Tricia Lee

Your Guide to Christmas at Universal Studios Japan

Celebrate the holidays at Universal Studios Japan’s incredible Christmas event, Universal Wonder Christmas! With spectacular shows, fun parades, and all sorts of holiday specials, read up on KKday’s ultimate guide and make the most of your holiday!

Minion Mayhem Christmas Party

The minions take a break from plotting world domination to bring you the most happening Christmas Party in town! See them sing and dance with their Santa hats on, as roll down Main Street on a huge float. Join in their fun and make your way to the front of the crowd, and dance along as festive balloons and Christmas confetti rain from the sky.

Dates: November 10, 2017 to January 8, 2018
Location: Hollywood Area
Show Times: 1:45 pm (days with 1 show), and 12:15 pm and 2:30 pm (days with 2 shows). Please arrive 30 minutes prior. Show times are subject to change. Please check here to see the show schedule ahead of time.

The Gift of Angels III : The Voice of an Angel

P1110712 — The Gift of Angels III: The Voice of an Angel

Now on its third year running, ‘The Gift of Angels III: The Voice of an Angel’ is back this season and is grander than ever. See a heartwarming holiday story unfold with spectacular lights and fireworks and a heavenly chorus of angels. Experience the excitement and awe with everyone in the audience as the Christmas Tree is lit as the show’s grand finale.

Dates: November 10, 2017 to January 8, 2018
Location: New York Area/Gramercy Park
Event Times: 5:45 pm (days with 1 show), and 5:35 pm and 7:50 pm (days with 2 shows). Please arrive 30 minutes prior. Show times are subject to change, so please check here to see the show schedule ahead of time.

Note:

There are designated but limited wheelchair exclusive areas at the Special Viewing Area. Guests should speak and seek assistance from crew members early on. Flash photography is also prohibited.

Winter in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Feel the magic of Christmas as you walk the snowy streets of Hogsmeade Village at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Warm up with some Butterbeer from the Three Broomsticks, or have your fill of Christmas-themed sweets from Honeydukes and enjoy all the holiday-themed decorations that give life even to the old Hog’s Head pub.

The Hogsmeade Christmas Tree

Event Dates: November 10, 2017 to January 8, 2018
Location: Hogsmeade
Event Times: 10:00am onwards

This year, grab the opportunity to cast your own spell at the village’s Christmas Tree. With your own special wand right from Ollivander’s, a few choice words (“Locomotor” or “Lumos”), and a swish and flick, you can charm the tree into moving or see it light up beautifully!

Notes:
Please make sure you have a “Magical Wand” before advancing to the Wand Magic location. “Magical Wands” can be purchased at Ollivanders™ and other locations.

Hogwarts™ Magical Nights – Winter Magic

P1110785 — Hogwarts Magical Nights – Winter Magic

Feel the magic come alive as you witness the iconic Hogwarts Castle transform before your eyes. As the day dips into nighttime, the castle magically transforms from an icy stone edifice to a brilliant display of light. See wizards and witches cast raise their wands to Hogwarts to cast a warm, holiday spell that envelopes the entire park.

Dates: November 10, 2017 to January 8, 2018
Location: Hogwarts™ Castle
Time: 30 minutes after sunset until closing. Show times are subject to change, so please check the official website to see the schedule ahead of time. Event details may be altered or canceled without notice due to weather or other factors.

Christmas Treats:

Minion Park: Minion-shaped sandwich cookies (600 yen)

P1110426 — Minion-shaped Sandwich Cookies

With their big round eyes looking right back at you, be sure to take a photo before biting into these cute sandwich cookies. Enjoy the sweet Christmas exclusive treat stuffed with seasonal strawberries, cream, and custard.

Studio Star Restaurant: Exclusive Christmas Set (2190 yen)

The popular Studio Star Restaurant has cooked up something special for the holidays! Enjoy their juicy patty and sunny side-up eggs, with either rice or bread. Top off your meal with your choice of special Minion dessert: Banana mousse cake drizzled in cranberry sauce, or a savory swiss chocolate cake.

