Universal Studios Japan (USJ) is home to seven roller coasters, each with its own level of intensity. Whether you’re a thrill junkie or just coaster-curious, this guide ranks all seven from least to most terrifying—not by statistics, but through real-life experience.
What Roller Coasters Are at USJ?
As of 2025, Universal Studios Japan has seven roller coasters, each offering a different kind of thrill—from fun family rides to intense scream machines. Here’s a quick rundown:
Hollywood Dream – The Ride: A music coaster with big drops and airtime.
Hollywood Dream – The Ride Backdrop: The same ride facing backward. It feels less floaty but adds a thrilling, unpredictable twist.
The Flying Dinosaur: Face-down flying coaster with extreme height and G-forces.
Jurassic Park – The Ride: A calm boat ride… until one huge final drop.
Space Fantasy / XR Ride: Indoor spinning coaster, sometimes with VR-style visuals.
Mine Cart Madness: Bumpy and fun, with clever tricks but no big drops.
Flight of the Hippogriff: A gentle ride with great views—perfect for beginners.
USJ Roller Coasters Ranked by Thrill Level
Here’s a countdown of all seven coasters, starting from the tamest.
#8 – Flight of the Hippogriff
Source: usj.co.jp
A magical glide through the world of Harry Potter.
Thrill Factor: ★☆☆☆☆
This is USJ’s most beginner-friendly coaster, but it’s not boring. As you climb the track, you’ll see a beautiful view of Hogwarts Castle and Hogsmeade Village. The ride itself is short and smooth, with gentle twists that feel more like flying than falling.
Ride Duration: Approx. 2 minutes
Capacity: 16 guests
Height Requirement: 122 cm (4’0″) alone / 92 cm (3’0″) with adult
Location: Wizarding World of Harry Potter
#7 – Mine Cart Madness
Source: usj.co.jp
Wild fun without the fear.
Thrill Factor: ★★☆☆☆
This coaster looks chaotic—but it’s actually pretty chill. Thanks to an innovative ride system, your cart “jumps” over gaps and swings around sharp turns, but never drops steeply. It’s a clever illusion that gives just enough excitement without being overwhelming.
Ride Duration: Approx. 2 minutes
Capacity: 4 guests per cart
Height Requirement: 122 cm (4’0″) alone / 107 cm (3’6″) with adult
Location: Super Nintendo World – Donkey Kong Country
#6 – Elmo’s Go-Go Skateboard
Source: usj.co.jp
Don’t underestimate this colorful coaster.
Thrill Factor: ★★☆☆☆
Yes, it’s themed for kids—but sit in the back row, and you’ll get unexpected thrills. The spinning motion, combined with the sweeping curves, creates moments of surprise floatiness and centrifugal force. For some, it’s even scarier than you’d expect.
Ride Duration: Approx. 2.5 minutes
Capacity: 20–24 guests
Height Requirement: 122 cm (4’0″) alone / 92 cm (3’0″) with adult
Location: Universal Wonderland
#5 – Space Fantasy / XR Ride
Source: usj.co.jp
A trippy, spinning journey through space.
Thrill Factor: ★★★☆☆
This indoor coaster offers two versions: the classic spinning ride and the seasonal XR (extended reality) version with virtual visuals. What makes it intense isn’t height—it’s the constant rotation and disorientation. At times, you won’t know which way is up.
Ride Duration: Approx. 10 minutes
Capacity: 8 guests per car
Height Requirement: 122 cm (4’0″) alone / 102 cm (3’4″) with adult
Location: Hollywood Area
#4 – Jurassic Park: The Ride
Source: usj.co.jp
A calm boat tour… until the monster drop.
Thrill Factor: ★★★★☆
This ride lulls you into a false sense of security with gentle river cruising, but the final scene changes everything. After some dinosaur drama, you plunge down a nearly 26-meter drop that delivers serious airtime and water splash.
Ride Duration: Approx. 7 minutes
Capacity: 25 guests
Height Requirement: 122 cm (4’0″) alone / 107 cm (3’6″) with adult
Location: Jurassic Park
#3 – The Flying Dinosaur
Source: usj.co.jp
Soar like a pteranodon—face down.
