Universal Studios Japan: Tickets & Guide

Universal Studios Japan (USJ), located in Osaka, is one of six Universal Studios theme parks worldwide. It was the first to open outside the United States in 20011. The park is the second most visited amusement park in Japan. It offers various amusement rides and shows based on popular movies.

Recommended sightseeing time: 1 day Address: 2 Chome-1-33 Sakurajima, Konohana Ward, Osaka

Universal Studios Japan Ticket Prices & Express Passes

Recommended Hotels Near Universal Studios Japan

  • Hotel Universal Port

    Within a 5-minute walk of Universal Studios Japan and Osaka Takoyaki Museum

  • The Park Front Hotel

    Steps from Universal CityWalk Osaka and 3 minutes by foot from Universal Studios Japan

  • Hotel Kintetsu Universal City

    Steps from Universal CityWalk Osaka and 3 minutes by foot from Universal Studios Japan

Universal Studios Japan Reviews

4.7/5
12209 reviews
5/5
So much fun! Stepping into the Mario world is so magical!
review picture
5/5
We had so much fun at USJ! It was an amazing experience overall. The only downside was that Nintendo World was quite crowded, but I guess that’s to be expected since it’s such a popular attraction and everyone wants to visit.
review picture
5/5
It was so memorable experience. Love it
review picture
5/5
We arrived at 8 a.m., and there were already a million people. We went straight to the Nintendo theme park, since public access closed at 9 a.m. sharp. We stood there for an hour and a half just to ride those silly little cars. Sure, it's atmospheric, and the visuals are superb, but it's not worth it. Hogwarts and the Potter rides were the most impressive. The fun Selusti and Jurassic Park were also fun. We didn't get to the roller coasters, as the constant hour-long lines during our 6-7 hours in the park were exhausting. Be prepared to stand in lines constantly )) Otherwise, it's a park like any other. It's fun and atmospheric. But there are too many people and lines. For a contrast, you should go to Disney Tokyo and compare. I had much more fun at the Studio Ghibli Museum in Tokyo and at the Harry Potter Studios there.
review picture
5/5
Everyone if you want to go to Mario World, be sure to purchase a quick pass in advance, the earlier you buy, the more items! And if it rains be sure to buy a raincoat from Lawson outside the venue
review picture
Universal Studios Japan

Dive into incredible movie worlds at Universal Studios Japan! Enjoy thrilling USJ attractions, catch spectacular shows, and meet your favourite characters from beloved franchises like Harry Potter and Jurassic Park. USJ is absolutely perfect for film buffs, thrill-seekers, and families alike.

Universal Studios Japan Opening Hours

Universal Studios Japan, often known as USJ, is one of the four fantastic Universal Studios theme parks. It was the very first Universal Studios theme park to open in Asia and welcomes over 10 million excited visitors each year!

  • Our standard opening hours (a brilliant 13 hours!) typically run from 08:30 to 21:30.
  • Extended Hours (14.0 hrs): 08:00–22:00 (especially in August, early September & October).
  • Reduced Hours: 09:00–20:00 (11.0 hours), 09:00–19:00 (10.0 hours early September), 08:30–18:30 (10.0 hours, 4 September), 09:30–21:30 (12.0 hours, 27 July).
  • Peak Season: August and October often feature extended opening hours.

Opening hours can vary depending on the season and special events, so it’s best to check the official website for the most up-to-date information.

USJ Address: 2 Chome-1-33 Sakurajima, Konohana Ward, Osaka, 554-0031, Japan

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How to Get to Universal Studios Japan

How to go to Universal Studios Japan

Direct from Universal Studios Japan Official

Getting to Universal Studios Japan, nestled in the vibrant city of Osaka, is part of the adventure! How you travel there might depend on your starting point, but fear not, we've got the lowdown on some popular ways to reach the magic:

1. Train:

From Osaka Station:

  • Getting there: Hop on the JR Yumesaki Line (you might also hear it called the JR Sakurajima Line) and it'll whisk you straight to Universal-City Station. From there, it's just a leisurely five-minute stroll to the gates of Universal Studios Japan.
  • Cost: approximately £1.10
  • Travel Time: Around 10-15 minutes

