Go Tokyo Your Experience
Universal Studios Japan Guide｜Osaka, Japan, is a top travel destination for many, and Universal Studios Japan (USJ) is one of its most popular attractions! With must-visit zones like “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™” and the world’s first “Super Nintendo World™” featuring Nintendo characters, USJ is a must-see. Here’s a comprehensive guide to Universal Studios Japan, including must-play attractions in the top 10 park zones, entry methods, ticket tips, and more!
Opened in 2001, Universal Studios Japan is the third Universal Studios theme park in the world. The park is divided into 10 zones based on themes: “Super Nintendo World™,” “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™,” “Minion Park,” “New York,” “Hollywood,” “San Francisco,” “Jurassic Park,” “Amity Village,” “WaterWorld,” and “Universal Wonderland,” each with its own unique attractions and highlights.
Universal Studios Japan Tickets
Universal Studios Japan uses a dynamic pricing system, with ticket prices varying based on age, duration of visit, and season. Several types of tickets are available to suit your visit plans and needs.
1 DAY STUDIO PASS
- Adult (12+): From ¥8,600
- Child (4-11): From ¥5,600
- Senior (65+): From ¥7,700 *Valid only on the date of purchase.
TWILIGHT PASS
- Adult (12+): From ¥5,300
- Child (4-11): From ¥3,400 *Valid after 3:00 PM on the day of purchase.
1.5 DAYS STUDIO PASS
- Adult (12+): From ¥13,100
- Child (4-11): From ¥8,600 *Valid from 3:00 PM on the first day and all day on the following day.
2 DAYS STUDIO PASS
- Adult (12+): From ¥16,300
- Child (4-11): From ¥10,600 *Valid on the day of purchase and the following day.
Universal Studios Japan Express Pass
The “Express Pass” allows guests to skip the regular lines for certain attractions. Visitors can choose to purchase this pass according to their needs. Besides buying tickets at USJ, visitors can also purchase them online. Every visitor must have a valid entry ticket, as the Express Pass alone does not grant park entry.
Must-Visit: Super Nintendo World
“Super Nintendo World™” is the world’s first theme park area based on Nintendo characters and one of the most popular zones in USJ. It perfectly recreates the vibrant world of the Mario series, offering numerous photo opportunities. Visitors can use “Power-Up Bands” to play interactive games, break blocks, collect coins, and earn points, making it a fun, immersive experience that brings the virtual game world to life.
Must-Play Attractions in Super Nintendo World
- Mario Kart: Koopa’s Challenge One of the most popular attractions, where guests can wear special AR glasses and enter the world of Mario Kart, experiencing the thrill of racing and throwing items to hinder opponents.
- Yoshi’s Adventure A family-friendly ride where guests can ride on Yoshi’s back and embark on a treasure hunt with Captain Toad, collecting eggs and enjoying views of Mushroom Kingdom from high above.
Must-Buy at Super Nintendo World
- 1UP Factory Purchase adorable Mario-themed merchandise, from Mario and Luigi hats to T-shirts, shopping bags, kitchenware, keychains, water bottles, and plush toys.
Must-Eat at Super Nintendo World
- Kinopio’s Cafe Designed like a giant mushroom, this cafe offers a variety of cute and delicious meals, including the popular “Super Mushroom Pizza Bowl” (¥1,700), “Block Tiramisu” (¥950), and “Teriyaki Chicken & Super Star Rice” (¥2,400).
New Zone: Donkey Kong Country (Expected to Open in Late 2024) The expansion will feature the “Donkey Kong Country” zone, increasing the area of Super Nintendo World by 1.7 times. The new attraction, “Donkey Kong’s Jungle Adventure,” will take guests on a thrilling ride through the jungle.
Super Nintendo World Entry Tips
Since “Super Nintendo World™” is the most popular zone, entry requires a “Timed Entry Ticket” or “Area Timed Entry Ticket / Lottery Ticket.” Here are four ways to enter:
- Purchase Express Pass (Express Pass 4 or 7) These passes guarantee entry to “Super Nintendo World™” with specified times for entry and attraction access.
- Purchase Early Entry Pass This pass allows entry to the park 15 minutes early, letting guests head to the desired zone to wait for attractions to open. It’s cheaper than the Express Pass and a good option for heading straight to Super Nintendo World.
- Draw Area Timed Entry Ticket (整理券) Available via the official app or at “Central Park” in the park. Success depends on availability, so it’s recommended to line up 1-2 hours before park opening.
- Obtain Lottery Entry Ticket (抽選券) If all timed entry tickets are gone, the park may release additional slots via lottery. Check the app or “Central Park” in the park to participate. However, the chance of winning is low.
Must-Visit: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
Another popular zone, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ transports guests into the magical world of Hogwarts™ and Hogsmeade™, with highly detailed buildings and decorations.
Must-Play Attraction
- Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey™ An award-winning ride where guests experience a thrilling adventure through Hogwarts Castle, Quidditch matches, and encounters with Dementors and fire-breathing dragons.
Must-Buy
- Ollivanders™ and Honeydukes™ Purchase a personalized wand at Ollivanders™ and enjoy magical sweets like Bertie Bott’s Every Flavour Beans™ at Honeydukes™.
Must-Eat
- Butterbeer™ at Hogsmeade™ Enjoy a non-alcoholic beverage that tastes like a creamy, buttery root beer. Available at Three Broomsticks™ and Hog’s Head Pub, and you can take the souvenir mug home.
Other 8 Zones in Universal Studios Japan
Minion Park Encounter adorable Minions at every corner and enjoy attractions like “Minion Mayhem Ride” and “Freeze Ray Sliders.”
New York Area Experience 1930s New York City with iconic landmarks and meet characters like the Minions and Snoopy for photo ops.
Hollywood Zone Home to shops, performances, and popular attractions like “Space Fantasy – The Ride” and themed rides like “Demon Slayer XR Ride.”
San Francisco Area Offers a waterfront ambiance with attractions like “Backdraft,” showcasing movie special effects with explosive demonstrations.
Jurassic Park Themed around the iconic film series, featuring thrilling rides like “The Flying Dinosaur,” a long and high-flying coaster simulating a Pteranodon flight.
Amity Village Based on the movie “Jaws,” offering a thrilling boat ride where guests encounter a giant shark.
WaterWorld Features a live show with stunts, explosions, and watercrafts based on the movie “WaterWorld.”
Universal Wonderland Perfect for families, with areas dedicated to characters like Snoopy, Hello Kitty, and Sesame Street™. Enjoy rides and themed attractions suitable for young children.
Essential Official App
Download the official Universal Studios Japan app before your visit to check park maps, wait times, register tickets, book attractions, and save time.
Universal Studios Japan
- Address: 2-1-33 Sakurajima, Konohana-ku, Osaka, 〒554-0031, Japan
- Opening Hours: Vary daily (check the official website for details)
- Transportation: From Osaka Namba Station, take the Hanshin Namba Line to Nishikujo Station, then transfer to the JR Yumesaki Line to Universal City Station.