Universal Studios Japan (ユニバーサル・スタジオ・ジャパン Yunibāsaru Sutajio Japan, usually called simply USJ Yū-Esu-Jē) is a theme park resort in the Bay Area district of Osaka, Japan.
Understand
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Universal Studios Japan is one of five Universal resorts worldwide. It opened in 2001, and as of 2023, it was the third busiest theme park in the world and Japan's second largest, behind only the Tokyo Disney Resort. Sprawling across 54 hectares, it is also the oldest and largest Universal Studios theme park in Asia, with ten themed areas based on movies and games like Harry Potter, Super Mario Bros, Despicable Me and Jurassic Park.
There is also Universal CityWalk, a shopping, dining and entertainement complex just outside of the park.
When to visit
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As in much of Japan, spring is the best time to visit: temperatures are temperate and if you're lucky you'll catch the cherry blossoms too. June is generally rainy before giving way to heat and humidity in July and August, two months that are best avoided. By September it starts to cool down, and while there may be typhoons, in Osaka this rarely translates to more than a day or so rain and it's unlikely the entire park will close. Winters are chilly but often clear, and snow or subzero temperatures are rare.
USJ is generally a very popular theme park and weekends in particularly are packed. Visit midweek if possible, and consider investing in an Express Pass to beat the crowds. The ticket price calendar (see Tickets) gives the park's own forecast of how busy that day will be: "A" days are both cheapest and quietest, while "C" days are busiest and more expensive.
Get in
[edit]Osaka is well connected to all of Japan and the world, see Osaka#Get in for details. If you're in Tokyo and planning a visit, beware that Osaka is 450 km east, so even by Shinkansen/plane attempting a visit as a day trip would be a very long day.
The rest of this section covers only travel from Osaka to USJ.
By train
[edit]Most visitors arrive by train directly to 1 Universal City Station 
(ユニバーサルシティ駅) on the JR Yumesaki Line, a 5-minute walk from the park entrance. There are frequent through trains every 10 min or so from the JR Osaka Loop Line, passing through Tennoji, Kyobashi and Osaka/Umeda stations in that order on their way in, and the trip from JR Osaka station takes only about 12 minutes. If arriving by Shinkansen bullet train, you'll first need to transfer from Shin-Osaka to Osaka.
By bus
[edit]There are numerous direct bus services from Japanese cities around Kansai and even further to USJ. The direct shuttles from both Kansai and Itami airports are particularly useful, since you would otherwise need to transfer at least two times to get to USJ by train.
Get around
[edit]A pair of walking shoes will come in handy as the only option to get around is to walk. In addition, USJ is laid out around a large lake, meaning that the shortest route is often quite circuitous.
The official app is worth the download: you can prebook area access slots and some attractions, make restaurant reservations, and see real-time wait times for all attractions.
Information
[edit]Tickets
[edit]Ticketing for USJ is complicated and it's worth taking your time to research your options in advance. All tickets can be purchased from the official site or via various resellers like JTB and Klook.
The basic ticket or Studio Pass comes in 1, 1.5 and 2-day versions and prices start from ¥8,900 for adults (12+) and ¥5400 for children (kids under 4 enter for free). Pricing is dynamic, with three types of ticket (A/orange, B/pink and C/blue) entitling you to enter on any A, B or C day. You'll definitely want to aim for the A/orange days since these are the cheapest and least crowded option. Regardless of the price, all tickets entitle you to access almost all areas and all rides.
Entry to Super Nintendo World, the newest and most popular area, also requires an Area Timed Entry Ticket. This system requires visitors to pre-book a specific timeslot to enter the area in an effort to manage crowd levels. These can be bought at the official park app and at ticket kiosks for free on the day of your visit on a first come first served basis (which means that on busy days the timeslots may run out), or from some third-party vendors that offer packages that include both the Studio Pass and a timed entry ticket to Super Nintendo World. Do not be late on your timeslot as access to the area is strictly controlled, with around 15-20 minutes leeway tops.
An issue with USJ is that it is very popular, meaning that most popular rides may have waiting times of 1-2 hours throughout the entire day. To shortcut this, USJ also offers the Express Pass, an add-on to your tickets that grants you priority access on some of the 8 pre-selected rides, once. There is a 4 ride (¥7,800) and a 7 ride (¥10,800) option. Unlike the basic Studio Pass, an Express Pass is locked to a specific date and cannot be changed or cancelled. You will also be randomly allocated a timeslot to ride Mario Kart: Koopa's Challenge, the headlining attraction in Super Nintendo World (you still need an area timed entry ticket to access).
In-park Information
[edit]Before diving into what the park has to offer there are some important things to know that will either affect or can better your experience:
- Child Switch is a system for the supervision of children that do not meet the height requirements for some attractions. Both parents can enter the queue and when they reach the ride one goes in while the other sits with the child in a designated area. Then when first one returns the other parent can go directly on to the ride without having to queue again.
- Some rides offer a single rider line, a separate queue where you can fill seats left empty be people from the regular queue. It is a good way to save time when queueing but your party will probably be separated.