From Kyoto Station:

  • Route: Catch the JR Kyoto Line to Osaka Station, then change to the JR Yumesaki Line to Universal-City Station.
  • Cost: approximately . £4.80
  • Travel Time: Around 45-60 minutes

2. Bus:

From Kansai International Airport:

  • Route: There are direct airport limousine buses that will take you straight to Universal Studios Japan.
  • Cost: approximately £9.20
  • Travel Time: Around 70 minutes
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How to go to Universal Studios Japan

Source: The official Universal Studios Japan

3. Taxi:

Taxis are readily available across Osaka, offering a direct and convenient journey straight to Universal Studios Japan. Just a heads-up, though – they do tend to be a bit pricier than hopping on public transport.

  • Cost: This can vary quite a bit depending on your starting point; from Osaka Station, it could set you back around £15–£21.50.
  • Travel Time: It really depends on the traffic, but from Osaka Station, you're probably looking at around 15-30 minutes.

4. Ferry:

  • Get ready for a seamless adventure! The Captain Line ferry service effortlessly links Universal Studios Japan with the incredible Osaka Aquarium (Kaiyukan), making it wonderfully easy to explore both these fantastic attractions in the vibrant Osaka Bay area.
  • Cost: approximately £4.80 for a single ticket
  • Travel Time: Around 10 minutes

*Please note that all the costs are approximate and can fluctuate based on exchange rates, travel time, and other factors.

How to go to Universal Studios Japan

Source: The official Universal Studios Japan

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Best Time to Visit Universal Studios Japan

Best time to go to Universal Studios Japan

The best time to visit Universal Studios Japan in Osaka really hinges on a few exciting factors, such as the weather, how busy the park might be, and any dazzling special events. To help you plan your perfect adventure, here are some top tips to consider:

Season

Weather

Crowd Level

Special Note

Spring (March to May)

Mild and warm

Moderate to high

One of the best times to visit as the cherry blossoms are in full bloom.

Autumn (September to November)

Mild weather

Moderate

Another great time with mild weather and the chance to see the autumn leaves.

Summer (June to August)

Hot and humid

High

A popular time for families to visit due to school holidays.

Winter (December to February)

Cold, but generally dry

Relatively low

Christmas events and New Year's celebrations create a festive atmosphere.

Ultimately, the best time for you will depend on your preferences for the weather, your tolerance for crowds, and your interest in any special events.

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What to Eat at Universal Studios Japan

What to eat at Universal Studios Japan

Universal Studios Japan serves up a brilliant array of dining options, guaranteed to satisfy every palate. Ready to tuck in? Here are some of the park's most beloved eateries:

Popular restaurants

Themed Land

Introduction

Finnegan's Bar & Grill

New York

Serves hearty meals such as fish and chips, beef stew, and their signature Finnegan's Burger.

The Three Broomsticks

Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Enjoys British pub fare like Fish & Chips, Shepherd's Pie, and the Great Feast Platter. Don't forget to try a Butterbeer.

Discovery Restaurant

Jurassic Park

Offers a wide selection of dishes, including roasted chicken, pasta, and a variety of salads.

Snoopy's Backlot Café

Universal Wonderland

Serves up Western-style food such as rotisserie chicken, pizza, and Snoopy-shaped curry rice.

SAIDO

San Francisco

Here's a cracking spot to truly savour some delightful Japanese-style dishes, from comforting ramen and hearty udon to perfectly crispy tempura.

Mel's Drive-In

Hollywood

Burgers, chips, and milkshakes are the staples here. The restaurant is known for its retro 50s ambiance and classic American diner fare.

