Universal Studios Japan Tickets: Your Guide to Visiting USJ
James Saunders-Wyndham
Table of contents:
Although I really enjoy going to Universal Studios Japan (USJ), in Osaka city, my kids love it more than me!
USJ stands as Japan's second most visited theme park, bringing in over 10 million visitors yearly. Trust me, the popularity is well-deserved. The park offers an incredible mix of both Japanese and Western entertainment.
The park has 10 themed areas, which are packed with more than 60 different attractions. You'll find everything from The Wizarding World of Harry Potter (魔法の世界 - mahō no sekai) to the newer Super Nintendo World (スーパー・ニンテンドー・ワールド). Ticket prices vary depending on when you visit.
The park keeps growing too. In December 2024, the new Donkey Kong Country™ area, added even more reasons to visit. Having been to USJ multiple times myself, I can tell you that good planning makes a huge difference to your experience!
1. USJ Studio Pass Ticket Prices
Universal Studios Japan call their ticket a "Studio Pass", which is broken into 1-Day or Multi-Day Passes. The basic 1-Day Studio Pass (入園チケット - nyūen chiketto) gets you into all attractions at USJ.
For serious park explorers, there's the "1.5-Day Studio Pass" and the "2-Day Studio Pass". Trust me, with massive areas like Super Nintendo World and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, having more than one day makes a huge difference.
Book Now ➡️ Purchase official USJ Studio Pass here
| Ticket Type | Adult (12+) | Child (4-11) | VIP Tour |
| 1-Day Pass | ¥8,900-¥10,900 | ¥5,400-¥6,300 | ¥34,600 |
| 1.5-Day Pass | ¥13,100-¥17,600 | ¥8,600 | N/A |
| 2-Day Pass | ¥16,300-¥20,700 | ¥10,500 | N/A |
I always recommend getting Express Passes if you're visiting during peak season. They start from ¥13,800, but the time saved from not waiting in long lines makes them worth every yen.
1.3. Be aware of Child Ticket Prices at USJ
Some important rules about age and tickets:
- Kids under 4 get in free
- Adult prices start at age 12
- Students entering junior high in April need adult tickets from April 1st
- Special deals exist for kids turning 4 - both parents and child get discounted entry
Your Studio Pass stays valid for 90 days from your chosen date. For big groups of 200 or more, special group rates are available. Remember to check USJ's official website for current prices - they change based on seasons and special events.
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2. How to Buy USJ Tickets Online
Buying USJ tickets needs some planning since they become available three months ahead. Let me share what I've learned about getting tickets after helping many friends plan their visits.
2.1. Official Website vs Authorized Sellers
The official USJ website (公式サイト - kōshiki saito) sells tickets directly, but I've seen foreign credit cards get rejected. Here's what I recommend instead:
- Authorized Resellers: Klook is your best bet - they're the main authorized seller for all countries. Don't risk buying from unofficial sources - If you get caught buying from a reseller, you will be turned away at the gates.
- Price Consistency: You'll pay the same price everywhere official, just watch for seasonal changes in categories A through E.
- Advance Purchase Benefits: Skip the ticket booth lines - pre-bought tickets let you walk straight in.
Book Now ➡️ Official Klook USJ ticket purchase
Super Nintendo World Entry:
Trust me, you'll need a special Area Timed Entry Ticket (エリア入場整理券 - eria nyūjō seiririken). Get one through:
- Advance booking
- The USJ app on visit day
- Park ticket machines
Staying at partner hotels? You can buy tickets when you check in and for the next day. If you prefer buying at the park, ticket booths open one hour before the park and close two hours before closing.
3. Universal Studios Japan Express Pass Options Explained
The Universal Studios Japan Express Passes (エクスプレス・パス - ekusupuresu pasu) is a separate ticket option that let you skip the regular lines at popular attractions and cuts down on waiting times for rides.
It is an expensive option! However, I would argue the USJ Express Pass is worth buying, especially during the busy seasons. It will give you more time to go on other rides and see more of the park.
