trip ke universal studio japan

TIP: If you reserve an attraction, other reservations will be possible only after the reservation time of the already reserved attraction.

3.) Timed-Entry Tickets (The Wizarding World of Harry Potter/Super Nintendo World)

Have someone from your group take the Studio Passes of all the members of your group to the Timed-Entry Ticket booth in Central Park. Select you desired time of entry on the ticket machine to receive your Timed-Entry Ticket (one per group).

4.) Single Rider

By riding separate from your party, you can reduce waiting times. This service is not available on certain days or at certain hours during the day. For availability and other requirements, please ask a crew member at the attraction.

5.) Child Switch

A handy system allowing you to take turns to enjoy attractions that children cannot ride. It enables guests with children/companions who do not meet an attraction’s height or other requirements to take turns and enjoy the attraction without waiting in line again. Ask a staff member at the attraction for details.

How to get to Universal Studios Japan

Experience unique and modern luxury with a Japanese touch.

Directly connected to JR Universal City Station. The Skyspa which features an open-air bath and hot tub is located on the 14th floor and is free for all guests to view the Osaka waterfront . Part of the Candeo Hotels Group .

The Park Front Hotel at Universal Studios Japan

This is the newest official Universal Studios Japan hotel , situated within a minutes’ walk from the theme park gate.

Couples particularly like the location — they rated 9.3 for a two-person trip. This property is also rated for the best value in Osaka. Guests are getting more for their money when compared to other properties in the city.

Hotel Kintetsu Universal City

A 1 minute walk to Universal Studios Japan! Located right next to the park, this hotel is just a 2-minute walk from the JR Universal City Station. They offer themed rooms based on the popular Woody Woodpecker character and his friends.

Facilities at Hotel Kintetsu include a Universal Studios Japan Information Desk , where tickets can be purchased and a Universal Studios Store.

Hotel Keihan Universal City

Hotel with a Hollywood art deco exterior. Rooms are styled with themes such as “Forest”, “Lake” and “Movie”. Corridors continue the themes through their ceilings, carpets and room door designs. It's like you're already in the theme park - making it a great family option . The hotel is just over 1 minute walk to the park entrance.

Note: the Booking.com description saying the hotel is 1.9 miles from the park is wrong.

Hotel Keihan Universal Tower

The largest official hotel , rising 138 meters above ground with 32 floors. The 31st-floor S-PARK Spa has a sauna, jet bath and hot-spring baths with city views. Garden Restaurant lays an all-day buffet spread with Japanese and Western dishes. All rooms come with a 37-inch flat-screen TV . Rated highly by couples .

Hotel Universal Port

Only a 4-minute walk to the park, Hotel Universal Port offers private parking for guests. Has a Universal Studios Japan store and couples particularly like the location. Rated 9.0 for a two-person trip, but it's also suitable for families . Has a 'Superb' rating with over 4,000 reviews on Booking.com.

Hotel Universal Port Vita

One of the top picks in Osaka on Booking.com - and a guest favourite. They have a Universal Japan ticket counter where you can buy your tickets (as well as for the Kaiyukan Aquarium). By purchasing at the hotel, you can skip the lines and save time. It also has a 24 hour Lawson convenience store. A 6 minute walk to the park entrance.

( Note: the Booking.com description saying the hotel is 1.8 miles from the park is wrong. )

If you'd prefer to stay somewhere centrally in Osaka, here's some of my current suggestions:

Central Osaka Hotel Recommendations

Want to visit Universal Studios Japan but don't speak Japanese?

If you want to visit Universal Studios Japan and you don't speak Japanese you can learn more about my book How to Travel in Japan Without Speaking Japanese HERE .

The Ultimate USJ Guide and Tips (2024) — Universal Studios Japan

Newly updated Universal Studios (USJ) guide for those heading there in 2024!

If you’re travelling to Osaka , spending at least a day at Universal Studios Japan (USJ) is a must! We last visited Universal Studios Japan in 2022, and Super Nintendo World had also just opened — successfully transforming us into literal game characters.

Since then, there have been some changes in USJ such as new parades, attractions, as well as certain rides being closed (spoiler alert: Jurassic Park fans may cry!).

The problem with USJ is that it’s EXTREMELY popular with both local Japanese and foreign tourists. Plan your day wrongly and you might end up stuck in the queues for hours instead of enjoying the rides.

To help you out, I’ve split this USJ guide into four main sections: New and Closed Attractions in USJ (2024), Pre-USJ Planning, USJ Day Guide, and Frequently Asked Questions. Pay close attention to Section Two!

*Note: Will try updating this frequently so it should stay relevant!

Read also:  JR Pass Japan Budget Itinerary: 8 Days 9 Cities for under $1.1k incl. flights and accommodation

New and closed attractions in Universal Studios Japan (2024)

They’re constantly building new exciting rides and doing renovations in the park, so make sure to have the latest news on USJ attractions before you visit.

New attractions

Photo credit: Universal Studios Japan

These are the new and upcoming attractions in USJ for 2024 to take note of. Exciting attractions await for the new year!

Dates are subject to changes and may vary from what is listed in our USJ guide. Check out the official website for the latest updates!

Click “Read More” to see which attractions have closed, or are closing soon.

Temporarily closed attractions

Photo credit: @universal_studios_japan via Instagram

These attractions are listed on the USJ website as “temporarily closed”. There’s no specific date yet for when any of them will re-open.

1) Jurassic Park: The Ride (closed from 4 Sep 2023, to re-open 2025) 2) Shrek’s 4-D Adventure (closed from 19 Jun 2020) 3) Sesame Street 4-D Movie Magic (closed from 19 Jun 2020) 4) Universal Spectacle Night Parade: The Best of Hollywood (closed from 19 Jun 2020) 5) Sesame’s Big Drive (closed from 19 June 2020) 6) Ernie’s Rubber Duckie Race (closed from 19 Jun 2020) 7) Space Fantasy – The Ride (closed from 31 Jan 2023) 8) Wand Studies (closed from 14 Feb 2023) 9) Hogwarts Castle Walk (indefinitely closed) 10) Snoopy’s Sound Stage Adventure (indefinitely closed from 13 Nov 2023)

Permanently closed attractions

These are USJ attractions that will be or have already closed for good by the time you’re reading this in 2024.

1) The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man 4K3D – The Ride (closed from 22 Jan 2024) 2) Sadako’s Curse: Dark Horror Ride (closed from 8 Jan 2024)

Pre-USJ Planning

1) buy your usj tickets in advance — save time and money.

Tickets can be bought on the day itself at the front counter. But unless you are a BIG FAN of queuing, please save yourself some time and buy your USJ tickets beforehand . Don’t be one of the clueless tourists stuck in the queue long after the park has opened.

There are several ways to get your tickets online, either through the official Universal Studios Japan ticketing website or via authorised partners like Klook . We preferred the latter as the process was fuss-free and we were issued an e-ticket instantly. We simply had to scan the QR code at the automated entrance gantry. Talk about skipping the queues!

The best part though, is that the retail price is literally the same! – Single day studio pass at USJ ticketing booth : ¥8,600 or ~S$80 – Single day studio pass via Klook : ~S$80

*Pro-tip:  For those who want a little more time, there’s a new 1.5day USJ Pass . Start at 3PM on the first day, and enjoy the park for the entire second day.

2) Best time to visit – Wednesdays & Thursdays are best

If your travel schedule allows, try to plan your visit to Universal Studios Japan in the middle of the week. The weekends are usually notoriously crowded, with an influx of Japanese tourists.

According to park officials, the days near the weekends can also be quite packed as locals may take leave for a long weekend, and schools may send students on excursions to USJ.

Of course please avoid holidays! Here’s a list of Japanese public holidays .

3) Decide whether you need the USJ Express Pass

The Flying Dinosaur Ride

If you read this USJ guide carefully and follow the tips from start to end, there is a very good chance that you will not need the USJ Express Pass .

However, if you’re travelling in a big group or unable to avoid the peak days of the week, I definitely suggest getting them to have more time to enjoy the park.

Which USJ Express Pass to Buy (Express Pass 4 or Express Pass 7)

The USJ Express Pass  basically gives you the highly coveted timed-entry ticket to Super Nintendo World and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter  (so you don’t have to run across the park to collect your timed ticket on busy days).

As their names suggest, the USJ Express Pass 4 lets you skip the queue for four rides and attractions, while the USJ Express Pass 7 — seven. The specific rides depend on the type of USJ Express Pass you get.

Unfortunately magic won’t help you cut the queues. Only the USJ Express Pass can.

Something to note is that the price of the USJ Express Pass ranges from ¥6,800-¥10,800 depending on demand and supply — you can buy your USJ Express Pass 4 or USJ Express Pass 7 from Klook to skip the lines in the park. Also take note that there are only limited passes per day, so best to book early!

Keep reading our USJ guide to make sure you don’t have to purchase one!

4) Decide on your route — Gaming, Adventure, Harry Potter, or Cute?

For those who did not get the  USJ Express Passes , here are four possible USJ itineraries or ride routes you can follow to maximise your time at the park.

I’ve split them by interests so even if the park is packed, at least you get to experience the things you are most interested in!

For the routes below, prioritise the first three rides before slowing down to explore the decor. If you’re fast, you should be able to finish the first two rides with minimal queuing and the third with a fairly short queue time.

Gaming Route For all Super Mario gamers out there.

Start: – Mario Kart: Koopa’s Challenge – Yoshi’s Adventure – Explore Super Nintendo World – The Flying Dinosaur – Despicable Me Minion Mayhem – Hollywood Dream The Ride: Backdrop – Jaws – Harry Potter and The Forbidden Journey

Adventure Route For the thrill seekers who love rollercoasters.

Start: – Hollywood Dream The Ride: Backdrop – The Flying Dinosaur – Jurassic Park: The Ride – Despicable Me Minion Mayhem – Mario Kart: Koopa’s Challenge – Jaws – Harry Potter and The Forbidden Journey

Harry Potter Fan Route Expecto a grand welcome at Hogwarts castle.

Start: – Harry Potter and The Forbidden Journey – Explore The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – The Flying Dinosaur – Jurassic Park: The Ride – Despicable Me Minion Mayhem – Explore Hollywood Zone – Jaws – Explore Super Nintendo World

Cute Stuff Route For those who love the Minions, Hello Kitty, Snoopy or Sesame Street.

Start: – Despicable Me Minion Mayhem – Explore Minion Park – The Flying Dinosaur – Explore Super Nintendo World – Explore Hollywood Zone – Hello Kitty Fashion Avenue & Snoopy Studios (you can come here anytime as queues are generally short) – Jaws – Explore The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Alternatively, plan your own route using the USJ Park Map . Check out the Shows & Attractions Timetable  too, as timings and availability are subject to change from day to day!

*Pro-tip : The various photo points clear up near showtimes and towards the evening. So don’t waste time queuing for them in the first half of the day if the line is long.

5) Where to stay near Universal Studios Japan

Photo credit: Klook

If you want to get to Universal Studios Japan early and easily, it is best to stay near the park. There are a couple of official hotels  just outside the park, such as The Park Front Hotel which boasts a gorgeous night view of the park.

For those on a budget like us, you can also consider staying at J-Hoppers Osaka Universal Hostel , which is only one JR stop (Ajikawaguchi Station) or a 15-minute walk away.

It’s a really beautiful hostel, cheap, and super convenient for getting to and away from USJ. Especially loved the friendly staff and movie screenings every night.

*Pro-tip: Check out our USJ guide to nearby budget-friendly accommodation !

USJ Day Guide

6) arrive before the gates open — 1hr ahead.

Try not to crash anything on your way to USJ.

One of the most important tips to remember in this USJ guide is to arrive an hour before the gates open. Even then, expect a small queue in front of you. The Japanese students are pretty hardcore when it comes to queueing! A little bit like Singaporeans. 😛

Universal Studios Japan’s opening hours vary, so  check the official site for calendar timings .

Too bad the Hogwarts Express can’t take you straight into USJ.

Directions to Universal Studios Japan :

By Train Take the JR Yumesaki Line (also known as JR Sakurajima Line) to Universal City Station. Universal Studios Japan is just a 5-minute walk from the station.

By Bus Unless you are coming straight from the airport, I don’t recommend taking a bus. Buses from Kansai International Airport take 35-75 minutes (¥1,600) depending on traffic.

But in any case, Klook offers a bus transfer option from Dotonbori and hotels in Osaka.

By Ferry If you bought the Osaka Amazing Pass  (which is a great way to explore Osaka), you can take the “ Captain Line ” for free (normal price ¥800) from Kaiyukan West Pier (near Osaka Aquarium) to Universal City Port in 10 minutes.

The downside is that the ferry service only starts running at 9:30AM. It is a good alternative for getting away from USJ if you leave before 8PM though!

7) Grab a free timed entry ticket for popular attractions

We highly recommend getting a timed entry ticket for attractions you’d wanna catch, especially when it’s crowded and queues are long.

Some areas, such as Super Nintendo World, also won’t allow you to enter unless you have an entry ticket so it’s best to check beforehand!

By getting a timed ticket, you are assured of an entry time into the themed zone. You’ll have a one-hour window to enter the area, and you can stay for as long as you want after you’re in! Note that the timed ticket is only valid once, and is not applicable for re-entry.

Previously, we’d have to queue at a ticketing site inside USJ at Central Park to obtain our timed ticket, but now you can just do it on the official USJ app . The best part? It’s totally free.

8) Stick to the plan but be flexible

If you followed point four in our USJ guide, you should have a game plan in mind before entering the park.

While it’s good to stick to the plan, keep an eye out for the electronic signboards that show the queue times around the park or just check the official Universal Studios Japan app . You never know as a popular attraction might become available for whatever reason!

9) Queue at Single Rider Lanes

Jurassic Park: The Ride

Unless you really need to take the ride with your friends or family, always queue at Single Rider Lanes if the waiting time is long. The Japanese prefer sticking together, so the Single Rider Lanes tend to be emptier and move a lot faster.

Who knows, you might just make a new friend with a stranger screaming your lungs out together.

10) Don’t be shy — ask for stickers

Minion stickers in front of the Despicable Me Minion Mayhem Ride .

Souvenirs and merchandise from Universal Studios Japan can be pretty pricey. If you want something small as a keepsake, do ask the friendly staff for stickers! They’ll be more than happy to oblige.

In case they can’t understand your English, try this with a BIG SMILE :

すみません。ステッカーがありますか？ Sumimasen. Sutekkā ga arimasu ka? (Translation: Excuse me, do you have stickers?)

*Pro-tip : The Minion stickers can only be obtained in Minion Park!

Alternatively, you can go window-shopping in the merchandise shops.

11) Stick to the centre in Theatre Shows

For the best seats in the house, try to shuffle your way to the middle of the waiting room when watching Theatre Shows. The staff will usher guests from left to right. By standing in the middle, you will end up close to the centre of the stage for a better experience!

12) Arrive early for popular street shows & parades

Harry Potter Wand Magic Show .

If you’re interested in catching any of the parades, plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before the start of the show to get a good view. On our previous trip, we had to catch the Harry Potter Expecto Patronum Night Show twice because our spots were so bad.

13) Explore your surroundings

A visit to Universal Studios Japan isn’t only about the rides. It’s about the atmosphere and vibe too! A lot of attention has been put into the decor so remember to explore your surroundings.

We especially loved the “Bank of Evil” in Minion Park where you can withdraw money from “someone else’s” bank account.

You can also hear Moaning Myrtle crying in the ladies toilet inside The Wizarding World of Harry Potter!

Do share with us other fun details you uncovered in the comments below. 🙂

14) Dinner at Universal City Walk

If you don’t want to eat in USJ, there are plenty of restaurants for all budgets just outside at Universal City Walk. The park closes between 7-9PM depending on the day , so you can easily end the day with a meal after maximising your time in the park.

We had dinner at Udon Kineya Mugimaru  on the first floor, which serves hearty and cheap udon.

Frequently Asked Questions for USJ

Are the rides and shows in english.

Unfortunately, almost all the rides and attractions are in Japanese. It’s a little odd hearing Harry Potter in Japanese though. However, the Despicable Me Minion Mayhem ride has English subtitles!

Banana? Minion talk is probably easier to understand than the shows.

Should I buy a 1 day or 2 day USJ Studio Pass?

Personally I will get the  1 day USJ Studio Pass  because I would like to spend more time exploring other parts of the Kansai region. But if you like to take things slow, it’s also fine to get a 2 day USJ Studio Pass.

Read also: 8-Day Japan Itinerary: 9 Cities in Kansai for Under S$900

Can I re-enter the park after heading outside for lunch?

You will not be allowed to re-enter the park. I’m sure if you have a genuine “emergency”, the staff will be able to make special arrangements though.

*Pro-tip : We suggest grabbing breakfast from Lawson before entering the park, munch on snacks for lunch, and have dinner at Universal City Walk.

Minion bao .

Turkey Leg.

What if I need to change my USJ Ticket dates?

Unfortunately, your USJ tickets and express passes are valid only on the specified date so be sure to plan your itinerary well to avoid any cancellations!

What are your favourite attractions in USJ?

If it wasn’t obvious in our USJ Guide, Super Nintendo World, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Minion Park, and Hollywood Dream Backdrop the ride!

We love Super Nintendo World and Harry Potter so much that we even bought wristbands and wands at Ollivanders to interact with different zones within the areas.

Minion Park on the other hand was just a bunch of cuteness. Be sure to hang around for the Minion Parade and photo-taking ops. Hollywood Dream Backdrop is simply the best ride in the park.

What snacks should I try in USJ?

Mario’s Cap Strawberry Shortcake and Luigi’s Cap No-Bake Grape Cheesecake.

Mario’s/Lugi’s Cap Pancake Sandwich, Minion Cookies at Minion Park (though it’s too cute to eat), and frozen Butterbeer at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter!

Minion Cookies.

Butterbeer! Sadly it’s non-alcoholic.

Yummm, maybe it’s time to book your tickets to Universal Studios Japan now 😉

Read also: Universal Cool Japan 2018: 4 New Attractions at Universal Studios Japan To Relive Your Childhood Nostalgia

Hope you found our ultimate USJ guide and tips for planning a magical experience useful. Do share with us your tips and experience in the comments section below!

This post is brought to you by Klook .

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85 comments.

Very informative piece on USJ! Love the tips given! Is the SUMMER70 code still valid? Thanks in advance.

Yes it is! But hurry!

Hi! When I purchase the USJ Express Pass ticket on Klook, will it give me my time slot for the Harry Potter ride?

Yes it does! However we got ours in Japanese. You can either ask a staff for help or ask a friend who knows Japanese.

I used a mixture of copy pasting on Google Translate and a friend to confirm our timed entries.

If you drop me a mail on our contact form I can send you a picture of what it looks like. There’s a QR code for scanning but the info is mainly in Jap. Gave feedback for them to improve though!

Thanks. Useful tips & guide, particularly #4. Can’t wait to visit USJ next week…

Hi! Since the USJ Express pass gives you a time slot for the Harry Potter ride, I assume it gives you head of queue privileges to get into the Wizarding World of HP. However, what are my options if my ride time slot is for the morning and I also want to go back in the late afternoon? Can I get in line for a timed entry ticket with the rest of the public? Thanks for your help!

Yes you can just queue for a timed ticket as well if necessary. But if you try to go on weds or thurs as suggested there shouldn’t be a problem!

What is your opinion – usj 1.5 day pass vs usj 1 day+express4?

(My girl doesn’t go for the super thrill rides. Anything that’s similar to USS Battlestar is out!)

Hello! It depends on which day you are going. You never really know! I personally think 1day + express is better because you get to spend the other day doing something else.

Hello there! If after i take the time ticket for HP late afternoon slot as suggested, how can i go to the HP Forbidden Journey since you suggested for me to go there after i take the time ticket in the late afternoon?

Hi Nami! The idea is to take the timed ticket as backup but try your luck at the HP Forbidden Journey because you never know, there might be no queue!

Hi, It will be my first time to USJ this Dec. May I check with you (hope it’s not a dumb question) if the timed ticket is required to take the HP Forbidden Journey? If there is no queue, we can take the ride even without the ticket? Also if I get the express pass, the timing indicated is purely decided by Klook? Thanks for your time.

Yup if there is no queue you don’t need the timed ticket. Unfortunately USJ will be the ones who determining the timing for the express pass.

Hope this helps!

Hi, can I know what do I need to produce to get the HP time ticket? Thanks.

Hello! I believe just your entry ticket!

Hi, like to find out more about the timed ticket to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter… How does it works? Is it similar to Disneyland whereby there a machine for you to press on for the ticket and time is fixed. E.g. first 5 people who press for it will receive timed ticket for 10:15 to 10:45am and the following 5 people will receive timed ticket for 10:30 to 11am?

Hello! When the park is experiencing heavy traffic, the timed tickets will be required. Most of the time it won’t be required especially if you follow the tips!

However, in the event that you want to get one, the machine will give you options to choose based on what’s available! Hopefully not much has changed since then.

Hi Guy, This is such a useful information that I’ve ever seen before. However, I have a doubt on few points. For the Harry Potter Fan route as you suggested to get the timed HP ticket as late afternoon. Can it be possible us to play HP Forbidden journey in the morning if it is not my time slot to entry HP zone? How many time we can enter to HP zone? Thank you in advance yaaa.

If it is not crowded in the morning yes you can! The suggestion is to protect yourself incase the park gets too crowded. You can enter the Harry Potter zone as many times as possible. But if the park is packed and the timed tickets are in place, you will only be able to use your timed tickets once!

Hi, I would like to ask countdown party ticket. I found that this ticket can go inside since 8 PM. till 2 AM of January 1,2018 right? But If I just buy normal ticket on the January 1, 2018 I can get in since 2 AM… So.. the question is, they just open for just enter and look around or all the ride will open in the night time?

For the VIP pass, they allow to enter before opening hour right? So if I have it, I can get in and go riding first or just the right for first Q inside?

Unfortunately we do not have information regarding the countdown party ticket as we have not experienced it ourselves. For the VIP wristband, you will be in a queue that allows you to get into the park earlier. Do still arrive early because if you are at the end of the VIP queue, it will not make much of a difference as being in the normal queue.

Hi, I was wondering after you get the harry potter timed ticket that is for an afternoon entrance will you still be able to go straight to the Forbidden journey or do you have to wait for your timed ticket to go for this ride? Thanks!!

Hi danica! It really depends on the crowd that day! The strategy is to try and get the timed ticket, if it’s required.

The times ticket is for entering that section of park and not for the ride. For the ride, you will need an Express Ticket!

