Photo: USJ LLC

Universal Studios Japan Expands with Donkey Kong Country™

The grand opening is scheduled for December 11th, 2024

Photo: USJ LLC
Kim Bergström   - 3 min read

Universal Studios Japan is a dream destination for many Nintendo fans, primarily thanks to the park's Super Nintendo World section which opened in March of 2021. This is set to expand with the addition of a Donkey Kong Country™ area from December 11th, 2024, doubling the fun for visitors.

One of the big drawcards of the expansion is the Donkey Kong's Mine Cart Madness ride, where guests help Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong on their adventure to protect the Golden Banana from the Tiki Tak Tribe while racing through the jungle. The height requirement to ride solo for this one is at least 122 centimeters, or above 107 centimeters if accompanied by an adult.

Photo: USJ LLC

It wouldn't be a theme park expansion without special eats and merch on offer, and USJ is set to deliver there as well. The official video below showcases some of the goodies to be sold at Jungle Beat Shakes, including the DK Crush Sundae in a tropical banana flavor, and the DK Wild Dog topped with an avocado and cheese sauce.

As for the merchandise, head to Funky Kong's Fly 'n' Buy where you can get your hands on a variety of park exclusive items like plush toys and hats.

If you've already got your trip to USJ scheduled before the Donkey Kong Country™ grand opening on December 11th, you can still grab some pre-sale merchandise including ticket holders and keychains. Sales for those items start on Wednesday, November 13th at the park's 1UP Factory™.

Photo: USJ LLC

To celebrate the expansion of Super Nintendo World, the park will be selling the Universal Express Pass - Donkey Kong Special via their website from 12 noon JST also on Wednesday, November 13th, 2024. These passes will be available for use between December 11th (Wednesday) and December 31st (Tuesday), 2024, and should help visitors beat the queues!

Getting there

Please visit the Universal Studios Japan site for access information, which covers train, car, bus, and even sea shuttle details.

Kim Bergström

Kim Bergström @kim.b

Almost 12 years living in Asia. Passionate about Japan's off-the-beaten-path spots, family-friendly travel, flower events (all of them!) and the amazing tea culture here.  🍵🌼🌸