Book Now ➡️ Official Express Pass 4 ticket purchase
3.1. Express Pass 4 - Basic USJ Pass Options
There are a number of different ticket combinations to choose from. Here are a couple options available:
Universal Express Pass 4 - Minecart & Minion
- 1 Super Nintendo World™ Area Timed Entry ticket(s)
- 1 Universal Express Pass 4 ~ Minecart & Minion ~ ticket(s)
- Admission to: Donkey Kong Mine Cart Madness (Time-designated)
- Admission to: Yoshi’s Adventure (Time-designated)
- Admission to: Despicable Me Minion Mayhem
- Admission to: [Choose One] Space Fantasy The Ride OR JAWS™
Book Now ➡️ Official Express Pass 4 - Minecart & Minion ticket purchase
Universal Express Pass 4 - Minecart & Jurassic Park
- 1 Super Nintendo World™ Area Timed Entry ticket(s)
- 1 Universal Express Pass 4 ~ Minecart & Jurassic Park ~ ticket(s)
- Admission to: Donkey Kong Mine Cart Madness (Time-designated)
- Admission to: Yoshi’s Adventure (Time-designated)
- Admission to: Despicable Me Minion Mayhem
- Admission to: [Choose One] JAWS™ OR Jurassic Park – The Ride™
Book Now ➡️ Official Express Pass 4 - Minecart & Jurassic ticket purchase
Universal Express Pass 4 - Fun Variety
- 1 Super Nintendo World™ & THE WIZARDING WORLD OF HARRY POTTER™ Area Timed Entry ticket(s)
- 1 Universal Express Pass 4 ~ Fun Variety ~ ticket(s)
- Admission to: Mario Kart: Koopa's Challenge™ (Time-designated)
- Admission to: Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey™ (Time-designated)
- Admission to: Despicable Me Minion Mayhem
- Admission to: JAWS™
Book Now ➡️ Official Express Pass 4 - Fun Variety ticket purchase
3.2. Express Pass 7 - Full USJ Pass Options
Universal Express Pass 7 ~ Minecart & Selection ~
Want the full VIP treatment? The Express Pass 7package (From $230 - $219 USD) lets you skip lines at:
- 1 Super Nintendo World™ & THE WIZARDING WORLD OF HARRY POTTER™ Area Timed Entry ticket(s)
- 1 Universal Express Pass 7 ~ Minecart & Selection ~ ticket(s)
- Admission to: Mario Kart: Koopa's Challenge™ (Time-designated)
- Admission to: Yoshi's Adventure (Time-designated)
- Admission to: Donkey Kong Mine Cart Madness (Time-designated)
- Admission to: Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey™ (Time-designated)
- Admission to: Flight of the Hippogriff™ (Time-designated)
- Admission to: [Choose One] The Flying Dinosaur OR Despicable Me Minion Mayhem
- Admission to: [Choose One] JAWS™ OR Jurassic Park - The Ride™
Book Now ➡️ Official Express Pass 7 ticket purchase
Universal Express Pass 7 ~ Variety Theater ~
- 1 Super Nintendo World™ & THE WIZARDING WORLD OF HARRY POTTER™ Area Timed Entry ticket(s)
- 1 Universal Express Pass 7 ~ Variety Theater ~ ticket(s)
- Admission to: Mario Kart: Koopa's Challenge™ (Time-designated)
- Admission to: Yoshi's Adventure (Time-designated)
- Admission to: Donkey Kong Mine Cart Madness (Time-designated)
- Admission to: Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey™ (Time-designated)
- Admission to: Flight of the Hippogriff™ (Time-designated)
- Admission to: [Choose One] The Flying Dinosaur OR Despicable Me Minion Mayhem
- Admission to: Detective Conan 4-D Live Show: Jewel Under the Starry Sky (Time-designated)
Book Now ➡️ Official Express Pass 7 ticket purchase
3.3. Premium Express Pass Benefits
Here's what makes these passes special:
Guaranteed Area Entry:
- Express Pass 7 gets you into both Super Nintendo World and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at set times
- Express Pass 4 packages might include one or both areas
Time Management Features:
- Set times for each ride keep your day organized
- Way shorter lines than regular queues
- One express entry per ride
Watch Out For:
- Express Passes work only on your chosen date
- They sell out fast - book early
- Prices change based on how busy they expect to be
- Miss your ride time? Too bad - no refunds
Express Passes go on sale two months before each date. They're pricey, but during busy times, they're a lifesaver. You'll actually get to enjoy the attractions instead of spending your day in lines.