Hello! Thanks for this very informative article!! When you mention “timed ticket”, you don’t have to have an express pass to get this timed ticket right?

Would you recommend express pass if I am travelling in early Feb to Osaka?

Hi Cheng Ting,

Nope you don’t need an express pass for the timed ticket if you get it at the park. But if you buy an express pass, you’ll also be given a timed ticket!

Early Feb is a good period, though I think avoiding weekends is still key! If you can’t avoid public holidays or weekends, it might be a safer bet to get the express pass. it’s really hard to say though!

Hi, I need your help and advice.

It’s our first time to Universal Studio Japan and we will go on February 8 (Thursday). Couple and 2 teens.

I just checked KLOOK for the Universal Express PASS 4 and it is too expensive (SGD128 per person). We will probably just try to get a timed ticket and go early.

1. Do you suggest us to get the VIP Pass? I’m still not clear how it works? “You can enter USJ 30mins to 1hr earlier than the normal crowd”…. is this PASS just for the main entrance? When you say earlier, do you mean “30 minutes to 1 hour before opening hour?” 2. Is the timed ticket only for HP? How about other popular rides like Minion Mayhem, Spider-Man, Backdrop? 3. After getting the timed ticket for HP, do we just do the normal queue for other rides? 4. Is there something like Fastpass (Disneyland) for each ride for us to get a ticket and go back at designated time? 5. How long are the queues for other rides other than HP? 6. Have you tried the outdoor rides on winter season?

Hope you can reply me, thanks!

Hope we can answer your questions here.

1) The VIP pass allows you to enter via a separate queue beside the normal USJ gates. The opening times vary everyday, and it’s up to USJ to decide. How it works is that after collecting the pass, you need to log-on to the USJ website using the pin-code given to access the timing for the VIP passes. Even with the VIP Pass, I recommend that you arrive 45mins before the opening timing on your pass. If you are at the back of the VIP queue, it’s the same as entering with the normal queue. ( https://www.klook.com/activity/1326-usj-vip-wristband-harukas-300-observatory-pass-osaka/?aid=312 ) 2) The Timed-ticket mentioned in the article is specific for HP. However if you get the Express Pass, you will also get a timed ticket for the popular rides. 3) Yup! 4) No USJ doesn’t have what Disneyland has. The only way to fast track is using the Express Pass. However if you follow our tips and pick a good day to visit, it is likely that you won’t need the Express Pass 5) It can be as long as 4hrs or as short as 15mins. Really depends on when you go. 6) Not yet but the team is heading there in a few days! Cool Japan is back and refreshed for 2018.

Sorry, more questions and advice. : )

If we get the VIP Wristband for early-entry…. should we go immediately to take the HP ride? Or can we first get a timed ticket for HP (afternoon slot), and then go to Minion Mayhem first. Will the queue for the timed ticket also long?

What is the best plan having a VIP Wristband.

The timed ticket for HP will only be up when the park is too crowded. So if you head straight for Harry Potter world, there shouldn’t be a problem. The idea of the VIP wristband is to arrive early and try to complete 2 rides before the real crowd comes.

Hello, is the Harry Potter and the forbidden journey claustrophobic? I have a major fear of enclosed space. That being said so, i managed to get through the transformers ride in Singapore Universal Studios, just barely however!

I think you’ll be fine! This ride isn’t exactly in an enclosed carriage. You sit sideways in a row with nothing in front of you except the safety bar. Turned out of be one of my favourite rides! Hope you’ll enjoy it too 🙂

Hi, love this post and a lot of information (especially the pre-planning part) before heading there in mid-May. I got questions here to check with you guys.

1) If I purchased the Express pass, means I don’t need to get the timed ticket for The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and I just go as per schedule on my Express pass right? Unless I want to go for Expecto Patronum Night Show, then I will need to get timed ticket for late afternoon?

2) Because I am bringing my mom (she is 50 year old) together, any advice or suggestion like which ride is suitable for elderly?

Thanks in advanced 🙂

(1) Yes! (2) Oh man. We were all a bunch of young people so didn’t really pay attention to that. I reckon the rides in the children zones should be appropriate unless your mom is super adventurous!

Thank for the advice! 🙂

hello!! thank you for this informative post! it really helps for the first timers. I have some questions. We are going there on Mar29 (which is Thursday, but school spring break 🙁 We expect massive crowd that day. So my question, what if we just go there during midday, will the crowd pass by and possible to enter the park? and HP? thanks dear

Hi Bea! Glad you found it useful. That might be tricky because people usually stay in the park the entire day so arriving in midday might not make much of a difference. Would suggest getting the Express Pass via the link on the site!

thank you for replying <3 I've been checking all the Express Pass and VIP Wristband in different agency, but its too damn expensive at the moment 🙁 Do you have suggestion which agency is ok? JTB, Klook or Voyagin? Thanks Again

Klook for us! http://bit.ly/2FW8l50

Is it possible to change times for the Express Pass? Will be attending with other who have been given different times.

Hi Adam, based off our understanding I don’t think so! Perhaps you can try asking the company you bought it off from?

I went to usj for my birthday in 2nd May 2018.

Hi ! Do you know what the exact time for the Harry Potter Expecto Patronum Night Show ? Because I got the 3:30 timed entry (express pass), and planning to get another one for the late evening one, so I can enjoy the world at night and watch the show.. Thanks !

Hello, from memory there’s a few shows starting from 530 and lasting till 730. The schedule changes according to the season so it’s best to check on the day itself! Can ask the staff there or pick up the leaflets near the entrance.

hello i need usj express ticket on 11, july. can you check if it’s available? i want express 7 backdrop or anything else. thankyou! mail me please

Hi Shina, sorry but we are unable to advise as we do not work directly with USJ. Have you checked the link on Klook?

HI PuppetMaster,

Thanks for all the tips. I’m a HP lover and will follow your suggested route in USJ.

Just 2 questions: 1. As at Nov 2018, I don’t seem to be able to find the “Expecto Patronum Night Show” you mentioned here. Instead, there is the “Hogwarts Magical Nights”. Has the latter show replaced the former? 2. Where is the best place in your opinion, to stand to catch the “Universal Spectacle Night Parade – The Best of Hollywood” parade?

Thanks so much!

We haven’t been there in a year so there’s a chance the show has changed!

For the Parade, the paid area is the best, but if you do not wish to pay extra, I would suggest the junction just outside Terminator 2. That way the parade will pass by you twice! You can check out this link for the route. https://www.usj.co.jp/e/universal-night-parade/

No prob. Thanks for the tips. Will be visiting in 2 weeks. Keep you posted about the junction outside T2. Cheers!

USJ is fantastic. I’ve done USO, USS as well. and USJ competes with USO and Islands of Adventure, which is saying something.

All of the tips above are great, here are my suggestions: If you are paying the money to go here you HAVE to get the Express Pass. I’ve never got an Express Pass before, since I have just done Single Rider, but forget the Single Rider being an adequate alternative for the popular rides.

If you are going to spend on the express pass and tickets, get the VIP wristband. It sounds confusing as to what the advantage is. But its simple, even though you and the regular entrants get in the same time officially, you have a head start as they pre-scan your tickets and you are siting in a gift store. Therefore when the gates open you just go in the park. Normal entrants still need to wit their turn to get their tickets scanned.

Because the lines are long its a big advantage. I guess if you are first 5 in line at each turnstyle for the normal entry you have the same advantage, but to get that you need to be there maybe a few hours in advance. So get the VIP pass and come about 1/2 hour or so before the time they give you. I did and as literally near the door.

It was fun to sprint out with the others…even though I had no need to sprint :D. Next, my advice is to use that opportunity to ride the best rides that is NOT on your express pass. I had the Flying Dinosaur 7 pass and used the time to ride Hollywood Dream Backdrop. I was tempted to go to Harry Potter but figured not to since It was already on my pass. Now if you are a Harry Potter FANATIC and need to ride Forbidden Journey twice, I guess. but I’ve rode it twice at Orlando and Backdrop is a tremendous ride and a fantastic way to start the day!

Also dont waste the express pass on the rides which have shorter lines or that can take a lot of people like Jaws, Backdraft , and Terminator (unless you want to be in the front) if you have the option of a more popular ride like Spiderman, regular Hollywood Dream, etc.

Thanks for the really good tips and insight! Really agree with some of your strategies.

Hi Is it possible to buy an express pass for Harry Potter only or you have to get the Express pass 4? Thanks 🙂

There are no individual express passes however, you could head to the park early (be one of the first few in line!) and go straight for Harry Potter’s world to get your timed ticket.

Hi, I am planning on buying the express pass 4 – minion ride from the USJ Japanese website for our visit. It seems you can select the timed entry options for the HPW entry, the Forbidden Journey ride and the minion ride Iwhereae you cannot on Klook/Voyagin) . It think you said you bought tickets this way before. Which timed combo did you pick? There are several combinations. My dilemma is whether to choose the options to go to HPW first thing or later in the afternoon. My daughter loves HP, so we will want to spend a lot of time there. But since the Minion Ride is outside of the HPW, if I choose to go HPW in the morning and my timed minion ride in the afternoon, that means I must exit the HPW with a risk of not being able to go back in. What would be your recommendation? 1. 9.10am HPW entry, 9.30 Forbidden Journey Ride, 3pm Minion Ride (This selection means I am in HPW for 5 hours and 50 mins. Is that enough time to complete HPW?) 2. 9.50 Minion Ride, 11.40pm HPW entry, 12pm Forbidden journey ride 3. 10am Minion Ride, 1.30pm HPW entry, 1.50pm Forbidden Journey ride

I know my daughter is going to want to go straight to HPW upon getting into USJ, but would you say the better strategy is to explore the rest of USJ in the AM and then go into HPW in the PM? Are the crows heavier in the AM or PM? And is it true that there are only 2 restaurants in HPW, so better to have lunch before going in?

Thanks for your feedback. 🙂

Yup you are right in saying that the timed entry ticket can only be used once. It really depends on the crowd that day but I think your strategy is safe if you want to spend a lot of time in HPW. So I would suggest that you do Minion and the rest of USJ first before heading into HPW.

Hi, where is the Studio West located? Near what? Thanks!

What do you mean by Studio West? Here’s a map but not too sure what you are referring to… https://www.usj.co.jp/e/common/studiomap.html

Hi louie, Just understood your question. Studio West is located on the right side of the main entrance. 🙂

Great article! I’d like to ask what are the average costs of the souvenir photos? Are there staff stationed around the theme park to help with photos?

Hi Angie, we aren’t sure, but it should be ~1,800 yen per photo.

Thanks for this article! It’s so helpful!

I’m planning to go USJ mid May, and seems like it’s best to pick either a Wed/Thurs to go where it’s less crowded. I’m a huge HP fan but I’m so confused with the timed entry tickets. Am I right that the timed entry is for entering to the entire Wizarding World, and not just limited to the rides? So potentially if I have a timed entry for mid morning, and I leave, then I might be denied entry to watch other shows at Wizarding World? There’s a new Hogwarts Magical Celebration at the Castle now but it’s only at these timings: 19:40 / 20:05 / 20:30 / 20:50, so I wonder if I need to get a second timed entry ticket to go back in the evening to watch these shows.

Also, do you know how would we know if a timed entry ticket is needed? I went to the USJ website and it mentioned “during peak periods”. Any advise is greatly appreciated 🙂 Thanks!

Timed entry tickets are only for entrance to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. The purpose of these is to control crowds going into that section of the theme park. So yes if you enter in the morning and leave to come back later, you may not be able to enter again if there are too many people (unlikely though on a Wednesday as long as it’s not a public holiday).

Timed tickets will only be issued on the spot if the park is too crowded! So most of the time you don’t really need it.

For rides, you actually have to look at express timed tickets from the Express Pass.

Hello! Thankful for this guide that I can start planning my USJ route in advance. However I have some doubts about Timed Entry Ticket with the Express Pass Rides. Hope you can guide me along the way.

I will purchase a Express Pass-4/7 with the USJ entry pass. So it will contained 1 timed entry to HPW right?

Will the timed entry to HPW same as the forbidden journey ride express time or different? If same, is it possible to get another timed entry ticket to enter in the evening to catch the show if our express pass time and timed entry is in the morning? If different, I can enter the HPW with the express pass time and re-eneter again in the afternoon with the timed entry ticket?

Is it possible to get another timed entry ticket for late evening when we first enter the USJ (even though I have already have it with the express pass)?

Hope you can clarify my doubt or if you dont understand you can email me!. Thank you so much!

Hi Charlotte! The algorithm should give you a timed entry to HPW before your Forbidden Journey Express Ride unless something went wrong. Unfortunately you will not be able to select the timed entry nor will USJ allow you to choose. However we haven’t heard from anyone who has a screwed up schedule with their timed entry and express ride pass so I think it should be ok! Do let us know how it goes!

Hi! Thanks for the reply! Appreciated much!! Can we still get another timed entry to HPW at the USJ central park itself ? (even though i have bought the express pass and it comes with the timed entry too) Thanks!

Hi Charlotte,

Years later, i have the same questions as u. I bought the Express pass 4 and they have given me a 4pm entry to Nintendo world. I wonder can i come early in morning and try get a timed entry, then re-enter at 4pm.

yes you can!

Hi! Can we use the wand purchased at universal Japan to cast spell in universal Orlando?

Hi Arham, we’re not sure but I think the USJ wand can only be used in USJ!

Hi, I am heading to USJ with my hubby and taking our 1 year old daughter, 9 year old son and 72 year old dad with us. I presume most of the rides won’t be suitable for my 1 year old. I was thinking of taking turns with my hubby to ride on the adult ones. In this case, i shouldn’t buy any express nor VIP passes? Doesn’t make sense does it? Which route would work best for us? Thanks much! 🙂 I was thinking of visiting the park on Wed, 20th Nov.

Hi Gillian,

Express Passes might still be useful for yourself and your hubby so you guys don’t have to be apart for too long while waiting for the rides! Route wise it really depends on your interests!

I see, ok then! Thanks a lot , will go check out the express passes. 🙂

I see a lot of questions on times entry tickets. Mine too, How will I know whether will there be timed entry tickets available on the day I am going?

If the crowds are less, there wont be any timed entry tickets?

Hi Anan, if you are referring to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, there’s no way you will know. It really depends on the crowd. If there is less crowd, they will not give our timed entry tickets to Harry Potter World! Hope this helps! 🙂

Hi, great info. Are there age/height restrictions on the rides? We have a 10 year old who is approx 140 cm tall. We would hate to go there and then he would not be allowed to ride…

140cm should be safe! According to this page at least: https://www.usj.co.jp/e/attractionguide/

Hi! Do I still need to pay before getting into the rides, or does the admission/entrance ticket cover all the rides? 🙂

Also, can I use my ICOCA card when purchasing/paying inside USJ? How about credit card? Debit card?

Planning to go to USJ this April 2020. This post was quite informative. Thank you. 🙂

Hi Anne! There are a few seasonal rides that require a top up but the regular ticket gets you access to most of the rides in the park. Not too sure if they accept ICOCA cards but credit/debit cards backed by Mastercard and Visa are definitely accepted! Glad you found this guide useful 🙂

Hi, can I register my studio passes a few days in advance in the USJ app?

Hi! Yes, you can get your studio passes via the USJ app!

Hello! I will be heading to USJ in Jan. Was wondering how do I make my way form the entrance to central park to get the timed tickets to enter Nintendo world/Harry Potter.

Hi! You can check this website for an illustration map: https://www.usj.co.jp/e/attraction/timed-entry-ticket/index.html

It’s not too far from the entrance and there will be signs put up onsite too, so you’ll know you’re in the right place!

Hi there, its my first time to USJ. I bought the Express pass 4 and Studio pass. It has given me a timing to enter to Nintendo World at 440pm. If i arrive early at USJ, can i use the app to get an area timed entry ticket first in the morning and then re-enter at 440pm?

Your ad keeps popping up making it super annoying to read the article. I’ve never been so irritated before

Hey Jo, thanks for your feedback! We’re working with the developer to not have it pop-up after it’s closed.

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2024 Universal Studios Japan Guide & Tips

This guide to Universal Studios Japan offers tips & tricks for visiting Osaka’s popular theme park, which is home to Super Nintendo World, Harry Potter, Jaws, and more! This includes USJ strategy & info about where to eat, what to do, how to avoid crowds, minimize wait times, and more!  (Updated January 3, 2024.)

After being USJ Annual Passholders for several years and going regularly between 2013 and 2019, we’ve  finally  been able to return and visit Super Nintendo World, with more visits planned in April and May 2024. Suffice to say, a lot has changed with the opening of Mario’s first theme park land.

The first big thing you should know to start if visiting Universal Studios Japan anytime soon is that the park has been quietly opening before the published time. This is reportedly a mitigation measure to reduce congestion outside the park–nevertheless, crowds were colossal during our visit.

Since this early opening is unadvertised and unpublished, it varies from day-to-day and could stop happening at any time. You might visit tomorrow and not experience it. With that said, we  strongly  recommend arriving to the front gates of USJ at least an hour before park opening. This is the easiest way to experience Super Nintendo World without timed entry or hassling with buying Express Pass.

You can knock out both rides  and  some mini-games before official park opening, eat an early “lunch” in Super Nintendo World, and move on to the rest of the park. Or, you can stick around and do more Mario stuff–it’s pretty easy to spend a half or even full day in Super Nintendo World if you’re a big fan and that’s the reason for your visit.

There are two other major changes on the horizon for Universal Studios Japan, the first of which is the permanent closure of The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man – The Ride after January 22, 2024. A replacement has not yet been announced, but it’s rumored to be something Pokemon (that popular franchise is otherwise only represented in seasonal entertainment, merchandise, and food). Additionally, there’s the big Donkey Kong Country addition to Super Nintendo World in Spring 2024. (More on that below.)

Those are really the big things to know before you go in 2024. Otherwise, we are still ‘digging out’ from our month-long stay in Japan, and will have many more updates on Universal Studios Japan soon. If you’re planning a visit to USJ in Spring 2024 or beyond,  subscribe to our FREE email newsletter   and stay tuned for more.

With that out of the way, let’s take a look at the big new addition to the park, which will likely draw tons of international visitors to Universal Studios Japan in 2024 and beyond…

The blockbuster Super Nintendo World is the world’s first Mario land. This was first scheduled to open before the Tokyo Summer Olympics, and even with the one-year delay that still ended up being technically true!

Super Nintendo World was designed as an intimate area–you literally enter through a green ‘warp pipe’ tunnel. It’s also entirely by design, and not because Super Nintendo World is small scale or lacks ambition. To the contrary, it’s a blockbuster $580 million expansion of Universal Studios Japan.

As noted above, we’ve had the chance to visit this new land, and share thoughts and additional photos in  Super Nintendo World Review:  Good, Bad & Ugly . If you’re looking for more Mario Kart info, see our  Mario Kart Ride Review . We do not have a standalone post for Yoshi’s Adventure because it would be overkill.

Stay tuned for a restaurant review of  Kinopio’s Café in the near future. In the meantime, we highly recommend buying Princess Peach’s Cake. Yes, it’s on the pricey side, but it’s delicious and serves 2-4 adults.

For now, Super Nintendo World features two rides, one of which is Yoshi’s Adventure, a family-friendly attraction that allows guests to go on a journey with Yoshi. You’ll search for Captain Toad on a treasure hunt and use his map to find 3 mysterious eggs.

Super Nintendo World’s flagship attraction is Mario Kart: Koopa’s Challenge, housed inside a recreation of Bowser’s Castle. This ride features iconic courses from the Mario Kart series brought to life with cutting-edge augmented reality technology, projection mapping, and fully dimensional environments.

Universal Studios Japan isn’t stopping there with fan-favorite Nintendo franchises. The two companies have announced the opening of the world’s first Donkey Kong Country with a roller coaster, interactive experiences, merchandise and food. The Universal creative team and the Nintendo creative team — including creator Shigeru Miyamoto — will bring the new Donkey Kong themed area to life at USJ.

Guests will feel like they are playing inside the world of Donkey Kong as they take a walk on the wild side through the lush jungles where Donkey Kong and his friends live. The new Donkey Kong area is set to open in Spring 2024, and will increase the size of Super Nintendo World by 70%.

The Donkey Kong Country themed area is a wild space with lush greenery, where the character and his friends live. The new land will will invite guests to “Play Wild” and enter the world of the popular game franchise, featuring interactive experiences featuring your whole body, merchandise, food & beverage in the middle of the jungle, other wild adventures, and a state-of-the-art roller coaster called Mine Cart Madness.

On the Mine Cart Madness attraction in Donkey Kong Country, you hop on a mine cart from The Golden Temple for a thrilling ride through the mines after you’re blasted out of a barrel cannon. Join Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong in this race through the jungle on a wild adventure to protect the Golden Banana from the Tiki Tak Tribe–you’ll even leap across collapsed tracks!

Although other full details, including the official opening date, are not yet known about Donkey Kong Country or Mine Cart Madness, we do know that the entrance to the new land is within the existing Super Nintendo World. This means that it’ll use the same Area Timed Entry Ticket: Advance Booking or an Area Timed Entry Ticket/Standby Entry Ticket system already in use for Super Nintendo World as a whole.

It’s safe to say Donkey Kong Country and Mine Cart Madness will be incredibly popular once they open, and Express Pass will be highly recommended. Hopefully Universal Studios Japan offers a package that includes Express Pass for all three Nintendo rides!

No matter whether you’re planning a trip to Universal Japan in 2024 to see the new Donkey Kong Country phase of Super Nintendo World, or sometime later, there’s one thing for which you should be prepared:  crowds . In our experience, Universal Studios Japan is the busiest theme park on the planet, with heavy attendance and multi-hour wait times for many attractions on many days.

We’ve made several trips to Osaka, Japan over the last few years (consult our Osaka, Japan City Guide for recommendations beyond  Universal), updating this guide regularly with our visits. One common thread throughout our visits has been the crowds. On busy days, we have seen posted wait times of 300 minutes for the Flying Dinosaur, Hollywood Dream, and Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey.

That’s the bad news. The good news is that it’s possible to avoid crowds and long lines by choosing your day to visit strategically, arriving early in the morning, having an efficient touring plan, and following these handy tips. With our strategy, it’s not even necessary to purchase Express Pass (although that doesn’t hurt).

Wait times, congestion, and crowds are the obvious first issue to discuss when it comes to Universal Studios Japan, so let’s start there…

The single biggest piece of advice is to arrive early–you should be getting off of the train nearly an hour before park opening. Universal Studios Japan was under-built given the attendance numbers it sees, meaning that every popular attraction can see serious waits, even on weekdays. These wait times can make Tokyo Disneyland’s headliners look like relative walk-ons.

