Please don’t treat Universal Studios Japan (or USJ) in Osaka as just another theme park where you can board the rides whenever and as many times as you want as long as you pay for admission. The theme park is so popular that there may be more than one part of the park where you won’t be able to enter without an Area Timed Entry Ticket (エリア入場整理券). On a busy day, the waiting time to board the popular rides can easily exceed 60 minutes. So, if you want to enjoy USJ fully, below is what you need to know before visiting the theme park:
Table of Contents
- What Time Does Universal Studios Japan Open, and When Should I Arrive?
- How to Get Into Universal Studios Japan Quickly
- When Does Universal Studios Pass (Admission Ticket) in Japan Go on Sale?
- Ensure You Have an Area Timed Entry Ticket If It Is Required for the Area You Want to Visit
- How to Obtain Your Timed Entry eTicket Using Universal Studios Japan Official App
- Find Out Whether a Universal Studios Japan Express Pass Will Be Worth It for You
- What If Universal Studios Japan Express Pass Are Sold Out
- The Tips on How to Enjoy the Super Nintendo World in USJ
- Parking at Universal Studios Japan
- What If It Rains on the Day I Visit Universal Studios Japan
- The Least Busy Time at Universal Studios Japan
- Tips for Visiting Universal Studios Japan With Toddlers
- The Vegan-Friendly Restaurants in Universal Studios Japan
- Also Visiting Tokyo Disney Resort on the Same Trip? Here Are Some Tips!
What Time Does Universal Studios Japan Open, and When Should I Arrive?
The question may sound stupid as the information is widely available on Google and USJ’s website. However, it is a valid question when it comes to Universal Studios Japan because the theme park usually opens 30 to 90 minutes earlier than its official opening hours!
If you don’t plan on purchasing a Universal Studios Japan Express Pass but want to enter the Super Nintendo World, entering USJ at the same time the park opens is almost a must on a busy day.
If you plan on arriving at Universal Studios Japan early, refer to our What Time Does Universal Studios Japan Open? article for more information to plan your day.
How to Get Into Universal Studios Japan Quickly
To get into Universal Studios Japan as quickly as possible, purchase your USJ admission ticket (Studio Pass) in advance to save time queuing for tickets. The official website and Klook will issue a QR code that you can scan for entry.
Tip: Take a screenshot of your Studio Pass QR code so you can show it to the staff at the ticket gate without needing to log back in. The same applies to the Universal Studios Japan Express Pass if you have one.
It is recommended that you purchase your USJ Studio Pass at least two days in advance, especially if you plan to visit the park in March, May, October, and December. As there have been times when the Studio Pass has sold out the night before, we recommend purchasing your Studio Pass once you know the date you want to visit USJ!
Baggage Inspections at Universal Studios Japan
All USJ guests must undergo a baggage inspection to ensure everyone’s safety. Once you are close to the baggage checkpoint, please take your bag off your shoulder and be ready for the mandatory bag check. To save time, arrange the items in your bag in a way that is easier for the staff to inspect.
The staff will also check your handbag and pram. In fact, the pram usually takes the longest as it has so many pockets!
If you need a pram, it is recommended to rent it from the park for 1,100 yen per day.
Important: Ensure that none of the prohibited items are in your bag. For more information, refer to the Official Website.
When Does Universal Studios Pass (Admission Ticket) in Japan Go on Sale?
In general, Universal Studios Japan’s admission ticket can be purchased two months beforehand.
Ensure You Have an Area Timed Entry Ticket If It Is Required for the Area You Want to Visit
Currently, an Area Timed Entry Ticket (エリア入場整理券) or an Advance Booking Timed Entry Ticket (エリア入場確約券) is required to enter the Super Nintendo World in the USJ. Apart from the Super Nintendo World, an Area Timed Entry Ticket might also be required if the staff determines that the area will be too crowded for the guests to enjoy. As you queue for entry, we recommend checking the official app to see if other areas also require an Area Timed Entry Ticket.
