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NEWS
US$350m Mario land confirmed for Universal Japan
POSTED 07 Mar 2016 . BY Tom Anstey
The new land will be entirely themed on Mario IPs such as Mario Kart Credit: Nintendo
Universal Studios has finally revealed the first uses of its Nintendo IPs, announcing plans for a Mario-themed land at its park in Japan.

The news came last month that Universal Japan would be the first of the operator’s parks to gain a Nintendo addition after Universal announced a deal for exclusive theme park rights to Nintendo IPs such as Mario, Pokemon and Zelda in May last year, though details have been scarce.

Universal Japan has now confirmed the park will be getting its own Mario section, which will be an immersive experience similar in style to the hugely successful Harry Potter attractions. The Mario-themed expansion will take four years to develop at a cost of US$350m (€319.5m, £247m), with the opening timed to coincide with the 2020 Olympics and Paralympic Games, which are to be hosted in Tokyo.

Beyond its plans in Japan, Universal is expected to open further Nintendo attractions across its parks worldwide, with the staggered rollout likely to be similar to that of Harry Potter, which is going from strength-to-strength as it prepares to launch its next site at Universal Studios Hollywood on 7 April.

RELATED STORIES
  Nintendo attractions coming to Universal Japan


After partnering with Universal last year, Nintendo has announced plans for yet-to-be revealed attractions at Universal Japan.
  Nintendo signs deal with Universal for exclusive theme park rights


IPs such as Mario, Zelda and Pokémon could soon be coming to Universal’s theme parks and resorts after the company agreed a deal with Nintendo to create rides, shows and other attractions based around the videogame developer’s top franchises.
  Nintendo to develop non-wearable sleep tracker device


Games firm Nintendo is moving into the hardware market with a specific focus on sleep tracking, following the company’s return to profitability after a period of heavy losses.
  Videogame history museum coming to Texas


Plans have gained unanimous approval to bring a videogame history museum to Frisco, Texas – a first of its kind in the US.
MORE NEWS
Warner Bros Discovery collaborates on upcoming Pompeii attraction
A new immersive attraction designed to transport visitors into the final hours of ancient Pompeii is preparing to open near the world-famous archaeological site in southern Italy.
Bob Rogers hands BRC to long-serving leadership team
Experience design company, BRC Imagination Arts, has completed a transition that sees founder Bob Rogers pass ownership of the business to four long-serving senior executives, while remaining actively involved with the company.
Rainer Maelzer joins Therme Group as chief entertainment officer
Rainer Maelzer, an experiential entertainment innovator, has been appointed chief entertainment officer by Therme Group.
Movie Park Germany reveals new Paramount attraction as part of its 30th anniversary celebrations
Movie Park Germany has opened a new Paramount Pictures-themed attraction as part of its 30th anniversary celebrations, using immersive storytelling and adaptive reuse to reinforce the park’s longstanding “Hollywood in Germany” positioning.
+ More news   

COMPANY PROFILES
Painting With Light

By combining lighting, video, scenic and architectural elements, sound and special effects we tell s [more...]
iPlayCO

iPlayCo was established in 1999. [more...]
Sally Corporation

Our services include: Dark ride design & build; Redevelopment of existing attractions; High-quality [more...]
Simworx Ltd

The company was initially established in 1997. Terry Monkton and Andrew Roberts are the key stakeh [more...]
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FEATURED SUPPLIER

Iconic Liverpool attraction opens door to new operators
An opportunity to reimagine one of the UK’s most recognisable towers has been formally opened by Rivington Hark, as St Johns Beacon invites operators and partners to shape its next phase. [more...]
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World Sauna Forum 2026

Savutuvan Apaja, Haapaniemi, Finland
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Elevate Spa Riviera Maya Edition

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Jobs    News   Products   Magazine   Subscribe
NEWS
US$350m Mario land confirmed for Universal Japan
POSTED 07 Mar 2016 . BY Tom Anstey
The new land will be entirely themed on Mario IPs such as Mario Kart Credit: Nintendo
Universal Studios has finally revealed the first uses of its Nintendo IPs, announcing plans for a Mario-themed land at its park in Japan.

The news came last month that Universal Japan would be the first of the operator’s parks to gain a Nintendo addition after Universal announced a deal for exclusive theme park rights to Nintendo IPs such as Mario, Pokemon and Zelda in May last year, though details have been scarce.