Because of this, you want to arrive early, with a plan of attack, and hit the attractions that will later have long waits first-thing. After you get the big attractions out of the way, you’ll have more time to explore the park, see shows, shop, and eat, but your first 2-3 hours in the park should be calculated and maximum efficiency.

No matter the day of your visit, you’re looking at peak wait times of at least 3 hours. One day I visited, both Forbidden Journey and Hollywood Dream Backdrop maxed out at 300 minutes. The above waits are early in the day, so you can see I’m not exaggerating the importance of efficiency and arriving early. Don’t even stop for bathroom breaks, just wet your pants like a real theme park badass.

Park Tickets & Express Pass

Alternatively, if wetting your pants doesn’t sound super-cool, you might want to purchase Express Pass. On the first day I visited, Universal Studios Japan was already sold out of Express Pass an hour before park opening. We’ve been back several times since, and have ended up getting Express Pass in order to save time on busy days.

With the strategy below, you can potentially accomplish a lot without Express Pass. However, this requires using the Single Rider line extensively. In recent visits to Universal Studios Japan, we’ve noticed that Single Rider lines, especially those for thrill rides, have elevated wait times. (For example, we’ve seen the Flying Dinosaur with a posted standby wait of 180 minutes and a single rider wait of 120 minutes.)

If you want Express Pass, the easiest way to purchase it is by adding it to your tickets when purchasing them. To my knowledge, the only way to purchase Universal Studios Japan tickets with (or without–but we recommend with) Express Pass in advance is via Klook, which we recommend buying .

The reasons we recommend buying the Express Pass via Klook are three-fold. First, Express Pass will save you a lot of time waiting in line. You could easily save 3-5  hours  in a single day with it.

Second, Express Pass availability is limited, and we’ve been to Universal Studios Japan several times when it has sold out completely. If your dates are already unavailable on Klook, that’s why. It’s best to purchase Express Pass a few weeks in advance, but if it’s already unavailable, you  might  have luck buying same-day at the park. No guarantees, though.    

Finally, if you purchase an Express Pass option that includes Mario Kart: Koopa’s Challenge or Yoshi’s Adventure, it also includes timed entry admission to Super Nintendo World. This alone is huge, and the only way to guarantee you’ll be able to access the highly-popular new land during your visit.

For the best intersection of value and time-savings, we highly recommend the buying Universal Studios Japan Express Pass 4 ~ The Flying Dinosaur . This includes the following:

• Admission to: (A) Mario Kart: Koopa’s Challenge, (B) Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, (C) The Flying Dinosaur, (D) The Amazing Adventures of Spider Man – The Ride 4K3D or Jurassic Park – The Ride
• Area Timed Entry Ticket: Super Nintendo World and the Wizarding World of Harry Potter

You can also purchase Express Pass upon arrival, but it sells out in advance quite often, which is where Klook comes in. We’ve used them for  Universal Studios Japan’s Express Pass as well as other things in Japan, and have found them to offer reliable and friendly service.

Unfortunately, outside of the ridiculously-priced “Royal Studio Pass,” none of the Express Pass 4 options cover all of the most popular attractions. If you’re willing to splurge, the Express Pass 7 includes all of the high-profile attractions, and will save you the most time. We usually stick to the tried and true Flying Dinosaur 4-pack, though.

Note that our recommendation will almost certainly change in Spring 2024 once Donkey Kong Country and Mine Cart Madness open. We’re really hoping there’s an option that includes both Mario Kart and the Donkey Kong roller coaster!

In terms of purchasing in advance, Klook is the best option for tickets . There’s no easy way to purchase tickets directly on USJ’s English website. The other alternative is finding tickets at a Lawson’s convenience store kiosk once you arrive in Japan, but navigating the menus in Japanese is a challenge.

If you don’t want to purchase Universal Studios Japan park tickets via Klook for some reason but do   want Express Pass, we’d recommend arriving to the park  at least an hour before park opening so you have a chance at purchasing Express Pass before it sells out. Trains to and around Osaka can be very packed around the morning rush, so give yourself plenty of transit time.

While Express Pass sells out frequently, regular Universal Studios Japan park tickets also can sell out of tickets on busy days, so if you don’t purchase your tickets in advance of your trip, you still should show up an hour before parking opening to buy them if you’re going during the summer, on a weekend, or a national holiday.

Regular weekdays should not have any issues with tickets selling out so you can arrive closer to park opening. In that case, we’d still recommend getting to Universal Studios Japan at least 15-30 minutes before park opening. We’ve been a couple of times when the park opened its turnstiles ~10 minutes before official opening time.

When to Visit

Most of you probably have are reading this after already having booked a trip to Japan, and are trying to figure out when to slot Universal Studios Japan into your itinerary. For you, our strong recommendation is to visit on a non-holiday weekday. You should absolutely avoid weekends at Universal Studios Japan. Friday, Saturdays, and Sundays–particularly Saturdays, are insanely crowded.

If you have more flexibility in your schedule and are wondering which season is best, we tend to favor Halloween and Christmas, but that’s true pretty much with every theme park. In addition to better weather, there are seasonal events.

Our first visit to Universal Studios Japan was in October, which meant Halloween Horror Nights in the evening. Other special events occur throughout the year, including Cool Japan. For our most recent visit, we returned to USJ during the “NO LIMIT! Christmas” celebration. You can read that in our Tips for Christmas at Universal Studios Japan post.

We also have  a separate post on Universal Studios Japan’s Halloween Horror Nights , so I’m not going to be covering that or any other special events here. Just be aware that the park does special events, so you should consult their calendar before you visit to determine how to incorporate them into your day.

If you’re thinking of a spring or summer visit, you’ll normally experience Cool Japan. This features attraction overlays and entertainment for that includes Final Fantasy, Detective Conan, Monster Hunter, and Sailor Moon. We visited USJ for Cool Japan , and had a blast doing Final Fantasy XR, seeing the shows, and trying a ton of kawaii foods .

Where to Eat

Obviously, rides are the main draw at Universal Studios Japan, but before we get to that, a quick note on food. Not all of the restaurants at USJ are equal. Some are good, some are  really, really bad. 

We think food is incredibly important to the theme park experience, and have spent a lot of time “researching” the dining options at USJ to put together our  Restaurant Reviews & Food Guide for Universal Studios Japan , which covers everything from full meals to snacks.

Speaking of which, cute snacks are a must when visiting Japan, and Universal does not disappoint in that regard. From Sailor Moon cakes to Minion burgers, there’s a diverse assortment of kawaii desserts and savory snacks at Universal Studios Japan. In fact, you could go the full day without having a meal and have a pretty stellar dining experience!

Single Rider Lines

The second biggest piece of advice is to take advantage of the Single Rider lines, which is a way to bypass excruciatingly long waits on the headliners. Here’s a full list of attractions at Universal Studios Japan that have Single Rider Lines:

• Space Fantasy – The Ride (or its XR coaster overlay)
• The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man – The Ride 4K3D
• Hollywood Dream
• Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
• Mario Kart: Koopa’s Challenge
• The Flying Dinosaur
• Jurassic Park – The Ride

That’s only 7 attractions, but the good news here is that these are 7 of the most popular attractions at Universal Studios Japan. Having this on the Flying Dinosaur–the newest and most popular attraction at Universal Studios Japan–is a pretty big deal and can save you a ton of time. ( Note:  Hollywood Dream used to have Single Rider on the Backdrop version of the attraction; it appears to have changed to the normal version. Your mileage may vary as to which has it when you visit.)

I don’t care how much you love your family and enjoy riding together, you  need  to use the Single Rider lines at USJ. This is an every-man-for-himself, kill-or-be-killed type of thing, and there’s no room for weakness like a sense of family togetherness. Okay, that’s a little harsh, but I’m only partially kidding.

By taking advantage of the Single Rider line on these attractions, you’re looking at saving 3-6 hours of time waiting in line over the course of the day. The Single Rider lines are not popular with Japanese families, meaning that even on some popular attractions with long waits, the Single Rider line will likely be a 20 minute or less wait. This is consistently true on JAWS, and we’ve bypassed a 2-hour wait by doing Single Rider.

Unfortunately, this is not as true with roller coasters and other attractions popular with Japanese teenagers, who are more willing to go solo to save some time. Rides like Hollywood Dream, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, the Flying Dinosaur–basically anything that’s a thrill ride (and that’s over half of the attractions on the list).

Accordingly, you should still make an effort to arrive at park opening and do the thrill rides with Single Rider early in the day if you want to avoid longer waits. We’ve found that within the first hour of park opening, most Single Rider lines are under 30 minutes. Midday, you might see Single Rider waits of over an hour on thrill rides.

One other thing to know about the Single Rider lines at Universal Studios Japan is that they aren’t always open. This was the one curveball I encountered, as I faced a dilemma as I strolled up to JAWS to find the Single Rider line closed and a 120 minute wait. Being a  huge  fan of the old school Universal Studios attractions, I did it anyway.

Later in the evening, the Single Rider line was open and our group did it again with a <5 minute wait. I don’t regret waiting 2 hours to experience it (the queue has tons of details that weren’t in the Florida version), but obviously, I would’ve preferred to experience it with a 5 minute wait.

If you find yourself faced with a similar dilemma, just remember that the Single Rider line  might  be open later.

Attractions & Strategy

Assuming you’re using Single Rider lines, my recommended attraction order for a normal day at USJ is as follows if you want to maximize efficiency:

• Arrive 60-90 minutes before park opening
• Super Nintendo World (via open entry)
• Yoshi’s Adventure
• Super Nintendo World Power-Up Band Games
• Obtain timed entry for return to Super Nintendo World later
• The Flying Dinosaur (via Single Rider)
• Hollywood Dream – The Ride Backdrop (via Single Rider)
• Space Fantasy – The Ride or XR Ride overlay (via Single Rider)
• Wizarding World of Harry Potter
• The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man – The Ride 4K3D (via Single Rider)
• Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem
• JAWS (via Single Rider)
• …and so on…

Note that if you’re attending for a seasonal event, you should strongly consider prioritizing those attractions. This is particularly true with whatever the particular “The Real” attraction (which is a live action role playing game, typically one that has you battling in groups against some sort of monster). Same goes if a XR coaster is running in place of Space Fantasy during your visit. Theater shows, stage shows, or parades during special events typically do not need to be prioritized to the same degree.

If you’re a Universal Studios regular in either Florida and California, you might prioritize differently. For example, you might care more about extinct US attractions or unique Japan attractions than clones that presently exist stateside.

In terms of extinct attractions, JAWS is unquestionably the main draw (Back to the Future – The Ride closed last year; if you see it listed on another site, that is now out of date).

JAWS is largely the same as the US version, with slight differences in the pre-show. and outside the building. Amity Village where JAWS is located is larger than its Florida predecessor, and the queue is significantly better (at least to my memory).

As for unique attractions, Space Fantasy is far and away the winner here. This is like Space Mountain meets Crush’s Coaster set in the middle of a kawaii anime adventure. It is  distinctly  Japanese, so it’s unlikely to ever be cloned stateside, which is a real shame, because the experience is both beautiful and exciting.

This is far and away my favorite attraction at USJ. Unfortunately, it has an XR Final Fantasy overlay for Cool Japan and has had other seasonal overlays, so it’s been a while since I’ve gotten to experience the normal version of the attraction. While the XR coaster is a really cool concept, I think it’s unfortunate that they added XR to a coaster that has cool physical sets and a great theme.

There are a few other unique attractions that are noteworthy. The first is Hollywood Dream – The Ride Backdrop, which isn’t really all that unique. This is Hollywood Rip, Ride, Rock-It in Florida, except with a slightly modified track and ride vehicles that face backwards. The backwards-facing coaster is pretty cool, but not enough to justify the insane waits it sees.

Along with the Flying Dinosaur, this is an attraction that tends to draw a long line even via Single Rider. Speaking of the Flying Dinosaur, it’s really popular, and also pretty intense. It had been a while since I had done a “serious” rollercoaster, and I could barely handle this. You’re strapped up in a prone position (so, with your body parallel to the ground), and the coaster swirls you all around. I’d say you’re spending more time upside down than right-side up!

Next is Minion Park, which is really just the area around Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem. This attraction and the mini-land are  really  popular . Minions in general are like the Duffy (Tokyo DisneySea) of Universal Studios Japan. I was astounded by how popular all things Minions are at USJ: food, merchandise, even popcorn buckets. This attraction gets a long wait, and the entire mini-land is incredibly crowded until the evening hours.

Next is “The Real [Escape Game].” The game here rotates by season, but always has an incredibly limited capacity. In ‘The Real’ you solve puzzles within the time limit and escape from a room while battling zombies/monsters/whatever. This is a really cool concept, but unless you speak Japanese, you might consider skipping this. If you want to do it anyway, you should  run  here first thing to get a return time, as this is the lowest-capacity attraction in USJ.

The other must-do is Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Even if you’ve seen it in Orlando or Hollywood, this Hogsmeade has a couple of unique draws. There’s a better lead up path into the land, and the sprawling Black Lake, which makes for a beautiful photo op in the evening hours.

Because of this, you should select a time around sunset for your ticketed Wizarding World entry.  The Hogwarts Castle Walk-Through is also neat , and I was able to take my DSLR and tripod inside to take photos.

Beyond this, there’s a to do that is unique to Japan that doesn’t qualify as a headliner. The entirety of Universal Wonderland, including Hello Kitty Fashion Avenue is unique, and quite kawaii.

Walking through these areas, doing some of the kiddie rides, and going in the shops is a lot of fun. Likewise, shopping at the park is fun in general, as there is a lot of Japanese merchandise, and neat things to see.

Finally, the newest major addition to USJ is “Universal Spectacle Night Parade: Best of Hollywood,” featuring Transformers, Jurassic World, Harry Potter, and Minions has now debuted! This cutting edge parade features moving projection mapping along the entire parade route–a state of the art technology developed by USJ–and much more. Until Super Nintendo World opens, this is the hot new draw to Universal Studios Japan.

That’s it for now! By following our tips for the attractions that see high wait times, you can knock out the headliners early and spend more time exploring. Even going on a busy weekend day with Halloween Horror Nights in the evening, I was able to do every attraction that I wanted to do (some more than once) and wander around taking photos for quite a while during our first visit. Without a solid plan of attack and a willingness to use Single Rider, I would’ve accomplished 3-4 attractions the entire day. On subsequent trips, we’ve planned better and done even more. Hopefully these tips help you plan a better visit to Universal Studios Japan. If you have any questions, please post them in the comments below!

If you’re planning a visit to the Japan that includes Osaka and/or Kyoto, please check out my other posts about Japan . You’ll also want to consult our Osaka, Japan City Guide  to determine everything you should see and do while there.

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Hi this is a very helpful guide, thank you so much. I’m planning to go to USJ in March, do you know how to buy the ticket for the Monster Hunter World Iceborne XR event? I’ve tried the official website but I can’t sign up because you need a Japanese address, also the same thing with the Lawson website. I’m afraid of the tickets being sold out the day that I got there so I’m trying to buy it in advance. Do you know how? Or any experience from other paid XR ride?

Hi! I just bought a studio pass for sept 10 (sun), I couldn’t get an express pass through any website though, not klook nor usj, can i still go with my studio pass and get an express pass that day at the gate or is it my only option to get the timed entry eticket through the app?

Thank you for sharing the informations, but strangely I don’t see any pokemon being highlighted, is it not that popular? Or is there only a parade? Also, do you have any recommendations what time we should visit the demon slayer part? As I’m eager to find the nezuko popcorn bucket.

Pokemon isn’t discussed here because it’s entirely entertainment and somewhat seasonal at this point. It’s widely rumored that Pokemon will be replacing the Spider-Man ride. I really hope that’s true–Spider-Man is a great ride and deserves a worthy replacement!

I assume you mean the Demon Slayer overlay of Hollywood Dream? Definitely prioritize that–it’s VERY popular.

Very well written and informative. Will definitely bookmark many of your posts. Cheers!

Just paid a visit yesterday (Tuesday), arriving 30 minutes before opening. Crowds were very reasonable. The longest I waited was for single rider Hollywood Dream, which was posted 70 minutes but took only 45. Bought the Doraemon XR Express Pass as Flying Dinosaur was closed.

Buenas, genial el artículo!!!

Tengo previsto ir a USJ, el lunes 14 de agosto. Quiero entrar al área de Harry Potter sí o sí y me quiero ahorrar el Express Pass.

¿Si entro muy muy temprano podré hacerlo?

Hello. Do you know if UST is open on July?

Going to Osaka in July too, therefore same question.

Plus is it crowded in July?

I’m going to Osaka in july as well and for the later half of july, there is a very large festival happening in Osaka, making Universal Studios extremely busy🥲

If they do the hour early entry and if we go to SNW at that time, can we leave SNW still go back in at our appointed time with the express pass or will we be denied since we were in SNW during that hour before the park officially opened?

Is Space Fantasy likely to be open end of May? Looks closed now and says closed indefinitely. Is it just the overlay? I was hoping to ride it!

Hi! I contacted USJ directly because I had trouble buying tickets on their English website. Turns out they don’t accept international credit cards. (I wasn’t aware). However, you can use Apple Pay (Safari browse) to buy your tickets on their English website directly with no problem. I tried it and it works! I couldn’t use Klook because I needed to buy a senior ticket which they don’t sell. Thanks for the tips!

Followed your advise, and ordered all our tickets with Klook . excellent service, tickets within seconds , and finally no more stress about USJ . Thanks Tom

Hello! Love the tips! We will be there bright and early tomorrow morning! If for some reason they do not let people in earlier and we cannot get into snw without timed entry, how do we actually get timed entry? Do we have to get it at the gate or a different location?

How was it? Did they let you in early?

Hi – thank you for an amazing detailed post on USJ. I would like to know from your experience if we (family of 4) going to do a 1.5 day pass 24+25th April (Monday + Tuesday). Will we be-able to get through everything without an Express pass? or is it recommended just to get the dinosaur pass to ensure entry into Nintendo World (I really want to go in). There was also no mention in your article on where to get the power up bands?

We switched our visit to USJ from golden week, to the 18th of april. Hoping it will be less crowded. we booked a hotel nearby that sells entrytickets. But can we buy the express pass, the day before at the gates of USJ? Or are there more people here , that have positive exprerience with buying them from Klook ?

We would strongly recommend purchasing Express Pass more than just a day in advance. It frequently sells out weeks in advance on busier travel dates (and that includes yours).

While you might be able to buy it at the gate if they release more, that is risky. We’ve been burned by waiting to buy Express Pass on more than one occasion.

I find the whole ticketsystem, express pass, single rider thing , to be complicated. The official site doesnt accept European CC ,the USJ app is in Japanese , so its kind of a hassle. But hopefully it makes sense , once we are there . (Thanks for your answer Tom, I will look at Klook again..for the expresspass)

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The Ultimate Universal Studios Japan (USJ) Guide 2023

• Germaine Koh

Looking for your next holiday where adventure, thrill, and a little magic meet? Consider heading over to Universal Studios Japan where movie magic meets real life. Here are some tips and tricks to make the most out of your USJ experience!

The whole experience of going to theme parks can be so exciting. The journey starts even before you enter the park. With familiar tunes from popular shows playing in the background, you then step foot into a whole other world lined with beautifully designed sets and shops that make your childhood dreams come true… Until you find yourself stuck in the middle of a huge crowd or a long snaking queue that exceeds the “180 minutes” wait time. 

I’m sure you’ve had a similar experience during your visit to any theme park, and while waiting in line with your friends may be kind of fun (emphasis on kind of ), it’d be much better spent on the rides or exploring the rest of the park.

That’s why we have 10 tips for you to prepare for your next trip to Universal Studios Japan (USJ) so that you can make the most of your time there, and enjoy the full movie magic experience!

💜 Stay Up To Date: –  Tap & ‘Trip It All Day: Plus A Bonus Giveaway –  Google Pay Is Here: All You Need To Know! –  How To Capitalise On The Malaysian Ringgit Right Now

The Ultimate Universal Studio Japan (USJ) Guide: 10 Tips & Tricks For The Best Experience

1. choose your accommodations wisely.

Depending on the amount of time you have at the park and the kind of experience you want to have, you should consider choosing your accommodations wisely. Otherwise, you might end up spending a good number of hours just trying to get to the park. Staying close by helps too since you should try to get there early to beat the crowd (but more on that later on).

❗ Pro-Tip : Book your accommodations on Booking.com with your YouTrip card to enjoy up to 15% cashback with YouTrip Perks

Here are three of the best accommodations we’ve found:

✅ Best Ratings: Liber Hotel 

Image Credits: Osaka Info

Liber Hotel is a highly-rated hotel that’s within walking distance from USJ. Plus, it’s pretty reasonably priced compared to some of the hotels with similar standards in the vicinity. Most rooms are uniquely decorated with vibrant colours and posh furnishings that give the rooms a luxurious feel regardless of the type of room you choose. 

📍 Address: 554-0031 Osaka Prefecture, Osaka, Konohana-ku Sakurajima 1-1-35, Japan

🌟 Rating: 9.1/10 (out of 4,859 reviews on Booking.com)

👣 Distance from USJ: 1.7km

💸 Price : Starts from S$182 per night

YouTrip’s Ultimate Universal Studios Japan (USJ) Guide 2023: Check out Liber Hotel rates here

✅ Closest Proximity: The Front Park Hotel at Universal Studios Japan

Image Credits: Hotels Combined

If proximity and convenience are what you’re after, then the Front Park Hotel would be the best option for you. Just a 2-minute walk away, it makes the day less stressful since you don’t have to worry about beating traffic and the congestion on public transport on the way there and back. Do note, however, that most general passes do not allow for re-entry into the park after you leave, so you might have to give that afternoon nap a miss.

📍 Address: 554-0024 Osaka Prefecture, Osaka, Konohana-ku Shimaya 6-2-52

🌟 Rating: 8.9/10 (out of 4,584 reviews on Booking.com)

👣 Distance from USJ: 400m, 2 minutes walk

💸 Price : Starts from S$217 per night

YouTrip’s Ultimate Universal Studios Japan (USJ) Guide 2023: Check out Front Park Hotel rates here

✅ Best Price: La’gent Hotel Osaka Bay

Image credits: Trip.com

For the hotel with the best price that’s still within walking distance from USJ, consider the La’gent Hotel Osaka Bay. Each room and floor has a quirky, unique theme of its own which would definitely be enjoyable for the little ones! 

