Universal Studios Osaka Guide: What and How to Prepare
During our 22-day adventure in Japan, we made a stop in Osaka, which quickly became one of our favorite places (though, let’s be real—Japan in general is just one giant favorite). One place in particular stood out on our must-visit list: Universal Studios Japan (USJ).
We were determined to spend an entire day soaking up everything the park had to offer, so naturally, Sara went into full "Saraesque" mode, diving deep into research like a Hufflepuff hunting for the last piece of chocolate at Honeydukes!
Given that Super Nintendo World was non-negotiable on our itinerary (hello, Mario fans here), we knew we had to secure our spot.
So, here’s the ultimate guide to preparing for your USJ adventure, courtesy of Sara’s meticulous planning and Vasco’s unwavering support (and occasional eye rolls).
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Prebooking? Absolutely.
If there’s one thing Sara insists on, it’s prebooking. She’s got this down to a science. Here’s what we did, and what you should probably do too:
Studio Pass: This is your basic entry ticket—your golden ticket to all things fun at USJ. We booked ours through Klook, and it was as smooth as it could be. No surprises at the gate, just straight-up excitement.
Express Pass: Now, let’s talk about the real game-changer. The Express Pass is like finding a Starman in Super Mario—it gives you that invincible feeling as you skip past the regular lines. We opted for the Express Pass 7, which was the ultimate combo for us. Here’s what it included at the time:
Mario Kart: Koopa's Challenge™ (Time-designated)
Yoshi's Adventure (Time-designated)
Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey™ (Time-designated)
Flight of the Hippogriff™ (Time-designated)
Despicable Me Minion Mayhem
The Flying Dinosaur
Hollywood Dream - The Ride OR JAWS™ (Time to choose your own adventure)
And yes, this also covered your Area Timed Entry Ticket for Super Nintendo World™ and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™.
Keep in Mind: Organize Your Day Like a Pro
Here’s where things get real:
Timed Entries: With great power comes great responsibility. Your Express Pass will have specific entry times for each attraction, so you’ll need to plan your day carefully. For example, if your Mario Kart time slot is right after lunch, don’t get lost wandering around Hogsmeade, or you’ll miss your chance to race.
No Re-Entry: Once you’re in, you’re in for the day. USJ doesn’t allow re-entry, so make sure you’ve got everything you need before stepping inside. No running back to the hotel for forgotten items!
Book Together: If you’re going with friends (or in our case, with your trusty travel partner), make sure you book your Express Passes together in the same order. Otherwise, you might end up riding solo on Yoshi while your friends are busy exploring Jurassic Park.
Express Pass Sale Timing: You can only book Express Passes up to 2 months in advance, and these bad boys sell out faster than Toad on a turbo boost, so be ready as soon as they become available.
The Downsides of Prebooking: Weather
We visited in late August/early September—prime typhoon season in Japan. Talk about living on the edge! We spent the days leading up to our visit glued to weather apps, praying that Mother Nature wouldn’t throw a tantrum and ruin our plans. Thankfully, the weather cooperated, but be aware: if the park closes due to weather, there’s not much that can be done. So, maybe pack a poncho and cross your fingers!
What to Bring to the Park
Sara's essential packing list (Vasco approves):
Sunscreen: All year round!
Passport: Should always be with you.
Portable Charger: Your phone is your lifeline—for photos, ride times, and Mario Kart tips from the internet. Don’t let it die on you.
Comfortable Shoes: USJ is big. Really big. This is no time to break in new shoes.
Water Bottle: Staying hydrated is key, especially after screaming your lungs out on The Flying Dinosaur.
Getting to Universal Studios Japan
Alright, so you’ve got your tickets, your sunscreen, and your Mario hat ready to go—but how do you actually get to Universal Studios Japan? Fear not! We are here to guide you, so you can navigate your way to the park like a pro and avoid any unnecessary stress (or getting lost in Osaka, which is fun, but not when you’re on a tight schedule).
From Osaka City Center to Universal Studios Japan
Universal Studios Japan is located on a man-made island in Osaka Bay, and luckily, it’s super easy to get to from the city center. Here’s your go-to guide:
1. By Train (the best option in our opinion):
Take the JR Osaka Loop Line to Nishikujo Station at Osaka Station: Trains on the Osaka Loop Line come frequently, so you won’t have to wait long. It’s about a 10-minute ride.
Transfer to the JR Yumesaki Line: At Nishikujo Station, switch to the JR Yumesaki Line (sometimes called the JR Sakurajima Line, but don’t worry—it’s the same train).
Get off at Universal City Station: This is your stop! The ride from Nishikujo to Universal City takes around 5 minutes.