Hogsmeade’s The Three Broomstickers™: Christmas Exclusive Set (8500 yen) & Hot Butterbeer (1250 yen)

Enjoy Christmas just like the teachers and students of Hogwarts as you feast on their special Christmas dinner: a set mouth-watering roast chicken, vegetables and salad.

Down your meal with a warm bottle of their famous Butterbeer guaranteed to put you in the holiday spirit.

The Joyful Food Market

Enjoy all sorts of Christmas exclusive sweets and treats at the Universal Studios Japan Joyful Food Market!

KKday’s Recommendation:

Turkey Drumstick (950 yen)

Every Christmas, you can spot a snaking queue for the turkey drumstick. Don’t miss out on their seasonal cheesy flavor!

Hot Chocolate Cone (500 yen)

Warm up this winter with another must-try. This sugar overload is stuffed with matcha chocolate, rice krispies, cranberries, conflakes, and drizzled in hot chocolate sauce. A warm topping of melted marshmallows tops this sweet treat!

Christmas Gifts

Minion Popcorn Buckets

The exclusive minion popcorn buckets are the cutest souvenir you should buy in Universal Studios Japan. This time, instead of taking a bear, Tim, Minions in a Christmas hat takes a small snowman. This shape of Minion is so adorable that you should take it home or you will regret.

This year’s cutest souvenirs are the Christmas-themed Minion Popcorn Buckets. Perfect that holiday movie marathon with the family!

Christmas Specialty Store

There are all sorts of Christmas-themed merchandise like socks, dolls, and some ornaments in Christmas Specialty Store. If you want to buy some souvenirs, you should come here!

For some last-minute Christmas shopping, head here to find socks, dolls, ornaments, and merchandise of all your favorite characters! See Hello Kitty, the Sesame Street Gang, the sharks from Jaws, and Snoopy spread the holiday cheer in their snowman outfits.

Or choose one of the bestsellers: the Snoopy Christmas Hat, which customers love for its soft, warm fur, or the Minion dolls in wacky, nutcracker outfits. At the Christmas Specialty Store, there’s something for everyone!

Booking Your Tickets

Make your trip much more enjoyable by booking your tickets ahead! Enjoy KKday’s exclusive tickets that allow you to skip the lines and head straight to park. Choose from any of our great packages

How to Spend 10 Days in Japan

We’ve written a lot about Japan—from its food, to its shopping, to its incredible sights and historic attractions. Conquering all these things can seem wildly intimidating, but the KKday team has come up with a great guide to help you see the best this country has to offer! Here’s a 10 day itinerary for Japan!

Day 1

Don’t waste any time once you land. At the Narita Airport, pick-up your travel essentials, like the 4G Sim Card your Tokyo Metro Unlimited Pass to help you get around.

Check-in at your hotel or Airbnb somewhere in the Shibuya district where you can explore the iconic Shibuya crossing and all the great shops and stores in the area. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, grab lunch at the famous Ichiran Ramen.

Hop on the Tokyo train and see the iconic Meiji Shrine, which was built to honor one of Japan’s most prominent emperors. Pay your respects, then head off to the famous Harajuku Street filled with colourful characters and shops.

Complete your first day with dinner at the Robot Cabaret Restaurant right at the lively Shinjuku District, before heading back to your hotel for the night.

Book Now:

Day 2

Get up early for breakfast at Tokyo’s Tsukiji Fish Market (READ: Your Guide to Visiting Tokyo’s Tsukiji Market). Then have fun taking photos when you can rent your own kimono. See all of Tokyo from the top of the Tokyo Skytree.

If you’re headed to Tokyo in the spring, don’t miss the Cherry Blossoms blooming at Ueno Park. After marveling at the natural beauty, explore another one of Tokyo’s iconic neighborhoods, Akihabara. Here you can find all sorts of tech-related shops and sights, before sitting down for a snack at the famous Tokyo Maid Cafe.

Book Now:

Day 3

It would be a mistake to skip out on the happiest place on earth. Especially if you’ve got kids in tow, be sure to dedicate a whole day at the wonderful place of Tokyo Disneyland!

Book Now:

Tokyo Disneyland Tickets

Day 4

See Mt. Fuji, Japan’s most iconic symbol. Often called the ‘border between heaven and earth,’ the shy volcano has long been a source of cultural and spiritual significance to the Japanese. Take this Mt. Fuji day tour where you can ride a cable car, see the incredible sights from an observation deck, pick your own fruit, and enjoy delicious wine.