4. Official Hotels for Universal Studios Japan Ticket Holders
Staying close to the park can make your visit more convenient and enjoyable. USJ offers partner hotels that provide added benefits like early park entry and exclusive deals.
5. Transportation Package Deals to USJ
When I finish at USJ, I usually just hope on the train back to Kyoto. However, by then, I am exhausted and don't really have the energy to face the public transport. As a tourist you can look at booking a direct bus transfer to downtown Osaka, Namba & Dotonbori.
Book Now ➡️ Bus Transfer - Round Trip - Osaka Dotonbori to Universal Studio Japan (USJ)
Book Now ➡️ Private Car Transfer - Round Trip - Downtown Osaka to Universal Studio Japan (USJ)
If you are coming in from Kyoto city, you can take two trains to get there (you can use your Japan Rail Pass):
- JR line - Kyoto Station to Osaka Station
- Osaka Loop Line (JR) - Osaka Station to Universal-City Station
6. Birthday Special Offers - Money-Saving Tips
Birthday Month Savings:
- ¥500 off 1-Day Pass
- ¥1,000 off 2-Day Pass
- Valid during your birthday month and the next
- Bring five friends for the same discount
Special Birthday Treatment:
- Get your birthday sticker at Guest Services
- Special greetings from characters
- Extra attention from park staff
Turning Four Special:
- Half-price tickets for kids turning 4
- Parents get discounts too
- Valid up to two months after the birthday
7. Conclusion
After years of visiting USJ and helping friends plan their trips, I can honestly say that getting the right tickets makes or breaks your experience. Basic Studio Passes starting at ¥8,600 might seem expensive, but the entertainment value is worth it. Express Passes, while pricey, have saved me countless hours of waiting in lines.
The key to a great USJ experience is smart planning:
- Studio Passes give you 90 days to pick your perfect date
- Express Passes help you dodge those dreaded long lines
- Hotel packages throw in some nice extras
- Special deals can trim your costs if you know where to look
Trust me, book through authorized sellers like Klook. I've seen too many disappointed faces at the gates when their unofficial tickets got rejected. Plan ahead, pick the right passes, and you'll have an amazing time at USJ.
FAQs
How far in advance can I buy Universal Studios Japan tickets?
You can buy Universal Studios Japan tickets up to three months in advance. Tickets for upcoming months are released gradually, so it's best to check the official website or authorized sellers like Klook regularly for availability.
Is it worth buying an Express Pass for Universal Studios Japan?
An Express Pass can be valuable, especially during peak seasons, as it allows you to skip long lines at popular attractions. However, if you're not interested in many rides or visiting during a less busy period, a standard Studio Pass may suffice.
Do Universal Studios Japan tickets sell out quickly?
While standard Studio Passes are usually available, Express Passes, particularly the 7-ride option, can sell out fast. It's advisable to book as early as possible, especially for peak seasons or if you want to ensure access to specific attractions.
What are the best ways to save money on Universal Studios Japan tickets?
To save money, think about visiting during off-peak seasons (October to December), booking tickets two months in advance, choosing weekdays for your visit, and taking advantage of birthday discounts if applicable. Group bookings and package deals combining hotel stays or transportation can also offer good value.
How to get into Super Nintendo World Japan?
To enter Super Nintendo World, you can either purchase an Express Pass that includes timed entry, use the official Universal Studios Japan app to request a free timed entry pass (subject to availability), or arrive very early and head straight to the area. Keep in mind that during peak times, entry may be limited and subject to a lottery system.
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James Saunders-Wyndham
I've been immersed in Japanese culture and daily life for over 30 years and am proud to call Japan my home. Originally from Australia, my journey has taken me from teaching at Japanese universities to traveling extensively across the country, uncovering its hidden gems. As a web developer, I built Romancing Japan from the ground up to share these experiences with you. Whether it's the charm of old Kyoto, the pulse of Tokyo, or the tranquility of the countryside, I love helping others discover the magic of Japan—one story at a time.
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