Flying to Japan soon? If you're an adventure junkie, then you've come to the right place. Tourists rave about the amazing theme parks in Japan!
They're often torn between two options: Tokyo Disneyland and Universal Studios Japan. Both parks promise thrilling rides, unique attractions, and a remarkable experience for both kids and adults. If you're wondering which one is better, then keep reading—we've made this comparison guide just for you!
Tokyo Disneyland
The Happiest Place on Earth is also in Tokyo!
Tokyo Disneyland is one of Disney's best amusement parks outside the United States, offering rides and attractions that invite you to live out your Disney fantasies. This magical place is best known for storytelling rides where iconic fairytales like Peter Pan and well-adored franchises like Star Wars are brought to life via animatronics.
Navigating the massive theme park may be tricky, so here are some Tokyo Disney tips to help you out.
Universal Studios Japan
Charm reigns at Super Nintendo World!
Universal Studios Japan will immerse you in the world of popular franchises like Super Mario World, Despicable Me, and Jurassic Park. The park's cutting-edge entertainment facilities are a marvel, that's for sure; You can also enjoy awesome rides like The Amazing Adventures of Spider-man, which has 4K3D technology and has won the world's best ride award for seven consecutive years.
You can check out this helpful article for more Universal Studios Japan tips.
Ticket Prices
Live your fairytale fantasy at Tokyo Disneyland!
Tokyo Disneyland
Generally more flexible, a 1-Day Passport at Tokyo Disneyland could cost you 7,900 to 10,900 YEN, but you can also save more if you visit for two or more consecutive days. On the contrary, if you have other places to visit and aren't planning on spending the whole day there, the following passports are also available:
- Early Evening Passport - from 15:00 on weekends and holidays (6,500 to 8,700 YEN)
- Weeknight Passport - from 17:00 on weekdays (4,500 to 6,200 YEN)
Universal Studios Japan
You'll have to spend a little more on admission fees at Universal Studios Japan. But this pass lets you enjoy unlimited rides and use of all attractions. Except for Super Mario World and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter—you'll need separate entry tickets for those specific zones. Regular passes vary depending on age:
- 12-64 years old - 8,400 to 9,400 YEN
- 4-11 years old - 5,400 to 6,300 YEN
- 65 years or older - 7,600 to 8,500 YEN
Location
Get transported to the mystic world of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Japan!
You should also consider the city you'll be coming from before making a decision. Tokyo Disneyland is in Tokyo, while Universal Studios Japan is in Osaka, which is about a 3 and a half-hour train ride from each other!
Tokyo Disneyland
To reach Tokyo Disneyland, take the train from Tokyo Station to JR Maihama Station (16 minutes). From there, take the Disney Resort Line to Tokyo Disneyland (two minutes).
Universal Studios Japan
To reach Universal Studios Japan, board the train from Osaka Station to Universal City Station (11 minutes), then take a short walk to the park entrance (five minutes). You can also take the bus from Kansai Airport (50–70 minutes) and Itami Airport (45 minutes).
Rides and Attractions
Experience spellbinding magic at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter!
Tokyo Disneyland
While walking around, you can even mingle with iconic Disney characters like Mickey Mouse and friends and the Disney Princesses we all love! At night, wind down and let the fireworks display dazzle you with an explosion of colours while jamming to legendary Disney songs.
Universal Studios Japan
If you're a Potterhead, then you'll fit right in at Universal Studios Japan. Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey is one of its most famous rides, letting you witness the wizarding adventures of Harry and his friends! Oh, and did we mention unique roller coasters built for thrill seekers? You may want to check out Hollywood Dream - The Ride - Backdrop, an exhilarating backward roller coaster.
Another one of the park's attractions is the Universal Spectacle Night Parade, where you can witness the world's first transforming float from the Transformers universe, dance with minions, and say hello to iconic game characters from Super Mario and Pokemon.
Queues
Get awestruck by the charm of Cinderella Castle at Tokyo Disneyland!
