Universal Studios Japan

Today was the perfect day at Universal Studios Japan.

It is conveniently located 25 minutes from our place in Osaka, and making the most of a Christmas offer we may have bought annual passes! I haven't been able to take many pictures lately as our camera has broken, so I can't show you much of the theme park. It is no where near as big as its namesake in America, but is still a great day out.

 Now it's December everything is decorated for Christmas! There is a huge Christmas tree and decorations and lights everywhere (even though Christmas isn't a big deal in Japan). Christmas songs were playing all day and it got me in the Christmas mood. Even Jaws was decorated!

 The thing I love the most about it though is that the locals absolutely love it here! They all buy the memorabilia and it seems that everyone - from teeny tiny babies to 50 year old business men - wear ridiculous fluffy Elmo or Snoopy hats to fit in with the environment. It's so unlike what theme parks are like in England. Here, the cool groups of teenage boys who have popped by after school ALL have their  funny Universal hats on - I must get a picture next time. On a side note, everything is also reasonably priced! Food, drink, souvenirs etc. are way better priced than at Western counterparts. Eating here really wouldn't break the bank.

There's an area themed like Jurassic Park with a really cool ride - but you do get wet! Even though there aren't many crazy roller coasters it's just fun to walk around a theme park and escape for a while.

The one main roller coaster, Hollywood Dream, is super fun but has a usually has a very long wait time. Fortunately there is a separate queue on most rides for single riders - and I would recommend making use of this. If you don't mind riding separately from your group there is generally a much shorter wait time. 

I must get the camera fixed so we can take more pictures! We went to the zoo the other day but I can't really blog about that with no pictures. Also, we have started working properly and everything is going well - but we are certainly enjoying our days off!