Thrill Factor: ★★★★★
This coaster flips you into a flying position before launch. From there, it’s nonstop intensity: head-first drops, sharp turns, and insane speed, all while dangling in the air. You’ll experience a deep sense of exposure, especially during the massive 50m dive.
Ride Duration: Approx. 3 minutes
Capacity: 32 guests
Height Requirement: Solo riders 132–198 cm (4’4″–6’6″), with adult 132 cm (4’4″) minimum
Location: Jurassic Park
#2 – Hollywood Dream – The Ride Backdrop
Source: usj.co.jp
You’re flying blind—and that’s what makes it fun.
Thrill Factor: ★★★★★
The backward version of Hollywood Dream changes the entire experience. You can’t see what’s coming, so every hill, twist, and drop hits you harder. You’ll feel like you’re being pulled into space with zero control.
Ride Duration: Approx. 3 minutes
Capacity: 36 guests
Height Requirement: 4’4″ or taller
Location: Hollywood Area
#1 – Hollywood Dream – The Ride
Source: usj.co.jp
USJ’s perfect thrill ride—smooth, scenic, and packed with airtime.
Thrill Factor: ★★★★★+
This coaster combines everything: customizable background music, big floating drops, high speed, and an amazing view of the park. Especially at night, the glowing skyline adds to the magic. Ride in the back row for maximum airtime—you’ll feel weightless.
Ride Duration: Approx. 3 minutes
Capacity: 36 guests
Height Requirement: 4’4″ or taller
Location: Hollywood Area
Quick Comparison: USJ Coasters by Thrill Elements
| Rank | Coaster Name | Duration | Max Height | Top Speed | Floaty Airtime | G-Force Intensity | Unique Feature | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hollywood Dream – The Ride | ~3 mins | 43 m | 89 km/h | High | Moderate | Custom music, scenic night views | Hollywood Area |
| 2 | Hollywood Dream – Backdrop | ~3 mins | 43 m | 89 km/h | Moderate | High | Backward ride, no visual cues | Hollywood Area |
| 3 | The Flying Dinosaur | ~3 mins | 50 m | 90 km/h (est) | Moderate | Very High | Face-down flying position | Jurassic Park |
| 4 | Jurassic Park: The Ride | ~7 mins | 26 m | 80 km/h | Moderate | Moderate | Water ride with a big drop finale | Jurassic Park |
| 5 | Space Fantasy / XR Ride | ~10 mins | 19 m | Moderate | Low | Moderate | 360° spinning + XR effects | Hollywood Area |
| 6 | Elmo’s Go-Go Skateboard | ~2.5 mins | Low | Low | Moderate | Low | Kids coaster with surprising spins | Universal Wonderland |
| 7 | Donkey Kong’s Crazy Cart | ~2 mins | Low | Low | None | Low | Track illusion, bouncy ride | Super Nintendo World |
| 8 | Flight of the Hippogriff | ~2 mins | Moderate | Low | None | Very Low | Scenic gentle coaster | Wizarding World of Harry Potter |
Best Areas in USJ for Thrill-Seekers
Looking for maximum thrills in the park? Head straight to these two areas:
Hollywood Area
Home to:
Hollywood Dream – The Ride
- Hollywood Dream – The Ride Backdrop
Space Fantasy / XR Ride
This area is coaster-heavy and great for all thrill levels.
Jurassic Park Area
Home to:
The Flying Dinosaur
Jurassic Park: The Ride
These rides bring serious height and intensity—perfect for thrill-seekers.
FAQ: Planning Your USJ Coaster Day
What’s the best coaster for first-timers?
Flight of the Hippogriff or Donkey Kong’s Crazy Cart are good introductions.
What’s the scariest ride in USJ?
Hollywood Dream – The Ride tops the fear factor list.
Which ride makes you feel the most “airtime”?
The back row of Hollywood Dream – The Ride (front-facing).
Which coasters are in Express Pass?
Most major coasters, including Hollywood Dream, Flying Dinosaur, and Jurassic Park: The Ride, are often included.
Final Thoughts: Which Coaster Will You Ride First?
If you’re building courage, work your way up from Elmo or Donkey Kong. If you’re ready to scream your heart out, jump right into Hollywood Dream (Backdrop) or Flying Dinosaur. Whatever your choice—don’t forget to enjoy the views… and scream loud!
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