📍 Address: 1 Chome-1-57 Sakurajima, Konohana-ku, 554-0031 Osaka

🌟 Rating: 8.0/10 (out of 1,716 reviews on Booking.com)

👣 Distance from USJ: 1km, 15 minutes walk

💸 Price : Starts from S$147 per night

2. Buy Tickets In Advance

Image credits: Unsplash

While tickets are available over the counter at USJ, it also increases the time it takes for you to enter the park. Spend less time queuing for your tickets by purchasing them online in advance. There isn’t a difference in price, but it does save you some time. 

Here’s the breakdown of the prices:

These tickets just allow you entry into the park, but express passes are also available for purchase if you don’t want to spend too much time in line. Check out Klook for great deals on different kinds of tickets, and get up to 5% cashback on YouTrip Perks if you check out using your YouTrip card. 

YouTrip’s Ultimate Universal Studios Japan (USJ) Guide 2023: For more details on purchasing your tickets online, check out their official ticketing website here  

3. Plan Your Route

Image credits: Universal Studios Japan

If you’ve got a limited time at the park, planning your route is key! Currently, USJ has 10 sections — Hollywood, New York, San Francisco, Jurassic Park, Waterworld, Amity Village, Universal Wonderland, Minion Park, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and the latest Super Nintendo World. 

Start by deciding which shows you want to catch, which would determine where you need to be at what time. 

A day and a half would give you just enough time to visit each section and spend enough time to check out the different rides. The 1.5-Day Studio Pass allows you to do that without having to pay for a full two days, allowing you entry at 3 PM the first day, and then for a full day the next. It’s a pretty good option if you want to maximise your time at USJ without breaking the bank. 

YouTrip’s Ultimate Universal Studios Japan (USJ) Guide 2023: Check out USJ’s parade and show times here (subject to changes)

4. Choose Your Dates Well

Image credits: Timeout

USJ is a popular destination for both tourists and locals, so if you’re hoping to beat the crowd, planning is key. The best times to go would be in the middle of the week on Wednesdays or Thursdays . If you can, try to avoid Japanese public holidays and long weekends too so that you don’t have to compete with locals. 

If you would rather play it safe, you could consider opting for a ticket with express passes (Express Pass 4 or Express Pass 7) which would give you guaranteed timed entry to Super Nintendo World and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter which, trust me, can get pretty crowded. It also allows you to skip the queue for four or seven rides and attractions, depending on the kind of pass you get. 

The Super Nintendo World can get pretty crowded, and most days, you won’t be allowed entry except during your allocated entry time. So it’s either you go grab your ticket the moment you reach the park or get the express pass to skip that process. 

There are limited express passes per day, so be sure to book them early!

YouTrip’s Ultimate Universal Studios Japan (USJ) Guide 2023: Check out USJ’s Express Passes on Klook here

5. Arrive Early On The Day

Image Credits: Travel Caffeine

If you’re really hoping to make the most of your trip to USJ and catch most of the rides, heading to the park early might allow you to do just that. While the park officially opens at 8 AM, it’s commonly known that USJ opens up a lmost an hour earlier than the official opening hours. 

If your schedule allows and sleep can be given up, head to the park early and check off some of the more popular rides on your list so that you don’t have to squeeze in with the rest of the late risers later on.

YouTrip’s Ultimate Universal Studios Japan (USJ) Guide 2023: Find out more about USJ’s opening times and attraction schedules here

6. Download The USJ App

Image Credits: Go-Graph

Another way to get your hands on timed-entry tickets to different sections and attractions is by downloading the USJ App in advance. Besides booking your slots, you can also have all the information you need about the park at your fingertips. You can also check out the wait times for different attractions which makes it super convenient for you to decide which attractions to visit or skip! 

YouTrip’s Ultimate Universal Studios Japan (USJ) Guide 2023: Find out more about the USJ App here

7. Opt For Single-Rider Lanes

For the adventurous ones that aren’t too particular about who you’re seated next to on rides, some attractions allow for single-rider options that often would allow you to shorten wait times significantly. Some of the attractions with single-rider options include: 

• Mario Kart: Koopa’s Challenge
• Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
• Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem
• Elmo’s Go-Go Skateboard
• Hollywood Dream – The Ride
• Space Fantasy – The Ride
• The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man
• The Flying Dinosaur
• Jurassic Park – The Ride 

YouTrip’s Ultimate Universal Studios Japan (USJ) Guide 2023: Check out single-rider attractions here

8. Stay For Nighttime Entertainment

Image credits: B harat Agritech

Especially if it’s your first time visiting USJ, you should stay through the day to check out the Universal Spectacle Night Parade: Best of Hollywood. With the cutting-edge technology, beautifully decorated floats and impressive performances, it’s totally worth the wait. It also brings a different vibe to the whole park, making it more magical than it already is. Staying for the evening parade also allows you to catch the time when some visitors leave to avoid the peak-hour traffic just before the rides close, which means extremely short wait times for many attractions that are otherwise really crowded.

YouTrip’s Ultimate Universal Studios Japan (USJ) Guide 2023: Check out our 14-day Japan itinerary — Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka!

9. Dress Comfortably For The Weather

Image Credits: Kyodo News

Comfort is key in making your trip to USJ more enjoyable. Having the right fit can make a world of a difference, especially during the winter months since you’ll be spending most of your time outdoors. While looking cute for the photo-ops is great, you also want to make sure that you’re dressed warmly and with the right shoes so that you can last almost the whole day on your feet.

YouTrip’s Ultimate Universal Studios Japan (USJ) Guide 2023: Get 4% cashback at Uniqlo with YouTrip Perks !

10. Stay Hydrated And Take Breaks

Image Credits: The Park Prodigy

Going from one attraction to the next can get pretty tiring, so it’s important to schedule short breaks too so that you can have fun the whole day. While food items can get pretty pricey, some of them are worth checking out!

Some must-try items include the Butterbear at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter (don’t worry, it’s not actually beer), Fluffy Churritos at Delicious Me!, Turkey Leg-Flavoured Popcord at Jurassic Park and the Princess Peach’s Cake at Kinopio’s Cafe. There are also different seasonal dishes, like Christmas-themed menus that are totally Insta-worthy and delicious too. 

Besides the snacks and sweet treats, there are staples like Minion Japanese Curry Omurice, fried chicken sandwiches, hot dogs, and other theme-park usuals littered around, so be prepared to spend a little more if you intend to have your meals in the park. 

If you can, try to grab a bite slightly before or after main meal times to beat the crowd. That way, the chances of getting a nice seat to enjoy your meal would be higher too. 

YouTrip’s Ultimate Universal Studios Japan (USJ) Guide 2023: Check out restaurants and food options in USJ here

Where Movie Magic Meets Real Life!

There’s so much to see and do at Universal Studios Japan, it’s totally worth checking out especially if you’re looking for more thrilling adventures different from the whimsical Disney vibe. While you’re at it, remember to use your YouTrip card to make your purchases. From accommodations to getting tickets, and your spending within the park, your YouTrip card will score you the best exchange rates all day without those pesky bank fees getting in the way. 

As Singapore’s favourite multi-currency wallet, we aim to get those pesky fees out of the way and help you save on your travels. With the best foreign exchange rates, no longer will you have to deal with those long queues at money changers! So if you’re looking for a go-to travel card, sign up for your complimentary YouTrip card today with < YTBLOG5 > and get FREE S$5 in your account! Then, head over to our YouTrip Perks page for exclusive offers and promotions — we promise you won’t regret it. For more great tips and articles like this, join our Telegram (@YouTripSG) and subscribe to our free weekly newsletter here or down below.  

And while you’re at it, why not join the conversation with thousands of #YouTroopers in our very own Community Telegram Group @YouTripSquad ? Get tips and tricks to everything YouTrip including exclusive invites to exciting events and experiences, & be part of the #YouTripSquad! 💜

Happy travels!

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Universal Studios Japan

Universal Studios Japan (USJ) was the first theme park under the Universal Studios brand to be built in Asia. Opened in 2001 in the Osaka Bay Area , the theme park has been expanded over the years and is one of the most visited amusement parks in Japan.

Universal Studios Japan currently has ten sections: Hollywood, New York, San Francisco, Jurassic Park, Waterworld, Amity Village, Universal Wonderland, Minion Park, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Super Nintendo World. Visitors are able to enjoy many amusement rides, ranging from child-friendly carousels to thrilling roller coasters and simulators based on popular movies such as the Minions, Shrek and Jurassic Park.

In addition to rides, the theme park offers many opportunities to take pictures with popular characters' mascots such as Snoopy, Hello Kitty and the Muppets. There are also various shows put on every day, including a night parade featuring illuminated floats.

Just outside the park's gates is Universal Citywalk Osaka , a shopping mall with multiple hotels and many restaurants and shops, including stores selling Universal Studios merchandise and Osaka souvenirs. Furthermore, the Osaka Takoyaki Museum, which is essentially a collection of several popular takoyaki vendors, is located on the mall's fourth floor.

Getting there and around

The park's entrance gate is located a five minute walk from Universal City Station on the JR Yumesaki Line (also referred to as JR Sakurajima Line). From Osaka Station , there are several direct trains per hour (15 minutes, 190 yen) and many more connections that require an easy transfer at Nishikujo Station. From Kansai Airport , take a JR airport rapid to Nishikujo Station and transfer to the JR Yumesaki Line to Universal City Station (75 minutes, 1210 yen).

Universal Studios Japan is connected by bus to Kansai Airport (50-70 minutes, 1800 yen, hourly) and Itami Airport (45 minutes, 940 yen, hourly). Some overnight buses from other cities across Japan also stop at the Universal Studios Japan.

A ferry service named "Captain Line" connects the Universal Studios Japan with the Osaka Aquarium (10 minutes, 900 yen one way, 1700 yen roundtrip, 1-2 ferries per hour). A combination ticket for the aquarium and the ferry ride can be purchased for 3400 yen (one way) or 4200 yen (roundtrip).

How to get to and around Osaka

Hours and Fees

Questions? Ask in our forum .

Links and Resources

Universal citywalk osaka, captain line, kansai airport limousine, hotels around osaka.

Experiences around Osaka

The Ultimate Guide to Universal Studios Japan

Bryce was born in California, but raised from the age of 3 near Seattle, Washington. He’s been living in Tokyo for about 7 years, and graduated from Temple University, Japan with degrees in economics and international business. He loves traveling of course, but also cooking, snowboarding, some video games as well. His biggest interest is songwriting/music production, more specifically electronic music… (think Skrillex, Marshmello, Daft Punk, etc.) He also has terrible humor as you’ll notice, but he hopes you’ll enjoy it!

This post may contain some affiliate links. When you click through and make a purchase we may receive some commission, at no extra cost to you.

For those who love to immerse themselves in their favorite entertainment franchises or just love  theme parks  in general, USJ has a competitive offering for you! Even if you’ve been to another Universal Park in the world, it’s still worth considering going to USJ! While they have some of the same main attractions as other parks like Jurassic Park and Harry Potter, they also have some unique attractions! The most impressive and exciting one (which may just be an opinion) is Super  Nintendo  World! It was opened only two years ago, so for many, that’s somewhat of a reason to shout “Finally!”. But if the Mushroom Kingdom doesn’t get you excited, you’ll probably still be thrilled by all the other great themes throughout the park! And for those who want to skip a long wait to enjoy their favorite rides, express passes are available at a cost. Read on to find out the best things to enjoy at USJ, and then find out where to  stay !

Before you forget, book your E-tickets here !

How to get to Universal Studios Japan

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If you’re looking to visit Universal Studios Japan, the most convenient way to get there is by train. Take the JR Yumesaki Line from Osaka Station to Universal City Station, which takes around 10-15 minutes and costs 180 yen (one way). Alternatively, you can take a bus from major cities in Japan, such as Tokyo, or drive to the park if you have a rental car. However, please note that parking is limited and can be quite expensive. If you’re taking a taxi, be prepared for a higher cost. Once you arrive at Universal City Station, you can take the Universal City Walk, a covered walkway that connects the station to the park entrance.

10 Themed Zones of Universal Studios Japan

Universal Studios Japan offers a wide variety of themed zones, each one transporting you to a unique and exciting world. From the magical wizarding world of Harry Potter to the thrilling action of Jurassic Park. With thrilling rides, immersive attractions, and unforgettable live shows, USJ is a destination that promises endless fun and excitement for visitors of all ages. Get ready to immerse yourself in the wonder and excitement of these incredible themed lands.

Nintendo fans rejoice! The world’s first and so far only interactive Nintendo experience is available for you to immerse yourselves in at USJ! The park opened in early 2021 and features some of the most cutting-edge technology for theme parks to guarantee an unforgettable experience. This area of USJ offers a wide array of Mario World themes and characters to interact with, as well as the popular Mario Kart ride. If you’re a fan of Mario and the Mushroom Kingdom, you’ll feel right at home.

Another world that has risen to become a household name globally throughout the last couple of decades is Harry Potter. While this area of the park is not the first of its kind like the Super Nintendo World is, it is still one of the few in the world. This area of the park is incredibly popular and, like all of the areas of the park, is very immersive! You can explore Hogwarts and get your wand at Ollivanders – you’ll have a magical experience without a doubt.

The Minion Park attraction in Japan is the biggest of its kind! The cute minion brigade is incredibly popular in Japan, and if you’re a fan as well, this area of the park will be heaven to you! Japan in general seems to excel at theme-ifying food; the snacks and meals you can get here are creative and undoubtedly photo-worthy. There are plenty of other attractions to help you dive into the world of Despicable Me and the Minions, so be sure to get your fill!

This part of the park is for all the little ones! Toddlers and young kids will have a blast here, where everything is designed with them in mind. Characters from Sesame Street,  Hello Kitty , and Peanuts are here to brighten their days and have some fun. Many of the attractions are made to fit both children and their parents so you can all enjoy the fun together.

Universal has always been known for having their own miniature versions of famous US cities, and USJ is no different. First up is the wonderful bay city of San Francisco! Here you’ll be able to feel the port vibes and enjoy some unique treats and foods. Not to mention the thrilling attraction “Backdraft” to spice up the fun.

The Big Apple also has its own “Little Apple” here at USJ, and just like San Francisco, you’ll get a great sample of the city. There’s also a bit more excitement here with the Spider-Man and Terminator-themed attractions. Not to mention you’ll be able to enjoy some classy New York-style food and some great shopping as well!

The last of the mini-US cities is  Hollywood ! Out of the three cities, this one is probably the most thrilling, as it has three fairly intense roller coaster rides. They claim to be notably smooth compared to other coasters due to technological advancements, and one of them is award-winning, so it’s definitely worth checking out! If that’s not your thing, then you’ll still be able to enjoy the live music shows on stage, 4D movies, the area’s shops, and restaurants amidst all the Hollywood decor!

Another incredibly well-performing film franchise makes its stand here at USJ with two thrilling rides and some fun shops! One of the rides is great to enjoy in the warm weather as you’ll get wet! It’s the flagship ride filled with some spectacular dinosaur action. The other ride is a roller coaster where you are positioned as if you’re flying! Definitely a solid choice for thrill seekers. Make sure to enjoy the tasty prehistoric bites at the three restaurants. Don’t worry, the health code isn’t from the Jurassic period, just the themes!

Sharks were alive and well during the Jurassic period, actually! Why weren’t they in the movie? Maybe they were too busy getting ready for JAWS! Rest assured, they have their own time and place at Amity Village, where you can enjoy another water ride as well as some great shark-themed shops and food! The JAWS attraction at USJ is actually the last remaining one of its kind, so enjoy it while you can!

If you enjoy the water-themed fun, you’ll want to check out WaterWorld for a show! This theater-like attraction takes you through a rendition of the 1996 film Waterworld. It’s been reviewed that this attraction is actually more impressive and enjoyable than the film itself, so it’s definitely worth checking out. The idea of this post-apocalyptic world sounds pretty interesting regardless.

One of the highlights of visiting Universal Studios Japan is the delicious and unique food that you can find throughout the park. From Butterbeer and pumpkin juice in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter to popular turkey leg in Jurassic Park, each section of the park offers its own special food items that are both fun and tasty. The Minion Park section features banana-themed snacks and drinks, while Universal Wonderland has adorable character-themed bento boxes and sweet treats. And it’s not just about the themed food – the park also offers a wide range of dining options, from fast food to full-service restaurants, serving everything from classic American fare to Japanese favorites like sushi and ramen. With so many options available, visitors can easily spend the day sampling all of the delicious food that Universal Studios Japan has to offer.

If you have a particular interest in some rides and want to make sure you can enjoy them, consider the Express passes! Keep in mind though, the express passes here are a little different than what you may have noticed at other Universal parks. There are a variety of passes that allow you to enter a shorter line for specific rides. There is not one pass that allows you access to the shorter lines for the whole day and for any ride! Also, the number of passes is limited, so if it’s really important, consider buying it beforehand! But of course, any remaining tickets will be available for purchase in the park.

Get your Express Pass here !

If you’re planning a visit to Universal Studios Japan while in Osaka, you may be wondering where to stay. Fortunately, USJ offers a range of official and affiliated hotels that provide convenient access to the park and exclusive benefits for its visitors. To help you find the perfect accommodation, we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 hotels in Osaka that are located near Universal Studios Japan.

Japan Wonder Travel Tours in Osaka

If you are planning on visiting Osaka and need some help organizing your trip, you came to the right place! We would be more than happy to help make your trip the best it possibly could be. We can advise you on where to go, or even better, hook you up with a local English speaking guide that can show you all of the best spots. Let us help you make fun, safe, and unforgettable memories in Osaka!

▶ Osaka Highlights Private Walking Tour On this full-day private tour of Osaka, we will take you to Osaka’s highlights that include Osaka Castle, Kuromon Market, the popular Dotonbori area, etc. Learn about the rich history of the area, local lifestyle, and of course delicious Osaka food!

▶ Osaka Tenjinbashi Local Street Walking Tour Walk around the Tenjinbashi area with an experienced and knowledgeable English speaking guide! You can find all of the local secret hidden gems along the way. This tour also includes some delicious street food and drink.

▶ Kyoto Food and Drink Tour @Nishiki Street & Gion If you’re planning on visiting Kyoto along with Osaka and are looking to learn more about the culture and local cuisine, this is definitely the perfect tour for you! Take part in this fun food and drink tour and explore the 400-year-old market and the famous Gion district.

▶ Tour Packages If you want to make travel easier, we suggest you look into tour packages.There are a wide range of tour packages out there to suit the accomodate for each traveler needs. Click the button below to find the best tour package from various Tour Operators!

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Stay informed of the best travel tips to Japan, the most exciting things to do and see, and the top experiences to have with the Japan Wonder Travel Newsletter. Once every two weeks we will introduce you to our latest content.

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Ultimate guide to Universal Studios Japan in Osaka: top tips and hacks

All you need to know to fully enjoy the Osaka theme park: USJ app, how to avoid queues, Super Nintendo World, and more

Home to the world’s first Super Nintendo World as well as iconic characters and attractions from Hello Kitty to Jaws is the fun-packed Universal Studios Japan  (USJ) in Osaka. The sprawling theme park is one of a handful around the world owned by NBC Universal, but while it shares some popular rides like Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey with its American counterparts, this Japan location also has its own set of unique thrills. 

From limited time pop-ups dedicated to beloved anime franchises like Sailor Moon , to hair-raising attractions like the Jurassic Park ride, here's everything you need to know about Universal Studios Japan and how to get the most out of the mammoth park. So read this before you go.

Download the USJ app before you go

With its throng of parades, performances, high-speed rides and 4D experiences, USJ draws enormous crowds every day of the year, which can often result in staggering wait times. You can keep track of how long the queue is for each attraction through the USJ app , which also offers updated information on show times, temporary ride closures and park operation hours. 

The app will come in handy especially on busy days as you can use it to register your park admission tickets and obtain a digital timed-entry pass for certain attractions. The app will give you a time frame for when to show up at a specific attraction to cut down your wait time. Note that the number of timed entry passes you can get is limited.

Make sure you get a free timed entry ticket to the popular attractions

The park is divided into ten areas: Super Nintendo World, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Minion Park, Universal Wonderland, Hollywood, New York, San Francisco, Jurassic Park, Amity Village, and WaterWorld. You can check out the shops, restaurants and attractions in each of these sections here .  

Exploring the different areas of the park is fairly straightforward. However, accessing the Wizarding World or the new Super Nintendo World can be tricky on busy days as they have limited capacity. To guarantee access to all areas, you can purchase a Universal Express Pass online or on the day of your visit (more on this below). 

Alternatively, you can get an area timed entry ticket for free via the USJ app or from one of the timed entry booths within the park. This will give you a specific time slot to access either the Wizarding World or Super Nintendo World. Availability is limited, so aim to get one early on in the day. Plus, be sure to hold on to your park admission ticket as you’ll need it to get your timed entry pass. 

Super Nintendo World

The world’s first Super Nintendo World is easily USJ’s most sought-after attraction. The section houses rides like Mario Kart: Koopa's Challenge and Yoshi's Adventure, but with its careful attention to detail and cleverly designed interactive elements, the Super Nintendo World area is an attraction in and of itself. 

Aside from the Nintendo-themed shops and eateries, the area also has a host of side quests and mini games for you to enjoy. Annoyingly, this requires yet another expense in the form of a ￥3,800 Super Nintendo World wristband sold at the kiosks within the area. But there’s more to this toy than meets the eye. 

The wristband can be synced to your smartphone via the USJ app, which you can then use to keep track of the points you score in the mini games and see where you rank among other players. One main way to score points is by earning ‘keys’ from the three mini games in the area. Once you’ve completed all three challenges, you’ll be able to enter Browser’s castle for a showdown with the big boss. 

Look through your stamp collection on the app and you’ll see that there are dozens of other ways to score points besides ‘key’ games. These include punching yellow boxes for coins the way Mario does in the video games, racing in Mario Kart, unlocking Bowser Jr's toy chest, and finding 8-bit characters, among other things. Every time you hit a yellow block or unlock a new achievement, you’ll see your points go up on your app.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

You've read the books, you've seen the films, and now you can explore the Wizarding World in real life. Complete with an impressively detailed model of Hogwarts Castle, the Hogwarts Express and an array of shops to explore in the Hogsmeade village, this area in USJ will make you feel like you’ve stepped into the magical universe of Harry Potter. 

While Tokyo is anticipating the exciting launch of the Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo next year, the upcoming facility will feature a different set of attractions as it’s modelled after the one in London. This means the Wizarding World in USJ will still be unique to Osaka come 2023.