If an area is determined to be too crowded, Timed Entry Tickets will be handed out. You can also obtain the ticket via the official app. However, the number of Timed Entry Tickets is limited. Once they are all gone, the next type of entry ticket you can get is a lottery entry ticket (抽選券), which you can only use if you win (USJ calls it a Standby Entry Ticket).
The earlier you obtain the Timed Entry Ticket, the more time slots you can choose. Once you know that a Time Entry Ticket is required for an area you want to enter, get your Timed Entry Ticket as soon as possible.
Important: The time printed on the Timed Entry Ticket is when you can enter the area. You can stay in the area for as long as you want, but you can’t enter again once you leave.
Tips:
☛ Even children who don’t need a Studio Pass to enter USJ (under three years of age) can get an Area Timed Entry Ticket.
☛ If you want to enter the same area more than once, get a Universal Studios Japan Express Pass with an Advance Booking Timed Entry Ticket. On the day, arrive at USJ early for an additional Area Timed Entry Ticket.
How to Obtain Your Timed Entry eTicket Using Universal Studios Japan Official App
The most convenient method for getting an Area Timed Entry Ticket is through USJ’s app, as you won’t need to travel to the distribution points in USJ. To get an Area Timed Entry Ticket, you will first need to register your Studio (Park) Pass by scanning the QR code on your pass or uploading a photo of your pass.
This is done by tapping “Timed Entry eTickets” and choosing “Register Park Passes.” Once your Studio Pass is registered, you can acquire Timed Entry Ticket/Standby Entry Tickets under your app’s Timed Entry eTicket section. Any acquired tickets will also be shown there.
Tip: Only one person in your group needs to download the official USJ apps to get Timed Entry eTickets.
Find Out Whether a Universal Studios Japan Express Pass Will Be Worth It for You
Getting a Universal Studios Japan Express Pass is intuitive because it cuts down a lot of 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.
Refer to our Decoding the Necessity of the Express Pass at USJ article before clicking the purchase button!
Tip: If your child is three or younger, they don’t need a Universal Studios Japan Express Pass as long as you have one.
What If Universal Studios Japan Express Pass Are Sold Out
Because most people are aware of how packed Universal Studios Japan (USJ) can be, the Universal Studios Japan 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 Tips on How to Enjoy the Super Nintendo World in USJ
The Super Nintendo World is the most packed area in Universal Studios Japan. Advance planning is recommended so your time and physical stamina won’t be wasted. Because either an Area Timed Entry Ticket (エリア入場整理券) or an Advance Booking Timed Entry Ticket (エリア入場確約券) is required to enter the area, ensure that you purchase a Universal Studios Japan Express Pass that comes with an Advance Booking Timed Entry Ticket or arrive USJ early (best to be before the park opens) to secure your Area Timed Entry Ticket.
Refer to our Super Nintendo World in USJ article for more information to plan your visit!
Parking at Universal Studios Japan
The best way to get to Universal Studios Japan is by public transportation. But if you plan to get to the park by car, USJ has a car park with 2,800 a capacity of vehicles for its visitors.
While that might sound like a huge capacity, the car park is actually usually full by 11 am on a busy day. Temporary parking lots are usually available, but numbered tickets are issued when they are also fully parked.
What If It Rains on the Day I Visit Universal Studios Japan
Unfortunately, you won’t be able to get a full or partial refund on the park’s admission ticket (Studio Pass) or Universal Studios Japan Express Pass if it rains on the day. Don’t think you are doomed, though! Think of the positive side. USJ will be less packed on a rainy day, as no one wants to get wet. This means shorter waiting time to board the rides you want and fewer strangers appearing in the background of your photos.
If you have purchased a Universal Studios Japan Express Pass and the attractions covered by your pass are closed for the day, talk to the staff. They will offer alternatives to compensate.
The outdoor rides won’t be closed if it is only light rain. People can still get on the rides with raincoats or ponchos. But note that the attractions can be closed at any given moment if the weather worsens.
The jet coaster rides, The Flying Dinosaur (ザ・フライング・ダイナソー), 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～), and Hollywood Dream – The Ride (ハリウッド・ドリーム・ザ・ライド), are the ones that would be the most affected by the weather. They are usually closed when the wind is strong, in addition to heavy rain and thunderstorms.
