Is your idea of fun to slide across an icy slope or ride through a Minion mayhem? Are you a movie buff who loves thrill? If yes, Universal Studios Japan is your go-to place. Located in the third largest city of Japan, Osaka, this theme park welcomes over 10 million guests yearly, making it an attraction you cannot miss. The park is set with some of the world’s craziest and daring rides. Regardless of your age, you are sure to find a favourite at Universal Studios Japan. Here is a lead to pick the best Universal Studios Japan Tickets to match your level of adventure.
Universal Studios Japan: In a nutshell
Handy information
| ⏰ Suggested duration: | 1 full day (as per the park timings) |
| ☀️ Best days to visit: | Wednesdays and Thursdays (to avoid the weekend rush of visitors and avoid Mondays & Tuesdays because Japanese schools arrange organise to USJ on those days) |
| 😍 Tickets | ¥8,600 |
| 🚇 Closest station | Universal City Station |
Opening hours and address
Opening hours vary by the season. Depending on the day, it opens between 8:30am to 9am and closes between 7pm to 9pm.
Address: 2 Chome-1-33 Sakurajima, Konohana Ward, Osaka, 554-0031, Japan
Get directions
Here's why you must visit Universal Studios Japan
Osaka is the third largest city in Japan, poplularly known as the Venice of the east. The city holds many enticements and the most popular among them is Universal Studios Japan. The theme park spreads across 130 acres and houses cine inspired attractions, a wonder world of exciting activities for kids and adults alike. Paricipate in fun activities like spooking your friends with a secret spell using a magic wand and taking a 4K 3D ride to watch Spiderman save the world. Ranked third among the top 25 amusement parks in the world, that is all the more reason to book your Universal Studios Japan tickets soon.
Recommended Universal Studios Japan tickets
Universal Studios Japan: Rides you should not miss
The unbelievable attraction areas at USJ will leave you dumbstruck. They reproduce the stories with interactive shows, rides, shops and eateries. Your limited time (of 1 day) makes it challenging to visit all. Here is a gist of the fun attractions that you must try out to exploit your Universal Studios Japan tickets.
Super Nintendo World
Super Nintendo World is a new land inside Universal Studios Japan in Osaka. If you're a diehard Nintendo fan, this place should definitely be at the top of your must-visit list. Super Nintendo World has two attractions, a restaurant and snack stand, as well as character greetings and interactive elements. You can also explore all sorts of different game-inspired worlds like Mario Kart and Donkey Kong Country.
Explore the wizarding world of Harry Potter
UJS covers the whole spectrum of the Hollywood blockbuster -- Harry Potter, with rides and shows that reproduce the stories. Find Ron’s crashed car on the way to the entrance, treat yourself to butterbeer at Three Broomsticks, a Harry Potter themed cafe, and take an exhilarating ride at Harry Potter and The Forbidden Journey.
A crazy World of Minions
Climb aboard a ride that is designed by Gru and enter a process of becoming an actual minion. The ride, inspired by the original movie, is all fun and games until you turn into one of them. Buckle your seat belts for a thrilling ride with the minions.
A ride with the amazing Spider-Man
Experience a journey that bends reality and leaves you wondering if it was real. Set on this journey with Spider-Man to defend the world. The ride has won the title of world’s best ride for seven consecutive years for the best technology, 4K 3D!
Jurassic Park- The Ride
Set out to the tropical forests that host gigantic dinosaurs and learn the wonders of science that brought them back to life. Escape the T.Rex that is waiting to attack your boat as it takes a 25.9 meter drop!
Universal Studios Japan: Special events
Universal Easter Celebration
Universal Studios Japan celebrates Easter between March 8 - June 30, 2024. During the event, USJ is decked up and fun-filled twice its usual. You can spot your favorite park friends parading through the streets, in colourful decorations and they even stop to dance! And only for this time period, Universal Wonderland will present a limited-period street show, featuring colorful eggs and bunnies, for springtime fun!
NO LIMIT! Parade
Universal Studios will hold its NO LIMIT! Parade event from March 1 to April 6, 2024! Get ready to witness all your favorite characters - from Super Mario and Pokémon to Elmo, Snoopy, and Hello Kitty as they appear on grand and colorful floats, with electrifying dance performances. But there's a condition if you're witnessing the parade - to dance when the float stops. Join in on the fun and ramp up the excitement!
In this year's parade, there's a must-have item that has been introduced - Bubble Wand, where you shake it and the mirror ball jiggles and bounces. It's a special item that'll add to your experience, not just at the parade but throughout the park.
Note: DIY your own one-of-a-kind Bubble Wand by attaching various parts (sold separately).
Universal Studios Japan: Best time to visit
There is never a bad time to visit Universal Studios Japan since the park is always bustling with super fun attractions! But there are definitely some times that are better than others.
The months of October, November and December would probably be the best time to visit Universal Studios Japan since the footfall is less, which inturn makes the waiting lines shorter. These months also see milder temperatures that are favourable for you to step out and have a good time. January and February have the smallest crowds, and this is mainly due to the weather conditions. The temperature can go down to an average of 2°C once the sun sets.
Another good time to visit Universal Studios Japan is during Spring season, which is the prettiest time of the year. The cherry blossom flowering starts around March 25 and sees a full bloom on April 1 in Osaka, which lasts for about 1-2 weeks. But expext to see huge crowds and long waiting lines during this time.
