Osaka Day 1: Shinkansen Tips, USJ 25th Anniversary & A Hotel I’d Go Back To

Getting There: Mishima → Shin-Osaka

I booked my shinkansen tickets in advance using Smart EX — seriously, do this before you go!

From Mishima, Hikari trains are limited, so my route was:
Mishima → Kodama → Nagoya → Nozomi → Shin-Osaka

Total travel time: about 3 hours. Taking Kodama all the way would’ve been 4 hours — that one hour really does make a difference!

I caught the 7:26 AM train from Mishima, then switched to a local line from Shin-Osaka toward Sakurajima. Arrived at the hotel around 11:00 AM.

First Stop: Bag Drop & 551 Pork Buns 🥟

After leaving my luggage at the hotel front desk, I walked one station over to Universal City Station.

My USJ ticket was for 2:00 PM entry, so I had time to explore — and nothing beats starting the day with 551 Horai’s pork buns! The line wasn’t bad at all at this time of day. I grabbed some and browsed the souvenir shops nearby. Perfect way to kick things off.

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Osaka Station Navigation Tips

Heads up — Osaka Station is big and can be confusing, even with all the signs. My honest advice: when in doubt, just ask a station staff member. It’s the fastest and safest option.

I accidentally boarded a train heading toward Kyoto and had to backtrack 😅 Would’ve arrived earlier without that detour! Live and learn.

Also — it was summer-level hot for May. If you’re sun-sensitive, a parasol is an absolute must. I brought mine and was SO glad. I would’ve bought one on the spot if I hadn’t packed it — it was that hot.

USJ: 25th Anniversary Parade 🎉

I arrived at the USJ entrance around 1:30 PM — a little early, which was perfect. Cleared security and was inside by 1:45 PM.

USJ is currently celebrating its 25th anniversary, with a special parade starting at 2:00 PM. I made it with plenty of time and watched the whole thing from start to finish!

I stood on the main street and watched the parade come straight at me, then curve around — great spot! But if you want the full grand finale with confetti bursting into the air, head toward Universal Wonderland. That’s the #1 recommended spot! 🎊

Water World 💦

Right after the parade, I headed straight to Water World for the 3:15 PM show.

This was my second visit to USJ but my first time seeing Water World — it was on my must-do list. I lined up about 30 minutes before the show and got a pretty good spot near the front. The venue has lots of seats, so if you’re not picky, arriving a bit later is fine too.

Fair warning: the front rows get absolutely soaked. We’re talking full bucket-of-water levels. Amazing in summer — maybe bring a change of clothes if you’re sensitive to that 😂

Smoke Chicken & Minion Park 🍌

After Water World, I made a stop at the Jurassic Park area for some smoked chicken — one of the most popular snacks at USJ — before heading over to Minion Park.

One thing I noticed — the heat plus constant photo-taking drained my phone battery super fast. But no stress! There’s a mobile battery rental service inside the park. I used it once and it saved me completely.

The USJ app shows you exactly where to find rentals, wait times, and everything else — download it before you go!

At the Minion Park entrance, there’s a stand selling Minion Manju and churros. I went for the Choco Banana Churros — slightly bitter churro coated in yellow banana-flavored chocolate with a satisfying crunch. Delicious! 🍫

I lined up for Minion Hacha-Mecha Ride — about a 60-minute wait. The ride moves your seat dramatically to match a giant dome screen. Motion sickness warning! I took medicine beforehand and still struggled to keep my eyes forward. It’s wild 😵‍💫

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter ⚡

If you love Harry Potter, this area is pure magic. The atmosphere is unreal.

Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey held the title of World’s #1 attraction for 5 consecutive years. But — another motion sickness warning. My whole group got sick on it last time, so this visit I just enjoyed the vibe and had a Butterbeer instead. Absolutely no regrets.

Amity Village: Burrito Dinner 🌯

Dinner time at Amity Village — the Jaws-themed area. I ate at Amity Landing Restaurant and ordered the Chicken & Avocado Burrito Set. Huge portion with big fries, sweet-savory flavor. Really satisfying! There are 4 burrito options on the menu.

Nintendo World 🍄 — My Favorite!

Last and absolutely not least: Nintendo World. This was what I was most excited about all day!

【Nintendo Worldの写真をここに挿入】

You need a timed entry pass, so I’d been counting down to my slot all day. Finally in!

My main goal: Donkey Kong’s Crazy Trolley.

My verdict: AMAZING. Absolutely amazing.

The speed, the thrills — I was screaming the entire time and it was over before I knew it 😂 Hands down my #1 favorite attraction at USJ. Please ride it.

I wrapped up the night with Yoshi’s Adventure — a gentle, scenic ride through Nintendo World. So cute, perfect for all ages. A sweet way to end the day. 🦕

Hotel: La Gent Hotel Osaka Bay 🏨

About a 15-minute walk from the park exit. Tonight’s stay: 📍La Gent Hotel Osaka Bay.

Not a huge hotel, but the amenities honestly surprised me:

• Separate toilet and bathroom ✨
• Roomwear with top AND bottom (the kind that actually stays put while you sleep 🙌)
• All ReFa: shower head, hair dryer, straightener, and hot curlers

And all of this for just ¥25,000 for 2 people — with 3 discounts stacked!

The room was clean, fresh, and genuinely comfortable. I’d stay here again without a second thought.

Took a shower and was fast asleep in no time. What a day. 😴✨

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