“When I examine myself and my methods of thought, I come to the conclusion that the gift of fantasy has meant more to me than any talent for abstract, positive thinking.” ― Albert Einstein
Enjoying Universal Studios Japan (Osaka)
The top favorite rides in USJ have average waiting time of 120 up to 240 minutes (2 to 4 hours). Limited number of Express passes are being sold (separate payment) at the entrance gates and it can go sold out as early as 10 am. The park opens at 10 am. The strategy to maximize the park is to experience the rides first, then go for the park photo-ops after (as this will not entail any waiting time).
For Harry Potter fans, it can be suggested that one should first get a scheduled entrance pass (the booth is inside the park, and already included in the 7,200 Yen ticket) for the Wizarding World of Harry Potter as the volume of tourists increases in the afternoon. This entrance pass is valid only once, and to re-enter, a new entrance pass should be procured. Queue for the Harry Potter-The Ride. This may eat 2 hours. Inside the Wizarding World, there are various attractions, like the sorting, buying of wand (which I experienced!), etc. There are also lots of magical shops to buy souvenirs. Experience as well drinking the famous Butterbeer (one can purchase the mug for souvenir) and tasting Bertie Bott's Every Flavour Beans and chocolate frogs from Honeydukes. There are also musical performances and characters roaming around the Wizarding World.
Enjoying Disney Sea (Tokyo)
Like in USJ, the waiting time for each ride averages 2-4 hours. It is best to enjoy the rides first before having photo-ops.
Sengakuji
The temple is famous for its graveyard where the "47 Ronin" (also known as Akoroshi, the "masterless samurai from Ako") are buried.
In March 1701, lord Asano Takuminokami of Ako (today's Hyogo Prefecture) attacked lord Kira Hozukenosuke at Edo castle. Asano lost patience after repeatedly being provoked and treated arrogantly by Kira, but failed to kill him in the attack. On the same day, Asano was sentenced to commit seppuku (ritual suicide), while Kira was not punished at all, despite the contemporary custom of punishing both parties in similar incidents. In addition, the whole Asano family was removed from power, leaving Asano's samurai without a job and a strong will to avenge their unfairly punished master.
For over one and a half year, the samurai prepared the avenge under difficult circumstances. On December 14, 1702, the remaining group of 47 ronin under their leader Oishi Kuranosuke finally succeeded to avenge their master by killing lord Kita in his mansion. Afterwards, they carried Kira's head to Sengakuji, and were later sentenced to commit seppuku. - source: http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3000.html
Hi! Just want to asked: could we buy USJ tickets at KIX in advance? Also what day of the week did you go? We're planning to go USJ on a Monday, do you think there will be lot of people?
ReplyDeleteThanks! :)
Hello Leslie, thanks for dropping by. I went to USJ on a Saturday, so the volume of tourists was that heavy. But I've read from one blog that the waiting time on a weekday as compared to a weekend is almost the same. For the advance ticket, it can be purchased from the following agencies (listed on this site:https://www.usj.co.jp/e/travel/). You may inquire if they have booths inside KIX. As far as I know, there is no advance ticket for the express pass. Hope this helps. :)
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