Book Now:

Day Tour from Tokyo: Mt. Fuji Ropeway, Fruit Picking, and Wine Tasting Experience

Day 5

After seeing the bustling capital of Tokyo, head south to Osaka, which is known for incredible food and incredible castles, just like the Osaka castle (READ: 10 World Heritage Sites to Check Out in Japan). Travel with speed and ease with your JR Pass.

Day 6

Hop on the subway and enter a world where all your favorite characters come to life! At Universal Studios Japan, experience thrilling rides, see extravagant parades, and relive the magic of Hogwarts at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter!

Book Now:

Universal Studios Japan Tickets

Day 7

Explore another one of Japan’s treasures: the deer of Nara Park. See them bow before you before you feed them their special biscuit, and enjoy the cool air and stunning foliage of Nara Park.

Head back to Osaka and see the city skyline from the Umeda Sky Building, before grabbing a bite of the famous Dontonburi Taokoyaki.

Day 8

After feasting on the incredible food of Osaka, head to Japan’s cultural capital: Kyoto. This historical haven is full of shrines and temples that continue to be places of worship, as well as castles boasting their incredible Imperial architecture.

Take the time to try the Maiko Experience Walking Plan before seeing the many sites Higashiyama. Don’t pass up the chance to see the Love Fortune Telling Stones at Jishu-jinja Shrine, or see the spring time cherry blossoms at Maruyama Park. Cap the day with a visit to Gion Street.

Book Now:

Maiko Experience Walking Plan

Day 9

See all of the Kyoto highlights with our easy day tour and explore the top shrines and temples. Check out our guide for Temple Hopping in Kyoto, and enjoy feeling as if you’ve been transported back in time. Immersing yourself in the beauty of the Ancient Capital, before having dinner at Shinkyogoku.

Book Now:

Day Tour from Kyoto: Arashiyama, Kinkaku-ki, and Fushimi Inari Shrine

Day 10

It’s been a wild and exciting ride, but nothing really beats home. Take your JR Pass back to the Kansai Airport and head back home in ease, with all your souvenirs and memories.

For more fun and exciting tours in Japan, check out KKday’s Japan products over here, and tune in for more exciting travel guides!

7 Reasons Changi Cove Will Be Your Next Weekend Retreat

: Lobby: Reception Area

Staycation, the best option for the stressed-out Singaporean working a 5-day work week. You can totally unwind and relax just like you’re in a completely different country!

Literally a hidden gem in the outskirts of Singapore, Changi Cove might just be the getaway that you need and here are some reasons why.

1. It’s a Hideaway From City Life

No more hustle and bustling sounds of the city during your stay here, the only sounds you’ll be greeted with are the sounds of birds chirping and the rustling of the leaves.

WP leaves — Changi Cove (Credits: Changi Cove)

Being in the far east of Singapore, Changi Cove is surrounded by lush greenery and fresh air, especially great for nature lovers.

2. Mouth-Watering Dishes for Everyone

The White Olive

If after a long day of relaxation, you don’t want to head out to fill your tummies, The White Olive is the place for you! Named after the white olive tree that can be seen at the entrance of Changi Cove, this restaurant serves both international and local cuisine, catering to the tastes for all their guests.

Nasi Lemak from Changi Village

WP nasi lemak — Mizzy’s Coner (Credits: Burpple)

Hungry? Fret not because they are just a stone’s throw away from Mizzy’s Coner, the home of one of the best Nasi Lemak in Singapore! Rich coconutty goodness from the rice, crunchy ikan billis and the kick from the sambal at the side, how could you say no to that???

Besides the Nasi Lemak, there is also a wide array of delectable local hawker treats that you can indulge yourself in too such as BBQ stingray and Chicken Wings.

The Coastal Settlement

WP coastal settlement — The Coastal Settlement (Credits: Seth Lui)

Take a 5-minute walk down to memory lane when you visit The Coastal Settlement. The displays there have olden day telephones and even real life scooters all over the restaurant that gives the place a rustic vibe to it.

