Make the Most of 'Universal Cool Japan' (2024 Guide) - Detective Conan, Monster Hunter & More
- Written by: Chehui Peh
Universal Cool Japan is an annual event at Universal Studios Japan that celebrates Japanese popular entertainment. Running from March 1 to June 30, 2024, the event will showcase three beloved anime titles: My Hero Academia, Detective Conan, and Monster Hunter. Get ready to be transported into the worlds of these iconic series through a range of captivating attractions and immersive experiences.
What to Expect
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.
My Hero Academia
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.
Detective Conan
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.
Monster Hunter
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.
What to buy: Cool Souvenirs to Bring Home
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.
- The Canopy right at the entrance of USJ is covered and a great photo spot for any weather.
- Spot little details in the window fronts and also meet beloved characters there.
- Find the cars parked around the park (we meant that pun).
- There is a ranger car in Jurassic Park, a yellow taxi cab in New York, as well as a bunch of classic cars at Hollywood in front of Mel’s Drive In for that nostalgic retro car image.
- Find the little hearts around Hello Kitty’s pink-themed area in Universal Wonderland.
- It makes for a cute photo no matter how you take it.
Tips for making the best of your USJ experience
- Buy tickets beforehand. The park is extremely popular and tickets can be sold out day off on some dates.
- Download the USJ app beforehand, it’ll help you plan adequately as the park is huge and wait times can be long for popular attractions.
- Arrive early if you’re here only for a day! The queue starts from the entrance of the park.
- For heavy mobile phone users, bring a power bank or download the Charge Spot app beforehand to rent a mobile battery when you run low in the park. There are so many photo and video opportunities around that you will find yourself scrambling to find a charging spot.
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Universal Studios Japanユニバーサル・スタジオ・ジャパン
- Address 2 Chome-1-33 Sakurajima, Konohana Ward, Osaka, 554-0031
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Nearest Station
JR Universal-City Station
With over 10 years of experience as a writer and marketer, Chehui writes extensively about travel, lifestyle, and food. Traveling is a part of her lifestyle, and she travels every chance she gets with the goal to explore all corners of Japan, no matter how difficult it is to get to. Graduated with a Masters of Anthropology from Waseda University and worked as a freelance journalist at Shanghai Daily for over 4 years, before branching out to travel journalism and contributing to Travel + Leisure and other renowned platforms. She holds certifications in Japanese Tea Ceremony, and Wine.
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*Prices and options mentioned are subject to change.
*Unless stated otherwise, all prices include tax.
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