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Osaka Amazing Pass & JR Tickets
[Official Ticket] Osaka Amazing Pass | Visit attractions including Osaka Castle Main Tower and Umeda Sky Building Floating Garden Observatory
[Official Ticket] Osaka Amazing Pass | Visit attractions including Osaka Castle Main Tower and Umeda Sky Building Floating Garden Observatory
4.7/5
840 reviews
The pass is very accessible and easy to use. As long as you can visit more than two sightseeing spots, it worths the value. Since it is an electronic pass, it can work well with your phone esp with the installation of the eSim. The pass could act as the fast pass due to the separate queue system at Osaka Castle. So far, we are very happy to travel around with the Osaka Pass.
[Official Ticket] Osaka Subway & Bus Pass (1-Day/2-Day) Osaka Metro & Osaka City Bus Pass
[Official Ticket] Osaka Subway & Bus Pass (1-Day/2-Day) Osaka Metro & Osaka City Bus Pass
4.6/5
378 reviews
I booked the Osaka Subway and bus pass. It covers train lines under Osaka Metro management Osaka city bus. There's past doesn't cover JR lines or other Kintetsu lines. Buying a pass on trip is quite easy, all you have to do is open your email, click the e-ticket, and then you will see a QR code. You can use this QR code to exchange for a physical ticket at certain stations. I exchanged at the Namba station. The station employees were helpful in guiding me to the ticket machine. Please note that the Subway pass cannot be exchanged at regular green ticket machines.
[Official Ticket] JR HARUKA Kansai Airport to Tennoji/Shin-Osaka/Osaka/Kyoto/Nara/Kobe Limited Express Ticket (Pick up at ticket machine on-site)
[Official Ticket] JR HARUKA Kansai Airport to Tennoji/Shin-Osaka/Osaka/Kyoto/Nara/Kobe Limited Express Ticket (Pick up at ticket machine on-site)
4.8/5
1411 reviews
First, Haruka booked a ticket from Kyoto to Kansai Airport. When booking, vouchers were sent for each ticket, but it would be more convenient if the tickets were sent all at once. Also, when purchasing tickets at the ticket machine at Kyoto Station, I found that I had to select 'Discount Ticket' in Korean to reserve seats! (I got confused here...) It would be great if the instructions were clearer!
Osaka Amazing Pass (1-Day or 2-Day)
Osaka Amazing Pass (1-Day or 2-Day)
4.6/5
130 reviews
As this was my first trip to Osaka, I was very worried about my itinerary and costs, but thanks to the Osaka Amazing Pass 1-Day Ticket, I was able to have a truly fulfilling and economical trip! - Osaka Castle (Tenshukaku & Nishinomaru Garden): Just show your Amazing Pass and the 600 yen admission fee is free! Not only was the castle magnificent, but the surrounding walking paths were so beautiful that it was great for taking photos. - Umeda Sky Building (Floating Garden): The key point here is that you must enter by 3:00 PM (15:00) to get free admission! After that, you only get a 10% discount, so make sure to visit right on time. It rained in the morning, but in the afternoon, I was able to see clear skies and a wonderful view. The panoramic view of Osaka from inside was truly impressive. Try enjoying a cold beer while taking in the great view from the indoor cafe at Umeda Sky Building :) - Unlimited Transportation: I was extremely satisfied because I could save time and conserve energy since I didn't need to buy a ticket every time I took the subway; I just had to scan my QR code. Although I unfortunately missed the Dotonbori River Cruise due to the rain, the combined benefits of admission fees and transportation far outweighed the price of the pass. For those planning to explore downtown Osaka intensively, this is not an option, but a must-have. Highly recommended!!! #OsakaPass #OsakaTravel #TripMoment #JapanTravel #BudgetTravel

