🎢 Universal Studios Japan (USJ), also known as Universal Japan, is one of the top theme parks in Japan. It’s perfect for families visiting from the West Coast or fans planning a deeper dive into Universal Osaka. With attractions for both little ones and nostalgic parents, it offers an unforgettable adventure.
This guide is organized into three sections to help you plan your visit:
- 🗺️ A real case study of how we spent the day at USJ
- 🎟️ How to buy Studio Passes and Express Passes
- 📅 When to visit Universal Japan to avoid crowds
🗺️ How We Explored Universal Japan with Our Child
⏰ Arrive Early | Beat the Morning Rush
Morning is the golden time at Universal Japan. We left our hotel and took the JR Loop Line from Tsuruhashi to Nishikujo, then transferred to the Yumesaki Line to Universal City Station—just about 30 minutes total. Arriving one hour before opening was a game changer: we avoided long queues and secured early access to Universal Osaka.
📱 Get Area Entry Passes | Use the Official App
Once the gates opened, we immediately booked our Super Nintendo World timed entry via the Universal Japan app. Then, we made a beeline to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
🧙♀️ The early morning crowds were light, giving us plenty of time to explore. My daughter picked out Hermione’s wand at Ollivander’s, and we tried out interactive magic spots around the area—casting spells to shoot fire from chimneys, open luggage lids, and splash water. It truly felt like being real wizards!
🍄 Explore Super Nintendo World | Ride & Dine
When our entry time came, we entered Super Nintendo World and lined up for Mario Kart: Koopa’s Challenge. It’s a must-ride, combining immersive gaming with theme park thrills.
Next, we secured an entry for Toad’s Cafe. Since there was a one-hour wait, we explored the area and checked out the souvenirs. The cafe is great for families—it offers reserved seating and fun, themed meals inspired by Mario’s world. It’s a hit with both kids and grown-ups who grew up playing Mario games.
💛 Visit Minion Park | Family Rides & Games
After lunch, we headed to Minion Park for the Minion Mayhem Ride, followed by a banana-throwing game. My daughter won a giant plush Minion—one of her favorite moments of the day!
🎉 Watch the Parade | Character Encounters
While wandering Universal Osaka, we stumbled upon the daytime character parade. Floats featuring Mario, Minions, Hello Kitty, and more rolled down the street. When my daughter wore her Mario cap, Bowser came over and playfully interacted with her. We even saw enemy characters bow politely to fans in Bowser hats nearby—it was charming and hilarious!
🏨 Where to Stay | Near Universal Japan or Tsuruhashi
🏨 If you’d rather stay until the nighttime shows and fully enjoy Universal Japan from morning to night, booking a hotel near Universal City Station is highly recommended. It’s just steps away from the park and saves you the return trip—perfect for families with small kids. You can book a Universal City hotel via Klook for convenience and deals.
Since we started early, we left the park around 4 PM and headed back to our hotel in Tsuruhashi. We chose a hotel near Tsuruhashi Station because we planned to enjoy Kyoto sightseeing and local food the next day—check out our previous article for more details! After dropping off our bags, we treated ourselves to delicious Samgyetang (Korean ginseng chicken soup) at a local specialty restaurant—a perfect end to a perfect day.
🎟️ Studio Pass vs Express Pass | Ticket Buying Guide
🎫 To enter Universal Studios Japan, you’ll need a Studio Pass—this is your basic admission ticket. It can be purchased online in advance.
Studio Pass link is here (via Klook)
🎟️ To save time and avoid long lines, especially if you’re traveling with small children or want to make the most of your day, we highly recommend getting an Express Pass. Universal Japan rides can have wait times exceeding 100 minutes even on weekdays.
There are different types of Express Passes available, such as Express Pass 4 and Express Pass 7, which allow priority access to selected rides. Many also include timed entry to popular areas like Super Nintendo World or the Wizarding World of Harry Potter—so there’s no need to line up early before the park opens. Just make sure to check which rides and areas are included before you buy.
Express Pass link is here (via Klook)
The Studio Pass and Express Pass are sold separately, and you’ll need both if you want to enter the park and reduce waiting time.
📅 Best Time to Visit Universal Japan | Avoiding the Crowds
Planning your visit around crowd levels can make a big difference. Universal Japan tends to be busiest during Japanese public holidays such as Golden Week (late April–early May), Obon (mid-August), and the New Year period (late December–early January).
Weekends, especially Saturdays, are consistently crowded. For a more relaxed experience, aim to go on Tuesdays through Thursdays during the school term. Mornings are always less crowded than afternoons, so arriving early is key!
❓ Universal Japan FAQ | What Families Need to Know
What’s the difference between a Studio Pass and an Express Pass?
A Studio Pass is your basic admission ticket required to enter Universal Japan. An Express Pass is an optional add-on that lets you skip long lines at popular rides and may include timed-entry to special areas like Super Nintendo World.
Do I need both a Studio Pass and an Express Pass?
Yes, if you want to enter the park and also save time by skipping lines. The Studio Pass grants access to the park, while the Express Pass enhances your experience by reducing wait times.
Can I enter Super Nintendo World without an Express Pass?
Yes, but you’ll need to book a timed-entry ticket through the official app after entering the park. However, some Express Passes (like Pass 4 or 7) include guaranteed entry to these areas, which is much easier.
When is the least crowded time to visit Universal Japan?
Tuesdays to Thursdays during the school term are typically less crowded. Avoid weekends and national holidays like Golden Week, Obon, and New Year.
Is Universal Japan suitable for small children?
Absolutely! There are many kid-friendly areas like Minion Park, Universal Wonderland, and themed restaurants such as Toad’s Cafe. Universal Wonderland is especially great for toddlers and preschoolers, featuring gentle rides, shaded rest areas, and character photo spots with Snoopy, Hello Kitty, and Sesame Street friends. Using an Express Pass also makes the day smoother for families with young kids, helping avoid long waits and keeping the experience enjoyable for everyone. Absolutely! There are many kid-friendly areas like Minion Park and themed restaurants. Using an Express Pass also makes the day smoother for families with young kids.