Most importantly, the food there will make your trip down totally worth it, with both Asian and Western cuisines there is sure to be something for everyone.

3. Adventure Is Just a Boat Ride Away

WP ubin — Pulau Ubin Entrance (Credits: Wikipedia Commons)

$2.50 and a sense of adventure is all you need when you take a boat ride down to the neighboring island, Pulau Ubin. Ubin is the last surviving kampong of the modern-day Singapore, and so worth visiting! Rent a bike and cycle around the island and go on a little adventure.

4. Chek JaWHAT?

krab — Crab in Chek Jawa (Credits: BPDGtravels)

That would probably be the first reaction if we told you Chek Jawa. Unknown to many locals, Chek Jawa is located at the eastern tip of Ubin is the home to numerous ecosystems, which makes this a very precious part of Singapore. There are things from aquatic wildlife to mangroves that can be found here, definitely one for the nature lover.

5. Instagrammer’s Heaven

Secluded beaches, great natural lighting and no one to photobomb that perfect Instagram shot. Here are a few of our recommendations.

Changi Beach

Afraid of people staring when you’re trying to get that “walking towards the sunset” picture taken? Fret not, because this isn’t Sentosa where you’ll make eye contact where ever you look.

Changi Boardwalk

Not only great for a relaxing evening stroll with your loved ones, but also great for some vacation themed photos.

(Tip: Head there at sunset, it’s when your photos will look the best!)

Changi Airport

WP sunflower — Sunflower Garden @ T2 (Credits: Now Boarding)

With the newly opened Terminal 4 there is so much more to do, and also lots more “pre-flight OOTD” spots!

6. Sail Into the Sunset

wp changi sailing club — Changi Sailing Club (Credits: The Peak)

Weather you have prior experience of are still a struggling beginner, sailing is still a very fun activity either ways. You could also rent a boat for the evening and have dinner as you drift into the sunset.

7. Revisit Singapore’s Chilling Past

If you have a little time during your staycation, tourist it up and head down to Changi Chapel and Museum which is just a short drive away from Changi Cove. Changi Museum contains all the remains and history of the POW’s during WW2, it will give you a sense of appreciation of how much our ancestors have endured so that we can have our comfortable lives now.

GIVEAWAY!

Dreaming of escaping your hectic work life? We have the perfect solution for you here. Leave the hustle and bustle of city and take a staycation for the weekend!

In collaboration with Changi Cove Singapore, we are giving away 1 night stay for 2! The giveaway includes a complementary international breakfast for 2, complementary parking and a $50 KKday travel voucher.

All you have to do to win this staycation is to
1) Like KKday and Changi Cove Singapore Facebook pages
2) Share this post and tag someone you want to have a staycay with! 👫
3) Let us know your details here http://bit.ly/2yupDiS

This giveaway closes on 27 October 2017.

For more information about Changi Cove Singapore, visit http://www.changicove.com/

A Trip to Universal Studios Japan: Halloween Horror Night

Get ready for Universal Studios Japan’s scariest and most exciting event yet: Universal Surprise Halloween. Read up on KKday’s ultimate guide to this wild event. From thrilling daytime attractions to hair-raising night attractions, be sure to catch this scare-fest from September 8 to November 5, 2017!

All events will be at Universal Studios Japan. For detailed updates on the park’s operating hours and show schedules, go here to check their schedule ahead of time.

Daytime Events

Festa・de・Parade

Dates: September 8 (Friday) to November 5 (Sunday)
Show Time: 2:30pm, but may be subject to change. Please check the show schedule in advance.

The Festa de Parade brings you all your favorite characters to life. Catch the Minions, Snoopy and the Sesame Street Family along with a wide array of performers in glamorous costumes on magnificent floats. Come early and stay in the Front Area, and get the chance be part of the parade as you dance along with the entertainers! Let loose and get a little crazy with all your cartoon favorites!

Notes:

Water and bubbles will be used during the parade, so pathways may become wet and slippery.