Once you get off the train, just follow the signs (and the crowds) to the park entrance. It’s only a few minutes’ walk, and you’ll know you’re in the right place when you start seeing the Universal Studios globe.
2. By Bus:
From Kansai International Airport (KIX): If you’re coming straight from the airport, there’s a direct limousine bus to Universal Studios Japan. The ride takes about 1 hour, depending on traffic.
From Osaka Itami Airport (ITM): Similar deal here—a direct bus will get you to the park in around 45 minutes.
3. By Taxi:
Taxis are super convenient if you’re traveling with a lot of luggage or want to avoid the hassle of train transfers. But beware: they’re not cheap. A taxi from Osaka Station to Universal Studios will set you back about ¥3,000-¥4,000, depending on traffic. Vasco’s suggestion? Stick with the train unless you’re in a rush!
4. By Car:
If you’re driving in Osaka (which is a whole adventure in itself), there’s parking available at Universal Studios Japan. It’s not the cheapest option, though—expect to pay around ¥2,500-¥3,000 for a full day’s parking.
Pro tips
Timing is Everything: Plan to arrive at the park at least 30 minutes before it opens to beat the crowds. This is especially important if you’re banking on getting into popular attractions like Super Nintendo World without the Express Pass.
JR Pass Holders, Rejoice: If you’re traveling around Japan with a JR Pass, your ride to Universal Studios Japan on the JR lines is covered
Google Maps is Your Friend
Prices in the Park: Brace Yourselves
Now, let’s talk about the elephant in the room: prices. USJ isn’t cheap. In fact, it’s the kind of place where your wallet might start sweating just thinking about it.
Merchandise: The temptation is real, especially in Super Nintendo World. Sara, in true Sara fashion, wanted to buy EVERYTHING. Those interactive bracelets for Super Nintendo World? They’re about ¥3,800 each, and you’ll convince yourself they’re essential (and they kind of are, honestly).
Food: The food is adorable, themed, and, you guessed it, pricey. Expect to pay around ¥1,200 to ¥2,000 for a meal, and don’t forget those themed snacks—Butterbeer, anyone?
Is the Photo Pass Worth It?
Answer: Absolutely, if you’re a ride junkie.
We have a soft spot for capturing every thrilling (and sometimes embarrassing) moment. The USJ Photo Pass lets you relive your terror on Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey or your sheer joy on Mario Kart without worrying about dropping your phone mid-ride. Plus, it’s the only way you’ll get a group shot where everyone’s actually in the frame.
Prices for the Universal Photo Pass typically range from ¥2,500 to ¥3,500 (around $18 to $25 USD) depending on the type of pass and the number of photos included.
It also allows you to have your photos taken by professional photographers stationed throughout the park, and you can download and print them later. Some passes include unlimited digital downloads, while others may be more limited.
You can purchase the Photo Pass at various locations within the park or through the official USJ app, so no worries here.
Navigating Surprises: What to Expect When You’re Expecting...A Few Closures
Alright, let’s get real for a second—no theme park experience is without its little bumps, and Universal Studios Japan is no exception. We learned the hard way that sometimes your favorite attraction might be closed, the restaurant you were eyeing all day might be “temporarily unavailable,” or that awesome shop selling exclusive merchandise might be out of stock. So here are our tips to combat that:
Check the Schedule in Advance: Most major closures are announced ahead of time on the official Universal Studios Japan website, so it’s worth a quick check before your trip.
Sara, being the planner she is, swears by the Universal Studios Japan official app. It’s like having a personal park guide in your pocket, and it’ll save you tons of time and stress. Here’s why downloading it before you go is a no-brainer:
Area Timed Entry Tickets: Remember how getting into Super Nintendo World or the Wizarding World of Harry Potter can be a bit tricky without the Express Pass? The app lets you snag an “Area Timed Entry Ticket” so you can schedule your visit to these popular areas, but keep in mind that it can get fully booked super quick (hence the Express Pass suggestion).
Real-Time Updates: The app provides real-time updates on ride wait times, show schedules, and, most importantly, which attractions or services might be temporarily closed.
Interactive Map: Getting lost in a theme park can be fun...but not when you’re trying to make the most of your day.
Show Times & Events: Don’t miss out on any live shows, parades, or special events happening throughout the day. The app keeps you informed, so you can plan your route and make sure you’re front and center for the action.
So in the end…
Visiting Universal Studios Japan was one of the highlights of our Osaka adventure. With the right planning (thanks, Sara), a little bit of luck (thanks, weather gods), and a lot of excitement (thanks, Nintendo), it’s a day you’ll remember forever. Just remember to pack smart, book early, and bring your A-game to the rides. Oh, and maybe don’t let Sara near the gift shops unsupervised—just a thought!