- Park Hours are not standard and usually change depending on the season or if it's a weekend or national holiday. It is always recommended to check the official park app.
Talk
[edit]USJ is heavily geared towards the local Japanese market, but everything is signposted in English and critical information like safety instruction sheets is also available in Chinese and Korean. Staff are used to dealing with non-Japanese visitors and can handle basic situations in English.
Beware that the rides and shows themselves are in Japanese. On the other hand, if you've never heard Gru speaking in a flawless Kansai accent, here's your chance!
See & Do
[edit]Universal Studios Japan
[edit]Universal Studios Japan is comprised of 10 themed areas, some larger some smaller all centered around the main lagoon. Starting from the park's entrance and continuing clockwise they are:
Hollywood
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The first land visitors encounter, it is themed after 1930s Hollywood and is full of attractions, shows and entertainement.
- 1 Hollywood Dream. A long and wild rollercoaster, where you set the soundtrack of your choice to listen while you ride from the speakers pumping next to your seat. For an extra adrenaline kick, pick the Backdrop version, which sends you hurtling through the same ride backwards! Hollywood Dream is very popular with multi-hour waits on busy days so it's better to come here early or during the night.
- 2 Space Fantasy - The Ride. An indoor family-friendly rollercoaster where you board a spaceship and travel through the solar system to the sun and back. The vehicles can also spin! The attraction gets a lot of temporary overlays so you may not experience it in its original version.
- 3 Cinema 4D Theater. A rotating selection of 4D movies, like Shrek 4D Adventure and Sesame Street 4D Movie Magic and My Hero Academia, mostly in Japanese.
- 4 SING on Tour. A musical based on the movie Sing with mix of live actors and animatronics in the Illumination Theater.
- 5 Playing with Curious George. A small stage show set in a cartoon studio with the famous monkey, Curious George as the protagonist.
- 6 Universal Monsters Live: Rock and Roll Show. A live show where classic Universal monsters like Dracula and Frankenstein sing and dance to hits from the '80s and '90s.
New York & San Francisco
[edit]A detailed "backlot" replica of New York City circa 1940 and a small waterfront that captures the feel of San Francisco's Embarcadero and Fisherman's Wharf, located next to each other on the lagoon. Wander the streets and alleyways and peer in the shop windows to find interesting surprises. The Blues Brothers arrive in the iconic "Bluesmobile" and perform multiple times a day from their stage on the streets of New York. There is also Festival in the Park, a series of carnival games by the lagoon.
Minion Park
[edit]Just behind the waterfront and between New York and San Francisco lies Minion Park, a vibrant city-themed area inspired by locations and characters from the Despicable Me movies, including, of course, the Minions!
- 7 Despicable Me Minion Mayhem. On this 3D motion simulator, you're invited into Gru's mansion as you prepare to be turned into one of his Minions by Dr. Nefario. However, things go wrong and a madcap adventure throughout his lab ensues with Gru, Margo, Edith, and Agnes at your side. As an only-in-Japan twist, Gru speaks pitch-perfect Osaka dialect! The ride can get crowded during the afternoon.
- 8 Freeze Ray Sliders. A children's spinner ride with ice-making vehicles that glide across a (fake) frozen pool.
Jurassic Park
[edit]One of the biggest lands, it is based on Isla Nublar from the world-famous Jurassic Park.
- 9 Jurassic Park: The Ride. A water-based ride that takes guests on a scenic boat tour through the dinosaur habitats of Jurassic Park. The journey turns thrilling as riders encounter a menacing T-Rex, culminating in an 85-foot plunge. For those who don't want to get wet, there are free ponchos available.
- 10 The Flying Dinosaur. Another very popular attraction, a thrilling suspended rollercoaster where a Pteranodon sends the vehicles soaring through the sky. The ride offers some very unique views of the park. Keep in mind that the ride is fast with big drops and large inversions, so it may be rough for people with motion sickness or fear of heights.
Amity Village & Waterworld
[edit]- 11 JAWS. Step into the boat for a charming and peaceful ride around Amity Village from the movie Jaws before it takes a turn for the worse as a huge shark attacks you. This is the only original Universal attraction remaining in any of the parks.
- 12 Waterworld. The movie may not have been a success, but this frenetic live-action show full of jet ski acrobatics, explosions, and water is worth attending. You can sit in the blue-seated Splash Zone if you fancy getting wet!
Super Nintendo World
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Opening in 2021, USJ's latest and most popular area is a detailed recreation of the Mushroom Kingdom from the Super Mario Bros. video games and movies. As you enter through the famous green pipe, you will see Peach's Castle, Bowser's Castle, and recognizable elements from the games like spinning coins, piranha plants, ? yellow blocks, and of course, thwomps! Afterwards enter the second, yellow pipe, and you will find yourself in Donkey Kong Country, the home of Donkey Kong and his friends.
Super Nintendo World is usually very crowded with long lines for shops and restaurants and waits of over 2 hours sometimes for the major rides. It is recommended that you come here either first thing in the morning or at night for a more pleasant experience.
