Prepare for an adventure like no other as you step into each individual world. I had the opportunity to personally visit Universal Studios Japan and experience the magic of this year’s highlights, and am excited to share my firsthand experiences.

Post-Experience Thoughts: Full disclosure, I am personally not too familiar with the anime titles featured this year, but I still had a ton of fun, as they were designed so that fans, and those new to these storylines, would still enjoy it. I’m also the type to get dizzy on rides, and do not enjoy sudden drops. I was initially worried about this, but the full immersion into each individual world made this an experience that I fully recommend to anyone interested in this annual event at Universal Studios Japan.

Step into the world of heroes with the first-ever My Hero Academia collaboration attraction in a 4D attraction, My Hero Academia: The Real 4-D. Enjoy original songs created exclusively for this event as you are transported into a live music show before witnessing an epic battle between the series' iconic characters. This attraction is a must-visit for fans, as well as for those who love music with heavy guitar riffs.
Munch on: The mildly spicy Mapo Pork Buns (700 yen), and highly photographable Pistachio Churros (700 yen) on a food cart right next to the Cinema 4-D Theater.

Our thoughts: For those new to the series, the introduction to this show comes with English subtitles, and the rest is enjoyable even without knowledge of the Japanese language. Without spoiling your experience, do prepare to be surprised by the seat movements as it is actually more intense than expected.

Everyone’s favorite not-really-elementary-school-age Detective Conan is back, for the 7th time with Universal Studios Japan. This year’s Conan lineup is a brand-new escape game, Detective Conan: The Escape, where you can solve a thrilling mystery with the help of characters, as well as a roller coaster ride themed Hollywood Dream - The Ride: Private Jet Pandemonium, where riders experience trouble atop a private jet when Kid the Phantom Thief shows up.
Munch on: Snacks such as Curry Bread Bowl (1,200 yen) and Smoky Berry Tea (650 yen) at Lombard’s Landing Terrace. If you are able to, do make a reservation to the Mystery Restaurant, where you will solve a mystery with the characters making a real-life experience, while delighting in live music and gourmet food.

Our thoughts: The escape game comes with the choice between Japanese, English, and Chinese, giving fans the opportunity to save iconic characters from a bomb threat. You’ll get to interact with real-life characters from the game, which makes it perfect to experience even solo as you will receive hints and help from them. As for the roller coaster, you’ll feel a part of Conan’s world with audio playing while experiencing a thrilling ride. Although the audio is only in Japanese, the Conan-themed music and familiar character voices make it even more enjoyable. Just note that if you are scared of heights, the backdrop version of this ride where the same course is done in reverse, might be a tad too much to handle.

Celebrating their 20th anniversary is Monster Hunter with the Monster Hunter World: Iceborne XR Walk. For fans and gamers, this is a dream come true. Pick your own weapon and explore the thrill of being a hunter in an icy domain, and fight monsters, as well as interact with cute characters, Wulg and Palicos. Don’t forget to make an advance reservation for this.
Munch on: Chefs from the Monster Hunter world will feed diners with Monster Hunter meals (starting from 2,600 yen for a plate) at Seliana Dining Room, with AR experiences featuring the chefs of Astera and Seliana. The kids meal (1,900 yen) is sure to delight little diners.

Our thoughts: The XR attraction was an ultra-realistic experience, and we found ourselves lifting our legs to climb up icy terrains and being frightened by ferocious beasts. It was an incredible experience to see how real an XR experience could become, and definitely a not-to-be-missed for gamers, as you’ll experience battles in real life. This is only in Japanese, but if you are familiar with RPG games, it is not unfamiliar for sure. A little fun souvenir is getting to take home game stats, where you’ll see how well you fared against the monsters. Do note though that you will have to carry a backpack totaling around 8 kg for the experience.

Consider picking up unique items available for a limited time only that celebrate your favorite anime. Monster Hunter and My Hero Academia enthusiasts can grab themed headbands, priced between 2,800 yen to 3,300 yen. There are also printed cookies with keepsake boxes for those that want to munch and keep mementos of their visit. For fans of Detective Conan, the Hi-Chew collaboration candy aptly titled Date-Chew priced at 1,800 yen, offers a charming snack. Additionally, the Conan Cuddly Plush Toys, priced at 2,700 yen, and the bracelets and couple-themed items featuring the coupled characters, priced at 2,600 yen are adorable.