How to Enjoy a Smooth Trip to Universal Studios Japan 

How to Enjoy Universal Studios Japan

Universal Studios Japan (USJ) is one of the most popular attractions in Japan, but that also means it can get very crowded. If you arrive without a plan, you might find yourself waiting in long lines or missing out on highlights like Nintendo World. However, with a little preparation, you can make the most of your visit. In this guide, I’ll show you how to have a smooth and enjoyable day at USJ using Klook, so you can focus on having a great time.

You can watch this contents on YouTube too. As the system can be a little complicated,

it might be easier to see my point of view on the video.

Getting Your Tickets

The price of a Studio Pass at USJ varies depending on the day you visit. On my trip in March, the pass was around $65 USD, but prices generally range from $60 to $72 USD. If you plan on spending more than one day at the park, there are also 1.5-day and 2-day passes available.

For an even better experience, consider getting an Express Pass. This pass allows you to skip the lines at popular attractions, including Nintendo World. There are different types of Express Passes: some let you skip the line at four rides, while others allow you to skip seven. I chose the Fun Choice Pass for $120 USD, which covered attractions like Yoshi’s Adventure and Minions.

Arriving the Park – What to Know

Luggage

One important thing to know before you arrive: you can’t bring large suitcases into the park. There are lockers available, but they fill up quickly and may not accommodate larger items. If you have big luggage, consider leaving it at your hotel or using a luggage delivery service.

It Opens Earier

Getting to the park early is highly recommended. Official opening times may vary, but it’s a good idea to arrive well before that. On the day I visited, the park opened at 7:15 AM, earlier than the official 8:00 AM opening time. If you have an early entry pass, you can enter the park 15 minutes before the general public, giving you an advantage for popular areas like Nintendo World.

Register your Tickets to the App.

To save time once you’re inside, be sure to link your tickets to the Universal Studios Japan app. This app will help you manage your entry times and get timed entry tickets for attractions like Nintendo World. It’s much easier to have everything ready on your phone, so you don’t have to deal with paper tickets.

Be Prepared for Nintendo World

One of the main attractions at USJ is Nintendo World. It’s a compact area, so the number of visitors is limited at any given time. After the initial rush in the morning, timed entry tickets are handed out, and once those are gone, they switch to a lottery system. To ensure your visit, it’s best not to rely on the lottery.

There are three ways to guarantee access to Nintendo World:

  1. Purchase an Express Pass, which includes timed entry.
  2. Use the app to get a timed entry ticket as soon as you enter the park.
  3. Arrive early and head directly to Nintendo World.

During my visit, I had an Express Pass, so I was able to enter in the afternoon without any problems. However, if you don’t plan on purchasing an Express Pass, make sure to go straight to Nintendo World as soon as the park opens to secure your spot.

Universal Studios Japan: Main Areas and Attractions

1. Nintendo World

Step into the world of Nintendo, a must-visit for fans of Mario and friends. The key attractions here are:

  • Mario Kart: Koopa’s Challenge: Experience the thrill of Mario Kart in real life with AR technology, putting you right into the action of the game.
  • Yoshi’s Adventure: Take a leisurely ride on Yoshi’s back as you explore the park from a different perspective.
  • Upcoming Attractions: In 2024, the Donkey Kong area will be added, expanding Nintendo World even further.

2. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Immerse yourself in the magical universe of Harry Potter with these enchanting rides:

  • Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey: A 3D experience that takes you on an unforgettable tour inside Hogwarts.
  • Flight of the Hippogriff: A family-friendly roller coaster where you ride on the back of a magical creature through the grounds of Hogwarts.

3. Jurassic Park

Travel back in time to the land of dinosaurs in this thrilling area:

  • The Flying Dinosaur: Feel the adrenaline as you soar through the air on this intense roller coaster, suspended beneath a Pteranodon.
  • Jurassic Park: The Ride: Embark on a boat journey through the Jurassic jungle, but be prepared for a dramatic encounter with a towering T-Rex at the end.

4. WaterWorld

Based on the action-packed movie “WaterWorld,” this area offers live performances:

  • WaterWorld Stunt Show: Watch an action-filled performance featuring thrilling stunts, pyrotechnics, and water effects, bringing the movie to life.

5. Hollywood

A glamorous area filled with entertainment, shopping, and exciting rides:

  • Hollywood Dream – The Ride: A roller coaster that lets you pick your own soundtrack as you race through the sky.
  • Space Fantasy: The Ride: Journey through the stars in this vibrant, space-themed roller coaster.

6. Universal Wonderland

This family-friendly area is filled with attractions perfect for young visitors:

  • Hello Kitty’s Cupcake Dream: A charming spinning ride themed around Hello Kitty’s favorite treats.
  • Snoopy’s Great Race: A fun-filled roller coaster perfect for kids and families, starring Snoopy and his friends.

