USJ Express Pass Guide

Although there are several Universal Studios around the world, Universal Studios Japan (or simply USJ) remains one of the top attractions in Osaka. While this is good news for Universal Studios, this isn’t the case for the visitors. After all, a packed theme park means longer queues at the popular rides. Thus, it is intuitive to purchase a Universal Studios Japan Express Pass to reduce waiting time. However, do you really need an Express Pass at Universal Japan? Depending on when you visit the USJ and a few other factors, the USJ Express Pass may or may not be necessary for you. Please read on for the Universal Studios Japan Express Pass tips before clicking the purchase button!

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Tip:
☛ Stay close to Universal Studios Japan the night before so you don’t need to get up too early the next day.
☛ If you don’t like switching hotels, stay in One of the Hotels Near Osaka or Umeda Station so you can take the direct train service to USJ.

In Summary, Get a Universal Studios Japan Express Pass If You Fit Into the Below Categories

Buying a USJ Express Pass means saving time to enjoy more of what USJ has to offer. Moreover, your physical stamina won’t be wasted on queueing up, either!

• You want to ride the popular rides as many times as possible.
• The cost of the USJ express pass is not a concern for you.
• You want to get on as many rides as possible on the day, so the less waiting time, the better.
• You cannot enter USJ first thing in the morning and/or stay in the park until the end of the day.

According to surveys, no one regretted purchasing a Universal Studios Japan Express Pass. Almost everyone was happy with the purchase due to the express pass’s ability to reduce waiting time. After all, you will feel like you are a VIP when you walk past the queue and board the ride! On the other hand, many who thought they would enjoy USJ without an express pass actually regretted not purchasing one.

Important: Height rules apply to the rides at USJ. In addition, the rides might not fit a plus-sized person either. Refer to HERE for more information.

Do You Need an Express Pass at Universal Japan

Whether you need a Universal Studios Japan Express Pass when visiting USJ depends on why you visit, what you want to see, and when you plan to visit.

With the Universal Studios Japan Express Pass, you can board the rides in Super Nintendo World Japan within minutes, even though the waiting time is normally 100 minutes. In addition, you don’t need to fight for an Area Timed Entry Ticket (エリア入場整理券) to enter the Super Nintendo World if your express pass comes with an Advance Booking Timed Entry Ticket (エリア入場確約券).

What If Universal Studios Japan Express Passes Are Sold Out

Because most people are aware of how packed USJ can be, the USJ Express Pass is almost a must-buy despite its hefty price tag. In fact, on a busy day, the express passes are sold out soon after they are released. If there is no Express Pass left on the day you want to visit USJ, you might still be able to secure a Universal Studios Japan Express Pass before you visit the theme park.

Refer to HERE for more information!

The Universal Studios Japan Express Pass Isn’t for You If:

• Your height is below the ride’s height limit for the Express Pass you want to purchase.
  • Additional restrictions may also apply to the rides you want to board. Please check carefully before purchasing an express pass.
  • Refer to HERE for more information about the requirements for boarding a ride at Universal Studios Japan.
• If you are a plus-sized person, you might not be able to board the rides that the USJ Express Pass covers.
• You don’t want to spend extra at USJ.
• You can arrive at USJ before it opens to queue outside the gate so that you can be the first to enter the park.
  • Universal Studios Japan usually opens 30 to 90 minutes before its official opening hours.

Tip: Refer to HERE for information on the opening times of Universal Studios Japan. USJ usually opens 30 to 90 minutes before its official opening hours.

Universal Studios Japan Express Passes Release Time

In general, Universal Studios Japan Express Passes can be purchased up to two months in advance.

However, the release dates are sometimes delayed. Don’t panic if you see no stock available yet. Check back in a couple of days or on the 1st of the following month.

Purchasing Your Universal Studios Japan Express Pass Through Klook

How to Check a USJ Ride Height Requirements and Additional Restrictions

To check a USJ ride height requirements and additional boarding restrictions, tap the attraction you want to visit on the official app. The information is shown directly underneath the attraction’s name. Ensure you are at least the required height before purchasing a Universal Studios Japan Express Pass.

When Is the Best Time to Visit Universal Studios Japan (aka USJ ‘s Less Busy Period)?

According to the historical average, Universal Studios Japan typically experiences the least visitors from late January to February and June, as winter is too cold, and June is the rainy season.

Before international tourists flooded to Japan, USJ was already a popular attraction in Osaka. Therefore, the theme park will be extra busy on weekends and during Japanese public holidays. Avoid the following periods of the year for a more pleasant experience at Universal Studios Japan:

• The weekends, especially long weekends
• The Christmas and year-end period from December to the beginning of January
• Golden week from the end of April to the beginning of May
• Japan’s spring and summer break
  • The spring break (especially late March) is the busiest or the second busiest period of the year at USJ.
  • Because of the heat, summer break (especially from Friday to Monday) is less busy than spring break.
• The Obun festival period around mid-August
• The Halloween festival period, between early September and the beginning of November
  • Universal Studios Japan is especially packed in October.

Important: Visiting Universal Studios Japan during the time we mentioned above without a USJ express pass can mean spending half the time in the park queuing up. Please secure your Universal Studios Japan Express Pass as soon as possible, as the passes are likely to sell out quickly.

Tip: If the park has extended opening hours on a particular day, it usually means it is packed. The cost of the USJ Express Pass is also a good indicator of how packed Universal Studios Japan will be on a certain day.

How to Check How Busy a USJ Attraction Is?

The waiting time for a particular attraction or show is updated on the USJ official app. You can check the waiting time even if you are overseas. You can browse the waiting times of the attractions you are interested in and note their waiting time in advance. Sort the attractions by Wait Time and scroll down for the ones with the longest wait times.

