Universal Studios Japan

Universal Studios Japan (USJ) is somewhere you can not miss if you're a big fan of all kinds of movies. If you encounter your favorite characters, get yourself enough guts to have a photo with them! It's going to be fun. Between all the different tickets and those famously long lines, it's easy to feel lost.

We'll go through how to get the best tickets, how to skip the worst lines, and how to make sure your day is absolutely magical. Let's make sure you have an awesome time!

Universal Studios Japan Opening Hours & Location

Universal Studios Japan Opening Hours

• Typically open: 8:00 am/9:00 am
• Closed time: 7:00 pm/9:00 pm

But these hours are highly variable depending on the season, day of the week, and special events. For example:

• Summer months (July-August) and peak holiday seasons: 8:00 am - 10:00 pm
• Off-peak weekdays: 9:00 am to 7:00 pm
• Special events, like Halloween horror nights or Christmas celebrations, often feature extended evening hours.

Pro tip: always check the USJ booking page for exact operating hours on your specific visit date!

Universal Studios Location & Transportation

Universal Studios Japan is located about 13 kilometers from Osaka, which takes around 22 minutes to get there.

Alternative options to get to USJ:

• By Train: The most efficient way to reach USJ is via the JR Yumesaki Line (also known as the Sakurajima Line) to Universal City Station. From there, it's just a 5-minute walk to the park entrance 110.
• By Ferry: For a more scenic approach, you can take a ferry to Universal City Port, which is just a short walk from the park entrance.

Types of Universal Studios Japan Tickets

Getting to know the ticket types of USJ in advance is the first step to plan your visit. Here're two popular types:

Note: on Trip.com, there’re many combo choices. Click here to see more options for Universal Studios Japan tickets!

How to Buy Universal Studios Japan Tickets on Trip.com?

Buying your Universal Studios Japan tickets on Trip.com is much easier than you think.

Step 1: Go to the Trip.com Website or App

Search for "Universal Studios Japan".

Note: download Trip App here to get exclusive deals for attractions & tours!

Step 2: Select Your Tickets

You'll see options for Studio Passes (1-Day, 2-Day) and various Express Passes. Read the descriptions carefully.

• Studio Pass: Choose your date and the number of tickets.
• Express Pass: Choose the version (e.g., Express Pass 4) that includes the specific rides you want to skip the line for.

Step 3: Pay Close Attention to

Tickets are typically non-refundable.

Step 4: Checkout & Pay

Fill in traveler details (including full name, email, mobile number, etc.) and payment information.

Step 5: Receive Your E-Tickets

No ticket pick-up needed. You will receive your tickets via email.

Map of Universal Studios Japan

Familiarizing yourself with the park layout before you go saves precious time. The park is laid out in a large loop with themed areas branching off.

Credit: from happyell.co.jp | Map of Universal Studios Japan

Get the Official USJ App

The most useful map is dynamic and on your phone. The official app shows wait times.

Key Areas to Locate

• Super Nintendo World: Located in the far upper corner of the park.
• The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Located in the lower left corner.
• Minion Park: Near the front of the park.
• Jurassic Park & Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man: Located in the right-side loop.

Pick Up a Paper Map

Available at the front gate in multiple languages.

Top Attractions in Universal Studios Japan

Don't miss out on these trending spots in USJ!

Super Nintendo World

Credit: from Time Out | Super Nintendo World

• Mario Kart: Koopa's Challenge: An augmented reality (AR) interactive ride where you race through courses from the game. An absolute must-do.
• Yoshi's Adventure: A slower, family-friendly ride that offers great overhead views of the entire land.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Credit: from Never Ending Voyage | The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

• Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey: A breathtaking dark ride that flies you through iconic scenes from the movies.
• Flight of the Hippogriff: A fun, family-friendly roller coaster.

Jurassic Park

Credit: from WDW News Today | Jurassic Park

• The Flying Dinosaur: A terrifyingly amazing pteranodon-themed flying roller coaster that is often ranked as one of the best in the world.
• Jurassic Park - The Ride: A classic water flume ride ending with an 85-foot drop (you will get wet!).

Minion Park

Credit: from WDW News Today | Minion Park

Despicable Me Minion Mayhem: A hilarious and chaotic 3D motion simulator ride.

New York Area

Credit: from Alexis Jetsets | New York Area

The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man - The Ride 4K3D: (Currently closed for a major transformation into a new ride). A legendary indoor thrill ride combining 3D effects and motion simulation.

Things to Do in Universal Studios Japan

Credit: from WDW News Today | Eat themed snacks

• Eat Themed Snacks: Don't miss the Butterbeer in Hogsmeade, character-shaped cookies, or a themed meal at Kinopio's Cafe in Super Nintendo World.
• Meet Characters: Get photos with Minions, Sesame Street friends, Hello Kitty, and even Mario and Luigi.
• Watch Shows: Check the schedule for parades (like the No-Limit! Parade), water shows, and live character performances. They are often in Japanese but are visually spectacular.
• Buy Exclusive Merchandise: From Mario power-up bands to Japanese-exclusive Minion gear, the shopping is a major attraction itself.

Best Time to Go to Universal Studios Japan

Credit: from Roméo A., Unsplash | Have fun at Super Nintendo World

Best Seasons (Lowest Crowds)

• Mid-January - Early March (Weekdays, avoid Chinese New Year)
• Mid-May - Mid-June (Weekdays)
• September - November (Weekdays, except for Silver Week in September)

Worst Times (Highest Crowds)

• Golden Week (Late April - Early May): A series of Japanese national holidays. Avoid at all costs.
• Summer (July - August): School holidays, extremely hot and humid, and very crowded.
• Christmas & New Year's: Very busy and decorated for the holidays.
• Weekends: Always more crowded than weekdays.

Target Weekdays (Tuesday-Thursday) for the shortest lines.

Tips for Visiting Universal Studios Japan

• ARRIVE EARLY: Be at the gate at least 60-90 minutes before the official opening time. This is your best chance to get into Super Nintendo World without an Express Pass.
• Download the Official USJ App: This is your most powerful tool for booking Area Timed Entry Tickets, checking wait times, and using the map.
• Consider an Express Pass: If your time is limited and you must ride the big attractions, it is worth the high cost.
• Bring Essentials: A portable phone charger (you'll use your phone all day), cash (some vendors don't take credit cards), and a refillable water bottle.
• Take a Break: The park can be overwhelming. Consider leaving in the late afternoon and returning later if you have a 1-Day Studio Pass (get a hand stamp).
• Single Rider Lines: Several major rides (e.g., Jurassic Park, Flying Dinosaur) offer Single Rider lines that can cut your wait time dramatically.

Want a ride in Osaka? Car rentals on Trip.com now offers dicounts up to 8%!

Other Tourist Attractions in Osaka

Osaka is an incredible city. If you have time, be sure to explore!

• Dotonbori: The iconic neon-lit entertainment and food district. Come hungry for takoyaki (octopus balls), okonomiyaki (savory pancakes), and ramen.
• Osaka Castle: One of Japan's most famous landmarks. The museum inside is excellent, and the grounds are beautiful.
• Shinsekai & Tsutenkaku Tower: A nostalgic downtown area with a retro-futuristic vibe and great street food, especially kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers).
• Kuromon Ichiba Market: A bustling covered market known as "Osaka's Kitchen," perfect for fresh seafood and snacks.
• TeamLab Botanical Garden Osaka: A stunning digital art experience in a public garden that comes alive at night. A completely different vibe from the theme park.

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