Universal Studios Japan has held a grand ceremony for a major new shopping and dining complex at the Osaka resort.
The highly anticipated Mario Café & Store opened its doors for the first time last week (October 15), giving fans an enticing glimpse of Super Nintendo World, which will follow at the theme park early next year.
The exterior of the shop and café is a new focal point of the resort, featuring large sculptures of the iconic red and blue Mario and Luigi hats.
Once inside, visitors will be truly immersed into the fantasies of Mushroom Kingdom. The classic Mario Kart chequered flag pattern lines the floor, while guests are welcome to take a seat on multi-coloured mushroom stools.
Inside the Café USJ
And Mario remains a common theme on the menu, which includes fruit cream sodas and Mario-inspired pancake sandwiches.
Once guests are full, they will be able to head to the Store to stock up on an incredible range of Nintendo merchandise, including themed clothing, keychains and sugar-fuelled treats.
The Mario Café and Store is the first attraction launched as part of the Super Nintendo World. When fully open next year, the park will boast additional Yoshi, Princess Peach and Bowzer experiences.
Video shows all the entertainment at the Mario Café & Store grand opening
Super Nintendo World Japan is the first Nintendo-inspired theme park to open in 2021, with mirroring extensions in the pipeline for Universal resorts in Hollywood, Singapore and Orlando.
Commenting on the launch Taku Murayama, Executive Vice President of the Osaka Convention and Tourism Bureau said: “Congratulations on the opening of the cafe and store. I am very excited to hear that Super Nintendo World will open in early 2021 and I believe this new area will be the saviour of sightseeing in Osaka.
“I sincerely hope that the Mario Cafe & Store will become a success and appeal not only Mario lovers but also to adults and children.”
Elsewhere, the USA’s longest mountain coaster has opened.
