As a Pokémon fanatic, the news that our beloved pocket monsters were about to join Super Mario and those iconic Sanrio characters in a lively parade at Universal Studios Japan (USJ) in Osaka had my heart doing the chicken dance, and my revenge travel list immediately gained a new top contender.
After spending my first few days in Japan in serene Kyoto, I went to Osaka to fulfill my USJ experience. So, when the day finally arrived, I couldn’t contain my excitement as I entered the gates of the theme park. The cheerful atmosphere, colorful decorations, and the buzz of fellow tourists all around me made it feel like stepping into a dream world. I knew I was in for an unforgettable adventure.
But first, a comedy of errors. Trusting Google Maps as my guide in Japan, I found myself lost on the wrong train, or perhaps I just got off at the wrong station. I felt like the star of a sitcom trying to navigate through a sea of Japanese characters, but I laughed it off and enjoyed the ride, knowing that I would eventually find my way.
I visited USJ in the second week of October, and they were already in full swing with their Halloween celebrations. The park was decked out in spooky decorations, and special Halloween-themed events and activities were happening all over.
Apart from the Nintendo World and the Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey immersive roller coaster 4D ride, the “No Limit” parade featuring Pokémon was everything I was excited about. My heart leaped with joy as I saw my beloved pocket monsters dancing and waving to the crowd.
In the parade, you’ll see Charizard flapping its massive wings and blowing smoke out of its nostrils, Pikachu bobbing its head to the beat, and Bulbasaur and Squirtle playing with Pokémon trainers, along with all of your other favorite Pokémon from the Kanto region.
I had to go to two locations just to see how the parade ended, and I’m so glad I did. Pikachu was given a special spotlight at the end of the parade, with Poké Ball-shaped confetti flying in the air. I wasn’t able to catch a few on the ground because, apparently, everyone wanted one.
The next day, I visited Osaka’s iconic Umeda Sky Building and its Kuchu Teien Observatory. The futuristic design and soaring height of the building provided spectacular views of the city. I spent an hour at the observatory, capturing photos and enjoying the scenery.
The see-through elevator ride from the 35th to the 39th floor was an experience in itself. The 39th floor had a restaurant, bar, and shops. The Sky Walk on the rooftop provided a 360-degree view of Osaka, with sights of the Yodo River, Awaji Island, and Mt. Rokko. The nighttime cityscape of Kita and Umeda was also a sight to behold as the lights came on.
A few train stations away, I wandered to the Nagai Botanical Garden, a digital outdoor museum transformed into a magical wonderland at night. TeamLab’s Nighttime Spectacle is a breathtaking display of lights, illuminations, and music, where nature and technology collide.
I strolled along the illuminated pathways, marveling at the beautiful light displays and installations that changed color depending on my movement. The garden’s natural features were incorporated into the artwork, creating a seamless blend of art and nature.
TeamLab’s digitized nature exhibition explores how non-material digital technology can transform nature into art without harming it. The artworks are influenced by the garden’s environment and its inhabitants, creating a dynamic and interactive experience. I felt like I was part of the artwork itself, as my movements and presence affected the light displays and installations.
TeamLab’s Nighttime Spectacle experience was the perfect way to end my day. It’s a place where visitors of all ages can immerse themselves in a magical wonderland of art, nature, and technology.
Throughout my adventure in Osaka, the Klook app proved to be a trusty companion. Booking tickets and experiences was a breeze, allowing me to make the most of my time exploring this vibrant city.