A magical world awaits at Universal Studios Japan!
Updated 29 July 2022
Now that Japan is reopening its borders on 10 Jun 2022, you can finally book that flight ticket to Osaka! We’re sure that Universal Studios Japan is high on your itinerary list, but with so many other like-minded tourists and locals thinking the same, planning a trip to one of Japan’s favorite theme parks can prove to be quite the challenge.
Worry not, because the Klook Team has tons of insider tips perfect for first-time visitors like you. Discover the best times to visit, the most exciting rides you can’t miss, and where to get tickets for cheap. Keep your notes close as we dive into this helpful guide.
1. What are Universal Studios Japan opening hours?
Universal Studios Japan’s opening hours vary a lot between seasons so it’s best to check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Universal Studios Japan typically opens between 8:30am and 9:30am and closes between 7:00pm and 9:00pm with longer opening hours on weekends and public holidays.
2. When is the best time to visit Universal Studios Japan?
Wednesdays and Thursdays are the best days to visit as crowds start to stream in from Friday till Tuesday.
While Universal Studios Japan sees huge traffic throughout the year, it is less crowded in January and in between June and July when the park undergoes a theme change. Most shows and parades do not run during this period, which might explain the smaller crowds.
3. What time is the last ride?
Rides typically close at 6:30pm, though shows and experiences like Ollivander’s run till approximately 7pm.
4. Can I bring food from outside into the park?
Nope! Stringent bag checks are conducted at the entrance of Universal Studios Japan and all prohibited items will not be allowed on park grounds.
Universal Studios Japan is definitely not short on mouth-watering food options including this delicious food platter from The Three Broomsticks!
Not forgetting the famous Butterbeer which tastes every bit as delicious as it sounds. Visitors get to pick from three varieties: hot, cold or frozen (available in Summer). We didn’t get to try the frozen version, but the hot version came with a hint of ginger and was much sweeter than the cold version.
Klook Pro-Tip: There are two Butterbeer carts in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – skip the one closer to the entrance and head for the less crowded one nearer to The Flight of the Hippogriff instead for significantly shorter waiting times!
Not up for something so heavy? Cute snacks abound that are almost too adorable to eat! Check out this talking Minion popcorn bucket for instance that shouts “BEEDO!” and comes filled with chocolate banana popcorn (and other seasonal flavours) and its own little teddy bear!
5. How long do I need to wait at each attraction?
Waiting times vary from five minutes to a whopping two hours, so be prepared to wait especially for more popular rides like The Flying Dinosaur and Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey™ in 4K3D.
Can’t wait? No worries! Express Passes will help you to make the most of your trip to Universal Studios Japan.
6. How do I get my hands on Express Passes?
Don’t push your patience to its limits, jump to the front of the lines with an Express Pass. You have the option of purchasing a pass that works for multiple Universal Studios attractions.
7. When are the special performances and parades?
USJ hosts themed shows, performances, and parades every season. You can check their website for more information or download the official Universal Studios Japan app
8. Where can I buy tickets online?
Tickets can be purchased via official partners like Klook. You can also purchase the Express Pass here on Klook, even if you have already purchased your own tickets.
Re-entry is restricted – once you leave, there’s no going back in.
Note: Tickets purchased from external sources that are not official partners of the park may be denied.
9. What is Timed Entry?
During peak periods you will need a Timed Entry Ticket in order to enter the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. You’ll be able to obtain this ticket before your visit, or on the day of admission.
Purchasing an Express Pass beforehand will give you access to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter which includes the timed entry ticket.
To get the Timed Entry tickets on-site, proceed to the ticketing site at Central Park inside Universal Studios and get it for free.
The ticketing site is located next to Jaws, the big shark statue (see map above). The machine requires you to choose a desired time of entrance. Get your ticket and make your way to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter once the chosen time comes. Remember that this ticket can only be used at designated times and once you miss your slot, the ticket cannot be re-issued.
To ensure you have the best chances of getting in, make sure to go to the ticket machines as soon as you enter the park!
10. What’s in Minion Park?
Between the New York and Jurassic Park themed lands, sits Universal Studios Japan’s latest addition, the Minion Park. The park features attractions like the Despicable Me Minion Mayhem 4D ride, Minion-themed eateries, goods stores, playlands, and designated photo op areas.
Being the newest and largest Minion Park in the world, it’s incredibly popular with visitors. It’s absolute Minion mayhem at the park, so best is to head there as soon as the park gates open if you want to beat the crowd!
The Minion-themed snacks and tidbits will also have you catching the Minion fever (if you haven’t already, that is). You can find giant Minion-inspired cookies and banana-flavored popcorn that comes in the cutest Minion popcorn bucket to fill not only your tummy, but also all of your heart’s Minion desires.
11. How to get to Universal Studios Japan?
Some hotels in Osaka provide shuttle services to Universal Studios Japan, so it’s always a good idea to check
By Bus:
From Kansai Airport:
Duration: 35-75 minutes
Cost: 1550 yen
Frequency: hourly
From Itami Airport
Duration: 45 minutes
Cost: 930 yen
Frequency: hourly
By Train:
From Namba
The theme park is a 5-minute walk from Universal City Station (JR Yumesaki Line).
Hanshin Namba Line to Nishikujo (4th stop) then transfer to JR Yumesaki Line and get off at Universal City Station
Duration: 25 minutes
Cost: 360 yen
Frequency: ~1 train per 15 minutes
By Ferry
Captain Line transfers people to and from Universal Studios Japan and Osaka Aquarium
Duration: 10 minutes
Cost: 700 yen one way, 1300 yen round trip
Frequency: 1-2 ferries per hour
Don’t forget to pick up some WiFi and share all your memories with your loved ones!
If you have your own tips and tricks for visiting Universal Studios Japan, please share them with us in the comments section below!