Waiting in queues is an expected part of visiting a Japan amusement park. Luckily, you can download the Universal Studios Japan app and the Tokyo Disney Resort app ahead of your visit to check the wait times for whichever ride you're eyeing. But make sure to still arrive at least an hour early, since long lines start to form even before they open.
Tokyo Disneyland
This charming destination invites millions of visitors each year, especially during peak season. But it only takes the right strategy to beat the Tokyo Disney crowds. This means getting familiar with the seven themed areas, planning which rides to tackle first, or even scheduling your trip during the off-peak season from late January to early March.
If it doesn't break the bank, you can go the easy route and avail of Disney Premiere Access passes, which will let you get in the fast lane for a chosen attraction. The passes are valid for one attraction of your choice. But don't fret; these can still be purchased for another attraction after one hour or after the start time of the preciously purchased Premier Access.
Universal Studios Japan
If you don't want to miss out on the park's most in-demand themed attractions, then we'd advise getting the Japan Universal Studios Express pass. You have two options for this—the Universal Express Pass 4 and Universal Express Pass 7, which let you skip lines at four or seven rides and attractions, respectively.
We highly recommend buying in advance since there are only a limited number of express passes available each day!
Food
At Universal Studios Japan, you can munch on Super Mario-inspired meals!
Tokyo Disneyland
Of course, you can't go to an amusement park without getting a taste of mouthwatering foods. At Tokyo Disneyland, you can choose from over 30 dining establishments with diverse selections.
Whether you're craving Japanese cuisine or Western favourites, they've got it! However, it's most known for incorporating Disney characters in snacks and dishes. There are churros, waffles, and ice cream shaped like Mickey Mouse—so adorable, you almost don't want to bite into it!
You also have the option to experience show restaurants like The Diamond Horseshoe and Polynesian Terrace Restaurant, where diners get to watch a stage performance while enjoying meals inspired by the show.
Universal Studios Japan
After stomach-churning rides on roller coasters, you can replenish your energy with the selection of more than 20 dining choices at Universal Studios Japan.
There are sit-down restaurants known for their fascinating decor and equally elaborate dishes, like the Jurassic Rice Bowls at Discovery Restaurant or Snoopy Pancakes at Snoopy's Backlot Cafe.
Of course, the food crawl would not be complete without getting a taste of fictional food brought to life, such as the iconic butterbeer from Hogwarts or Princess Peach’s cake from Super Mario.
Accommodations
Sleep like a princess at Tokyo Disneyland Hotels’ Cinderella room!
Tokyo Disney
There are six Tokyo Disney Resort official hotels, all of which offer a magical experience. You can check out the Tokyo Disneyland Hotel, which has amazing views of the park and Victorian-themed interiors; the Disney Ambassador Hotel, which features intricate Art Deco designs reminiscent of Old Hollywood; and the newly added Toy Story Hotel, where guests enjoy early entrance perks.
For more budget-friendly options, there are also partner hotels located in the nearby Shin-Urayasu area and Good Neighbor Hotels in four different areas of Tokyo and Chiba.
Universal Studios Japan
There are eight official partner hotels you can find just outside Universal Studios Japan. The closest is The Park Front Hotel, which is right outside the main gate and has stunning views of the park at night. There's also Singulari Hotel & Skyspa, which is directly connected to Universal City Station. If themed rooms are more your style, then go for Hotel Kintetsu—the Sesame Street designs will make you feel like you're still at the amusement park!
Apart from proximity, one advantage is that these hotels also provide free shuttle services to and from the park. Some even offer additional benefits, like discounted park tickets or early park admission!
So Universal Studios Japan vs Disneyland Tokyo—which is better?
If you want to get the full Japan theme park experience, then visiting both parks is surely the best option. But if you're keen on choosing just one, then it really boils down to your preference. Regardless, adventure, spectacle, and fun are guaranteed!
Written by: Kimberly John Bautista
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