Best Universal Studios Japan Rides: Wait Times & Express Pass

It seems like you can't miss any of hot spots at Universal Studios Japan (USJ). Cause there are lots of fun and exciting rides to enjoy.

Don't worry. You've come to the right place. I'll help you to get ideas of which rides to enjoy, is Express Pass worth it, and more inder tips such as safety, height requirements, etc. Read on!

Most Popular and Must-Do Rides at USJ

I'd say the following two rides I listed are the most exciting and popular rides inside USJ. See which one fits your interest best.

👉 If you were to name the most popular ride at Universal Studios Japan (USJ), most visitors would immediately think of Mario Kart: Koopa's Challenge. Located within Super Nintendo World, it's a must-ride for first-timers.

It's not a traditional roller coaster. It's more like truly entering the world of Mario Kart. You'll sit in a go-kart wearing an AR device, where the entire track, enemies, and coins are "overlaid" on the real track.

However, due to its popularity, be prepared for long queues. Normally, 1-2 hours is typical, but during peak season or afternoon rush hours, 2-3 hours can happen. It's the kind of ride where "you have to queue, whether you like it or not," because everyone wants to ride it.

But if you ask if it's thrilling, I'll be honest, it's not. It won't scare you, nor will it give you a feeling of weightlessness. It's more about a "wow, this is so well-made" feeling. 😜

Mario Kart: Koopa's Challenge | From x.com

👉 If you ask me which ride at USJ is truly thrilling and leaves you speechless afterward, it's actually the Flying Dinosaur. That's a completely different experience.

You'll sit face down, suspended in mid-air, and then you're subjected to a high-speed flip and plunge. The feeling of weightlessness is very pronounced. Many people's first reaction after riding it isn't "Was it fun?" but rather "What just happened?" haha.

The queue time is usually quite long, around 1-2 hours, but it's slightly better than Mario Kart. Sometimes the single-person queue is much faster.

Flying Dinosaur | From Theme Park Review

💡 Single Rider Line: This means you don't sit with anyone else. You fill an empty seat. If you want to experience it with friends, you can wait a bit longer.

P.S. Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey are also all known for long wait times but immersive experiences.

Underrated and Less-Crowded Rides Worth Trying

Actually, there are quite a few rides in USJ with relatively short lines, but they're generally not the first thing people notice.

Yoshi's Adventure | From Disney Tourist Blog

1. You can also find slow and fun rides inside Nintendo World, called Yoshi's Adventure. It's the kind of experience where you sit in a small car and slowly go around in circles.
2. In Minion Park, the rides are more animation-oriented, not fast-paced ones. They are quite popular among families, especially with young children. I think it's a really lovely experience.
3. In fact, in Jurassic Park, there's also a gentler ride, the water ride. The splashing really refreshes visitors and with a bit of a storyline. Quite interesting as well.

Honestly, whether these rides are boring or not really depends on your need. If it's your first time at USJ, you're with children, or you want to take your time, these rides are actually quite comfortable!

So how do you actually manage your time in USJ?

Is Express Pass Worth It at Universal Studios Japan?

Well, to be honest, the Express Pass does cost more, generally 1-4 times expensive than your regular ticket. However, it cuts down on the time you spend. It's surely worth buying especially for those seeking popular rides.

If you're currently debating whether to buy an Express Pass, you can check out the available package deals for the day. Sometimes choosing the right deal can be more cost-effective than you expect.

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Ride Duration, Waiting Time & Best Time Planning

The two most popular attractions and their recommended ride times

• Mario Kart: The ride is short, about 5-7 minutes. On holidays or weekend, waiting times of up to 2-3 hours are common.
• Flying Dinosaur: Ride time is shorter about 2 minutes. But it's thrilling enought and worth the ride. Waiting time is still long about 1-2 hours during peak.

Therefore, if you really want to ride these two attractions, the Express Pass is the best option. 🎁

Recommended entry times

Many people rush straight to Super Nintendo World in the morning. So it's crowded. The later it gets, especially during 3-4 pm, the more chaotic the crowds become. For me, I'd recommend you to get up early, get in the park early, and make your plan ahead.

💡 Flying Dinosaur is sometimes slightly less crowded in the afternoon and evening because many people are already at Nintendo World or queuing for Harry Potter, but this isn't entirely consistent.

Universal Studios Japan (USJ) general opening hours

• Weekdays: 9 am - 7 pm
• Weekends/Public Holidays (Peak Season): 8:30 am - 9 pm
• Special Events (e.g., Halloween, Christmas): 8 am - 10 pm

Credit from Shadrina Izzati, Unsplash

Best month to visit USJ

As for the month, if you want to avoid the most extreme crowds, Japanese school holidays are usually key. For example, Golden Week at the end of April, summer vacation (July and August), and the Christmas and New Year period are generally the most crowded.

How long should you stay at USJ?

A full day is best. If you plan well, such as early entry + Express Pass, that's the best option.

If you only stay half a day, you won't be able to experience everything!

👉 My advice: Spend half a day on popular rides, and the other half on less popular rides, taking photos, and leisurely exploring.

If you want to have a more relaxed day, staying near USJ will make a big difference, especially for those who want to get into the park early. The hotel location can really affect the rhythm of your whole day.

USJ Ride Requirements, Restrictions & Official Guidelines

Sesame Street Attraction | Credit from Crystal Jo, Unsplash

Of course, there are restrictions. The most basic is height. For example, on rides like Flying Dinosaur, you generally need to be at least 132cm tall to sit. Children who are shorter are not allowed!

People with heart problems, high blood pressure, severe cervical or lumbar spine issues, pregnant women, or those prone to severe motion sickness are explicitly advised against or even prohibited from riding these rides. This is because these rides are characterized by high speeds, inversions, and weightlessness, which can be quite taxing on the body.

However, USJ won't prevent you from riding just because you're prone to motion sickness. They're more likely to remind you: if you know you usually feel uncomfortable on roller coasters, you need to decide for yourself whether or not to ride these attractions.

👉 USJ Ride Safety / Requirements（OFFICIAL)

Plan Your USJ Ride Experience

I hope you won't be too rushed or too tired when you go, and that you can truly enjoy the most interesting parts of this park. Have a great time!