Decoding the Necessity of the Express Pass at USJ

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 amusement park means long queues at the popular rides. Thus, it is intuitive to get a Universal Studios Japan Express Pass to cut down the waiting time. However, depending on when you visit the amusement park and a few other factors, the express pass may or may not be necessary for you. So, read on before clicking the purchase button!

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

Buying a Universal Studios Japan Express Pass means you buy time to enjoy more of what USJ offers. Moreover, your physical stamina won’t be wasted on queueing.

• You want to ride the popular rides as many times as possible.
• The cost of the express pass isn’t a concern for you.
• You want to get on many rides 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.

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

Is the Universal Studios Japan Express Pass Essential?

Whether you need a Universal Studios Japan Express Pass when visiting USJ highly depends on why you visit the theme park and when you visit USJ.

With the Universal Studios Japan Express Pass, you can board the rides in Super Nintendo World 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).

Tip: Refer to HERE if you weren’t able to secure your Universal Studios Japan Express Pass.

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

• Your height is below the rides’ 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.
• You might not be able to board the rides that the express pass covers because the rides might not fit a plus-sized person.
• You don’t want to spend extras at USJ.
• You can arrive at USJ before it opens to queue outside the gate so you can be the first to enter the park.
  • Universal Studios Japan usually opens 30 to 90 minutes before its official opening hours on the website.

Tip: Refer to HERE for information about what time Universal Studios Japan opens. The theme park usually opens 30 to 90 minutes before its official opening hours on the website.

How to Check a USJ Ride’s Height Requirements and Additional Restrictions

To see a USJ rides’ height requirements and additional boarding restrictions, tap the attraction you want to visit. The information is shown directly underneath the attraction’s name. Ensure you are taller than the requirement before purchasing a Universal Studios Japan Express Pass.

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

According to the historical average, Universal Studios Japan usually runs from late January to February and June because winter is too cold and June is the rainy season.

Before all the international tourists flooded Japan, USJ was already a popular attraction in Osaka. So, the theme park is extra busy on weekends and when the Japanese are on holiday. Avoid the below 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.
• Obun festival period around mid-August
• The Halloween festival period between early September to the beginning of November
  • Universal Studios Japan is especially packed in October.

Important: Visiting Universal Studios Japan during the time we mentioned above without an express pass can mean you will spend half the time in the park queueing. So, secure your Universal Studios Japan Express Pass as early as possible. The passes are likely to be sold out.

Tip: If the park has extended opening hours on a particular day, it usually means the park is packed. The cost of the express pass is also a good indicator of how packed USJ will be.

How Do You 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. So, you can browse the waiting time 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 that have the longest waiting time.

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

Which USJ Rides Should I Use an Express Pass?

The answer is simple: Use your Universal Studios Japan Express Pass on the rides you look forward to 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 condition 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
• 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

Is the Universal Studios Japan Express Pass a Must for the Super Nintendo World?

Different Types of Universal Studios Japan Express Pass

Moreover, the express pass will cost more during busy periods and 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 your express pass won’t be wasted.

Tips:
☛ Purchase your Universal Studios Japan Express Pass early so 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.

Tips and What to Look Out for When Purchasing Your Universal Studios Japan 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 factors below 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 because while the admission time is set based on your ticket, you can stay as long as you want. This means 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 your express pass won’t be wasted.

Do My Children Need a Universal Studios Japan Express Pass?

Children from four years old need a Universal Studios Japan Express Pass. However, please be aware that height and age restrictions apply at the attractions in Universal Studios Japan.

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

No, each person needs one Universal Studios Japan Express Pass.

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

Yes, you can purchase a Universal Studios Japan Express Pass for those who will visit the theme park with you. This way, the same time slot 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-day) to enter Universal Studios Japan. The express pass must be purchased in addition to the entry 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 below part of the day:
  • Up to an hour after USJ is opened
  • Lunch hours
  • Parade time
  • Shortly before USJ is closed
    • But note the risk of not being able to queue as the staff will take into the park’s closing time into consideration when admitting newcomers.
• Thriller rides aren’t everything that Universal Studios Japan is about. Instead of queueing to ride the attractions, you can secure your spot early and enjoy the shows, parades, and meeting the characters’ events.

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

Important: There is a high chance that you can’t 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