The question may sound stupid as the information is widely available on Google and on 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 to purchase 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.
Table of Contents
- Should I Arrive Universal Studios Japan Before It Opens?
- What Time Does USJ’s Ticket Booth Opens?
- Universal Studios Japan Open’s Averaged Opening Time During the Busy Period
- Universal Studios Japan Open’s Averaged Opening Hours During the Off Peak Period
- Getting to USJ by Nighttime Express Bus
- Are There Any Toilet Facilities Outside of Universal Studios Japan’s Ticket Gate?
- The Best Items to Bring If You Plan to Queue Before Universal Studios Opens
Should I Arrive Universal Studios Japan Before It Opens?
Although the idea of waking up early and queue doesn’t sound tempting, it is highly recommended to do so if you fit into the below categories. Entering USJ 30 minutes earlier in the morning makes a huge difference. At least the waiting time of the first ride you choose will definitely be short.
- You want to board as many rides as possible.
- You want to board the popular rides with the shortest waiting time.
- You need the Area Timed Entry Ticket (エリア入場整理券) for the Super Nintendo World (i.e. you don’t have a Universal Studios Japan Express Pass that covers the area).
Even if you only plan to stop by the park for a couple of hours, arriving early usually means shorter waiting time and a more pleasant experience. In fact, many would queue in front of the gate way before USJ opens.
Tip: Purchase your USJ admission ticket (Studio Pass) in advance to save time on queuing for ticket. Both the official website and Klook will issue a QR code that you can scan for entry.
What Time Does USJ’s Ticket Booth Opens?
The ticket booth at Universal Studios Japan opens 45 to 60 minutes before the park opens. Please don’t be the one that panics because the park has opened but you still haven’t got your admission ticket.
It might be obvious already. The queue for tickets and the queue for park entry is different.
Universal Studios Japan Open’s Averaged Opening Time During the Busy Period
When the USJ’s official opening time was 8 am in the past, the earliest that park opened was around 7:15 am.
So, if you want to be the first one to get into the park, we would recommend arriving 30 minutes beforehand at 6:45 am. There will be a queue already but the CP value of arriving USJ even earlier wouldn’t be high.
Universal Studios Japan’s gate opens 75 minutes before the park opens. So, there is not much point arriving earlier than that because you can’t enter the area where the big earth figure is.
Tip: On average, USJ is open 60 minutes before the official opening time on weekends and public holidays and between 30 to 45 minutes on weekdays.
Universal Studios Japan Open’s Averaged Opening Hours During the Off Peak Period
When the USJ’s official opening time was 9 am in the past, the park usually opened around 8:20 am. So, if you want to be the first one to get into the park, we would recommend arriving between 7:30 am to 7:50 am.
Getting to USJ by Nighttime Express Bus
Some locals would choose to visit Universal Studios Japan by taking a nighttime express bus. This means by the time they wake up in the morning, the bus has arrived USJ. While this method will be tiring for most people, it is an option for those who are time and budget conscious.
The nighttime bus usually arrives USJ at around 6:30 am. You can start queuing as soon as you get off the bus.
Are There Any Toilet Facilities Outside of Universal Studios Japan’s Ticket Gate?
Yes, there are two toilet facilities outside of USJ’s ticket gate. But, they are usually packed around 30 minutes before the park opens.
The Best Items to Bring If You Plan to Queue Before Universal Studios Opens
- Your smart phone
- Power bank
- Breakfast: Can be purchased from the convenient stores nearby
- Water
- Picnic blanket
- Fordable stool
If It Rains on the Day
- Rain gear
- Towels
- Plastic bags
On a Hot Day
- Handheld fan or Neck fan
- Towels
- Sun parasol with UV protection
- Neck cooler
Note we get a small commission from the sale of the above products sold on Amazon.
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!