Things to do at Universal Studios Japan

Things to do at Universal Studios Japan

Direct from Universal Studios Japan Official

Universal Studios Japan is home to 10 incredible themed lands, each one bursting with its own unique atmosphere, thrilling attractions, dazzling shows, fantastic shops, and delicious dining options. Here's a little peek at the amazing adventures you can uncover in each land:
  1. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Hogwarts Castle, Hogsmeade, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey™, Butterbeer.
  2. Minion Park: 3D rides, meet Minions, and shop for merchandise.
  3. Jurassic Park: Jungle exploration and thrilling river rides.
  4. Waterworld: Live-action stunt show with epic water explosions.
  5. Jaws: Boat ride face-to-face with the great white shark.
  6. Universal Wonderland: Family-friendly rides with Sesame Street, Hello Kitty, and Snoopy.
  7. Amity Village: Themed attractions inspired by Jaws.
  8. Hollywood: Stroll Hollywood Boulevard and enjoy live entertainment.
  9. San Francisco: Recreates the charm of the city; don’t miss the Backdraft attraction.
  10. New York: Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man – The Ride 4K3D and iconic landmarks.
USJ Latest Reviews
4.7/5
12209 reviews
5/5
So much fun! Stepping into the Mario world is so magical!
review picture
5/5
We had so much fun at USJ! It was an amazing experience overall. The only downside was that Nintendo World was quite crowded, but I guess that’s to be expected since it’s such a popular attraction and everyone wants to visit.
review picture
5/5
It was so memorable experience. Love it
review picture
4/5
We went to the park on Friday, April 10th. We purchased tickets online, and there were no issues with entry or long lines. The park is huge, and we went just for the Harry Potter experience. Fans of the franchise will be thrilled. We bought some souvenirs and tried some butterbeer (it was incredibly sweet, but it was necessary for the atmosphere). We explored the rest of the park afterwards, mostly the shops and attractions.
review picture
5/5
We arrived at 8 a.m., and there were already a million people. We went straight to the Nintendo theme park, since public access closed at 9 a.m. sharp. We stood there for an hour and a half just to ride those silly little cars. Sure, it's atmospheric, and the visuals are superb, but it's not worth it. Hogwarts and the Potter rides were the most impressive. The fun Selusti and Jurassic Park were also fun. We didn't get to the roller coasters, as the constant hour-long lines during our 6-7 hours in the park were exhausting. Be prepared to stand in lines constantly )) Otherwise, it's a park like any other. It's fun and atmospheric. But there are too many people and lines. For a contrast, you should go to Disney Tokyo and compare. I had much more fun at the Studio Ghibli Museum in Tokyo and at the Harry Potter Studios there.
review picture

Universal Studios Japan Map

Universal Studios Japan Map

Direct from Universal Studios Japan Official

As the map above shows, Universal Studios Japan is divided into 10 fantastic themed lands. Travellers will also find brilliant play areas, a wide array of restaurants, shops, and other essential services such as guest services, ATM service, family services, and currency exchange facilities, all conveniently located on the map.

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Universal Studios Japan Attractions

Universal Studios Japan is one of Japan's most beloved theme parks, boasting a fantastic array of attractions and entertainment inspired by Universal Pictures' iconic films, alongside other beloved franchises. The park is split into several themed zones, offering thrilling rides, captivating shows, and immersive attractions perfect for adventurers of all ages. Here's a peek at some of the top attractions:

1. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™:

  • Frog Choir: Get ready to be charmed by a harmonious offering of songs from a choir of Hogwarts™ students, all accompanied by their rather talented croaking frogs! This delightful quartet – featuring one student from each iconic house: Gryffindor™, Slytherin™, Hufflepuff™, and Ravenclaw™ – will serenade you with tunes well-known throughout the wizarding world.
  • Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey™: A thrilling, immersive ride that takes you through iconic scenes from the Harry Potter films.
  • Flight of the Hippogriff™: Follow Hagrid’s instructions as you learn the proper way to approach a Hippogriff, which has the head of a giant eagle and the body of a horse. Then you’ll take off on a family-friendly coaster that spirals and dives around the pumpkin patch, and swoops past Hagrid’s Hut.
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Universal Studios Japan Attractions

2. Minion Park:

  • Despicable Me Minion Mayhem: A 4D ride where guests join Gru, his daughters, and the mischievous Minions on a heartwarming and thrilling ride.
  • Super Silly Fun Land: An outdoor playground with water features, inspired by the seaside amusement park from the Despicable Me franchise.
Universal Studios Japan Attractions

3. Super Nintendo World:

  • Mario Kart: Koopa's Challenge™: Race your way to victory! Iconic Mario Kart courses have been brought to life with cutting-edge technology. Challenge enemies with shells! Aim for the finish line with Mario and Peach!
  • Yoshi's Adventure: Hang on to Yoshi as you search for Captain Toad on a treasure hunt! Use the Captain's map to find 3 mysterious eggs! Get a spectacular view of the Mushroom Kingdom from Mount Beanpole while having fun on this ride that's perfect for the whole family.