7. Minion Park

Step into the playful world of the Minions from the “Despicable Me” movies:

  • Minion Hacha-Mecha Ride: Join the Minions for a hilarious and chaotic 3D simulator experience that’s sure to be a wild ride.

8. Parades and Shows

  • Universal Spectacle Night Parade: A dazzling night-time parade that brings famous movie characters to life in a spectacular light show.
  • No Limit! Parade: A lively daytime parade featuring beloved Japanese and international characters like Pikachu, Sailor Moon, and Mario, all celebrating together.

Important Tips for Maximizing Your Time at Universal Studios Japan

Child Switch

If you’re visiting with young children who cannot go on certain rides due to height restrictions, the Child Switch system is incredibly helpful. Here’s how it works:

  • One adult can wait with the child while the other adult rides the attraction.
  • After the first adult returns, the second adult can ride without having to wait in line again.
  • To use the Child Switch, simply ask a staff member at the entrance of the attraction. They will provide you with a Child Switch pass so that both adults can enjoy the ride without double the waiting time.

This feature is perfect for families, allowing everyone to experience the thrill rides while ensuring that someone is always with the little ones.

Single Rider

For those visiting solo or if you’re fine with riding separately from your group, the Single Rider line is a great way to skip the long queues:

  • Many major attractions at USJ have a Single Rider line, which fills in the empty seats left by larger groups.
  • Even if you’re not visiting alone, anyone in your group can take advantage of this line to shorten waiting times.
  • Simply look for the Single Rider entrance, and you’ll be slotted into available spaces as they come up, often significantly reducing your wait.

I tested this on The Flying Dinosaur and found that while the regular queue was 140 minutes, I managed to finish the ride within 60 minutes using the Single Rider line.

Express Pass

The Express Pass is the best way to ensure that you get to experience the most popular attractions with minimal wait times:

  • The Express Pass allows you to skip the regular lines for specific rides. There are different types of Express Passes available (e.g., Express Pass 4, Express Pass 7), which determine how many attractions you can skip the lines for.
  • For example, the Express Pass 4 lets you bypass the lines for four attractions, while the Express Pass 7 covers seven.
  • It’s important to note that not all Express Passes include access to every ride. For instance, some may not include Mario Kart or other top attractions, so be sure to check what’s covered before purchasing.

While the Express Pass comes at an additional cost, it can save you hours of waiting and ensure that you get the most out of your day.

Dining at USJ

at

Dining at Universal Studios Japan can be busy, especially during peak times. I ate at Kinopio Café in Nintendo World, which opens at 9 AM. Arriving early helped me avoid long waits. The food is priced as you would expect for a theme park, but the experience is enjoyable. The Mario Burger was a fun option, and you can even take home a small souvenir cap.

If you prefer to skip the crowds, try eating at off-peak times, either early in the day or later in the afternoon. There are also street food vendors throughout the park where you can grab quick bites like popcorn.

For a sit-down meal, Finnegan’s Bar & Grill is a good option. If you don’t want to wait in line, you can make a reservation online before your visit. They serve a variety of meals and even offer beer if you’re looking to relax a bit.

Where to Stay for USJ

If you’re coming from out of town, staying at a hotel near USJ is the most convenient option. I stayed at THE SINGULARI HOTEL & SKYSPA at UNIVERSAL STUDIOS JAPAN, which was a fantastic choice. It’s close to the park and offers a relaxing atmosphere with great amenities. Other nearby hotels include The Park Front Hotel and Hotel Universal Port, both located near JR Universal City Station, making it easy to get to the park in the morning.

How to Get There

▶️From Tokyo or other cities

If you’re traveling from Tokyo, take the Shinkansen to Shin-Osaka Station, then transfer to the local Tokaido Line to Osaka Station and from there to the Osaka Loop Line.

▶️From Kansai Airport

If you’re arriving via Kansai Airport, you can take the Kansai Airport Rapid train to Nishikujo Station and transfer to the local line.

Tips for a Relaxed Day

To make sure your day at USJ goes smoothly, here are a few helpful tips:

  • Bring a portable charger: You’ll be using your phone a lot for maps, ride times, and tickets, so having extra battery power is a must.
  • Take screenshots of your QR codes: Wi-Fi can be spotty inside the park, so it’s a good idea to have your tickets saved on your phone in case you lose connection.
  • Avoid weekends and holidays: USJ can get extremely crowded during Japanese holidays like Golden Week and Obon. If possible, visit on a weekday for a more relaxed experience.
  • Pack the essentials: Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and possibly a rain jacket depending on the weather. It’s always good to be prepared for changes in the weather.

Ready for Your Visit?

With this guide, you’re ready to have a smooth and enjoyable day at Universal Studios Japan. Don’t forget to download the Klook app to organize your passes and Express Pass ahead of time. The staff at USJ are incredibly friendly and helpful, so feel free to ask them any questions during your visit.

Thank you for reading, and I hope you have a wonderful trip to Universal Studios Japan and an unforgettable experience in Japan. Safe travels!

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