Osaka: Bullet Trains, Minions & Mario Magic — the Ultimate 8th Birthday in Japan
Our First Ever Bullet Train Ride
This was our family’s first time on the Shinkansen (bullet train), and for my eldest — who has loved trains since he was tiny — it was a dream come true. Standing on the platform, watching these immaculate white trains zoom past at lightning speed, was genuinely thrilling. There’s something so uniquely “Japan” about it — the efficiency, the excitement, the quiet whoosh as they fly by. The boys were captivated from the moment we arrived.
Why Osaka? One Very Special Birthday…
The main reason we came to Osaka at this point on the trip was for a very important celebration: our youngest turned 8 — and he is obsessed with Minions and Mario. So where better to celebrate than Universal Studios Japan and a stay at the Minion-themed Port Vita Hotel? Think yellow everywhere, quirky details, themed décor and two very excited children bursting with joy the moment we opened the door.
Universal Studios Japan: Queue Horror Stories… and My Secret Weapon
I had heard many horror stories about the queues at Universal Studios Osaka… so I came prepared. I pre-ordered an Express Pass before we travelled, and honestly? It was worth every single penny. Because of the pass, we managed to get onto all the boys’ favourite rides: Mario Kart: Koopa’s Challenge, Yoshi’s Adventure, Mine Cart Madness (the regular queue was over 3 hours), Flight of the Hippogriff, Forbidden Journey, Minion Mayhem, Jurassic Park. If you’re visiting for just one day — and funds allow — I 100% recommend booking an Express Pass. It transforms the whole experience from stressful to magical.
UNIVERSAL STUDIOS JAPAN – MY INSIDER TIPS
Here are the things I wish I’d known before going — and that made our day run so smoothly.
1. Buy Express Passes Early. They do sell out, sometimes weeks ahead of time. If there’s one splurge that makes Universal Osaka worth it — this is it.
2. Arrive 60–90 Minutes Before Opening. USJ often opens the gates early without warning (sometimes 30–45 minutes early!). Arriving early gets you into Nintendo World sooner and avoids the heaviest crowds.
3. Download the USJ App Before You Go. This was a game changer. It shows: Live wait times, Entry status for Nintendo World, Show schedules, Character meeting spots. It saves so much time.
4. Nintendo World Entry Needs Strategy. At the time of our visit, you still needed a timed entry to get into Nintendo World. These go quickly — so check the app as soon as you enter the park.
5. Head Straight to Kinopio’s Café for a Reservation. Once inside Nintendo World, go directly to the café entrance to scan the QR code. You can only do this from inside the land — and it’s the only way to secure a table. Lunch was such a highlight. Everything is Mario-themed, playful and genuinely delicious. And because it was a birthday, we ordered the strawberry celebration cake.... Have I mentioned that Japan has the most incredible desserts?!
6. Buy a Power-Up Band. You can get these at shops or stalls in the park. They let you: Collect coins, Punch blocks, Unlock challenges. Take part in a “boss battle” if you gather enough keys. It made the experience feel like being inside the Mario game itself.
7. Use the Lockers. There are free lockers at certain rides (like Harry Potter, Jaws and Jurassic Park). Keeping bags light makes the day so much easier with kids.
8. Best Photo Spots - Peach’s Castle, In front of Bowser’s Castle (so dramatic!), The block bridge area, Minion Park’s giant gadgets and props. Go early for the best light and fewer crowds.
9. Don’t Fear a Rainy Day. Japanese visitors avoid rain — which means queues shrink dramatically. Buy a poncho and enjoy almost walk-on waits.
10. Minion Park Is Quieter Later in the Day. After 3pm, it becomes much easier to meet characters, take photos and repeat rides.
A Birthday Detour Worth Every Moment
We made this diversion to Osaka just for my son’s birthday, and it was absolutely the right decision. The Minion hotel, Nintendo World joy, the thrill of the rides — the boys loved it. We spent two nights here before heading off to Hiroshima… and we’ll actually be returning to Osaka again at the end of our Japan adventure.
If you’re thinking about Japan — whether it’s for culture, food, adventure or family magic — I would love to help you plan the perfect tailor-made trip. Contact me today and lets talk all things Japan!
