,’ is scheduled to open, raising even more excitement!
Be sure to experience the dreamlike adventure at Super Nintendo World during your next visit to USJ!”