Indoor rides might also be closed during thunderstorms as a power outage might occur if the thunder hits power supply facilities.
Tips:
☛ While shows and parades might be canceled due to bad weather, rainy-day greetings might still be on. So please check with the staff if you are interested in that.
☛ The indoor attractions might also be affected by thunderstorms. If a thunderstorm is predicted for the day you visit USJ, please plan your day and head to the rides you want to visit the most first.
The Recommended Items to Bring to USJ on a Rainy Day
- Folding umbrella
- Raincoat or poncho
- Towels
- Plastic bags
- Socks and/or shoe covers
- a Light jacket or cardigan to keep you warm
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The Least Busy Time at Universal Studios Japan
On average, Universal Studios Japan is less packed during the below part of the year. Due to shorter waiting times, these are the best times of the year to visit the theme park. The price of the Studio Pass and Universal Studios Japan Express Pass is also cheaper too!
Note that if special events are held during the periods listed below, USJ will be busy.
- Late January to mid-February
- Cold weather.
- Early to late April (before the Golden Week)
- USJ is less busy when all the students return to school.
- After the Golden Week in May
- The weekdays after the Golden Week usually have the least park visitors.
- June to mid-July
- Due to the rainy season, and shortly before Japan’s summer school break. But you may still run into students on school trips.
Tips:
☛ The best weekdays to visit Universal Studios Japan are from Tuesday to Thursday. But Tuesday can be busy if Monday is a public holiday.
☛ Monday can be as busy as the weekend if it is a substitute holiday.
Tips for Visiting Universal Studios Japan With Toddlers
As you may already know, Universal Studios Japan is less suitable for young children. But that doesn’t mean they can’t enjoy the theme park at all. There are still a couple of rides they can enjoy! The important thing is to plan the day.
Universal Wonderland (ユニバーサル・ワンダーランド) is the part of USJ most suitable for toddlers. There is a full indoor playground with a ball pool and play equipment for young children as well. As it is indoor, you don’t have to worry about wet weather or the summer heat. Moreover, attractions in the area such as merry-go-round can be enjoyed with your kid sitting on your lap!
If your children can sit up on their own, you can even bring them to Jaws (ジョーズ). The height restriction is that guests under 122 cm will need to be accompanied by another guest. While they might get scared, it can be another unforgettable memory.
When they are a little bit taller than 92cm, Yoshi’s Adventure (ヨッシー・アドベンチャー) is a ride they will enjoy.
Tip: Utilize the single rider line so that one of you can still enjoy the thriller rides in USJ. The Child Switch is another considerate service for parents.
Of course, the shows and parades at Universal Studios Japan will be the highlights of the day. Your children will surely be excited to see their favorite characters walk out from the screen!
Lastly, as children are full of energy when they are awake (and most of them becoming even more impatient), we highly recommend purchasing the Universal Studios Express Pass so that they won’t get tired from constant queuing. But please take note of the height restriction of the rides and choose the pass carefully.
The Vegan-Friendly Restaurants in Universal Studios Japan
Universal Studios Japan only allows guests to bring food into the park if they have a food allergy or if the park does not have a readily available menu that can cater to their diet. But if you are worried about what you can eat in USJ as a vegan or vegetarian, fortunately, a couple of restaurants/cafes in USJ offer plant-based meals besides salad. There is even a Japanese option!
- New York Area
- The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
- Jurassic Park
Note that the restaurants we have listed above are as of the time of writing this article. It is best to confirm your options again using the Official Website before your visit.
Also Visiting Tokyo Disney Resort on the Same Trip? Here Are Some Tips!
Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka are the three main cities that many international tourists visit when they come to Japan. Instead of a Universal Studios, Tokyo has Tokyo Disney Resort. And yes, it is just as popular as Universal Studios Japan, if not more!
So if you are tempted to visit Universal Studios Japan in Osaka on your upcoming Japan trip, we have some tips in our The Tips I Wish I Had Known Before Visiting Tokyo Disney Resort article to make your trip smoother and more pleasant!