If you have yet to be kitted out in your house colours, you might want to shop for a set of school robes before heading up to the castle, where adventures like the Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey ride await. Edible treats on offer range from Bertie Bott’s Every Flavour Beans (try at your own risk) to frothy butter beer, while wands of all shapes and sizes can be found at Ollivanders for sorcerers in training.

You might need more than just an entry ticket

Studio Passes (general admission tickets) can be purchased online or at the park entrance. Rates for adults (age 12 and over) start at ￥8,500 while children (ages 4-11) can enter from ￥5,400 – prices vary depending on the day. If you're entering the park after 3pm, you can opt for the Twilight Pass, which starts from ￥5,900 for adults and ￥3,500 for children. 

If you want to skip the long queues for popular rides, or guarantee access to areas like Super Nintendo World, you should consider buying a Universal Express Pass bundle for a few extra benefits. Different Express Passes offer different perks, ranging from prime parade viewing spots to shortened wait times for certain rides, so be sure that your bundle includes access to the attractions you want to experience most. Note that Universal Express Passes are supplementary; you still need to buy a standard park admission ticket to enter USJ.

You could also get tickets via our affiliate partner .

Getting there

If you’re travelling from Osaka Station in Umeda, ride the Osaka Loop Line (local train for Sakurajima) for five stops and alight at Universal-City Station. 

If you're travelling from Osaka Namba, take the Hanshin-Namba Line (local train bound for Amagasaki) to Nishikujo Station and then transfer for the JR Yumesaki Line directly to Universal-City Station.

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Ultimate First-Timers Guide to Universal Studios Japan (2021 Tips)

Going to Universal Studios Japan (USJ) in Osaka is much like visiting any popular theme park — it’s expensive! This is why you should consider your visit a major purchase, especially if you’re going with your family. And to get the most out of your money for your USJ trip, our guide is here to help.

RELATED READ:

• How to save money at Universal Studios Japan
• Universal Studios Japan Express Pass ticket: Explained (FAQs)

How much is Universal Studios Japan entry ticket?

Adults (12+): ¥8,600 per ticket Child (4-11): ¥5,600 per ticket Seniors (65+): ¥7,700 per ticket

Learn how to buy the tickets here .

When is the best time to visit Universal Studios Japan?

The least congested months to visit Universal Studios Japan are January and February . Just be sure to bundle up because the weather can get very cold at night.

The best months, in terms of pleasant weather , are from October to December but can also be heavily congested.

Another strategy is to consider visiting the park on Tuesdays , Wednesdays , and Thursdays . To help avoid some of the crowds even during the busy months.

What are the dates to avoid?

Avoid peak tourism seasons, such as cherry blossom and fall foliage, Golden Week (late April to early May), and Obon (mid-August). Avoid National holidays as well.

It is also worth mentioning the park’s scheduled refurbishments, where a rotating list of attractions are down for repairs and maintenance.

You can find the refurbishment schedule here . I suggest moving your date if your favorite attraction is closed for maintenance.

Is there a crowd calendar for Universal Studios Japan?

Yes. Although not affiliated with Universal Studios, the crowd prediction calendar updates the congestion forecast of the park for the current month. Note that, the USJ crowd calendar is only an approximation. Click here to view the USJ crowd prediction calendar .

What are the Universal Studios Japan tickets I should get?

Universal Studios in Japan has several types of tickets and this can be confusing if this is your first time.

Let’s dive in!

REMINDER: Universal Studios Japan tickets are nonrefundable no matter where you buy them. USJ does not issue re-entry tickets or stamps. There’s no going back once you leave the park.

1. Universal Studio Pass

This is the park admission ticket. There are four types of Studios Passes and price varies depending on the date of entry.

• 1-Day Studio Pass – Regular admission pass.
• 1.5-Day Studio Pass – Enter the park after 3 p.m. and use it on the following day all day.
• 2-Day Studio Pass – Only valid for consecutive days.

2. Universal Express Pass

The Universal Express Pass is a separate park ticket that allows you to skip long lines to ride the popular attractions inside the USJ Park.

You can choose from three types of Express Passes:

• Express Pass 7 – Good for 7 rides
• Express Pass 4 – Good for 4 rides
• Express Pass 3 – Good for 3 rides

If you are uncertain about which one to get, click to read our “Express Pass FAQs” article to help you decide which way to buy. I personally got myself an Express Pass as I want to buy time rather than wait in line for 3 hours just to experience a 5-min ride!

3. 15-Minute Early Entry Pass (Fast Track Entry)

USJ Park opens between 8:30 and 9:00 A.M. However if you have this pass, it will give you the privilege of entering the park 15 minutes before it opens. It also allows you to enter The Wizarding World of Harry Potter without a Timed-Entry ticket since the entrances are not manned with staff this early.

4. Timed-Entry Ticket (FREE)

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is the most popular attraction at Universal Studios Japan. And because it gets very crowded, they came up with a procedure to control the crowd by making the entry of visitors time-designated.

This means that visitors need Timed-Entry tickets to enter the Wizarding World attraction. Timed-Entry Tickets are FREE, and without one, you cannot enter the Wizarding World. There is no limit on how long you can stay inside The Wizarding World. You can stay inside for as long as you want! However, once you leave, you need to get another Timed-Entry Ticket.

There are two ways to get Timed-Entry Tickets:

• From The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Timed-Entry Booth (located at Central Park). To get a Timed-Entry ticket, simply scan the barcode of your admission ticket on the machine. Then select your entry time to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
• By Buying an Express Pass Ticket . When you purchase an Express Pass, a Timed-Entry to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is included on your ticket.

Where to buy those tickets?

You can buy tickets directly from the website of Universal Studios Japan if you understand Japanese. Or click here for step-by-step instructions.

If you’re still overseas, I highly recommend buying your tickets in advance online.

Getting tickets at the booths will just waste a lot of your time because the lines are always incredibly LONG.

It’s BEST to buy online from authorized sellers such as Klook and Voyagin .

You can compare prices by clicking each below:

I absolutely recommend booking through Voyagin as they remove the confusion for ticket buyers.

Don’t forget to use these Coupon Codes when booking with Voyagin:

Klook on the other hand offers cheaper Universal Studios Japan tickets because they have better exchange rates. But you’ll need to navigate their website to see the right ticket type for you.

Explore some of Klook’s Universal Studios Japan tickets below:

The Simple Strategy to Riding the Universal Studios Japan Attractions

The park is large and there is a lot to see and do. Getting the most out of your time means coming up with a plan of action for what to see and do things.

This is especially important because, if you arrive at the park at the opening time, everyone literally sprints to their favorite rides in order to beat the long lines. And this can throw your plans into chaos and you into a panic.

If you have an Express Pass

Touring around Universal Studios Japan with an Express Pass gives you the luxury to ride all your top attractions included on your pass. I suggest riding them all consecutively as soon as you enter the gate.

Skipping the long lines with your Express Pass will give you a whole lot of time. And after, you can explore the park at your own pace. Take this time to see all the sights and attractions, and ride any remaining attractions which tickle your fancy.

If you don’t have an Express Pass

Some people prefer not getting an Express Pass because, according to them, they will only visit the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Or simply don’t have a budget for it.

However, in my experience, you will be missing a whole lot of fun if you don’t have an Express Pass, especially when visiting during peak seasons. That’s just my opinion though, and it’s ultimately up to you.

At any rate, going to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and riding the blockbuster Forbidden Journey Ride is still possible without an Express Pass. It’s just going to be really challenging.

You should also realize that with this option there’s a high probability you’ll need to prioritize attractions since you’ll likely be encountering lines in excess of 2-3 hours each. So, you’ll probably only get a chance to ride 2 or 3 of them.

Strategy to maximize your day if you don’t have Express Pass:

• Buy your Studio Pass in advance online.
• Arrive at the park before 7 a.m. and line up at the gate.
• As soon as the gates open, sprint quickly to Central Park. Refer to the studio map to avoid getting lost. Find the ticket booth where you can get the Timed Entry ticket for the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
• To use the Timed-Entry ticket machine, simply scan the barcode of your admission ticket and select the time you desire to enter the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. I suggest getting the earliest time slot available.
• Should the machine give you a later time slot, consider queuing on attractions with shorter lines or with a “Single Rider” lane whenever available. If you’re in a group, Single Rider shortens your waiting time by taking separate seats on the ride.
• Once it’s time to enter The Wizarding World, immediately run to Hogwarts Castle because that is where The Forbidden Journey Ride is. Expect to line up for 2-3 hours.
• When you’re done with The Forbidden Journey Ride, that’s the time when you can start exploring the entire Wizarding World and the rest of the park.
• Should you decide to leave the Wizarding World, you can go ahead and explore the rest of the USJ parks and attractions on your own.

Do note that Timed-Entry tickets can also run out within the day. And during very crowded days, only one Timed-Entry Ticket is allowed per person for the entire day.

TIP: Consider getting the 1.5-Day Studio Pass if Express Pass is just too expensive for you. With 1.5-Day Studio Pass, enter the park at 3pm, get the Timed-Entry Ticket (hopefully there are timed-entry tickets left), then line up for the Forbidden Journey Ride inside the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. On your second day, you are free to ride any attractions you feel like. But again, without an Express Pass, you are going to spend so much time waiting and waiting in line.

What are the attractions inside USJ?

Universal Studio Japan has only 9 areas, therefore, it is very easy to get around.

• Minion Park
• San Francisco
• Jurassic Park
• Amity Village
• The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
• Universal Wonderland

What are the best rides at USJ park?

Here are our top rides at USJ in order of our ranking preference:

• The Flying Dinosaur
• Hollywood Dream
• Hollywood Dream – Backdrop
• Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
• The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man
• Despicable Me Minion Mayhem
• Space Fantasy

If you are going to ride those attractions without an Express Pass, over 3/4 of your day would just be spent waiting in lines, and you won’t be able to explore the rest of the park that much. So get an Express Pass!

In the end, it’s really up to you on how you want to prioritize your time within the park and ride your attraction preferences, but hopefully, this helps you to better prioritize your time at the park,

Personally, aside from The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, I hang out pretty much all my time in New York, San Francisco, Hollywood, and Amity Village.

If you have small children, you will pretty much spend most of your time in either The Wizarding World, Minion Park, or Universal Wonderland.

How to get to Universal Studios Japan the easiest way

Universal Studios Japan is a 5-min walk from Universal City Station . Going to Universal City Station is a bit confusing due to the Osaka Loop Line and JR Sakurajima Line (both covered by JR Pass). The JR Sakurajima Line is still referred to as “JR Yumesaki Line” by some signages and directions. Don’t be confused as they’re the same. So make sure to refer to these “straightforward” directions below.

• Tokyo to Osaka City: How to get there fast and easy

1. By Train

From Osaka Station: Board the Osaka Loop Line (inner loop/counter-clockwise) towards Sakurajima for 5 stops to Universal City Station. Note that there will be a short stop at Nishikujo Station where this train will switch to the JR Sakurajima Line (also known as JR Yumesaki Line); remain on-board. This option takes about 12 minutes. Alternatively, board Osaka Loop Line (inner loop/counter-clockwise) for Nara or Kamo and stop at Nishikujo Station. From Nishikujo Station, transfer to JR Sakurajima Line towards Sakurajima 2 stops to Universal City Station.

From JR Namba Station: This one has a couple of transfers. First, board the JR Yamatoji Line and ride 1 stop to Shinimamiya Station. Next, take the Osaka Loop Line (outer loop/clockwise) to Nishikujo Station. Finally, take the JR Sakurajima Line towards Sakurajima 2 stops to Universal City Station. This option should take about 28 minutes.

From Kyoto Station: Take the JR Special Rapid Service for Banshuanko or Himeji and ride 3 stops to Osaka Station, then transfer to the Osaka Loop Line (inner loop/counter-clockwise) for to Universal City. Expect the ride to take about 48-minutes.

From Kansai-International: There are a few options for trains here, but the simplest (least amount of transfers) is to take the Kansai Airport Line towards Kyobashi and ride to Nishikujo Station. Then transfer to the JR Sakurajima Line to Universal City (2 stops). This option will have you remain on-board at both Hineno and Tennoji Stations while the train switches lines. The ride should take about 1 hour and 17-minutes.

2. By Bus (from the airport)

From Kansai-International: Take the Kansai-Airport Limousine Bus from Kansai Airport Bus Stop No.1. This bus is a direct trip to Universal Studios Japan with 4 stops and should take about 1.5 hours. Click here to reserve your bus seat .

From Itami Airport Osaka: Take the Airport Limousine, or Hanshin Bus, or Kintetsu Bus from Itami Airport Bus Stop No.1. This bus is also a direct trip to Universal Studios Japan.

Where to stay near Universal Studios Japan

If you are only visiting Osaka for Universal Studios Japan, then it goes without saying that getting a hotel nearer to the park will save you time and hassle. I recommend staying around the park or near Nishikujo Station.

Hotels Around the Park

Universal Studios Japan has partnered with over 20 hotels all over Osaka and Kobe so that guests can fully enjoy the park and its surrounding tourist attractions.

The Park Front Hotel

Sitting right at the entrance of the park, The Park Front Hotel is the official and the closest hotel you can get. The Park Front Hotel features American-style entertainment and offers spacious Time Machine-themed guest rooms. The rooms with the highest demand are the Superior Rooms, since these give you a glimpse of the city skyline. Check Price Here

The Singulari Hotel & Skyspa

This is another official Universal Studios Japan hotel located at the exit of Universal City Station; about a 5-minute walk to the park entrance. From the name itself, it boasts an open-air bath for all its guests. Here, you can expect sparkling clean and comfortable rooms because The Singulari Hotel & Sky Spa just opened in August 2017. Check Price Here

Below are other Official Universal Studios Japan Hotels that sit right at the entrance of the park:

• Hotel Kintetsu Universal City
• Hotel Keihan Universal City
• Hotel Keihan Universal Tower
• Hotel Universal Port
• Hotel Universal Port Vita

Hotels Near Nishikujo Station

From my experience, Nishikujo Station is a great base not just when visiting Universal Studios Japan but when visiting and sightseeing in Osaka.

Aside from budget-friendly hotels situated around the station, it’s only 2 stops to Universal City Station via the JR Sakurajima Line (covered by JR Pass if you have one). So you will get to maximize your time and save your wallet at the same time.

• Hostel Jin . This hostel is the top choice among budget travelers. Rated as having very comfortable beds and very clean rooms. If you are a family, consider getting the private room with your own bath and toilet.
• Business Hotel Urbanty . Business hotels are always an automatic choice for groups or family travelers on a budget in Japan. Located near Nishikujo Station, this hotel is rated as having very clean rooms and very friendly staff.
• Briller Universal Japon . This hotel is in a great location; just a 3-minute walk from Nishikujo Station. All rooms are Western-style, meaning you get your own private bathroom and toilet.

I recommend Booking.com when booking your hotel in Osaka. Simply key-in “Nishikujo Station” on the search bar and choose from the many hotels around it.

Airbnb is also a great option, but make sure to search using the “map” instead of search results.

Get US$53 Airbnb Credit

If you are not registered on Airbnb yet, you should sign-up below to get your bonus Airbnb credit.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. should i get an express pass or fast track entry, or both.

If you are visiting the park during the weekends or the holidays, then getting an Express Pass is highly suggested. Otherwise, you won’t be able to ride as many attractions due to the hours of wait you will be spending lining up for your turn.

Get the Fast track Entry if you can wake up very early and interested in entering the Wizarding World of Harry Potter without the crowds.

2. Can I bring food inside?

Technically, bringing your own food inside the park is not allowed. However, due to long lines at the entrance gates, the staff may not check on every bag. Just make sure to put your food on the very bottom of your bag just in case the staff checks on you.

3. Is USJ stroller-friendly? Baby-friendly?

Like other amusement parks, Universal Studios Japan is a stroller-friendly and family-friendly place. You can even rent a baby stroller for a day for 1,000 yen.

For families with babies and small children, you are going to enjoy Universal Wonderland. This attraction has Family Service facilities where you can feed or breastfeed your babies privately. There are only two (2) Family Service facilities in USJ. One that is near the entrance gates, and the second one is inside the Universal Wonderland attraction.

Families with babies or small children also benefit from the “Child Switch System.” The Japanese translation is a bit confusing, however, this only means that the system allows parents or guardians with children too small for certain rides to “swap out” (one rides while the other waits, then swaps) without having to wait in line twice.

Most ride attractions utilize the Child Switch System. There is also Pram parking at each attraction so, you are free to park your strollers. Don’t worry, Japan is ridiculously safe. You have a better chance of forgetting your stroller than someone actually stealing anything from it. In fact, if you did forget your stroller, someone would most likely return it to you at some point.

4. How much time did you spend exploring USJ? How big is it?

I did a one roundabout exploration of the entire park and it only took me about 25 minutes. I was actually surprised to find out that USJ is 3x smaller than Tokyo Disneyland since they pack so much into each attraction.

5. Any special type of discounted passes or afternoon passes?

The afternoon pass is called the Twilight Pass and is a great option if you are visiting during the off-season or less congested months. Depending on the day, you can get the Twilight Pass for ￥1,300 – ￥1,500 less than the 1-day Studio Pass.

This is a deal if you just want a glimpse of Universal Studios Japan at night (which is very nice by the way). You can ONLY get the Twilight Pass at the ticket booth of the park by 3 pm. Take note, however, that if you have the Twilight Pass, you cannot use an Express Pass.

So, if you still want to go to the Wizarding World with the Twilight Pass, just hurry to Central Park to get your Timed Entry Tickets (hopefully there are still some left) to ride the Forbidden Journey.

6. It’s my birthday! Can I have a birthday discount?

Yes. Just register on the Japanese website of Universal Studios and make sure to register your entire family with their birthdates. The birthday discount is 500 yen less than the regular ticket, which is applicable to the entire family. The downside is that the website is all in the Japanese language.

The ticket is valid from the first day of your birthday month, until the end of next month. For example, if your birthday is September 22, then your USJ ticket is valid from September 1 – October 30, and your whole family will get a discount as well. If you need further help, I suggest asking for help from a Japanese friend or click here for registration instructions .

7. How are restaurants inside?

The usual park food like churros, turkey legs, and caramel popcorn are all very good. Be warned if the food looks cute or “Instagrammable” , it tastes terrible. Trust me. I was fooled by many cute looking foods offered in the park (this rule can often be applied to most food actually). Even the butterbeer from the Wizarding World didn’t taste any special.

If I were to visit USJ again, I would probably bring onigiri or a bento and eat them at the benches scattered around the park, and just save money for a turkey leg and churros. I’ve seen many Japanese visitors do this!

Restaurants outside USJ, located in the Universal CityWalk are worth trying. But remember, unlike most American amusement parks, there’s no going back once you leave the park.

8. What if it’s raining during my visit?

Raincoats are definitely more preferable than umbrellas if you are visiting during rainy days. There are also several attractions that have splash zones, like Jaws, The Jurassic Ride, and the Waterworld Show.

If you plan on taking those rides, buy a raincoat from 100 yen stores the day before your USJ visit. The raincoat from the vending machines inside USJ is 400 yen, which can be expensive for the entire family.

USJ park was a lot of fun during my visit. It’s worth mentioning here that I was all by myself when I first visited, but still had a lot of fun. I managed to experience pretty much all of the attractions I was interested in, and still have time to take in the spectacular views of the park.

This is because I visited during the least crowded season, around the first week of January, and had both 15-Minute Early Special Entry Pass and Express Pass. I also managed to get a second Timed Entry Ticket to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. But that was because it was less crowded.

I was able to finish all the attraction rides on my Express Pass tickets within just an hour of entering the park. By 5 p.m., I noticed the crowd had thinned down and I was able to go on more rides not included in my Express Pass. The lines had shortened to 15 to 30-minute waits. I left the park at 7 p.m. and hung around the Universal CityWalk before heading to the train station.

Final Tips and Recommendations

• Get an Express Pass no matter what day of the year you are visiting, be it off-season or peak-season. Trust me on this.
• Book your Studio Pass and Express Pass tickets in advance.
• If you don’t have Express Pass and you are in a group, consider lining up for the “Single Rider” lane, so you will ride separately. This lane is shorter than the regular lane.
• Arrive at the park with a full stomach or at least have a heavy breakfast. To save time from waiting at the restaurants. And to save your wallet from the high prices of these restaurants.
• Have fun and enjoy Universal Studios Japan!

30 thoughts on “Ultimate First-Timers Guide to Universal Studios Japan (2021 Tips)”

Hi! Do I have to pay before going into the rides or the admission/entry ticket already covers all the rides?

Also, can I use ICOCA card when paying inside USJ? How about credit card and debit card?

Hi Anne, rides are covered but expect to line up 😉 Yes, credit cards work inside.

Just wanted drop a comment to say this was really helpful!!! I was be applying it this weekend while I visit USJ. Thanks again.

Hello. Thanks for the useful information. I am looking to purchase the express pass but i will not arrive in Osaka until 11 am and plan to go to USJ around 1 pm. I am concerned that the fixed times for the rides that will be assigned will be in the morning. Do you know if it is possible to request afternoon times or switch to the afternoon?

Hi Phil, Express Pass policy changes over time. When I went there last time, there were no fixed times except for The Wizarding World. Other readers have shared that other attractions have fixed times during peak season. So I think it will be best to contact the authorized Express Pass ticket seller (Voyagin or Klook) about the policy when you visit 😉

Hi! I enjoyed reading your write-up about USJ. I was looking for the part about small kids, particularly a 2 year old and an 11 month old baby- do they have tickets? I only so from 4 yo- seniors… are babies free?

Yes babies 3 years and below are free!

Hi, thanks for sharing your experience. It is quiet helpful. I am visiting in september this year and I really want to visit the Harry Potter Part. So I wonder if I’ll get one of those expresspass tickets or just the early entry-thing … Both is soooo expenssive. I also wondered how much time one can save by using the single rider line (’cause I am on my own anyways :))? Maybe the expresspass isn’t that necessary after all… Thanks again! Sabeth

Hi Sabeth, it depends on the crowd. If you’re visiting during the non-working Japanese holiday, the Single Rider line might be too long. Express Pass is expensive, but honestly, it’s definitely worth it! It’ rather pay for Express Pass and enjoy USJ whole day than keep waiting in line for house to ride the attraction.

