Universal Studios Japan is a popular tourist destination in Osaka, attracting not only residents of the city but also visitors from across Japan and around the world each year.
Planning ahead is key to having a blast at Universal Studios Japan.Knowing the opening hours, access routes, and ticket purchase methods will help ensure a smooth entry on the day of your visit.
This article will provide you with basic information about Universal Studios Japan, in addition to highlighting its attractions and recommending the best times to visit.
1.Universal Studios Japan Opening Hours
The opening hours of Universal Studios Japan vary by season and date, so make sure to check in advance. Normally, the park opens between 8:30 AM and 9:30 AM and closes between 7:00 PM and 9:00 PM. Operating hours extend on weekends and holidays. If you wish to avoid crowds, we recommend purchasing an Early Entry Pass, which lets you enter 15 minutes before the usual opening time.
If you are driving to the park, you should arrive one hour prior to opening to ensure time to find a parking space. Some attractions and shows may be temporarily closed. For the latest schedule of Universal Studios Japan, please check the USJ calendar.
2.Access to Universal Studios Japan
Universal Studios Japan is located 7 km away from the center of Osaka. Some hotels in Osaka offer shuttle services to Universal Studios Japan, so it’s a good idea to check in advance.
The easiest way to get to Universal Studios Japan is by train. Using the Japan Rail Pass makes it convenient to access Universal Studios Japan by train. For access information, please refer to the following.
2-1.By Train
Universal Studios Japan is a 5-minute walk from Universal City Station on the JR Sakurajima Line.From Osaka Station, take the Osaka Loop Line to Nishikujo Station, then switch to the JR Sakurajima Line (also known as the Yumesaki Line) to get off at Universal City Station. The journey takes about 15 minutes and costs 180 yen.
From Kansai International Airport, take the Kansai Airport Rapid to JR Nishikujo Station on the Hanwa Line, then transfer to the JR Sakurajima Line (Yumesaki Line) and get off at Universal City Station. The journey takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes and costs 1,190 yen.
From Osaka Namba Station, take the Hanshin Namba Line to Nishikujo Station, then switch to the JR Sakurajima Line (Yumesaki Line) and get off at Universal City Station. The journey takes about 25 minutes and costs 360 yen.
2-2.By Bus
Direct limousine buses to Universal Studios Japan are available from Osaka Itami Airport and Kansai International Airport. The journey from Osaka Itami Airport takes about 45 minutes, with fares of 930 yen for adults and 470 yen for children.
From Kansai International Airport, it takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes, with fares of 1,550 yen for adults and 780 yen for children. There are also direct shuttle buses from Dotonbori in Osaka to Universal Studios Japan.
2-3.By Boat
The “Captain Line” ferry service, providing transportation between Universal Studios Japan and the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, takes about 10 minutes. Fares are 700 yen for a one-way trip, 1,300 yen for a round trip, 400 yen for children aged 7 to 12, and 300 yen for children aged 4 to 6. Children under 3 years old can ride the Captain Line for free.
3.Universal Studios Japan Tickets
The methods for purchasing tickets for Universal Studios Japan (USJ) are as follows:
・Park Ticket Booths
Tickets can be purchased on the day of your visit at the park’s ticket booths. Ticket sales begin one hour before the park opens.
・Official Website or App
Tickets can be easily purchased through the official website or app. However, please be aware that only certain credit cards are accepted. A maximum of four tickets can be purchased at one time.
・Authorized Travel Platforms
For advance purchases, travel platforms are a suitable option. Most major credit cards are accepted. Tickets bought online have an expiration date.
Tickets can be purchased about two months in advance. Since ticket prices may vary by date, it’s important to check early. by consulting the pricing calendar on the website. Tickets are available for adults (ages 12 and over) and children (ages 4 to 11).
If you want to fully enjoy the park, it’s recommended to consider the 1.5-Day Studio Pass or the 2-Day Studio Pass.
3-1.Express Pass to Skip the Lines
Using an Express Pass allows you to smoothly access attractions and maximize your time. There are various tickets available that include perks such as guaranteed entry to popular areas.
There are two types of Express Passes: the USJ Express Pass 4 (priced from 14,800 yen) and the USJ Express Pass 7 (priced at 17,800 yen). With an Express Pass, you can enter a certain number of attractions with minimal waiting time.
4.Highlights of Universal Studios Japan
The 10 areas of Universal Studios Japan are as follows:
- Hollywood
- New York
- San Francisco
- Jurassic Park
- Amity Village
- WaterWorld
- The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
- Universal Wonderland
- Super Nintendo World
- Minion Park
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Among them, Super Nintendo World, which opened in early 2021 as the world’s first of its kind, is the most popular area. It offers an irresistible adventure for fans of Nintendo. In the Nintendo area, cutting-edge technology is utilized to provide unforgettable experiences. In particular, Mario Kart is a popular attraction.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is one of the few and incredibly popular areas worldwide. In the Harry Potter area, visitors can enjoy a simulated broomstick experience and play with magic wands. Additionally, guests can taste the non-alcoholic sweet caramel-flavored “Butterbeer.”
Exploring Hogwarts and purchasing a wand at Ollivanders allows guests to fully enjoy the world of Harry Potter. Many people head straight to the Harry Potter area as soon as the park gates open.
The delicious food within Universal Studios Japan is also one of its attractions. Restaurants are themed according to each area. In the Harry Potter section, there’s a pub selling British-style fish & chips. Meanwhile, in the San Francisco area, you can dine at an American Graffiti-style burger shop.
5.Best Time to Visit Universal Studios Japan
Universal Studios Japan is a theme park that can be enjoyed year-round. Like other theme parks, it is most crowded on weekends and holidays, so we recommend Wednesday and Thursdays for a more enjoyable time with less crowding.
The high season at Universal Studios Japan is summer, and weekends and the summer holiday period are likely to see long queues. Spring offers a not-too-cold climate and the chance to see cherry blossoms in full bloom.
If you wish to avoid the crowds, it’s recommended to visit during the off-season from autumn to winter. Some attractions, such as Super Nintendo World, may feature special winter decorations.
Additionally, January and the months of June and July, when the park undergoes theme changes, tend to be moderately crowded. During January and June-July, most shows and parades are not held, which reduces the number of visitors.
Conclusion
Universal Studios Japan typically opens from 8:30 AM to 9:30 AM and closes between 7:00 PM and 9:00 PM, but these hours can vary by day, so it’s important to check the official website in advance. Since it’s easily accessible from the center of Osaka City, you should also look into routes by train, bus, and boat.
Universal Studios Japan is a theme park that can be enjoyed all year round, but if you want to avoid the crowds, it’s recommended to visit during the off-season, from autumn to winter.
*This article is based on information available as of March 2024.