Happy Trick or Treat

Dates: September 8 (Friday) to November 5 (Sunday)
Time: 10:00am to 5:00pm

Age: For children of elementary school age, or younger

This season, the magic words are “Trick or Treat!” The Happy Trick or Treat event is a big candy festival kids are sure to enjoy. It starts off with a colorful parade where you can see the Minions, Hello Kitty, and the Sesame Street gang on sing and dance, before bringing out a huge mountain of candy.

Then, with their pumpkin-shaped backpacks, kids can roam around the park and looking for crew members with their own pumpkin bags and ask for special treats. Just say “Trick or Treat!” and the USJ staff members will fill your pumpkins with all sorts of delicious sweets!

Notes

Each child can join Happy Trick or Treat once per day, and needs to register before joining the event. The Front Desk will close once maximum capacity is reached.
After registration, each child will be given their own pumpkin-shaped bag

Event	Time	Content
Halloween Parade	14:30	See your favorite characters in colorful costumes and fun floats
Candy Festival	10:00 – 13:00	Grab candy from the parade floats
Trick or Treat in the whole park	10:0017:00	Kids can collect candy from the crew with their pumpkin-shaped backpacks!

Halloween Horror Night

Halloween Horror Night is USJ’s highlight event. This year, the Halloween Horror Night is split into different levels (Level 1 to 10) with their own rules, tricks, and scary surprises! For more details, you can check out their official website.

Ready to face all the park terrors and don’t want to waste time in line? Purchase the Universal Studios Japan: Halloween Express Pass. This is an add-on pass to your regular USJ ticket that gives you fast track access to ALL of the Halloween Horror Night’s events and attractions. Be sure to catch this year’s highlights!

Purchase your Universal Studios Japan Entry Ticket and Halloween Express Pass from KKday!

Deadman’s Forest: Escape from the Forest of Death

DeadMenForest1(Credit to USJ) — (Credits: Universal Studios Japan)

DeadMenForest2(Credit to USJ) — (Credits: Universal Studios Japan)

Make your way through this thrilling, outdoor forest maze where booby traps lurk on every corner, while outrunning a horde of angry zombies. Complete the tasks or risk forever becoming part of Deadman’s Forest.

Outdoor | Horror Level 4

Time: 10:00am to Closing Time
Age Limit: 12 years old and above
Notes: Advisable to bring rain gear

Cult of Chucky: Chucky’s Hospital Ward of Madness

CultOfChucky2 (Credit to USJ) — (Credits: Universal Studios Japan)

There’s no time for child’s play at the Ward of Madness. You won’t be feeling any better after this trip to the doctor. Chucky is back with a vengance, ready to slice his patients wide open!

Indoor | Horror Level 5

Time: 12:00pm to Closing Time
Age Limit: 12 years old and above

A Nightmare on Elm Street: The Maze 3

There’s no escaping the ruthless Freddy Krueger as he hunts for his next victim in their dreams. The only way to get out of this living nightmare is to rescue the sleeping girl, but watch your back—Freddy Krueger is known to slaughtering his victims from behind.

Indoor | Horror Level 5

Time: 12:00pm to Closing Time
Age Limit: 12 years old and above

The Exorcist: The Devil’s Manor

As a young girl is transformed by a demonic possession, the entire mansion begins to permeate a menacing atmosphere. Enter a world the whole new world of terror filled with shocking sights that will chill you to the bones. It’s up to you to save the girl from the Devil’s grip. But the question lies: is your soul strong enough to escape possession yourself?

Indoor | Horror Level 5

Time: 12:00pm to Closing Time
Age Limit: 12 years old and above

Trauma 3: Endless Despair

Trauma 3- Endless Despair(Credit to USJ) — (Credits: Universal Studios Japan)

Do you think you’re brave enough to endure USJ’s scariest attraction to date? At Horror Level 10, Trauma 3: Endless Despair is not for the faint of heart. Step into a ghastly maze that never the attraction. Only visitors with a signed consent form will be admitted to the attraction.

seems to end. With every twist and turn, you’ll encounter twisted human experiments, strange creatures hell-bent on keeping you trapped inside.