Universal Studios Japan: Restaurants
If you're looking for a little something sweet to eat while exploring Universal Studios Japan, then you'll definitely want to check out Yoshi's Snack Island. This adorable spot is inspired by everyone's favorite green dinosaur, and it's the perfect place to grab a bite in between rides.
Recommended: Green Shell Calzone Filled with Yakisoba & Cheese
The Dragon's Pearl is one of the most popular restaurants in Universal Studios Japan. Located in the heart of the park, this restaurant offers a wide variety of Chinese and Japanese dishes. The restaurant is also known for its wholesome meals, excellent service and friendly staff.
Recommended: Dragon's Pearl Combo with Zhajiangmian
Louies N.Y Pizza Parlor is a great pizza place in Universal Studios Japan. The pizza is delicious, and it is made with fresh ingredients. The sauce is perfect, and the crust is thin and crispy. The restaurant is quite popular so it's usually busy. If you're looking for your go-to pizza, soda and fries combo, make your way to this pizza parlor!
Recommended: Pastrami Pizza with Halloween Crust
As soon as you step into the Mario Cafe, you'll feel like you're in a video game. The interior is crawling with color, and once you're done marveling at how pretty everything is, you can snag some Super Mario-themed cakes, pancakes and soft drinks.
Recommended: Pancake Sandwich Mario's Cap Strawberry Shortcake
The Three Broomsticks is a popular wizarding pub in the Harry Potter series, and now you can find it in Universal Studios Japan! This quaint little pub is the perfect place to relax and enjoy a Butterbeer, Pumpkin Juice, or any other wizarding beverage of your choice. Whether you’re looking for a place to grab a quick bite or a cozy spot to enjoy a pint, the Three Broomsticks is the perfect spot!
Recommended: The Great Feast™ and Butterbeer™
Universal Studios Japan: Insider tips
- Invest in an express ticket, it's worth it. It'll give you the flexibility to skip lines (number of rides depends on the chosen ticket) and access to all rides at USJ.
- The line at the ticket counter is always a long one. Make sure to book your Universal Studios Japan tickets in advance.
- Download the Universal Studios Japan app before entering the park. It shows the waiting time at different rides and attractions, in real-time.
- Visit during the week to avoid the weekend rush.
- A walk-in is not allowed into Super Nintendo World. An additional reservation called timed entry (free of charge) is required.
- Rentry is not allowed.
- Usage of phone and cameras on rides is not allowed. Monopods, tripods, and selfie sticks are not allowed inside the park.
- Pets aer not allowed inside the park. However arrangements can be made at kennel service at USJ prior.
- Wear a dress that is comfortable, both for the weather and the rides at USJ. You can even dress up in costumes of your favorite character.
- Drones are not permitted at USJ.
- No outside food and beverages is allowed inside the park.
- There are designated smoking lounges within USJ. Smoking elsewhere within the park is prohibited.
- Plan a visit to the souvenir shop at the start of your day, instead of towards the end when the shops get crowded.
Universal Studios Japan: Facilities
- Handicapped accessable parking and restaurants are available at Universal Studios Japan. You can also rent a wheelchair at USJ. Once you inform a crew member, they will bring the wheelchair for you at the parking lot.
- A First Aid medical room is available if you need medical attention or have gotten injured. There are always medical professionals on duty. Special diaper changing areas for guests with disabilities is also available in the First Aid room.
- USJ has facilities available for you to breastfeed, feed your baby and change their diaper. If you need hot water for powdered milk or a microwave to prepare baby food, those are both available too.
- Strollers are available for children under the age of 4. A single-seater stroller is available for 1,100 yen. You can rent them out right at the entrance of the park.
- Public phones and Drinking Water services are available at all restrooms entrances.
Universal Studios Japan: Getting there
Getting to Universal Studio Japan is extremely simple with a Osaka JR Pass (Japan Rail Pass) in hand! The Osaka JR pass was designed specifically for visitors in Japan, providing you with unlimited access to local high speed JR trains, buses & ferries in the Kansai Region around Osaka, Kyoto, Nara & Kobe. With this handy pass, you can travel aroun Japan, without any hassle.
By Train
The nearest train station is the Universal City Station on the JR Sakurajima Line. The park is 5 minutes walk away from the station.
By Bus
You can take the limousine buses from Osaka Itami Airport or Kansai International Airport directly to USJ. The bus drive from either stations take about one hour.
By Boat
To make your trip more exciting and fun, take the ‘Captain Line’ shuttle ferry from the Osaka Kaiyukan Aquarium to Universal Studios Japan. The ride only takes 10 minutes.
Universal Studios Japan Reviews
We went to Universal Osaka and bought the tickets using headout. It was easy . There is no doubt a long waiting queue but this is part of the experience. The 5-10 minutes were spent playing with the Minions or karting against Mario, which was just amazing! Seeing Nintendo World is like being inside the game. Totally worth it!
Elizabeth (United Kingdom), Headout, November 2023
Ticket came fast, they were the right ones and I payed fairly for them. Would love to use your services again when I'll come back to Japan!
Lorenzo (Italy), Headout, October 2023
Read more reviews on Universal Studios Japan here.
FAQs
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