Mario Cafe and Store opens in Universal Studios Japan
For those of us who grew up playing Mario Kart and controlling Mario as he jumps on Koopa Troopas as he rushes to save Princess Daisy from Bowser, a brand new Mario Cafe and Store just opened in Universal Studios Japan on 16 Oct 2020.?
The Mario Cafe and Store brings with it a whole immersive experience too, as guests can wear special wristbands called Power Up Bands, and use it to jump and hit blocks and collect virtual coins and items.
The latest news on Super Nintendo World is that it’s scheduled to be open in early 2021, with Mario Kart and Yoshi-themed rides and attractions. While we wait for more news on the opening date, here’s what you need to know about Mario Cafe & Store.
Read till the end to find out more about getting tickets to Universal Studios Japan with skip-the-line advantages!
Collect your Power Up Bands to play as Super Mario in real life?
As a preview to Super Nintendo World, guests at the Mario Cafe will be able to wear a Power Up Band which allows them to interact with the virtual world. Users will be able to collect items like character stamps to earn coins, and will feel like they’re actually in a game! Your progress can be recorded on an app so you’ll have bragging rights… till your friends visit the Mario Cafe themselves.
Furthermore, the Power Up Band will allow guests to go head to head in “Boss Battles”, which is a feature we’re sure the super-competitive among us will love. Information on this is still top-secret, and we’re excited to learn more about it!?
Mario Cafe is Super Mario Bros-themed
The inside of the Mario Cafe is incredibly colourful, bringing to life the entire video game feel. And when you’re done marvelling at how pretty everything is, you can grab bites of Super Mario themed cakes and grab a Super Mushroom Souvenir Drink Bottle for ¥1800 to bring home!?
For a good feel of the prices here, Princess Peach’s Peach Soda, Mario’s Strawberry Soda, and Luigi’s Green Apple Soda go for ¥600 each, while Mario’s Cap Strawberry Shortcake and Luigi’s Cap Grape No-Bake Cheesecake go for ¥700 each.
The Mario Store looks just like the land of Mario Kart?
To differentiate itself from the Mario Cafe, the Mario Store is designed with Mario Kart in mind. Check out the checkered floors, the racing flags, and the clear blue skies that are always present in Mario Kart Land.
The Mario Shop will have merch with official Universal Studios Japan designs that can’t be bought anywhere else. While the full range of products hasn’t been released, there will definitely be cute pouches, phone cases, shirts, and even keychains waiting to be brought home.
There are also corners dedicated to Mario, Luigi, and Princess Peach, for hardcore fans of these Nintendo mainstays.
Mario Corner
Luigi Corner
Princess Peach Corner
Mario Cafe and Store will be located in Universal Studio Japan’s Hollywood Area
While we’d have loved it if Mario Cafe and Store were located in Super Nintendo World, the latter is still awaiting its grand unveiling. Instead, think of this as an appetiser as Universal Studios Japan gets the main (and bigger) attraction ready. Super Nintendo World is scheduled to open in early 2021, while the Cafe and Store will be open in Q3 of 2020.?
Still, there’s at least one silver lining: being in the Hollywood area, it’s much closer to the entrance!
Update: Super Nintendo World opening on 4 Feb 2021
On the heels of Mario Cafe and Store's opening, we now have confirmation that Super Nintendo World will be opening on 4 Feb 2021. The new section of Universal Studios Japan will feature Mario and Yoshi-themed rides and restaurants, including Mario Kart: Koopa's Challenge, a ride where you'll be "throwing shells" at your opponents.
You'll also be able to use your Power Up Bands at the Power-Up Band Key Challenge. Be the best player as you solve puzzles and win games to collect 3 keys, where a dramatic final boss showdown with Bowser awaits.
Get your tickets to Universal Studios Japan
While we can’t wait to set foot into Mario Cafe and Store right this moment, Universal Studios Japan is definitely on our list of must-visits. With Super Nintendo World opening soon, we just know that our next visit is going to be legendary.?
As you’re planning for your next trip here, you can pre-book your open-dated tickets for Universal Studios Japan on Klook. Plus, if you book a selected Express Pass for direct entry to your favourite rides via Klook, you’ll get bonus skip-the-queue privileges too!
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Images provided by Universal Studios Japan.