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 price tag. So, on a busy day, the express passes are usually sold out soon after they are released. If there is no express pass left on the day you want to visit USJ when you check it, you might still be able to secure a Universal Studios Japan Express Pass before you visit the theme park.
Table of Contents
- How to Purchase a Universal Studios Japan Express Pass
- Universal Studios Japan Express Pass Might Become Available on a Date That Was Previously Sold Out
- Purchasing Your Universal Studios Japan Express Pass Through Klook
- Joining a Universal VIP Experience Group Tour
- Can I Purchase a Resold Universal Studios Japan Express Pass?
- What Do I Do If I Couldn’t Secure a Universal Studios Japan Express Pass?
How to Purchase a Universal Studios Japan Express Pass
You can purchase a Universal Studios Japan Express Pass in a couple of ways.
- Through the USJ Official Website in advance or on the day
- Through third-party seller Klook or Lawson WEB/Lawson Ticket (ローソンチケット)
- Stay at a USJ Official Hotel
- From the USJ ticket booth on the day
Note that if all the express passes have been sold out in advance, no passes will be sold on the day.
Tip: But it also says on the official website that the express passes may be on sale at 12:45 pm on the official website/app even if all the passes were sold out beforehand.
Universal Studios Japan Express Pass Might Become Available on a Date That Was Previously Sold Out
If all Universal Studios Japan Express Passes have been sold out, they may become available later if deemed canceled. While the express passes can’t be refunded once purchased, the locals have the option to pay at the convenience stores by midnight the following day. Thus, if the payment wasn’t received by the deadline, the ticket that was purchased is deemed canceled by USJ and will become available online again.
Tip: While Universal Studios Japan doesn’t announce when such canceled express passes will be made available online again, checking back at 12 am Japan time is a good bet.
Purchasing Your Universal Studios Japan Express Pass Through Klook
If all the Universal Studios Japan Express Passes are sold out on the USJ official website, third-party seller such as Klook might still have them.
Joining a Universal VIP Experience Group Tour
A fancier and more expensive option is by joining a Universal VIP Experience Group Tour. Led by a tour guide, you are given priority to ride the attractions that the guide brought you to over the Universal Studios Japan Express Pass holders. This means you are guaranteed to be able to ride the attractions in the Super Nintendo World.
So, if you have money to spare, consider joining a Universal VIP Experience Group Tour.
For more information and other benefits of joining the tour, refer to the Official Website of USJ.
Can I Purchase a Resold Universal Studios Japan Express Pass?
Reselling a Universal Studios Japan Express Pass is prohibited. A resold pass may not work because USJ has a mechanism in place to prevent people from using it.
What Do I Do If I Couldn’t Secure a Universal Studios Japan Express Pass?
If you can’t secure a Universal Studios Japan Express Pass, arrive at USJ as early as possible, ideally at least 60 minutes before the park opens. The earlier you enter the park, the earlier your allocated time slot on the Area Timed Entry Ticket (エリア入場整理券) will be. This ticket is essential if you want to enter the Super Nintendo World.
Note that even if you have the USJ official app installed on your phone, the Area Timed Entry Ticket can only be obtained after you enter the them park.
Tip: Universal Studios Japan usually opens 30 to 90 minutes before its official opening hours on the website.
Another option is to use the Single Rider Line to cut down the queue. Although you will be grouped with strangers, the waiting time can be halved.
Find Out Whether a Universal Studios Japan Express Pass Will Be Worth It for You
Getting a Universal Studios Japan Express Pass is intuitive 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, refer to our Decoding the Necessity of the Express Pass at USJ article before clicking the purchase button!
The Tips and the Things I Wish I knew Before Visiting USJ
You might have realized already that Universal Studios Japan (or USJ) in Osaka shouldn’t be treated as just another theme park where you can board the rides as long as you pay for admission. The theme park is so popular that there can be more than one part of the park you won’t be able to enter without an Area Timed Entry Ticket. On a busy day, the waiting time to board the popular rides can easily exceed 60 minutes.
So, refer to our article on The Tips and the Things I Wish I knew Before Visiting USJ to plan your visit!