Tips:
☛ Tap the heart shape for the attractions you want to visit. Then go to My Universal -> Favorites to easily check the rides’ waiting times.
☛ Check the waiting time of the attractions on the same day a week beforehand, as it gives a good indicator of the average waiting time on the day of your visit. For example, the waiting time for the attractions might be shorter at night.

Which USJ Express Pass Should I Get?

The answer is simple: Choose the Universal Studios Japan Express Pass that includes the rides you look forward to the most.

Here is a list of USJ rides that usually have a long queue. On a busy day, the waiting time for these rides can easily be over 100 minutes. They are listed in the order of popularity. Please note the boarding conditions before purchasing your express pass.

• XR Rides (XR ライド)
  • Please confirm the information on the official website.
• Mario Kart (マリオカート)
  • 122cm or taller to ride alone
  • 107cm or taller when accompanied by a guardian
• Mine Cart Madness (ドンキーコングのクレイジー・トロッコ)
  • 122cm or taller to ride alone
  • 107cm or taller when accompanied by a guardian
• Yoshi’s Adventure (ヨッシー・アドベンチャー)
  • 122cm or taller to ride alone
  • 92cm or taller when children are accompanied by a guardian
• Hollywood Dream – The Ride: Backdrop (ハリウッド・ドリーム・ザ・ライド ～バックドロップ～)
  • 132cm or taller to ride alone and when children are accompanied by a guardian
• Flight of the Hippogriff (フライト・オブ・ザ・ヒッポグリフ)
  • 122cm to 195cm to ride alone
  • 92cm or taller when children are accompanied by a guardian
• Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey (ハリー・ポッター・アンド・ザ・フォービドゥン・ジャーニー)
  • 122cm or taller to ride alone and when children are accompanied by a guardian
• Hollywood Dream – The Ride (ハリウッド・ドリーム・ザ・ライド)
  • 132cm or taller to ride alone and when children are accompanied by a guardian
• The Flying Dinosaur (ザ・フライング・ダイナソー)
  • 132cm to 198cm to ride alone and when children are accompanied by a guardian
• Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem (ミニオン・ハチャメチャ・ライド):
  • 122cm or taller to ride alone
  • 102cm or taller when children are accompanied by a guardian

Can You Enter Super Nintendo World Without an Express Pass

Universal Studios Japan Express Pass Types and Recommendations

Moreover, the Universal Studios Japan Express Pass will be more expensive during busy periods but cheaper during off-peak times.

Important: The time slot for entering an area and/or riding an attraction is printed on your ticket, if any. Please keep an eye on the time and plan your day accordingly so that your USJ Express Pass won’t be wasted.

Tips:
☛ Purchase your Universal Studios Japan Express Pass early so that the time slot for the Time-designated attractions you want to choose is available.
☛ Universal Studios Japan Express Pass can be purchased up to one month in advance.

Universal Studios Japan Express Pass Tips and What to Look Out for When Purchasing Your USJ Express Pass

The decision-making doesn’t stop after you decide which Universal Studios Japan Express Pass to get. The next thing you need to decide is which session to choose for the Time-designated areas/rides. We recommend taking the following factors into account when choosing the session for your Universal Studios Japan Express Pass:

• How long do you want to stay in Super Nintendo World?
  • Because of the crowd level in the area, we usually allocate 3 hours.

Tip: It is best to visit the Super Nintendo World first thing in the morning. While the admission time is set based on your ticket, you are welcome to stay as long as you wish. This means that the queues are the shortest in the morning, and you can ride two or even three times the popular rides during your stay!

The Best Way to Use Your Universal Studios Japan Express Pass

Important: For the time-designated attractions printed on your ticket, keep an eye on the time and plan your day accordingly so that your express pass won’t be wasted.

Do My Children Need a Universal Studios Japan Express Pass?

Children aged four and above will need a Universal Studios Japan Express Pass. However, please note that height and age restrictions may apply to most attractions at Universal Studios Japan.

Can I Share My Universal Studios Japan Express Pass With My Family and Friends?

No, each person will need to have their own Universal Studios Japan Express Pass.

Can I Purchase a Universal Studios Japan Express Pass for My Family and Friends?

Yes, you can purchase a Universal Studios Japan Express Pass for those who will be visiting the theme park with you. That way, the same time slot can be allocated to the entire group for your Timed Entry Ticket.

Can I Enter Universal Studios Japan With Only a Universal Studios Japan Express Pass?

No, you need a One-day Studio Pass (or multiple-days pass) to enter Universal Studios Japan. The Express Pass must be purchased in addition to the Universal Studios Japan admission ticket.

How to Enjoy Universal Studios Japan Without an Express Pass

• The queue at the popular rides at Universal Studios Japan may be shorter during the following part of the day:
  • Up to an hour after USJ is opened
  • Lunch hours
  • Parade time
  • Shortly before USJ is closed
    • But note that there is a risk of not being able to queue up as the staff will take into consideration the park’s closing time when admitting newcomers.
• Thriller rides are not the only or most important fun thing that Universal Studios Japan can offer. Instead of queueing to ride the attractions, you can secure your spot early and enjoy the shows, parades, and meet the characters’ events!

Entering the Super Nintendo World Without a Universal Studios Japan Express Pass

Important: There is a high chance that you won’t be able to board a ride if the time on your Timed Entry Ticket is close to USJ’s closing time. For example, if the park closes at 7 pm and there is a two-hour wait for the attraction you want to ride, the admission will close at 5 pm. The staff won’t let you in even if you have a Timed Entry Ticket after 5 pm.

The Tips and the Things I Wish I Knew Before Visiting USJ