Hi Ada, thanks for the guide. It’s really useful. I would like to ask what’s the difference between Studio Pass A, B and C and what is the difference between Pass 3, 4 and 7. I’ve noticed it in Klook but I don’t really understand what does it mean. How long should I get the ticket in advance? Appreciate your reply on this. Thanks 🙂

Hi Charlie, It looks like the only the difference between all the Studio Pass A, B, and C is the price as it follows the peak season pricing. Say your visit to USJ is on a very crowded or peak season, then you’ll need to buy the Studio C which is the most expensive. You can read the difference of Pass 3, 4, and 7 on this post: https://sightseeandsushi.com/universal-studios-japan-guide/#Types_of_Universal_Studios_Japan_Tickets_Paid_and_Free Lastly, if you read my guide, you’ll see which dates to avoid peak season prices 😉 I recommend that you purchase your tickets at least 2-3 weeks in advance.

hi ada,, Thanks for the Very useful Guide! Ive purchased an express tIcket and i nOticed there are tImings for each ride on my express tiCkets, do i have to follow the tImings on the ticket For each ride stated in there? Im going tomorrow and im so excited! Thanks! Erika

Hi Erika, I don’t remember having a designated timed when I used an Express Pass, but if there’s timing now, it’s best that you follow them 😉 Enjoy USJ!

Hi Ada, great article! We are a party of 2 planning to visit USJ during the second week of December. We are still undecided if we should do a 1 or 2-day studio pass. Additionally, if we do a 2-day studio pass, in your view would it be sufficient to just get an express pass for 1 day? Appreciate your advice on this. Thanks!

Hi Mich! Just get an Express for 1 day ;-). Two days with express pass would probably be too much. You’ll be surprised that USJ is actually a small amusement park. Enjoy your USJ and Japan trip!

Hi, we have already purchased USJ tickets online with klook and were intending to purchase the VIP Wristband and Harukas 300 tickets Also however They are now only selling the VIP Wristbands and Harukas 300 tickets together with the USJ entry ticket. I have contacted them and they advised that i cant add the tickets to our already purChased passes and that we should purchase a Harukas 300 ticket and then enquire when we visit whether we can buy the VIP wristbands there. I was hoping to find out if that is possible before we travel, My question is, are we able to purchase VIP wristbands directly from the Harukas 300? or online only?

Hi Wade, Voyagin has a similar VIP wristband for sale but it’s named differently. It’s this one . From the information I’ve gathered, only JCB members (Japanese only) can purchase the VIP wristbands directly from Haruka 300 tower.

mY son wants to go to the summer attractions at usj, like attack on titan, evangelion, one piece…are these included in the express passes?

You need to choose which Express Pass has them because not all Express Pass has Evangelion or Attack on Titan. As of today, they are sold out for the summer. I would say, wait until the day resets again and see if it’s available on Voyagin website to buy it

How about VIP tour? I cannot read Japanese

VIP tours are only in Japanese unfortunately. 🙁

We are staying in port Hotel. Can we exit the park for an afternoon nap and return Again?

If you read the article, unfortunately, you can’t go back inside once you leave the park.

Hi ada, thank you so much for the TIPS & tricks. i can’t wait to go to usj next year :). i have a question, is it necessary to get the timed ticket entry FOR HARRY POTTER at central park? if we did not get the timed ticket entry, ARE WE NOT ALLOWED TO RIDE the harry potter rides? need some clarificationS. thanks in advance 🙂

this is so helpful! thanks for the tips. just one thing to clarify… you mentioned that if i buy the express pass from klook or voyagin, the time-ticket to the wizard world would be included. do i still have to go get the time-ticket after i enter usj? pls advice. thanks again.

Timed-entry ticket is good for one entry. So if you want to go back inside, you need to get another one from the timed-entry ticket machine 😉

hello, I WOULD Like to know that if i buy the express pass ticket so that’s mean i dont have to buy the usj normal ticket right?

Hi Mike, if you read my guide, you’ll see that they are a separate ticket. That means you have to buy both Express Pass and Studio Pass.

Just sharing a tip as well for those who do not have an Express Pass or are not planning to get one: Just Chill! We went to USJ last spring and the crowd forecast on the day we went was Orange. We did not have an Express Pass so what we did was line up for the shortest queues first (60 mins or less) and then enjoyed the park by relaxing and taking pictures. It is also not necessary to always get a timed entry to Wizarding World of HP. Spring season and the crowd on our stay brought in a lot of crowds and we were readying ourselves to get a Timed Entry only to find out that no one was manning the entrance and that the park did not deem it necessary for that day. We also asked a staff if we need a Timed entry and she said no need. So just check first if there is a need for it before getting one. For the rides, we started lining up for the popular ones at 4pm where the waiting time has reduced quite drastically. The Forbidden Journey went from 180 mins to 50 mins. We even got to ride the Flying Dinosaur twice (our shortest queue was 10 mins, which is already near the ride closing time), and back to back ride with The Hollywood Dream – The Ride and Backdrop. Rides have an earlier closing time but the park is open until around 9pm as far as I know. You won’t enjoy the park if you line up on all of the popular rides once you get in. Just choose 1 or 2 and then take a little stroll then line up again around 3 to 5pm. Most people has now ridden the popular rides or are too tired already from the day. Most parents with small children are also leaving around this hour. This is what we also did on Disney Sea a few days before our trip to USJ and we thoroughly enjoyed both parks without wasting so much time in lines and weren’t energy drained from the queues. 🙂 For us, we only wanted to ride specific attractions and the rest we just ignored. I’m also an adrenaline junkie. So kiddie rides are not an option for me. I’m returning in two weeks and the crowd forecast is Green all the way so I’m expecting a much easier experience than before. 😀

Oh my goodness thank you very much for sharing us your experience and tips! Hope others find this helpful too. And you must have lots of luck! That’s crazy! When I went during off season which was the second week of January, the staff at the entrance of The Wizarding World were very strict, but that was 2017.

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Travel for Theme Park Fans

TDR Explorer

• Universal Studios Japan

15 Essential Tips for First-Time Visitors to Universal Studios Japan

Universal Studios Japan is one of my favourite theme parks worldwide. If you’ve been an Explorer with us for a while, then it is no surprise that I always recommend the park to anyone visiting Japan’s Kansai region. The varied offerings from limited-time anime collaborations, family-friendly entertainment, and the incredible Super Nintendo World make this park one of the best.

Knowing where to start with your planning is overwhelming if it’s your first visit to Universal Studios Japan. As a regular visitor to the park, I’m here to give you essential tips for your first visit.

Read through all these tips, and you’ll be miles ahead of everyone else.

Once you’re done, I recommend our comprehensive digital guidebook on Universal Studios Japan to take your travel planning to the next level.

Table of contents

Always buy tickets & express pass in advance, express pass is worth splurging, arrive at the park early, stay at a universal studios japan hotel, download the universal studios japan app, you can’t simply walk into super nintendo world, visit during the week, one day is enough, use the single rider lines, check the seasonal event calendar, there’s no rentry, don’t worry too much about the language barrier, expect waits for food, get a spot for the parade early, travelling from tokyo is possible, remember to enjoy yourself.

While you can attempt to buy tickets at the ticket booths, I don’t recommend that at all. Not only do you risk tickets selling out, but you’re also wasting time getting into the park to beat the crowds.

Tickets and Express Pass are available two months in advance.

I have a complete guide on buying your tickets and Express Pass in our tickets guide , so read that article at least three times. If you know you want tickets right now, then I recommend buying your tickets and express pass through Klook .

The Express Pass allows you to skip the lines for select attractions and the options to enter Super Nintendo World. It’ll save you time from waiting in the regular standby line.

The Express Pass is worth the splurge if you cannot visit often or if this is a once-in-a-lifetime trip. In most cases, the cost per person is more than a day ticket, so that’s something to keep in mind.

Read my guide on Express Pass to learn how to buy them.

The worst-kept secret is that Universal Studios Japan opens the park before its advertised opening time. That means if the park hours say 8:00 AM on the website, the park could open as early as 7:00 AM. The kicker is the time isn’t publicly announced.

A good rule of thumb is to be there an hour before opening. Most major attractions are open so that you can knock out a few rides with minimal wait. Sometimes, you can walk right into Super Nintendo World, but this isn’t always the case; see our guide for more details .

It’s much easier to arrive at the park early in the morning if you’re staying at one of the Universal hotels at the park. I recommend staying two or three nights in a hotel. Here are my recommendations:

Universal Studios Japan is accessible to all the hot spots in Osaka, so it’s not out of the question to use your Universal Hotel as your home base if you don’t want to bounce around hotels. Each hotel gives different benefits, so it’s best to check with them directly.

Having the Universal Studios Japan app makes your day easier by seeing the wait times for attractions and the park map. The app makes getting a timed entry for Super Nintendo World easier.

There’s only Wi-Fi at the entrance to the park, so I recommend a portable Wi-Fi device or an e-sim to stay connected in Japan. Also, you’ll need to keep your devices charged, so a portable power bank is essential.

Super Nintendo World requires an additional reservation called a timed entry (free of charge) to get into the area. Without one, you’re unable to enter the area in most cases. Here’s a quick rundown of how to get into Super Nintendo World:

• Buy an Express Pass that comes with a timed entry.
• Get a timed entry after you’ve scanned your park ticket into the park through the app.
• Somedays, if you’re inside the park before the official opening time, you may be able to enter the area without a timed entry ticket.

Read our comprehensive guide for more details on getting into Super Nintendo World . You can also watch our video below!

The park is known for being busy and crowded, so the best way to avoid crowds is to visit during the week and skip national holidays. While you can consult with a crowd calendar to check your dates, I advise you to choose a day or two that works best with your plans.

Stressing over visiting on a Wednesday or Thursday isn’t worth the stress. Pick one that works best and go with that. You’ll be fine if it’s not a national holiday.

Don’t forget to check attraction closures and consult our best times to visit guide (it’s for Tokyo Disney Resort, but the same idea applies).

In most cases, one day is enough to enjoy Univeral Studios Japan, even more so if you opt for the Express Pass. For a more relaxed pace, then go with 1.5 or 2 days.

Some major attractions have a Single Rider line, and I cannot stress enough that you should use them. This allows you to have a shorter wait, but the only downside is you’re separated from everyone you’re with (in most cases).

When it comes to saving time, it’s worth ditching everyone! Ask any of my friends who visit with me. I do it all the time.

These rides have Single Rider lines that you should use:

• Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem
• Space Fantasy – The Ride (and its overlay)
• The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man 4K3D – The Ride (closing permanently in 2024)
• The Flying Dinosaur
• Mario Kart: Koopa’s Challenge
• Elmo’s Go-Go Skateboard
• Hollywood Dream – The Ride
• Jurassic Park – The Ride
• Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey

Universal Studios Japan has special seasonal events, most of which are included in your ticket, throughout the year, from its popular Cool Japan to Halloween Horror Nights . While the events aren’t announced far in advance, I recommend checking the events calendar to see what’s happening during your visit!

Also, check attraction closures too.

One thing that catches people off guard is no re-entry with a day ticket . If you leave the park, you won’t be allowed back in on the same ticket; you’ll have to buy another one. The only exception I’m aware of is if you have an annual pass.

You can navigate most things at the park if you don’t know Japanese. The park map, signage, and restaurant menus are in English. However, don’t expect all Team Members to speak English. While they’ll do their best to help you, knowing a few pleasantries and having Google Translate on your phone help. Also, most of the shows are only in Japanese.

Some things, like limited-time events and offerings, are inaccessible if you don’t know Japanese. An example is the Spy x Family treasure hunt is only in Japanese and no other language.

Expect restaurant and food booth lines to become long during meal times. Try to eat before noon or later in the day for shorter lines. You may need a “timed ticket” to stand in the queue for some limited-time food. An example is the Pokémon snacks, where on busy days, you’ll need to get a timed ticket and return later, which are first-come-first-served.

On most days, Kinopio’s Cafe in Super Nintendo World requires you to get a return time as you can’t make a reservation ahead of time. You’ll get this return time from the front of the restaurant.

The “No Limit!” Parade is worth waiting for, and I recommend getting a spot no later than an hour before it starts. While it typically begins at 2 PM, check the schedule . It’s a ton of fun, and you won’t regret it.

There’s a good chance Universal Studios Japan is part of a larger trip, and you’ll come from the Tokyo area. If you have the JR Rail Pass (or buy a ticket a-la-carte), hop onto the Shinkansen, aka bullet train, between Tokyo and Osaka (or vice versa). It’s about a 2.5-hour train ride and is a popular route, which means there’s a lot of signage in English.

It’s easy to get overwhelmed while sticking to your carefully laid-out plan. When I feel overwhelmed, I slow down, take a few deep breaths, and remind myself we’re here to have fun! The fact that you’re reading this article means you’re doing your research, and I’m here to reassure you that you’ll be fine. All your plans may not work perfectly, but it’ll all work out in the end.

Now, go and have fun and ride The Flying Dinosaur for me! For more on Universal Studios Japan, see our dedicated page and digital guidebook !

More on Universal Studios Japan

Universal studios japan guidebook.

Are you planning a trip to Universal Studios Japan? If so, you need our digital guidebook! Our guidebook is the most comprehensive resource available, covering everything you need to know about the park, including Super Nintendo World, Express Pass, hotels, restaurants, attractions, shows, seasonal events, and more! With our guidebook, you’ll be an expert on Universal Studios Japan before you even set foot in the park. You’ll know what to expect, where to go, and what to do. You’ll also be able to avoid the crowds and make the most of your time at the park.

GET YOUR GUIDEBOOK NOW

Book Your Flight

I use Google Flights & Momodo to find affordable flights. Another great way is to sign up for Scott’s Cheap Flights to get notifications of cheap fares, which happens often in Japan. You’ll sometimes stumble on cheap flights to Kansai International Airport.

Buy Your Shinkansen Tickets (Bullet Train)

Getting around Japan by the world-renowned bullet train, known as the Shinkansen, is incredibly fast, reliable, and affordable for visitors. You can travel from Tokyo to Osaka in just over 2 hours. Get the JR Rail Pass to save a ton of money on the bullet train for your trip.

Book Your Hotel

Universal Studios Japan has affordable accommodations that are steps away from the park and have easy access to Osaka. I recommend checking prices through Booking.com followed by the hotels directly. Sometimes you’re able to score some incredible deals. Here’s a short list of hotels at Universal Studios Japan I recommend.

• The Park Front Hotel at Universal Studios Japan – You’re directly in front of the Park gates and have instant access to Universal CityWalk Osaka. The rooms are gorgeous, with restaurants and even a Lawson (Japanese convenience store).
• The Singulari HOTEL & SKYSPA – Attached to the train station is a fantastic hotel for those who want a comfortable, clean, and stylish place to sleep. After a long day at Universal Studios Japan, the rooftop sento (public bath) is excellent for unwinding and relaxing.
• Hotel Universal Port – This is an excellent hotel for the Minion fan in your family, only a 5-minute walk from Universal Studios Japan. It also boasts the largest breakfast buffet in Japan, a must during your visit.

Buy Your Tickets & Express Pass

In advance, save time and stress by buying your tickets and Express Pass for Universal Studios Japan .

Stay Connected

Universal Studios Japan only offers free Wi-Fi at the entrance to the Park. That’s not enough to stay connected and share your day with everyone back home to give them FOMO on Instagram . Here’s how you can stay connected while travelling in Japan.

• Pocket Wi-Fi – If you’re travelling with a group or have multiple devices, this is your best and most affordable way to stay connected to the internet. Pick up and drop off at the airport. Easy.
• Japan SIM Card – If you have an unlocked phone and need a Japanese phone number, this is the best and easiest way.

Get Yourself Travel Insurance

While travelling aboard, having travel insurance protects you against injury, cancellations, illness, and other things you can never predict. Whenever I travel, I always budget for travel insurance to protect myself. I’ve used it, and I’m so glad I had it. My recommended companies are SafteyWing and  World Nomads for travel insurance.

Learn More about Universal Studios Japan

Don’t forget to study our in-depth destination guide on Universal Studios Japan for more information on this beautiful park in Osaka.

Some links may be affiliate links to services I recommend. Buying services through these links at no extra cost to you help support TDR Explorer. Please read our full disclosure for more details.

Hi! This is great! I’ll be visiting Japan for the first time in the fall and the first part of our trip is at USJ. We have the Park Front Hotel booked and tickets for a Thursday and Friday. Questions about Express Pass- what do you think they’ll replace JP The Ride with on the UEP 7? We will be going after it closes. I see the UEP includes the timed entry for SNW but it’ll assign you a time automatically or do you get to pick it? And for HHN, is there a separate Express Pass?

We don’t know yet, but we’ll keep an eye out for this info!

Hello! We managed to secure express passes for November, but our timed-entry schedule for SMW is during the evening. We’re wondering if it’s possible to use the USJ app to try for a different timed entry slot and still make use of our express passes, or if using the express pass for SMW counts as our one-time entry for the day?

Yep, you can. I explain more on our Super Nintendo World Guide. https://tdrexplorer.com/super-nintendo-world-guide/#h-i-have-an-express-pass-for-super-nintendo-world-already-can-i-get-another-timed-entry

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2024 Conprehensive Guide for Universal Studios Japan Tickets Booking & Must-Visit Attracions

Overview of Universal Studios Japan

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Universal Studios Japan , often abbreviated as USJ, is one of the four Universal Studios theme parks, owned and operated by USJ LLC, which is wholly owned by NBCUniversal as of 2017. The park is similar to Universal Orlando Resort, since it contains many of the same rides. It was the first Universal Studios theme park to open in Asia, and it has more than 10 million visitors every year.

The park opened on March 31, 2001, in the Osaka Bay Area. The location was chosen for its proximity to Kansai International Airport and the high population density in the Kansai Region. Universal Studios Japan offers a variety of attractions, including areas themed after popular franchises such as Harry Potter, Jurassic Park, and Despicable Me. The park also hosts seasonal events and parades, and offers a range of dining and shopping options.

Address: 2 Chome-1-33 Sakurajima, Konohana Ward, Osaka, 554-0031, Japan

Note: The opening hours may vary depending on the season and day of the week. It's recommended to check the official website for the most accurate information.

Universal Studios Japan Tickets

The following is a comprehensive overview of different types of Universal Studios Japan Tickets for different age groups.

This is the premium ticket that includes park admission, unlimited use of the Express Pass for all attractions, and special benefits like priority seating at shows and a guided tour. The price is around ¥33,800 for adults, ¥27,800 for children, and ¥31,800 for seniors.

This is for those who plan to visit the park multiple times in a year. It offers unlimited park admission for a year. The price is around ¥21,800 for adults, ¥15,500 for children, and ¥19,800 for seniors.

Please note that the prices are subject to change and it's recommended to check the official Universal Studios Japan website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Must-visit attractions in USJ

If you're planning to travel to Osaka, Universal Studios Osaka offers various must-visit attractions for first-time visitors:

Located in the heart of Universal Studios Japan, this Harry Potter-themed area is a must-visit for fans of the series. It features a replica of Hogwarts Castle, the village of Hogsmeade, and several rides including the thrilling "Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey".

This is the world's largest Minion-themed area, featuring a variety of attractions, shops, and eateries all inspired by the popular "Despicable Me" franchise. The main attraction here is the "Despicable Me Minion Mayhem" ride.

This area is based on the popular movie franchise and features several dinosaur-themed rides and attractions. The most popular is the "Jurassic Park – The Ride", a water-based adventure ride that culminates in an 85-foot drop.

This is a perfect area for families with young children. It features three themed sections – Snoopy Studios, Hello Kitty's Fashion Avenue, and Sesame Street Fun Zone – each with a variety of rides, shows, and attractions suitable for younger visitors.

This is a boat ride that takes you through Amity Village as you encounter the infamous great white shark. It's a thrilling experience that fans of the classic movie will love.

This is one of the park's most popular attractions. It's a 4K3D ride that combines 3D film with physical effects to create a truly immersive experience.

This is a roller coaster that lets you choose your own background music as you ride. It also has a "Backdrop" version that lets you ride the coaster backwards for a unique experience.

The Real: Based on the popular anime series, this attraction features a life-sized Titan and offers an immersive 4D experience that includes special effects and physical sensations.

This is a live-action horror game based on the popular "Resident Evil" video game series. It's a thrilling, immersive experience that's not for the faint of heart.

This is the newest area in Universal Studios Japan, featuring attractions based on popular Nintendo games like Super Mario. It includes rides like "Mario Kart: Koopa’s Challenge" and "Yoshi’s Adventure".

Transportation to Universal Studios Japan

Photo by JuniperPhoton fron Unslpah

The easiest way to reach Universal Studios Japan is by train. The park is just a five-minute walk from Universal City Station on the JR Yumesaki Line. If you're coming from Osaka Station, it will take about 15 minutes and cost around 180 yen one way. From Kansai International Airport, it will take about 70 minutes and cost around 1190 yen one way.

There are direct buses to Universal Studios Japan from Kansai International Airport and Itami Airport. The journey from Kansai International Airport takes about 70-75 minutes and costs around 1550 yen one way. From Itami Airport, it takes about 40-45 minutes and costs around 930 yen one way.

The 'Captain Line' ferry runs from Osaka Aquarium in the Tempozan area to Universal Studios Japan. The journey takes about 10 minutes and costs 700 yen one way or 1300 yen for a round trip.

If you prefer to drive, there are several parking options available. The Universal Studios Japan parking lot is open from 7:00 am until two hours after the park closes. The parking fee is 2500 yen for standard-sized cars and 3500 yen for oversized vehicles. There is also nearby parking at the Universal City Port, which costs 3100 yen for standard-sized cars and 4200 yen for oversized vehicles.

Taxis are also an option, though they can be more expensive. The cost will depend on your starting location, but a taxi from Osaka Station will typically cost around 5000 yen.

Remember that prices and times can vary, so it's always a good idea to check the latest information before your trip.

1. Comfortable footwear: You'll be walking a lot, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes.

2. Sunscreen: Protect your skin from the sun's harmful rays.

3. Hat and sunglasses: These will help protect your face and eyes from the sun.

4. Water bottle: Stay hydrated throughout the day.

5. Snacks: Bring some light snacks to keep your energy up.

6. Camera: Capture your favorite moments.

7. Portable phone charger: You'll likely use your phone a lot for photos, so bring a portable charger.

8. Backpack: Carry all your essentials in a comfortable backpack.

9. Rain poncho or umbrella: Florida weather can be unpredictable, so it's best to be prepared.

10. Tickets and ID: Don't forget your tickets and identification.

11. Hand sanitizer: Keep your hands clean throughout the day.

12. Extra clothes: You might get wet on some of the rides, so it's a good idea to bring an extra set of clothes.

13. Face mask: Depending on the current health guidelines, you may need to wear a mask.

14. Wallet with cash and credit cards: For any purchases you may want to make.

15. First Aid Kit: For any minor injuries or health issues.

16. Park map: To help navigate the park.

17. Sweater or light jacket: It can get chilly in the evening or in air-conditioned areas.

1. The Dragon's Pearl : Located in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, this restaurant offers a magical dining experience. The top dishes include the Great Feast Platter, which is a combination of roasted chicken, ribs, corn on the cob, and potatoes, and the Butterbeer Potted Cream for dessert.