Universal Studios Japan Attractions

4. Jurassic Park :

  • A water-based attraction where guests embark on a river adventure through a dinosaur habitat, culminating in an exciting drop.
Universal Studios Japan Attractions

5. Hollywood:

  • Brace yourself for a high-speed roller coaster offering breathtaking panoramic views of the park! Fancy a twist? You can even opt for backward-facing seats for a truly unique thrill.
Universal Studios Japan Attractions

6. Universal Wonderland:

  • A family-friendly area with attractions themed around beloved characters such as Snoopy, Hello Kitty, and Sesame Street.
Universal Studios Japan Attractions

Other Top Attractions in Osaka

Other Attractions in Osaka

Attractions

Address

Recommended Sightseeing Time

Highlights

Price

Find out more here

Osaka Castle Park

1-1 Osakajo, Chuo Ward, Osaka

1-2 hours

The park is wonderfully rich in plant life, with its stunning cherry and plum blossoms drawing in a great many visitors annually.

From £2.98

Check Now!

Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan

1-1-10 Kaigandori, Minato-ku, Osaka

1-2 hours

The world's largest dome-shaped ceiling tank in the Arctic Zone.

From £13.37

Check Now!

Dotombori

1 Chome Dotonbori, Chuo Ward, Osaka

1-3 hours

Dotonbori is a well-known and bustling business district, famous for its neighbouring theatres, commercial and entertainment venues.

Free entry

Check Now!

Shinsaibashisuji

2-2-22 Shinsaibashisuji, Chuo-ku, Osaka

2-4 hours

Shinsaibashi is a well-known commercial shopping district in Osaka.

Free entry

Check Now!

Umeda Sky Building

1 Chome-1-88 Oyodonaka, Kita Ward, Osaka

1-2 hours

Take in the Osaka cityscape with a bird’s-eye view from the 360-degree open-air rooftop

From £2.48

Check Now!

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Osaka Castle Park
Osaka Castle Park
4.8/5
3825 reviews
Worth going, except flocks of visitors l, do purchase tickets online before heading
Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan
Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan
4.7/5
1076 reviews
It was an incredible experience and the best date ever. A great price for a fantastic experience. I hope to visit again. I highly recommend it. Don't miss the otters at the very beginning.
Dotonbori
Dotonbori
4.7/5
1666 reviews
the place to be with its lively atmosphere by the river, food stalls and shopping. many nice spots for photos and to experience the most lively area in Osaka. make sure to eat some takoyakis!
Shinsaibashisuji
Shinsaibashisuji
4.7/5
1848 reviews
it’s a straight path and a very very long one full of stores to your left and right. I’d say it’s like a mall but just outside with a covering on top. it’s right next to Dotonbori so you can combined these two easily in one trip. many restaurants and interesting shops for you to view and spend time here.
Umeda Sky Building
Umeda Sky Building
4.7/5
439 reviews
Very unique view from the top, friends enjoyed and had a wonderful tine plus coffee.

FAQ – Universal Studios Japan

  • Is there fireworks at Universal Studio Japan?

    Universal Studios Japan only has fireworks on special occasions such as New Year's Eve or Christmas.
  • Can I bring food and drinks into Universal Studios Japan?

    Please refrain from bringing food or drinks into the park. Please use the free picnic areas near the parking lot if you've brought food and drinks. Contained water may be brought inside of park.
  • Are there facilities for guests with disabilities in Universal Studios Japan?

    Yes, Universal Studios Japan offers a range of services for guests with disabilities, including wheelchair rental and accessible restrooms.

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