Universal Studios Japan Tips: Everything You Need to Know About Visiting Universal Studios Japan!

Are you planning on visiting Universal Studios in Japan? You’ve come to the right place!

Located on the edge of Osaka city, it’s one of the best theme parks in the world, and it’s worth a visit no matter what age you are! 

Get ready to take on the thrilling roller coaster rides, sample playful-themed food, and walk into the magical landscapes from some of your favourite movies. 

This Universal Studio Japan itinerary will walk you through the coolest rides, the best ticket options, my Express Pass review, and where to eat once you’re there! 

So what are you waiting for? Read on, and discover how to make the most of your time at Universal Studios Japan, in Osaka!

Booking Your Ticket & Express Pass

Wondering what the Universal Studios Japan ticket prices are? Or when to book your ticket?

Unsurprisingly, the tickets for Universal Studios Japan sell out well in advance, so be sure to book your ticket online before you travel to Japan. 

There are loads of tickets to choose from but the most common is the 1-Day Studio Pass that gives you entrance for the full day.

Adult tickets (for people 12 and above) cost around 9,000 Yen, whilst child tickets (for 4 to 11-year-olds) cost around 6,000 Yen. 

Click here to book your USJ 1 Day Studio Pass!

If you opt to go for a Twilight Pass which gives you access from 3 PM onwards you can save a couple thousand Yen, but honestly, I don’t recommend it. There’s so much to do you’d really struggle to hit all the main rides! 

Even though it’s a lot more expensive, I really recommend the Universal Studios Japan Express Pass. They sell out quickly so get them as far in advance as you can!

I was actually surprised to find that the Express Pass sells out before the actual Studio Pass, and that it was sold out first for mid-week days as opposed to weekends.

Remember the Express Pass is separate from your Day Pass. You can book your Express Pass through Klook.

Click here to book your USJ Express Pass!

Universal Studios Japan VIP Pass – Worth It?

I know it’ll take a chunk out of your holiday budget, but I honestly think the Universal Studios Express Pass ticket is worth it.

The lines at Universal Studios can get pretty crazy, and it’s no fun spending the day just standing around in lines. I’d especially recommend it if you’re visiting on a weekend or in Japan’s peak travel seasons (spring and autumn). 

Aside from being able to skip the queues, the Express Pass is the only way to have guaranteed entrance into Super Nintendo World and the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

Bear in mind you’ll have an allocated time slot to get into each.

If you check out the Express Passes available on Universal Studios Japan Klook, you’ll see there are loads of different options to pick from.

The Express Pass 7 is the most expensive, but there are cheaper options available that offer skip the line to less attractions, but still guarantee you entrance to the most popular areas.

There’s the Express Pass 4 which lets you skip the lines on 4 different rides, and the Express Pass 7 which works for seven rides. There are also options available in combination with the Kansai Pass.

For both the four and seven-ride passes there are different options, that each get you into different areas of Universal Studios or get you to skip the line at different attractions.

Click here to book your skip the line ticket to Universal Studios Japan!

The example there are more children oriented passes that get you into Yoshi’s Ride, Minion Madness, or Nintendo World, which are perfect for families with kids.

Or there are passes that focus more on the most adrenaline filled rides, which are good for adults seeking the most thrill. If you’re looking for adrenaline, I recommend passes that include the Flying Dinosaur ride or Hollywood Dream.

The Express Pass 4 is a good alternative for people who want to skip some lines and have guaranteed entry at Nintendo World and the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, but want to spend less and are willing to queue for other attractions.

At the end of the day, if you’re just a group of adults, you don’t really need a skip the line for Yoshi’s Ride for example, it0s one attraction that you could skip and use that time on a different ride.

If you want to see more of our day at Universal Studios Japan, check out my YouTube video about it!

Where is Universal Studios Japan

Universal Studios Japan is located just outside Osaka, which is why so many people visit on a day trip from Osaka. Some travellers, especially with kids, stay close to USJ, but many stay in Osaka since it’s a short return trip.

How to get to USJ from Osaka

Getting from Osaka to Universal Studios Japan is pretty easy, and you can do so with a variety of transport modes. I have listed all the best ways to get there here.

By train – This is the cheapest and quickest way to get to USJ. You first have to get to Osaka Station, but then from there there are several trains per hour for as little as 200 YEN per person, it takes less than 20 minutes and, depending on the train, they might even be included in the Japan Rail Pass.

By bus – If you’re staying around Dotonbori this bus is the easiest way to get to USJ. It’s a little more expensive, but still very affordable, and saves you having to figure out public transport to Osaka Station.

Driving – I don’t recommend this unless you already have a rental car as part of your wider Japan itinerary. We had one so we decided to drive there, but ended up spending over 2,500 YEN in parking at USJ.

With a private transfer – This is the most convenient option, since it saves you having to figure out public transport, driving or parking, but obviously it’s also the most expensive.

Click here to book your transfer from Osaka to Universal Studios Japan!

What Time Should You Arrive At USJ?

Most posts about Universal Studios recommend getting there an hour (or more!) before the opening time so you can be the first one in and jump on all the most popular rides before the crowds flock in.

I think that’s probably a good tip if you haven’t purchased the Express Pass. 

We went with the Express Pass 7 and didn’t arrive till 10 AM. We barely had to queue to get in, and we managed to do all the rides we wanted to! 

It also really depends on what day you go. If you’re going at the weekend I will get there a bit earlier, but if you’re going in the middle of the week you can arrive just before the opening time.

How Does Timed Entrance Work?

To stop everyone standing around in super long lines, they’ve got a timed entrance system for the most popular areas and rides of Universal Studios. You reserve a slot ahead of time or on the day at the park’s ticket booth (if there are any left). 