Indoor | Horror Level 10

Horror Level: 10
Time: 12:00pm to Closing Time
Age Limit: 15 years old and above

Note:

Visitors interested in Trauma 3: Endless Despair must submit a signed agreement consenting to the content of

Street Zombies and Zombie Mob Show

STREET_ZOMBIE_1(Credit to USJ) — (Credits: Universal Studios Japan)

Get ready for the scariest outbreak ever as hordes of all kinds of undead flock to the streets of Universal Studios Japan for a night of terror! But once the music starts to play, these zombies drop everything and start to dance. If you really want to join in on the fun, purchase a skull-shaped necklace from the shop; the zombies will approach you and make you one of them. Come and celebrate Halloween together!

Outdoor | Horror Level 1-2

Time: 12:00pm to Closing Time
Age Limit: Children below 12 years old must be accompanied by an adult

Event	Time	Horror Level	Notice
Deadman’s Forest Escape from the Forest of Death	Maze From 10:00 am~	4	Extra Tickets Not Require EXPRESS 3/4/5
Cult of Chucky Chucky’s Hospital	Maze From 12:00 pm~	5	Extra Tickets Not Require EXPRESS 3/4/5
A Nightmare on Elm Stree, The Maze 3	Maze From 12:00 pm~	5	Require Numbered Ticket EXPRESS 4/5
The Exorcist The Devil’s Manor	Maze From 12:00 pm~	5	Require Numbered Ticket EXPRESS 4/5
Trauma 3	Maze From 12:00 pm~	10	Require Exclusive Ticket (paid) If you have EXPRESS 5, you don’t need Exclusive Ticket.
Street Zombies and Zombie Mob	Show From 6:00 pm~	1~2	Extra Tickets Not Require

KKday Recommends: What to Eat at USJ

Snacks: USJ Sweet Buns

Sweet steamed buns are always a treat, but their made even more fun at Universal Studios Japan! Bite into this park favorite and try the yellow, curry-flavored Minion buns, red, tomato-flavored Hello Kitty Buns, and other fun variations!

Found at: Halloween Happiness Market
Price: 690 ¥/ per bun

Lunch: The Halloween Special

Refill after all those thrilling rides at the Studio Stars Restaurant. This season, be sure to try the Halloween Special: a big, fat, juicy burger paired with sunny side-up eggs and a secret restaurant sauce. Top the meal with an adorable, Minion-style dessert!

Found at: Studio Star Restaurant, Hollywood District
Price: 2190 ¥/ per meal

Dinner: Roasted Pork Ribs Platter and Butterbeer

Cozy up with a hearty dinner of tender and juicy roasted barbeque ribs, grilled chicken wings, and delicious pumpkin pie. And don’t miss out on the famous Butterbeer drink! Sip on this sweet drink as you admire the magnificent Hogwarts castle and its dazzling reflection in the lake below. Don’t pass up on this great photo opportunity!

Found at: Three Broomsticks, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
Price:1950 ¥/ per set

Halloween Exclusive Merchandise

Limited Edition Minion Popcorn Buckets

One of our favorite theme park snacks is popcorn and this year, you get to collect these limited edition Minion Popcorn Buckets! Bring your friends and family and get one each to complete the collection, and be sure to try out the special banana flavored popcorn!

Found at: Minion Park
Price: 2980 ¥/ per

Halloween Exclusives

Celebrate this family-friendly festival with souvenirs to remember this great trip and head to USJ’s Halloween Specialty Store! With all sorts of Halloween-themed merchandise like costumes, ghost dolls, scary toys, and sweet treats, there’s something for everyone!

Minion Park

Ba-ba-ba…BANANA! Step into Minion Madness and see all sorts of quirky parlor games where you can win prizes, small Minion decorations, giant Minions standing by doorways, and every kind of Minion-themed souvenir imaginable. Be sure to ride Minion Mayhem, a crazy thrill ride designed after Gru’s house that will take you into Minion World! And if you get hungry? Try the park’s signature Minion Taro cookies!

How much:600 ¥/ per cookie

Expecto Patronum Night Show

Dates: April 21 ~ November 5 (Sun)

Relive the magic as you wander through the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and catch the Expecto Patronum Night Show. Immerse yourself as this outdoor light show recreates the classic Dementor scene from the Harry Potter movies with beautiful music, high-tech stage effects, and incredible performances. After the show, take a pleasant stroll across the magical grounds and admire the stunning view of Hogwarts castle.