Universal Studios Japan

Today was a full day at Universal Studios Japan. The weather prediction was that we'd have rain most of the day.  And they were almost right. It rained the whole day.   We did our best not to have it dampen our spirits.   

It's a beautiful park with a layout that has some "nods"  to Universal Studios Florida. And some shared intellectual properties such as Spiderman and the Minions.  But many properties are unique here.  Including where we got our first snack.  

 I have no idea who Nobita is but the blue steamed pork bun was pretty tasty.  The churro was so elaborately decorated but it just tasted sweet.  

We had an express pass for Spiderman and waited in line.  In about ten minutes we were in the ride car.   This is one of our favorite rides at Universal Studios Florida so it wood be interesting to compare.  With the exception that all the dialog was in Japanese, the ride was identical.  We walked over to Jurassic Park and saw the flume coming down. I guess if you are already soaked from the rain, how much wetter can you get?   

We also went to see Waterworld.  This is an action/stunt show based on the movie.  At this point it was pouring rain.  The show was scheduled for 1PM. We arrived at about 12:15 thinking they would open up seating by 12:30.   That didn't happen.  We decided we had waited this long that we could wait longer.  And we did. About 12:50 they opened the venue.   And we saw the best stunt show I have ever seen.  Jet skis, boats, explosions, fire, machine guns and high falls/dives into the water.  And a plane.  That's right.  There was a small plane that came in over a jump and landed in the water.  Just a thrilling show, worth standing in the rain.

After the show we needed some dry space for awhile. So we walked through the rain and went to Finnegan's.  This is an Irish themed bar that has comfort foods.  Angie had the roast chicken and I had a combo which includes ribs, fish and chips and shepherd's pie.   After lunch and some drying time, we went to see a 4D anime film.  The 3D effects were pretty good.  I had no idea who the characters were, but I enjoyed it.   

After that show, we started heading towards the signature event of the day.  We had 5PM timed tickets to get into Super Nintendo World!!   It is so impressive all the detail they have put into the whole environment.  I've been playing these Mario games for awhile and it felt like I was in a game to some extent.   

They have an interactive bracelet you can purchase which allows you play some of the mini games for "coins" and track your score with other players.  I played one where you are trying to turn a wheel so that the Goomba falls off.   We also got to ride the signature attraction which is called Mario Kart: Koopa's Challenge, based on the Mario Kart video games.  Koopa is the name the Japanese use for Bowser, Mario's main nemesis.  Such an amazing ride. You get a visor which gives you 3D images of the power ups and enemies on the road while you drive. 

 And you're using your steering wheel to both steer and shoot the enemies.  They definitely captured the feeling of playing a video game.  Even with all the rain and being soaked to the core, it was such a great day at the park.  

I'll be interested to see how they implement this same world in Florida.  It is a big hit here in Osaka.  

Tomorrow's plans are dependent on the weather.  Neither of us wants another day of sloshing through puddles.  We were going to take the train to Kyoto but we'll see if that still makes sense in the morning.