If Disneyland is the happiest place on earth; the Universal Studios comes close second. The first of the Universal Studios theme parks in Asia, this exciting paradise covers several hectares of the Osaka bay area, and was inaugurated in 2001. With as many as eight elaborate sections, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter being the most popular of them all, it is one of the most visited attractions in Japan. Prepare to be scared by the mighty dinosaurs, and smitten by the fascinating antics of Spider-man. Get ready for a tryst with our fantastical future in the form of the ‘Back to the Future’ simulator, and discover the joys of magic with Harry Potter as your guide. The evening parade, replete with Hello Kitty, the Minions, and all of the puppets of Sesame Street only adds to the fun and adventure.

In order to satiate all of your hunger pangs, there is no dearth of wonderful restaurants and food carts that serve everything from juicy burgers and Japanese fare, to caramel popcorn and Butterbeer. You can also buy the prettiest of souvenirs, perhaps a Willow Wand, or an Elmo t-shirt, at rather competitive prices. Direct trains run from the Osaka Station to the Universal City Station, and the journey is approximately 15 minutes long. The park is open from 9 am until around 7 pm, and you would have to pay 7400 Yen as an admission fee.