Super Nintendo World opened at Universal Studios Japan in Osaka on 18 March 2021, the first theme park area in the world built around Nintendo’s games. It packs rides, interactive games, themed food and of course Mario into one compact, picturesque corner of the park, and in December 2024 it grew by about 70% with the opening of Donkey Kong Country.
Super Nintendo World sits inside Universal Studios Japan, so you need a park ticket first. On busy days, getting into the area also needs either an Area Timed Entry Ticket, which is free and issued through the official Universal Studios Japan app once you are inside the park, or a Universal Express Pass that includes a timed entry to Super Nintendo World. Express Pass prices change from day to day, so check the price for your date when you book.
The opening was a long time coming. Super Nintendo World was first planned for summer 2020 and then for 4 February 2021, and the pandemic pushed back both dates. Just over a month after it finally opened, Universal Studios Japan had to close again for several weeks from 25 April 2021 during Osaka’s state of emergency. Here is what you will find inside today, and how to make the most of a visit.
Exploring Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Japan
Power-Up Bands, the wristbands that track your coins and keys
As you approach the area, you’ll walk through a warp pipe and a tunnel before finding yourself on a platform overlooking the world in front of you. Here, you’ll see stalls selling Power-Up Bands. You don’t need a band to enter Super Nintendo World, but it lets you join in with many more of the activities and games.
A Power-Up Band costs ¥4,900, up from ¥3,200 when the area opened, and there are eight character designs to choose from: Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, Princess Daisy, Toad, Yoshi, Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong.
You can use the same band again on a later visit, or just keep it as a souvenir. It also works as an amiibo of your chosen character on Nintendo Switch, so you can tap it on the controller in compatible Nintendo games at home. Alongside the rides, you can also meet life-size Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach and other characters from the games. Make sure you snap a picture with them, as meeting them earns a stamp that you can check in the Universal Studios Japan app once your band is linked.
Mario Kart: Koopa’s Challenge, Yoshi’s Adventure and the Key Challenges
There is so much to do here that you can expect to spend up to six hours if you try everything on offer. Because of this, it may be a good idea to split your visit across two days to really experience all of what the area holds inside its deceptively small grounds.
There are interactive band activities all around the area, so make sure you explore every corner. The main attraction is Mario Kart: Koopa’s Challenge (Koopa is Bowser’s Japanese name), a ride inside Bowser’s Castle that combines a real kart with augmented reality. You put on a Mario cap headband, clip on a pair of AR goggles in the kart, and throw Koopa shells at Team Bowser as you race, while your band keeps a record of your score.
You’ll also find ? Blocks all over the area: hit them while wearing your band to collect coins. Then there are the Key Challenges, five mini games such as cranking a wheel to push back a Goomba or punching a POW Block to knock out a Koopa Troopa. Each win earns a key, and some challenges are played in groups of up to four, so they are more fun with friends. The other major ride is Yoshi’s Adventure, a gentle ride on Yoshi’s back that takes you around the area to enjoy the views while hunting for eggs.
Collect at least three keys and you unlock the final battle, Bowser Jr. Shadow Showdown, so save it for last. You scan your band to open the door to Bowser Jr.’s hideout, then take him on.
Since 11 December 2024, Super Nintendo World has also included Donkey Kong Country, which made the area about 70% bigger. Its headline ride is Mine-Cart Madness, a coaster that starts inside The Golden Temple and sends the carts seemingly leaping over gaps in the track, and your Power-Up Band unlocks extra games here too.
Kinopio’s Cafe menu and Yoshi’s Snack Island
After working away at the challenges and taking in the views, no doubt you’ll be hungry.
Kinopio’s Cafe is the main restaurant in Super Nintendo World. Signature dishes include King Bowser’s Hamburg Steak, Yoshi’s Spinach Carbonara and Princess Peach’s Cake, and Mario’s Bacon Cheeseburger and the Super Mushroom Pizza Bowl are popular too.
For dessert, try the ? Block Tiramisu or the Goal Pole Cake. For something quicker, Yoshi’s Snack Island serves snacks and Yoshi lassi drinks. Menus change through the year, so pick whatever looks most fun on the day and enjoy!
Nintendo shops, Mario Cafe and the Nintendo Museum
For merchandise and gifts, head to the 1-UP Factory or Mario Motors inside Super Nintendo World. Once you’ve finished in the area, Mario Cafe & Store on Hollywood Boulevard is a short walk away, still inside Universal Studios Japan.
A favourite here is the red Mario’s cap pancake, filled with cream and strawberries and topped with a “Whose cap?” sign. If you have spent your day in the park you likely have a nearby hotel, so don’t rush home. Wait until the sun goes down to see the area lit up, the perfect way to finish off your Mario adventure!
If you want more Nintendo after Universal, Nintendo OSAKA, the company’s official store, is on the 13th floor of LUCUA South (formerly Daimaru Umeda), about five minutes’ walk from the Central Exit of JR Osaka Station. Further afield, the Nintendo Museum in Uji, Kyoto Prefecture, opened on 2 October 2024 in Nintendo’s former Uji Ogura Plant. Tickets are allocated in advance by a draw on the Nintendo Museum website, and you need a free Nintendo Account to apply.