Universal Japan has now confirmed the park will be getting its own Mario section, which will be an immersive experience similar in style to the hugely successful Harry Potter attractions. The Mario-themed expansion will take four years to develop at a cost of US$350m (€319.5m, £247m), with the opening timed to coincide with the 2020 Olympics and Paralympic Games, which are to be hosted in Tokyo.

Beyond its plans in Japan, Universal is expected to open further Nintendo attractions across its parks worldwide, with the staggered rollout likely to be similar to that of Harry Potter, which is going from strength-to-strength as it prepares to launch its next site at Universal Studios Hollywood on 7 April.

RELATED STORIES
Nintendo attractions coming to Universal Japan


After partnering with Universal last year, Nintendo has announced plans for yet-to-be revealed attractions at Universal Japan.
Nintendo signs deal with Universal for exclusive theme park rights


IPs such as Mario, Zelda and Pokémon could soon be coming to Universal’s theme parks and resorts after the company agreed a deal with Nintendo to create rides, shows and other attractions based around the videogame developer’s top franchises.
Nintendo to develop non-wearable sleep tracker device


Games firm Nintendo is moving into the hardware market with a specific focus on sleep tracking, following the company’s return to profitability after a period of heavy losses.
Videogame history museum coming to Texas


Plans have gained unanimous approval to bring a videogame history museum to Frisco, Texas – a first of its kind in the US.
MORE NEWS
Warner Bros Discovery collaborates on upcoming Pompeii attraction
A new immersive attraction designed to transport visitors into the final hours of ancient Pompeii is preparing to open near the world-famous archaeological site in southern Italy.
Bob Rogers hands BRC to long-serving leadership team
Experience design company, BRC Imagination Arts, has completed a transition that sees founder Bob Rogers pass ownership of the business to four long-serving senior executives, while remaining actively involved with the company.
Rainer Maelzer joins Therme Group as chief entertainment officer
Rainer Maelzer, an experiential entertainment innovator, has been appointed chief entertainment officer by Therme Group.
Movie Park Germany reveals new Paramount attraction as part of its 30th anniversary celebrations
Movie Park Germany has opened a new Paramount Pictures-themed attraction as part of its 30th anniversary celebrations, using immersive storytelling and adaptive reuse to reinforce the park’s longstanding “Hollywood in Germany” positioning.
Therme Manchester reveals 90:90 strategy – 90 per cent of the UK population within a 90-minute drive of a Therme
Therme Manchester’s 28-acre development, which will include interconnected glass pavilions that measure 65,000sq m, will be the largest bathing and wellbeing attraction in the world once complete, according to prof David Russell, CEO of Therme UK. 
Efteling expands family offer with new Hooghmoed drop tower
Efteling has opened Hooghmoed, a new family drop tower designed to broaden the appeal of its recently launched Sirene Island themed area and introduce younger visitors to thrill attractions.
+ More news   
 
COMPANY PROFILES
Painting With Light

By combining lighting, video, scenic and architectural elements, sound and special effects we tell s [more...]
iPlayCO

iPlayCo was established in 1999. [more...]
Sally Corporation

Our services include: Dark ride design & build; Redevelopment of existing attractions; High-quality [more...]
Simworx Ltd

The company was initially established in 1997. Terry Monkton and Andrew Roberts are the key stakeh [more...]
+ More profiles  
FEATURED SUPPLIER

Iconic Liverpool attraction opens door to new operators
An opportunity to reimagine one of the UK’s most recognisable towers has been formally opened by Rivington Hark, as St Johns Beacon invites operators and partners to shape its next phase. [more...]
CATALOGUE GALLERY
+ More catalogues  
DIRECTORY
+ More directory  
DIARY

 

09-11 Jun 2026

World Sauna Forum 2026

Savutuvan Apaja, Haapaniemi, Finland
23-26 Aug 2026

Elevate Spa Riviera Maya Edition

The Riviera Maya Edition Kanai, Playa del Carmen, Mexico
+ More diary  
 


ADVERTISE . CONTACT US

Leisure Media
Tel: +44 (0)1462 431385

©Cybertrek 2026

ABOUT LEISURE MEDIA
LEISURE MEDIA MAGAZINES
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LEISURE MEDIA PRODUCT SEARCH
ATTRACTIONS MANAGEMENT NEWS
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