- 13 Mario Kart: Koopa's Challenge. Ever wanted to play Mario Kart in real life? Here's your chance! Inside Bowser's Castle (Koopa in Japanese) is an interactive dark ride combining physical sets and augmented reality where guests race through iconic tracks from the game. Riders join Team Mario, with their goal being to defeat Bowser and his minions by hitting them with shells and collecting power-ups and coins.
- 14 Mine Cart Madness. The signature attraction in Donkey Kong Country and the newest in the park, opening in 2024. It is a rollercoaster that whizzes you through the jungle and the Golden Temple on board a mine cart. The ride uses a unique system to make it seem as if the mine carts are flying above broken sections of track!
- 15 Yoshi's Adventure. A kid-friendly ride where small Yoshis take you for a relaxing tour around the Mushroom Kingdom.
- Interactive Games. For an extra ¥3200, you can buy power-up bands to participate in the land's interactive experiences. Players can punch ? Blocksfor coins and complete mini-games with the goal being to defeat Bowser Jr. in a final showdown. The bands are themed after Nintendo characters like Mario, Luigi, Peach, and Toad.
Wizarding World of Harry Potter
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The other famous area of the park is a faithful recreation of Hogsmeade and Hogwarts from the Harry Potter movies. The land is a must for everyone, but especially for the fans, who will notice many Easter eggs and little details throughout the area. There is a lot of live entertainment like the Frog Choir and the Triwizard Spirit Rally, while drinking a butterbeer at the Three Broomsticks and visiting the shops in Hogsmeade are must-dos!
A very popular land as well it is best to come here after visiting Super Nintendo World in the morning or at night.
- 16 Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. This "robocoaster" combines a robotic arm with a rollercoaster track while also mixing physical sets and effects with huge screens. Go on a thrilling journey with Harry, Ron, and Hermione around the Wizarding World, whilst encountering many of its creatures like dragons and spiders along the way. The queue is set within Hogwarts and passes through places like Dumbledore's office and the greenhouses.
- 17 Flight of the Hippogriff. A short family-friendly rollercoaster where you fly around on a hippogriff, an eagle-like horse. An animatronic hippogriff and Hagrid's Hut are next to the queue.
- 18 Ollivanders Experience. A small show where a wand chooses a wizard. Even if you are not chosen, you can still purchase a wand in the shop. The wands are interactive and can be used at select places around Hogsmeade.
Universal Wonderland
[edit]A colorful kid-friendly area with attractions based on popular characters like Hello Kitty, Snoopy, and Sesame Street.
- 19 Snoopy’s Great Race. A mini roller coaster where riders zoom around in Snoopy-themed cars.
- 20 Woodstock’s Twister. A spinning ride featuring Woodstock, Snoopy’s best friend.
- 21 Hello Kitty’s Cupcake Dream. A spinning ride with colorful cupcake-shaped vehicles inspired by Hello Kitty’s love for sweets.
- 22 Hello Kitty’s Ribbon Collection. An interactive walkthrough where guests can take cute photos with Hello Kitty.
- 23 Elmo’s Go-Go Skateboard. A small rollercoaster where guests "skate" with Elmo.
- 24 Moppy’s Balloon Trip. A gentle aerial carousel offering great views of the Wonderland area.
- 25 Big Bird’s Big Nest. A fun indoor playground with soft play equipment and a carrousel.
Universal CityWalk
[edit]Right outside the entrance of the park is Universal CityWalk Osaka is a lively entertainment, shopping, and dining complex that serves as the perfect gateway to the park. While it is mostly shops and restaurants there is also the AMC Cinema a modern movie theater featuring the latest Japanese and international films and the Osaka Takoyaki Museum, a collection of takoyaki vendors gathered in one place, allowing visitors to sample various styles of this iconic Osaka street food.
Buy
[edit]Gift shops are common across the park. Below are some of the more-unique shops:
- 1 Gladrags Wizardwear. Souvenir stores that sell Harry Potter-themed clothing, wands. It is right next to the Owl Post and Owlery which carries stationery products.
Eat
[edit]As with many theme parks, dining options at USJ are generally crowded, overpriced and mediocre. The following is not a complete list, but merely a selection of the less bad options.
There are far better and cheaper eating options right outside the park gates, including conveyor sushi maestros Sushiro, but regular tickets do not permit re-entry.
Fast food
[edit]- 1 Happiness Cafe. This Minions-themed cafe serves up only three dishes, namely burgers, fried chicken and curry, but at least you get a filling and reasonably tasty set meal for your ¥2000-2200.
Full service
[edit]Prior reservations are required for all full-service restaurants at USJ. Book ahead via the app!
Drink
[edit]Cold beer is sold from carts strategically located along long walks. Harry Potter fans will be tempted to splash out on a cup of sickly sweet non-alcoholic Butterbeer (¥600/800 regular/frozen).
Sleep
[edit]There are half a dozen hotels located around Universal City station.
Mid-range
[edit]- 1 Hotel Universal Port, 1-1-111 Sakurajima Konohana-ku (3 minutes walk from JR Universal City Station.), ☏ +81 6-6463-5000.
- Hotel Keihan Universal Tower.
- Hotel Keihan Universal City.