Universal Studios Japan: Complete Guide For First Time Visitors

Universal Studios Japan (USJ) in Osaka is a must-visit for movie and pop culture enthusiasts. With attractions based on blockbuster films and franchises, it offers thrilling rides, live shows, and immersive experiences featuring characters from Harry Potter, Jurassic Park, Minions, and more. The park caters to all ages with attractions ranging from child-friendly carousels to thrilling roller coasters and simulators, promising an unforgettable experience for everyone

USJ is divided into ten distinct areas: Hollywood, New York, San Francisco, Jurassic Park, Waterworld, Amity Village, Universal Wonderland, Minion Park, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and Super Nintendo World. As of August 2024, the park features a limited-time attraction, the Demon Slayer: The Hinokami Chronicles XR Ride, a virtual reality experience that transports guests into the world of Demon Slayer. This special edition ride will be available until January 5, 2025.

How to get to USJ

• Train: Take the JR Sakurajima Line or JR Yumesaki Line to Universal City Station. The park entrance is a 5-minute walk away. JR Pass holders can use these lines at no additional cost.
• Bus: Direct buses from Kansai and Itami Airports stop at USJ.
• Ferry: A ferry service connects USJ with Osaka Aquarium, offering a scenic 10-minute ride.

Opening days and hours

• Hours: Typically 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
  • Tip: Occasionally, the park opens an hour earlier, so arriving at 7:00 AM can give you a head start.
• Days: Open daily except public holidays. Check the official website for the latest schedule.

Admission ticket

There are 1, 1.5, and 2 day passes available to purchase which all differ in price – passes go on sale up to 3 months in advance. In addition to this, you can pay extra for early entry and/or area timed entry ticket. I personally don’t think it’s worth paying nearly $40 AUD extra just to enter the park 15 minutes earlier. You can purchase tickets in advance on Klook, which will email your tickets for easy scanning at the park. The prices below are for adults as prices for children (under 11) are slightly cheaper. Click here to purchase.

Note: The prices for the admission ticket AND express pass are different on each day so you’ll have to check the prices for your travel dates. Usually Monday – Thursday are the cheapest.

Express pass

Available for purchase up to two months in advance. This pass allows you to skip the long lines and access the fast lane. You will still need to purchase a regular USJ pass on top of the express pass. Click here to purchase.

Entering Super Nintendo World/The Wizarding World of Harry Potter World without an express pass

The Express Pass might not fit your budget, but don’t worry! You can still access Super Nintendo World and Harry Potter World by downloading the official USJ app and securing a timed entry ticket on the day of your visit. Once inside the park, immediately use the app to grab your time slot as it’s first come, first served (this is why it’s important to arrive at the attraction before it opens).

Keep in mind that you can only book one timed entry at a time, so it’s not guaranteed there will be availability for the other area after you’re done with the first. Also, remember that once you enter the timed area, you can’t re-enter, so make sure the time slot fits well with your schedule for the day.

Tips & tricks to maximise your time

• 1. Arrive Early: Aim to get to the park 1-1.5 hours before opening. Sometimes they will open the park an hour earlier so as soon as the gates open, get ready to sprint to the popular ride that you want to go on because everyone else would be sprinting to theirs!  
• 1.1. Stay at a hotel nearby: This way you can easily roll out of bed, have a quick breakfast at the conbini and walk 5 minutes to the attraction.
• 2. Visit on a Weekday. Monday through Thursday are typically less crowded. Weekends and public holidays see the highest traffic.
• 3. Use Single Rider Lanes. If you don’t mind riding separately from your group, single rider lanes can drastically cut wait times.
• 4. Get an Express Pass. With USJ’s popularity, the Express Pass can significantly reduce waiting times. Even with the Express Pass 7, there are still 7 rides left that aren’t covered. With the time you save on the Express Pass rides, you can use those extra hours to wait in the regular lines for the remaining rides if you want to experience everything USJ has to offer.

USJ is a fantastic destination, though it can be pricey, especially with the Express Pass and the food there. For more on my experience, including how we managed to enjoy the park despite a late start, check out my detailed review here. I was fortunate enough to experience both Super Nintendo World and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter as well as 6 other popular rides within the 8 hours we were there (yes, we came late and left early because we were so exhausted running on 2 hours of sleep)!