2. Mel's Drive-In : Situated in the Hollywood area, this American-style diner offers classic dishes like cheeseburgers, fries, and milkshakes. The top dishes are the Mel's Classic Burger and the Chocolate Milkshake.

3. Amity Landing Restaurant : Located in the Amity Village area, this seafood restaurant offers a variety of dishes. The top dishes include the Jaws Dog, a hot dog topped with chili con carne and cheese, and the Amity Seafood Platter, which includes fried shrimp, fish, and calamari.

4. Jurassic Park T-Rex Restaurant : Situated in the Jurassic Park area, this restaurant offers a prehistoric dining experience. The top dishes include the T-Rex Burger, a juicy beef burger with bacon and cheese, and the Dino Chicken Nuggets.

5. Louie's NY Pizza Parlor : Located in the New York area, this restaurant offers classic New York-style pizza. The top dishes include the Meat Lover's Pizza and the Margherita Pizza.

6. Finnegan's Bar & Grill : Situated in the New York area, this Irish pub offers a variety of dishes. The top dishes include the Shepherd's Pie and the Corned Beef Sandwich.

7. The Happiness Café: Located in the Minion Park area, this café offers a variety of Minion-themed dishes. The top dishes include the Minion Burger and the Banana & Caramel Minion Pancake.

8. Three Broomsticks: Situated in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, this restaurant offers a magical dining experience. The top dishes include the Fish and Chips and the Sticky Toffee Pudding.

1. Universal Studios Store : Located near the entrance of the park, this store offers a wide variety of Universal Studios Japan merchandise. Top souvenirs include limited-edition Minion goods, Snoopy items, and Universal Studios Japan logo merchandise.

2. The Amazing Spider-Man Store : Situated in the New York area of the park, this store is a must-visit for Marvel fans. Top souvenirs include Spider-Man action figures, clothing, and accessories.

3. Jurassic Outfitters : Located in the Jurassic Park area, this store offers dinosaur-themed merchandise. Top souvenirs include dinosaur plush toys, t-shirts, and Jurassic Park memorabilia.

4. Ollivanders Wand Shop : Situated in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, this shop sells replicas of the wands used by characters in the Harry Potter series. The top souvenir here is, of course, a magic wand.

5. Hello Kitty's Ribbon Collection : Located in Universal Wonderland, this store offers a wide range of Hello Kitty merchandise. Top souvenirs include Hello Kitty plush toys, clothing, and accessories.

6. Minion Mart : Located in Minion Park, this store is filled with Minion-themed merchandise. Top souvenirs include Minion plush toys, clothing, and accessories.

7. JAWS Gear : Situated in the Amity Village, this store offers merchandise themed around the classic movie JAWS. Top souvenirs include JAWS t-shirts, hats, and mugs.

8. Back to the Future : The Store: Located in the Sci-Fi City, this store offers merchandise from the iconic movie trilogy. Top souvenirs include DeLorean model cars, Back to the Future t-shirts, and hoverboards.

1. The Park Front Hotel at Universal Studios Japan : Located just a 1-minute walk from Universal Studios Japan, this hotel offers a restaurant, a 24-hour front desk, and free WiFi. The rooms are spacious and equipped with a flat-screen TV and a fridge.

2. Hotel Universal Port : Situated a 4-minute walk from Universal Studios Japan, this hotel features a buffet restaurant with a variety of dishes, a 24-hour front desk, and free WiFi.

3. Hotel Kintetsu Universal City : This hotel is located just a 2-minute walk from Universal Studios Japan. It offers a buffet restaurant, a souvenir shop, and free WiFi. The rooms are equipped with a flat-screen TV, a fridge, and a private bathroom.

4. The Singulari Hotel & Skyspa at Universal Studios Japan: Located a 5-minute walk from Universal Studios Japan, this hotel features a rooftop spa with city views, a restaurant, and free WiFi. The rooms are air-conditioned and have a flat-screen TV, a fridge, and a private bathroom.

5. Hotel Seagull Tempozan Osaka: Located a 10-minute ferry ride from Universal Studios Japan, this hotel features a restaurant, a 24-hour front desk, and free WiFi. The rooms are spacious and equipped with a flat-screen TV and a fridge.

1. Purchase Tickets in Advance : To avoid long queues, it's recommended to purchase your tickets online in advance. You can buy them directly from the Universal Studios Japan website or through authorized travel agencies.

2. Get an Express Pass : If you want to make the most of your visit, consider purchasing an Express Pass. This pass allows you to skip the regular lines at some of the most popular attractions.

3. Arrive Early: The park opens at 8:30 am but lines start forming as early as 7:30 am. Arriving early ensures that you get to enjoy the park before it gets too crowded.

4. Plan Your Day : Universal Studios Japan is huge, so it's best to plan your day in advance. Decide which attractions you want to visit and in what order. This will help you save time and avoid unnecessary walking.

5. Dress Comfortably : You will be doing a lot of walking, so wear comfortable shoes. Also, check the weather forecast before you go and dress accordingly.

6. Stay Hydrated and Carry Snacks : Food and drinks inside the park can be expensive. Consider carrying your own water bottle and some snacks.

7. Check the Show Times : Universal Studios Japan hosts several shows throughout the day. Check the show times in advance so you can plan your day accordingly.

8. Use the Single Rider Line : If you don't mind riding alone, use the single rider line. It's usually much shorter than the regular line.

9. Take Breaks : It can be overwhelming to try and see everything in one day. Take breaks to rest and recharge.

10. Stay Nearby : If you plan on spending more than one day at the park, consider staying at a nearby hotel. This will save you travel time and allow you to get to the park early.

11. Learn Basic Japanese Phrases : While many staff members speak English, knowing a few basic Japanese phrases can enhance your experience.

12. Check the Park's Calendar : The park's calendar will let you know about any special events or closures happening during your visit.

13. Bring a Portable Charger : You'll likely be using your phone a lot for photos and navigation, so bring a portable charger to keep your battery topped up.

14. Be Aware of Height Restrictions : Some rides have height restrictions for safety reasons. Check these before you queue to avoid disappointment.

15. Enjoy Yourself : Lastly, remember to have fun! Universal Studios Japan is an amazing place with lots to see and do.

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Tips for visiting Universal Studios Japan

The first Universal Studios theme park to open outside of the US, and the fastest amusement park to reach over 10 million visitors in its first year, Universal Studios Japan is one of the most visited amusement parks in the world.

The park is divided into exciting themed areas such as Hollywood and Jurassic Park, and with the addition of one of its highlights, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in 2014, the park has gotten more and more popular. Located just a train ride away from Osaka Station , visitors can enjoy a fun day at Universal Studios Japan within a mere 12 minutes!

This also means the park is busy any time of the year, and a little bit of planning goes a long way. How do you get the best deals, how to avoid the crowds, which rides should you definitely go on and what are the best places to eat? Follow our strategy and essential tips to maximize your fun and enjoy your visit at Universal Studios Japan!

Table of Contents

How to get to Universal Studios Japan?

Credits: Chester

Universal Studios Japan couldn’t be more conveniently located! It’s easily accessible from the Osaka city center. From Osaka Station, take the JR Osaka Loop Line to Nishikujo Station which only takes about 5 – 6 min. When you arrive at Nishikujo Station, change to the JR Yumesaki Line (or Sakurajima Line) bound for Universal City Station. From there, it’s a 5 min. walk to the entrance gates of Universal Studios Japan. Alternatively, there are also direct trains leaving from Osaka Station to Universal City Station although less frequent and taking 15 min. in total (one way 180 yen). If you’re coming from Kansai Airport, take a JR airport rapid to Nishikujo Station and change to the JR Yumesaki Line (or Sakurajima Line) bound for Universal City Station. (one way 1190 yen).

You can get to Universal Studios Japan using a JR Pass, click here to learn more .

Buying tickets and how to save ¥¥¥

Credits: Universal Studios Japan

Universal Studios Japan offers different park tickets depending on your needs. The following tickets are most commonly found.

You can buy Universal Studios Japan tickets here .

1 Day Studio Pass

This is the ticket most people buy and allows you access to the park for one day. Note that the pass does not allow you to re-enter the park once you exit.

Price: Adult 7,400 yen, Children (4-11) 5,100 yen, Seniors (65 and above) 6,700 yen.

*Prices may differ depending on the date.

2 Day Studio Pass

This ticket allows you access to the park for 2 days. Again, no re-entry after exiting the park.

Price: Adult 13,400 yen, Children (4-11) 9,000 yen, Seniors n/a

1.5 Day Studio Pass

Enjoy the park for 1.5 day! This ticket allows entry after 3 pm on day 1 and the whole day on day 2. Perfect for people who want to spend just a little bit more time at the park. 1.5 Day Studio Passes  are offered on sites like Klook .

Price: 10,900 yen

Tickets can be bought at the park at a ticket booth on the day itself or in advance online. Because the park can get crowded, buying tickets on the day itself usually requires you to wait a long time in line, sometimes continuing even after the park opens. Especially on peak days or on weekends, tickets will often sell out at the park so we recommend buying your tickets online in advance.

Tickets can be bought at the official Universal Studios Japan ticket website  (available in Japanese only). Sites like Klook or Voyagin offer various passes and depending on the season of time, you can buy tickets at discounted prices. Tickets bought online can be printed out and scanned when entering the park. Park tickets can also be bought at Lawson’s ticket machine which sometimes offers store promoted discounts.

What are the best days to visit Universal Studios Japan?

Credits: Maggie Liu

Universal Studios Japan is popular, VERY popular and is crowded any day of the year. Though there are days when the park is less crowded. Peak days such as any national holiday, Christmas, Golden Week and New Year’s Day are best to avoid as the park gets so crowded, you end up spending more time queuing up for rides than enjoying your time at the park. The best days (provided not falling on a national holiday) to visit the park are actually Wednesdays and Thursdays in the middle of the week when students have school and most people have to go to work.

Tip: Arrive early,  about 1 hour before the park gates open. Although some people might arrive even earlier, arriving early at the park means that you get to be one of the first to enter the park as soon as the gates open, allowing you quick access to any attraction of your choice.

Express Pass

Credits: Klook

On crowded days, it’s fairly common to see a 300-minute (!!) waiting time for the most popular rides. To beat the crowds and get on attractions faster, you can buy a separate Express Pass allowing you to use the Express Lane and cutting down the waiting time to sometimes a few minutes! An Express pass allows you to use the Express Lane of an attraction once, and only for certain attractions depending on the Express Pass. The most common types of Express passes are:

• Express Pass 3 – Allows use of Express Lanes for 3 rides
• Express Pass 4 – Allows use of Express Lanes for 4 rides, including Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
• Express Pass 6 – Allows use of Express Lanes for 6 rides, including Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
• Express Pass 7 – Allows use of Express Lanes for 7 rides, including Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey

Though Express Passes can be bought directly at the park, they’re very popular, limited in quantities and almost always sold out for the day. Buy your Express Pass in advance at the official site  (available in Japanese only) or through Klook .

Price: Prices start at 4,200 yen and may vary depending on the day.

USJ VIP Pass

Credits: Befreetour

A different way to beat the crowds is by buying the cheaper USJ VIP Wristband Pass, which also includes admission to Harukas 300 Observatory in Osaka. With the USJ VIP Wristband Pass, you get 30 min. – 1 hour early access to the park, allowing you to get on the popular rides before anyone else! With this pass, you’ll get access to a secret website revealing the special opening time of the park the day before and allowing you access to the VIP line on the day itself. It’s best to arrive a bit earlier than the specially designated time to make sure you’re one of the first to enter the park. The USJ VIP Wristband can be bought through Klook .

Price: 2,999 yen

Timed Entry Ticket

Without a doubt, the most popular area in Universal Studios Japan is The Wizarding World of Harry Potter . In fact, there are people that come to park just to spend the whole day at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter area. Because the area gets so crowded, especially during peak times and holidays, a timed ticketing system was introduced to control the crowds. Though the tickets are free, you cannot enter the area without one.

Credits: Joris Satyadharma

There are two ways to get a Timed Entry Ticket. Get your ticket at the Harry Potter ticket booth located at Central Park inside the park. To obtain a ticket, scan your park admission ticket and designate the time slot you wish to enter and the ticket will be printed out. It’s best to arrive as early as possible to get the most time slot options as each time slot has a limited number of tickets available. The second way to get a Timed Entry Ticket is with an Express Pass. An Express Pass with access to The Forbidden Journey attraction gets you a Timed Entry Ticket as well. Once you’ve entered the area, you can stay for as long as you want. However, if you leave the area, you have to get a new Timed Entry Ticket to enter the area again.

Walking Strategy and Best Rides Top 5

Credits: pinguino k

Whether you have an Express Pass or not, it’s advisable to strategize your visit to get the most out of your day. Getting to the park about one hour before the park gates open is key. The queues aren’t that long yet and you get to go on the rides faster. While it makes more sense to walk around the park according to area, it’s actually more time consuming and you end up having to wait longer in line at various attraction.

Try the following strategy to minimize waiting time and maximize the fun. As soon as you enter the gates, grab a map and head over to Central Park and get a Timed Entry Ticket for The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Then, instead of hitting all the themed areas in succession, start with the popular rides first. As the park just opened, waiting lines aren’t yet that long. As soon as you can enter The Wizarding World of Harry Potter with your Timed Entry Ticket, go to the Hogwarts Castle to ride the Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey attraction.

After you’ve ridden all the popular rides, you can take your time and explore the different areas at a slower pace. Which rides are the most popular ones and should definitely be on your to do list?

Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tCg-M1ujJno&ab_channel=SchadiKhaghani

The Flying Dinosaur

The Amazing Adventures of Spiderman

Hollywood Dream – The Ride Backdrop

Despicable Me Minion Mayhem

Tip: Most popular attractions have a Single Rider Line that has a shorter waiting time than the regular lines, often less than half the time. Japanese families like to stick together and seldom use the Single Rider Lines. Using the Single Rider Line could save you a couple hours worth of waiting time! The only downside using this line is that you have to ride separately and you might end up sitting next to a stranger.

Tip: Throughout the park, at various times, popular shows like the Harry Potter night show or the Minion Parade draw huge crowds. To get a good spot, arrive 30 min. – 1 hour before the show to get a good view.

Where to eat at USJ?

Three broomsticks.

Credits: Ching-Chia Kuo

Favored by students and teachers alike from the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, this restaurant looking like a tavern, serves quality traditional British dishes like Fish and Chips, Shepherd’s Pie and Rotisserie Smoked Chicken. A must-try is its specialty drink, Butterbeer, a sweet non-alcoholic concoction that tastes like liquid butterscotch.

Cuisine: British Price: Adult 2500 yen, Child 1000-1500 yen

Beverly Hills Boulangerie

Credits: asuka

This French style bakery in Hollywood close to the entrance of the park, serves sandwiches, snacks and desserts. This place is popular for its many different kinds of desserts like cakes, muffins, cookies, that not only taste delicious but also look super cute. You might find it hard not to take a picture of it.

Cuisine: Western Price: 500 yen – 1500 yen

Happiness Cafe

Credits: 邵蘭芝

Like the name says, Happiness Cafe will leave you happy! Thanks to it’s mouthwatering curry rice which it is famous for, available in mild, medium and hot. The meals also have a Minion theme adding to the happiness factor!

Cuisine: Western & Japanese style curry Price: Adult 1900 yen, Child 1000 yen

Where to stay?

The park front hotel at universal studios japan.

Credits: The Park Front Hotel

One of the official hotels, The Park Front Hotel is right in front of the entrance of the park. The hotel is modern with very spacious rooms and each room has an American theme from a different era. The Hawaiian themed restaurant serves Japanese and Western style cuisine in a buffet style. A special concierge service for kids will delight any young guest staying at The Park Front Hotel.

Location: The Park Front Hotel Price: 10,000 yen per person Official Website: The Park Front Hotel

Hotel Universal Port

Credits: Hotel Port Universal

This colorful and modern looking hotel has excellent service and bright and spacious rooms. Aside from the standard rooms, Minion and Ocean themed rooms are also available. Visitors staying at one of the Minion themed rooms also benefit from exclusive Minion gifts! The hotel has a buffet style restaurant and a T-Rex themed cafe and lounge where you can relax with a cooling cocktail. And if you can’t get enough of shopping at the park, visit the Universal Studios store inside the hotel!

Location: Hotel Universal Port Price: 16,500 yen per person Official Website:   Hotel Universal Port

The Singulari Hotel and Skyspa at Universal Studios japan

Credits: The Singulari Hotel and Skyspa

Only a short walking distance to the park, this luxurious hotel has an excellent view over the Osaka Harbor. The rooms have a pleasant minimalistic style with a Japanese touch. The Skyspa open-air bath is worth a visit, if only for the magnificent view, especially at night. The hotel restaurant serves a Western style buffet offering a variety of freshly baked bread in the morning, healthy salads at noon and scrumptious looking casseroles during dinner time.

Location:   The Singulari Hotel and Skyspa Price: 10,000 yen per person Official Website:   The Singulari Hotel and Skyspa

A day at Universal Studios Japan guarantees you a day of fun, but that can turn sour if you spend most of the time waiting in line and missing out on the fun stuff. With a little bit of planning and following our strategy and tips, you’ll have more time to enjoy your day at Universal Studios Japan to the fullest!

If you have more tips, share them on our  Facebook group  and follow us on   Facebook , Instagram , Twitter ,  Pinterest . Enjoy your day!

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• Universal Studios Jepang

Universal Studios Jepang ユニバーサル・スタジオ・ジャパン

2-1-33 Sakurajima, Konohana-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka-fu

• Lihat pada Peta Google
• Dapatkan Info Transit

Kesehatan dan keamanan pengunjung dan kru menjadi prioritas utama kami di Universal Studios Jepang. Langkah-langkah sanitasi yang lebih baik telah diterapkan. Kunjungi situs web Universal Studios Jepang untuk info lebih lanjut.

Menuju Lokasi

Universal Studios Jepang mudah dicapai dari pusat kota Osaka dan berbagai pusat transportasi di sekitarnya.

Aksesnya mudah menggunakan kereta, hanya 11 menit dari Stasiun Osaka, 16 menit dari Stasiun Shin-Osaka dan 35 menit akses dari Bandara Internasional Kansai (KIX).

SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™

#kami adalah mario bebaskan hasrat bermain anda.

Tenggelamkan diri Anda dengan keseruan yang bisa dinikmati seluruh keluarga di SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™ pertama* di dunia. Berlomba menuju kemenangan di Mario Kart: Koopa's Challenge tempat di mana lintasan-lintasan Mario Kart dihidupkan lewat teknologi yang mutakhir. Wahana taman hiburan Mario Kart interaktif pertama di dunia yang akan memacu adrenalin Anda.

*Berdasarkan survei USJ LLC terhadap karakter Nintendo dan dunia mereka di area taman bertema di seluruh dunia.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™

Area menakjubkan ini menghidupkan kembali dunia Harry Potter™ dalam skala yang luar biasa, dengan detail yang cermat sehingga membuatnya berlimpah keajaiban. Nikmati petualangan sihir di wahana yang dinobatkan sebagai atraksi terbaik dunia selama lima tahun terakhir berturut-turut*, rasakan “dunia" dengan pertokoan dari dunia sihir dan ucapkan mantra sungguhan, serta lihat keajaiban luar biasa di depan mata Anda. Rasakan keajaiban dan sihir di sekitar Anda dan bersiaplah untuk dikelilingi oleh sensasi yang hanya bisa Anda alami di sini.

*Golden Ticket Awards, Penghargaan "Best Dark Ride" 2011-2015, 17th Annual Thea Award "Outstanding Achievement Award" (untuk Future Attraction), Theme Park Insider 2010 "Best New Attraction" Award diberikan untuk objek wisata ini yang terletak di Islands of Adventure, Universal Orlando Resort, Orlando, Florida, AS.

Minion Park

Jadilah bagian dari kekacauan di Taman Minion terbesar di dunia.

Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem

Menggemaskan, lucu, dan benar-benar di luar kendali., terjun langsung ke dunia penuh kekacauan abadi..

Atraksi yang baru ini membawa Anda ke dunia Minion yang memusingkan. Dengan layar kubah besar dan sistem proyeksi hiper-realistis, Anda tidak akan tahu apa yang naik dan turun. Naiki kendaraan yang dirancang oleh Gru dan masuki laboratoriumnya untuk memulai proses menjadi Minion yang sebenarnya. Di bawah pengawasan Gru dan ketiga putrinya, Anda akan berlari di udara dan kembali ke bumi, terbalik dan berputar-putar. Jadi, terjunlah ke dalam kekacauan Minion lewat perjalanan mendebarkan yang akan menantang indra Anda dan menghangatkan hati Anda.

The Flying Dinosaur

Pteranodon yang lepas kendali akan menangkap Anda dari belakang dan menarik Anda ke langit, tanpa bantuan apapun selain udara. Pengalaman yang luar biasa dan menegangkan ini akan membuat Anda berayun 360 derajat melewati dunia Jurassic Park.

\*Total panjang lintasan adalah 1.124 m, dan ketinggian jatuh pertama adalah 37,8 m. \*\* \*Berdasarkan penelitian perusahaan terhadap 22 roller coaster terbang yang beroperasi di seluruh dunia.

Universal Wonderland

Keajaiban bagi seluruh keluarga.

Area ini adalah rumah bagi Elmo, Snoopy, Hello Kitty, dan karakter lucu lainnya yang populer di seluruh dunia. Bergabunglah dengan keseruan ini. Dengan lebih dari 30.000 meter persegi dan 30 atraksi berbeda, Universal Wonderland pasti akan menyenangkan semua orang.

Jadwalkan Kunjungan Anda

Luangkan waktu seharian penuh untuk mengunjungi taman dan area City Walk di sekitarnya. Saat Anda menambahkan akses Universal Express ke tiket masuk taman hiburan, Anda bisa melewati antrean reguler di hampir semua wahana dan atraksi favorit Anda. Jadi Anda bisa menambah keseruan ke dalam hari Anda. Untuk memaksimalkan kunjungan Anda, datanglah lebih awal dan pertimbangkan untuk membeli Express Pass yang akan mengurangi waktu antrean di berbagai atraksi paling populer. Express Pass hanya tersedia dalam jumlah terbatas setiap harinya.