I wouldn’t recommend leaving it until the day because they go fast, so if you don’t get there really early all the timed entrances will be gone. 

You might be wondering how strict they are about the time slots. Whilst you should try to get there at the allocated time, don’t panic if you’re five to 10 minutes late for the rides.

In our experience, they don’t check the specific times for the rides and they’re pretty lenient as long as you aren’t horrifically late.

What Are Single Rider Lines

Single Rider Lines are a great way to skip the long queues. Whilst it’s always cool riding with your friends or family, you often don’t even notice they’re there once you’re actually on the ride.

If you want to get on one of the more popular rides and the waiting time is crazy, I’d suggest splitting up and going in the Single Rider Line.

How it works is that they’ll get everyone from the normal queue on the ride, and then fill any empty seats with people from the Single Rider Line.

It means you’ll be sat by a stranger– but hey, you might even get chatting and make a new friend! 

Universal Studios Japan Rides

There are so many different areas and rides, but here is an overview of the most famous, to help you decide which Express Pass to go for.

Super Nintendo World

Undeniably the most famous area of Universal Studios, Super Nintendo World is worth the hype! I was a bit skeptical at first, but from the second I stepped inside I felt like I was in Super Mario. 

Koopa’s Challenge was one of my favourite rides, even though you have to wear a headset that shows you part of the racing scene. 

Top Tip: if you like any of the souvenirs in Super Nintendo World buy them before you leave! You won’t find them anywhere else and you can’t go back in once you’ve left. 

They’ve also just added the Donkey Kong Country area in 2024, so there are even more rides than before!

Wizarding World of Harry Potter

There are just two rides in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, so it’s really about the atmosphere. The stage setting is super well done, so it really feels like you’ve stepped into the movies. 

Even if you weren’t a Harry Potter fan I think you’d get into the mystical and magical feeling of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. 

Must-dos include trying a mug of butter beer, going to Ollivanders to get your own magical wand that comes with a map and spells you can cast around Hogsmeade Village, and taking a trip to Honeydukes to try the Bertie Bott’s Every-Flavored Beans. 

And it goes without saying, Hogwarts Castle is absolutely epic!

Flight Of The Dinosaur

This was by far the scariest and most thrilling ride we went on. It’s not for the faint-hearted, and it really gets your adrenaline pumping.

A giant mechanical Pteranodon dinosaur seizes you from behind then launches you through the air, and does full loop turns as you grasp on for dear life.

Because the seats hang below the metal rails of the rollercoaster, it feels like you’re flying! There’s nothing beneath you but a huge drop – terrifying!

Minion Mayhem

For any families travelling with kids who love the Despicable Me films, the Minion Mayhem ride is a no-brainer. The simulator is hyper-realistic and involves a dose of typical Minion chaos. 

We went as adults and I still loved it. At Universal Studios, Japan’s love of these hyperactive, yellow creatures really shines through.

We saw loads of people dressed as Minions all over the theme park! 

There are loads of interactive games too and if you head to Gru’s house there are always some minions hanging out there that you can take photos with.

JAWS

The JAWS ride starts out as a tranquil boat ride that takes a sudden turn. Out of nowhere, a huge, mechanical shark appears out of the water and heads straight for the boat. 

Top tip, if you want to get the best views of the shark, sit on the left side of the boat. 

It’s not exactly got anything to do with the ride, but one of my favourite things was the shark hot dogs they sell by the ride, they’re super tasty!

Food at Universal Studios Japan

As much thought has gone into the food as the rides at Universal Studios Osaka Japan. Each area of the theme park has its own themed dishes that are super fun and imaginative.

There are restaurants throughout the park, but we mostly opted for food from the food stalls, as it’s quicker and you can try more eating on the go, or as you wait in a line. 

The most famous restaurant is probably Kinopio’s Cafe in Super Nintendo World. It’s also known as Toadstool Cafe because the entrance is a giant mushroom, just like the ones in any Mario game! 

It’s worth knowing that you need tickets to go into the cafe. You can’t book them in advance, but once you get into Nintendo World head to the cafe’s entrance and there will be someone handing them out.

Each ticket will have a unique entrance time when you can go in and order. 

Other cool restaurants include Hello Kitty’s Corner Cafe which is as pink as you’d imagine, and the Three Broomsticks restaurant which is Harry Potter-themed and serves traditional British food like Fish and Chips with mushy peas! 

I really recommend trying the bizarre turkey-leg-flavoured popcorn in Jurassic Park, the Jaws hot dogs, and the Minions bao! 

Sadly, you can’t skip any of the food lines even if you have the Express Pass. All in all, I thought the food was a little overpriced, but tasty enough, and I enjoyed the themed element of it very much.

Final Thoughts On My Universal Studios Japan Tips

A day at Universal Studios Japan is a must-do, especially if you’re staying in Osaka.

The theme park has so many epic areas and adrenaline-boosting rides that it’s really worth getting the Universal Studios VIP Pass to skip the lines and get more out of your time there. 

It might not be the most Japanese experience you will have during your Japan itinerary, certainly not like exploring Mount Fuji or hiking the Nakasendo, seeing the deers in Nara or the bid buddha of Kamakura, visiting Miyajima Island or the temples of Kyoto.

But there’s a reason it features in so many Japan bucket lists, alongside exploring the neon street lights of Tokyo and the historical architecture of Himeji Castle, or staying at a Mount Fuji glamping and seeing Shiraito Falls.

Kids will love the Minion Mayhem, adults rediscover a child-like wonder at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and everyone will go nuts at the famous Super Nintendo World. 

Have you been on the epic rides at Japan Universal Studios? Are you planning to go? Let me know in the comments below!

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