Pertimbangkan untuk menginap di salah satu hotel yang ada di lokasi untuk mendapatkan akses yang lebih mudah. [Area Teluk Osaka] yang juga merupakan lokasi [Akuarium Kaiyukan Osaka] merupakan perjalanan menyenangkan yang dapat dilakukan setengah hari atau seharian penuh.

© Nintendo WIZARDING WORLD and all related trademarks, characters, names, and indicia are © & ™ Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Publishing Rights © JKR. (s21) Minions and all related elements and indicia TM & © 2021 Universal Studios. All rights reserved. TM & © Universal Studios & Amblin Entertainment TM & © 2021 Sesame Workshop ©2021 Peanuts Worldwide LLC © 1976, 2021 SANRIO CO., LTD.APPROVAL NO. EJ4120301 TM & © Universal Studios. All rights reserved.

* Informasi di halaman ini dapat berubah sehubungan dengan COVID-19.

• Taman Bertema

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The  Stuff

Childhoods  are made of, fun family activities & places to visit with our kids in singapore & beyond  (plus the occasional mommy rantings), by vivian teo.

• Jun 9, 2023
• 14 min read

Taking your kid to Universal Studios Japan? Here're 15 things you must know

Updated: Jun 10, 2023

Universal Studios Japan is loads of fun for kids and adults but planning a trip there can get rather confusing and daunting. Here are 15 tips and things you must know if you're heading to the theme park, with or without kids!

We've just returned from our Osaka, Japan trip! Universal Studios Japan is definitely the highlight of our trip. It's all that it's hyped up to be with its newly-opened Super Nintendo World and the mesmerising Harry Potter world. The cheeriness and energy of the staff also added to the theme park's magical atmosphere.

I won't be reviewing on what the rides are like at Universal Studios Japan - Youtube and social media are great resources for that and videos do a better job than written reviews to give you a sense of what the rides are like. But I can tell you, yes, USJ is as impressive as what you see online. It's definitely a must-visit if you are in Osaka!

That said, what many of these videos and pics don't show you is the blood, sweat and tears some go through when booking their trip to Universal Studios Japan, especially for the newly-opened Super Nintendo World. I found it really overwhelming when I first looked at all the different park entry tickets (called studio passes), express passes and timed entry tickets for Super Nintendo World (yes, you need separate tickets for this, more on that later). I just wanted to buy a ticket and go into the park but really, it's not as simple as that if you want to make the most out of your trip.

We were also planning to go on a Monday and Tuesday but express passes that included entry to Super Nintendo World were all snapped up about a month before - I wasn't expecting them to go THAT fast and I think it's because Super Nintendo World is newly opened and everyone going to Universal Studios Japan wanted to make sure they could enter Super Nintendo World, and also because many people are making a beeline for Japan this year after it reopened to tourists.

So, after nearly tearing my hair out figuring what tickets to get and the initial scare that we might not even get to enter Super Nintendo World when at Universal Studios Japan, I decided I have to write this blog about the things to know if you're planning to go to Universal Studios Japan. So here they are:

1) How advance do I need to book my tickets and express passes?

Booking for park entry tickets and express passes open about 2 months ahead. Do note that park entry ticket and express pass are two separate things. Park entry ticket lets you enter the park while an express pass lets you skip the ride queues.

So if you are certain you're making the trip, I would advise booking express passes with Super Nintendo World entry once booking starts. I tried booking about a month before our desired entry date and the express passes with Super Nintendo World entry were sold out, so we had to rearrange our schedule and go on a Sunday instead of Monday. The express passes without Super Nintendo World entry were still available then but people are grabbing these express passes with Super Nintendo World entry because these passes guarantee entry into Super Nintendo World (more on that below). But yes, if you want to guarantee your entry into Super Nintendo World, get the express passes with timed entry into Super Nintendo World .

As for the park entry tickets, or studio passes, we had actually booked our second day entry to Universal Studios Japan a few days ahead of our entry date. Looking at the ticket availability, park entry tickets were generally still available if you book last minute and want to go the next day. But that said, we visited during June and this is the off-peak period for tourism in Japan. This might not be the case when you're going during peak season like July, August and year-end. So you might want to get your park entry tickets at least a month ahead or even once booking begins if you're travelling during peak season .

Tickets and express passes can be purchased from the USJ website and travel agencies like Klook and KKDay. We got ours from Klook but a quick check showed that prices do not differ by much among these sources. You'll see that there are Studio Passes A-E, these are just based on seasonality like weekdays, weekends, non-peak season, peak season. Tickets are cheaper on non-peak weekdays and more expensive during peak season. Don't panic if you click on Studio Pass A and see that there's nothing available, it could be the dates you are going is a B, C, D or E category. Just check the other Studio Pass categories.

2) Does the park entry ticket mean I can visit Super Nintendo World?

Not necessarily. You need a Timed Entry Ticket to guarantee entry to Super Nintendo World . Timed entry for Super Nintendo World comes with certain express passes (see tip no. 3).

Another way to get a Timed Entry Ticket to Super Nintendo World is to apply for it through the USJ app or at park ticket kiosks. These are free but do note that you might not be successful getting the Time Entry Ticket as USJ says, "we may stop or temporarily suspend the issuing of tickets without notice on the day of your visit due to crowd conditions." Follow the instructions at USJ's website on how to apply for Timed Entry Tickets. Judging from the popularity of Super Nintendo World and the express passes with timed entry into Super Nintendo World, I think it's a bit risky to go for this option, unless you don't mind leaving it to chance and NOT being able to enter Super Nintendo World.

Another way to get entry into Super Nintendo World is to go and queue at the park super early like 7-plus am, before the park opens, and then make a dash for Super Nintendo World. (This, I read online and heard from other people.) You might be able to enter Super Nintendo World because capacity at Super Nintendo World is unlikely to be full this early. But again, entry is not guaranteed with this method as there are likely many who would be doing the same.

If you don't want the stress of rushing and queuing early at the park or leaving your entry to Super Nintendo World to chance, getting an Express Pass with Timed Entry to Super Nintendo World is the best way to guarantee entry to Super Nintendo World . Of course if you're unable to secure an Express Pass with Timed Entry to Super Nintendo World then the above methods would be your best bet.

3) There are so many different express passes. Which do I get?

There are Express Pass 4 and Express Pass 7. The former allows you to skip queue for four designated rides and the latter, seven. On which of the pass to get, it'll depend on what rides you want to go on because these are for designated rides. So research ahead via YouTube to see what the rides are like and if the rides in that particular express pass are what you want to go for. My kids do not want to go for the scarier rides like Flying Dinosaur and Hollywood Dream, so there is no point getting express passes with these rides in them.

The following rides are very popular and tend to have very long queues, so it'd be better getting express passes with these rides in them if they are what you and your kids wanna ride: Doraemon XR Ride; Harry Potter & the Forbidden Journey; Flight of the Hippogriff; Minion Mayhem; Hollywood Dream; Backdrop; Mario Kart; Yoshi's Adventure.

We bought the Express Pass 7 which had all the rides we wanted to try out. Some friends also advised getting Express Pass 7 because Express Pass 4 is just for 4 rides and you'll have to join the normal queue for rides not covered by the express pass and normal queues can get pretty long for the popular rides.

Do note that you'll be given designated ride times in your express pass. That means if it says your ride for Minion Mayhem is at 1300-1330, you'll need to be at the ride entrance at this time. You won't be allowed into the express queue outside of the timing. But the fixed timing is nothing to worry about, the timings are well spaced out and the express queues really do move fast and the ride timings are unlikely to eat into one another.

Do also note that the express pass can only be used once on each designated ride . So after you have used it on say, the Doraemon ride, and you want to ride the Doraemon ride again, you'll need to join the normal queue on your second ride.

4) Is it really necessary to buy an express pass?

I would say buy the express pass if you can afford them. Yes, they are expensive - an Express Pass 7 is about SGD230 dollars for one person, so if you have a family of four, it will easily cost you close to S$1,000.

But having been there 2 days, one with and one without express pass, I find our enjoyment of the park is a lot more with the express pass. Some of the normal queues at the popular rides can get as long as over 2 or even 3 hours as compared to express queues which are easily below 30 mins. And with an Express Pass 7, we didn't finish all the non-express pass rides or explored everything at the park. Note that there are even queues at restaurants and food stalls. So without an express pass, you might not be able to fully experience the park as you do use up quite a bit of time queuing.

Of course if budget is a concern, you can get an Express Pass 4 with the popular rides or even go on two days instead of one.

Once again, if you really want to visit Super Nintendo World, please get the express pass with timed entry to the world - I feel that it's a real downer if you go to USJ and end up not being able to enter Super Nintendo World. My girls are huge Nintendo fans, so I wanted to make sure that we could visit SNW during our visit.

5) Should I get the Super Nintendo World power-up band?

The power-up band is for participating in extra activities at Super Nintendo World which you can purchase in the world itself. If you're thinking of getting the power-up band, read what you can do with it first. Here's an explanation from Klook and there are also instructions in the power-up band box on how to use the band. We initially thought you just use the wristband to hit those question mark boxes and that was it but no, it allows you to complete challenges and through the USJ app, collect stickers and rewards.

Personally, I don't think it's a big deal and wouldn't get one for myself, especially since one band costs 4200 yen. Most of the kids I saw got the bands and were having fun with it and so did my younger one. So I guess the kids might have more fun with it. But even without, I think you'll still have fun at Super Nintendo World, just that the band allows you to participate in some extra activities.

6) When's the best day to go to USJ?

Generally, I think you can expect USJ to be busy everyday but it's apparently less crowded on Wednesdays and Thursdays . We snuck a peak at the queue times through the USJ app and indeed, the queuing times are shorter on these days.

The general advice is to avoid weekends. We went on Sunday and it was crowded indeed but with our express pass, it actually didn't make a huge difference to us. The Monday we were there in fact felt more crowded and later I had read that Mondays and Tuesdays can be crowded as groups tend to plan excursions on these days.

7) What time should I arrive at the park?

Park opening hours differ on days so do check park opening hours ahead. Some people said you should go early to queue as the park will be less crowded, but when you're travelling with young children, it can be hard to go early. We arrived around 9-plus in the morning on Sunday and the queue to enter wasn't that long and it moved very fast. We arrived around 10am on Monday and the queue to enter was much longer, though it moved fast as well. So I reckon how long it takes to queue to enter the park has more to do with the crowd on that day.

8) Do the single rider queues move faster?

Riders in the single rider queue are slotted into empty seats in rides. E.g. If a ride has four seats, a group of three gets on those seats, staff will slot a single ride into the empty seat. Do note that single rider queues are NOT available for ALL rides and the park may or may not operate single rider queues for certain rides on certain days.

Single ride queues are generally shorter than the normal queues but for some popular rides like Backdrop and Doraemon, the single rider queues time displayed at ride entrance are about the same as the queue time displayed for normal queues when we were there. That said, we tried some of the single rider queues and though the stated queuing time is about the same as the normal queue, the waiting time was definitely shorter than the estimated queue time displayed at the queue.

But note that if you queue the single rider queue as a group, your group will likely be seated separately. My girls were initially a bit concerned about sitting the ride alone (we went for the single rider queue at the Spiderman ride as it was about half the queueing time of the normal queue), so what we did was we let hubs go first, followed by my two girls, and then myself. This is so that Hubs will be waiting at the exit of the ride for the next girl and I would still be in the queue with the other girl.

I also notice that the staff when boarding the single riders, they may actually take into consideration if you're queuing with children and if you're a family. Because the few times we queued single rider queues, they boarded our girls with one of us (Hubs and/or me) or the two girls went together such that we were in the same ride though not necessarily seated side by side. So if they can, I believe the staff do try to accommodate. But don't tell the staff you want to sit together with your so-so when you are in the single riders queue, it really wouldn't be fair to those in the normal queue and I don't think staff are obliged to accommodate your request.

So, after going once for the single rider queues, my girls realise it was no big deal even if we couldn't sit together cause we really cut short a lot of the queueing times. That said, it's also because my girls are older at 10 and 12 years old. The youngers ones might still need to have a parent with them. So if you have older kids, this is one strategy you can employ if you don't have an express pass.

9) How do I gauge the queue timings?

Estimated queueing times are stated outside the ride entrance. They will also state queueing time for single rider queues. Download and use the USJ app so you can check the queues through the app before heading to the ride .

10) Are the rides at USJ suitable for young children?

There are a good variety of rides at USJ. There's a Wonderland that is very suitable for younger children. We didn't explore much of this as they are too kiddy for my children.

But overall, I think there is a good mix of rides for children and adults. Do note, however, some rides come with minimum height. See USJ's website on height requirements . Again, do research on YouTube on what the rides are like to decide if they are rides suitable for your kids.

11) Do you need 2 days to cover the park?

If you don't have an express pass and only plan to queue the normal queues, it might be a bit challenging to fully cover the park in a day - it is much bigger than Universal Studios Singapore (I'm from Singapore!) - and remember, you also need to queue for food at food stalls and restaurants!

Because of our Express Pass 7, we actually covered MOST of the park in a day but I'm still glad we went for a second day because we managed to go for a few of the experiences we missed on the first day - like the Spiderman ride and queueing for the Mario cafe sandwiches - and we repeated the rides we really enjoyed. We also toured the park more leisurely on the second day with less stress as we already went for the rides we wanted to try on the day before.

Hubs felt one day was enough for him but the girls and I were still glad we went for a second day. So if you think your kids will really love USJ, I think you can go for a second day but maybe you can save some money by not getting an express pass on the second day.

12) Should I stay in the USJ area?

USJ is in the Osaka Bay area. It's not exactly very far in the suburbs - it is a 30-40-min train ride from the Namba city area we were staying at. Still, we booked 3 nights in the city and 3 nights at Osaka Bay because we are going USJ for 2 days and just so we didn't have to commute in case we want to arrive early or play till late at USJ. (BTW for families, I highly recommend La'gent Osaka Bay that's a 10-15-walk from USJ. Its family rooms are themed, huge and rates are reasonable for the hotels in the area).

But I think if you're staying somewhere that's pretty close to Osaka Bay or is only a short train ride from Osaka Bay e.g. Shin-Osaka area, then I don't think you have to book a hotel in the Osaka Bay area. The Osaka Bay area is not as convenient to travel to other parts of Osaka as compared to the city area and it is also quieter with not much to do there other than for USJ and Universal City Walk which has some shops and restaurants. So it really depends on where you're staying in Osaka. And changing hotels is also not the most convenient when you're travelling with young children and carrying bags. So I guess it's not necessary to have to stay in the Osaka Bay area.

13) How are the dining options?

There are lots of dining options at USJ and some sells special items like at the Mario Cafe or Pokemon food cart. But queues for food carts/restaurant can get pretty long throughout the day, so you'll also have to budget time to queue for food.

We went for the food carts mainly as we didn't have time to queue and sit down at restaurants, and just ate on the go. And when you are using express pass with designated ride timings, you have to make sure you get to your ride on time.

The only restaurant we queued for was Kinopio at Super Nintendo World. The timed entry and ride timings in our express pass were in the late afternoon, so could afford to queue as this was the last area we planned to visit for the day. The queue into the cafe was about half an hour. The food was quite nice - I wouldn't say superb - but it was a nice experience sitting in Toad's restaurant. So if you can afford to queue, I would say at least go for Kinopio or the restaurant in Harry Potter world, which I heard is really worth the wait as well.

14) Can I bring food and water in?

The USJ website states outside food is not allowed but baby food and snacks for children are allowed. If you have special dietary requirements, you can also inform the staff at the entrance.

Note that you're only allowed to bring in 500ml of water and they may check your bags through an x-ray machine, so there's no hiding of your extra bottles of water. That said, hubs and I brought in an extra half bottle of water each but the staff didn't say anything about it. I suppose as long as it's not too much, they will not kick up a fuss about it.

The first day our bags went through the machines but the second day we just breezed in without checks. Anyway, there are water coolers near the toilets in USJ, so you can re-fill your bottles. You can also buy mineral water at around 250 yen a bottle in the park.

15) Is there tax-free shopping in USJ?

In Japan, foreigners can shop tax free for purchases of at least 5000 yen. At USJ, you can claim back the tax you paid for your purchases in the park at the guest services area near the entrance. Please have your passport, receipt and merchandise ready when at the guest services area to claim back the tax. They will seal up your purchases in a bag and you're not allowed to open the bag while in Japan because tax-free goods are for foreigners who are consuming the goods outside Japan, not inside Japan. So if there is anything in your above-5000-yen purchases that you want to use while you're still in Japan, then don't claim back the tax for the particular item, if not, they will seal everything up in a bag for you.

Okay, that is all for now. Most of the tips here we learnt ourselves though research or the hard way and some from friends who are really helpful and generous to share about them. I hope these tips are useful for your trip planning to USJ. For more USJ pics and vids, do see my Instagram IGS highlights and post at 'vivianteowriter'!

I'll be sharing about our other experiences in Osaka and Kyoto in my upcoming blog posts, so do look out for them if you're planning to visit Osaka soon!

Disclaimer: We paid for our tickets, and my opinions and reviews here are strictly my and my family’s own.

©Vivian Teo. All content and photos are copyrighted to Vivian Teo unless otherwise specified.

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thanks for your comprehensive write-up!

I managed to get 1 express 7 pass for my son and when I want to get another one for the same time slots online they were all sold out! What would you think is the probability of me getting a similar time express 7 pass on the day that I am visiting?

I don't have experience buying from the door but I saw from the USJ website: Universal Express Passes are also sold at the Park, but their availability on the day of your visit may be limited and may sell out.

I think if you are unable to buy the Express 7 pass online seems like the best bet might be to go earlier on the day to buy at the door. Unsure which platform you bought the express pass but you might wanna double check your settings. I also almost got a heart attack when I saw on Klook all the dates I wanted were sold out and realised I got the date or some category thing wrong…

May I check whether the Harry Potter area still required an area entry pass?

Thinking of going there during the June holidays but wondering whether there will be a flood. When you went in 2023, was it raining heavily?

Oh dear, so sorry I'm only seeing your comment now! No, the Harry Potter zone didn't require a timed entry pass when we were there. I guess it's no longer as crowded as when it just opened. During June, yes, it rained quite a bit but probably like 2 days out of our weeklong trip. It wasn't very heavy but it did made our visits to Nara and Kyoto less enjoyable. So if you're going in June, you'll probably need to be prepared for the rain.

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Universal Studios Japan Ticket Upload Question - Japan Forum

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I purchased Universal tix a few days ago directly from the Universal website. I wasn't able to upload the 1 Day Studio passes initially to the app, so waited a couple of days, and was finally able to upload them today. However, I can't seem to upload the express pass tickets I bought in addition to the park passes. Is there a trick involved, or do they automatically know we have timed entries on the express pass tickets, and these will become visible on the day we enter/activate the tix?

Thanks for any help you can provide (I am so confused).

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Welcome to Donkey Kong Country: Details of Epic Universe’s Super Nintendo World revealed

Let’s go! Super Nintendo World is finally coming to Universal Orlando Resort next year. 

Fans have been waiting for this since 2016 when Universal first announced that its domestic parks would get Nintendo-themed areas after Universal Studios Japan . 

Super Nintendo World will be one of five new worlds at Universal Epic Universe , the Florida resort’s highly anticipated new theme park.

The first U.S. Super Nintendo World opened at Universal Studios Hollywood last year, but don’t expect Epic Universe’s to be a carbon copy.

Universal described the new world as a “multi-sensory environment where guests can experience the fun and adventure of Nintendo games in a whole new way” in a press release Thursday. Here are the first details:

Where is Super Mario Land located?

Unlike at Universal Studios Hollywood , Epic Universe’s Super Nintendo World will include Super Mario Land and, for the first time in the U.S., Donkey Kong Country. 

Guests will travel through a larger-than-life green pipe, like in Hollywood and Super Mario video games.

“As guests emerge from the pipe, vibrant scenery and exciting kinetic energy surround them as they are greeted by the familiar sights and sounds that they’ve experienced on their Nintendo game consoles – from the towering Mt. Beanpole and majestic Peach’s Castle to swaying Piranha Plants, pacing Goombas, spinning coins, '?' Blocks and more,” according to Universal.

This changes everything: How Universal is bringing ‘How to Train Your Dragon’ to life at Epic Universe

What’s coming to Super Mario Land?

Super Mario Land will feature two rides.

• Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge will feel like a real-life Mario Kart game with a mix of physical sets, projection mapping and augmented reality. 
• Yoshi Adventure will give guests “breathtaking views of Super Mario Land as they join Yoshis and travel through Mushroom Kingdom landscapes in search of glowing eggs – encountering many familiar characters along the way,” according to Universal.

Fans will find themed foods at Toadstool Cafe , like in Hollywood, and two different walk-up dining venues, Yoshi’s Snack Island and Turbo Boost Treats. 

There will also be souvenir shops and meet-and-greet opportunities with Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach and Toad.

Is Yoshi's Adventure a kids ride?

Yoshi’s Adventure is described as a family-friendly ride for guests of all ages.

Is the Yoshi ride at Universal Studios Hollywood?

No. This will be the first Yoshi’s Adventure in the U.S. 

There is a Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge at Universal Studios Hollywood.

Is there a Donkey Kong ride?

Yes. Mine-Cart Madness will anchor Donkey Kong Country. “Utilizing an unprecedented ride system, innovative technology and a unique coaster design, Mine-Cart Madness will send riders on a thrilling adventure where they will experience the jaw-dropping maneuvers that they’ve seen Donkey Kong and the mine carts perform in the video games,” according to Universal.

Donkey Kong Country will also have food and merchandise offerings, but details haven’t been released on those. 

How to get power ups in Super Nintendo World

Guests can purchase a wearable Power-Up Band for additional interactivity across Super Nintendo World.

“With the Power-Up Band, guests can collect digital coins by punching '?' Blocks and playing interactive activities; collect digital stamps on attractions; earn digital keys to unlock an exclusive showdown against Bowser Jr.; and discover other hidden surprises,” according to Universal. “Guests can also access Leaderboard screens in SUPER NINTENDO WORLD to see where they rank amongst fellow guests.”

When is Super Nintendo World opening at Epic Universe?

Universal has not yet revealed an exact opening date for the world being developed by Universal Creative and Nintendo, only that Epic Universe will open next year.