Universal Studios Japan (USJ)

Universal Studios Japan (USJ) is a very popular theme park located in Osaka Bay. The park has a great variety of attractions and entertainment suitable for young or old, including hair-raising roller coaster rides, child friendly merry-go-rounds, monster rock shows, colorful parades, dance performances, character greetings, and seasonal events.

The globe symbol of Universal Studios

Many of the rides and attractions are themed on popular movie, television, and game franchises, such as Harry Potter, Jaws, Jurassic Park, Minions, Super Mario, and Donkey Kong. It is also possible to meet, greet, and take a photo with costumed characters such as Snoopy from Peanuts, or Elmo from Sesame Street.

USJ’s main areas include:

Super Nintendo World
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
Minion Park
Universal Wonderland
Hollywood
New York
San Francisco
Jurassic Park
Amity Village
WaterWorld

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter remains one of the park’s most popular areas and often has long queues. Here you can experience a simulated broomstick ride, play with magic wands, and drink sweet caramel flavored, non-alcoholic “butterbeer”. Many visitors prioritize this section and head there soon after the park gates open.

You can take a commemorative photograph in the carriages of the Hogwarts Express

Super Nintendo World is another major priority for many visitors. Entry to Super Nintendo World may require an Area Timed Entry Ticket: Advance Booking, an Area Timed Entry Ticket, or a Standby Entry Ticket. From 5-Jan-2026, guests need the official USJ app to get Area Timed Entry Tickets and Standby Entry Tickets. Depending on park attendance, entry without one of these tickets may sometimes be possible, but it is best to plan as if timed entry will be needed.

The New York section reproduces 1930s New York. The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man 4K3D – The Ride operated here until 22-Jan-2024; the photo below is a historical photo of that attraction.

The former Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man ride

For more details of the entertainment on offer, check the official USJ area introduction, park map, and app before you visit.

Restaurants and Shops

Restaurants are themed according to their section, so food and interior styles change as you move between areas such as San Francisco, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and Hollywood. Check the official app or restaurant pages for the latest opening hours and seasonal menus on the day of your visit.

Throughout the theme park there are a number of souvenir shops selling unique character based merchandise. USJ offers a tax-free service for foreign visitors on qualifying park merchandise, so bring your passport if you plan to use it. A minimum purchase amount applies, the refund counter is Studio Gifts West from 2:00 p.m., and some items are excluded, including Studio Passes, Express Passes, food, some souvenir items such as popcorn buckets, photo services, postage stamps, and home delivery service.

Studio Passes and Express Passes

Studio Passes give you access to the park and attractions. Prices vary by date, so check the official price calendar for your visit date. As of 10-Aug-2026, official from-prices are:

Type	Adults	Children (aged 4-11)	Seniors (aged 65+)
1-Day Studio Pass	from 8,400 yen	from 5,500 yen	from 7,600 yen
1.5-Day Studio Pass	from 13,600 yen	from 8,900 yen	–
2-Day Studio Pass	from 16,000 yen	from 10,500 yen	–

Check the USJ tickets page or Official Web Ticket Store for the price on your visit date.

A variety of Universal Express Passes are also available. These are optional add-on tickets that shorten waiting time for a fixed number of attractions, but they do not include park admission. You need a Studio Pass as well as any Express Pass. Packages and prices vary, and Express Passes are limited in number, so popular options may sell out. As of 10-Aug-2026, official from-prices included Universal Express Pass 4 from 6,800 yen, Express Pass 5 from 12,200 yen, Express Pass 7 from 14,100 yen, Express Pass 8 from 15,500 yen, and Universal Express Pass Premium from 27,600 yen. Special event or show viewing tickets are separate products unless a particular package states otherwise.

Tickets can be purchased through the Official Web Ticket Store, travel agencies, and partner hotels. If you are buying online, select the date of your visit carefully. Resold tickets are not accepted in the park, and most admission tickets do not allow re-entry after you leave.

Opening Hours

USJ’s opening hours vary by date. The park’s official schedule states that operation hours may change without notice, admission may start earlier than the scheduled opening time, and shows or attractions may be changed or canceled because of weather. Check the USJ operation hours calendar before visiting.

Top tip: If possible, avoid visiting the park on weekends and school holidays, as the waiting time for attractions is usually longer.

Access to Universal Studios Japan

The easiest way to get to USJ is by train. The park is just a five minute walk from Universal City Station on the JR Sakurajima Line, also known as the JR Yumesaki Line.

USJ is a 5 minute walk from Universal City Station

Access by Train

From Osaka Station the fare is 200 yen. You can either take a direct train and be there in about 12 minutes, or make a quick transfer at Nishikujo Station and be there in about 13 to 15 minutes, depending on the connection.

From Osaka Namba Station take the Hanshin Namba Line to Nishikujo Station and then transfer to the JR Sakurajima Line. The journey time is about 23 to 26 minutes and costs 400 yen, depending on the connection.

From JR Namba Station take the JR Yamatoji Line via Imamiya or Shin-Imamiya, then transfer via the Osaka Loop Line to Nishikujo Station. At Nishikujo Station change to the JR Sakurajima Line. The journey time is about 32 to 39 minutes and the fare is 200 yen, depending on the connection.

From Kansai International Airport take the Kansai Airport Rapid Service toward Nishikujo Station, and then transfer to the JR Sakurajima Line. The journey time is about 1 hour and 10 minutes to 1 hour and 20 minutes and the fare is around 1,180 yen by regular JR train.

From Osaka Itami Airport take the Osaka Monorail to Hotarugaike Station and transfer to the Hankyu Takarazuka Line. Take a train bound for Hankyu Osaka-Umeda Station. At Umeda, transfer to Osaka Station and catch a train bound for Universal City. The journey time is about 51 minutes to 1 hour and 10 minutes and the fare is around 640 yen, depending on the connection.

Airport Limousine Buses

You can take limousine buses from Osaka Itami Airport and Kansai International Airport directly to USJ. From Osaka Itami Airport, the journey time is about 40 to 45 minutes and the fare is 1,100 yen for adults and 550 yen for children. From Kansai International Airport, the journey time is about 70 minutes from Terminal 1, longer from Terminal 2, and the fare is 1,800 yen for adults and 900 yen for children.

Access by Boat

The Captain Line shuttle ferry carries passengers between Osaka Kaiyukan Aquarium’s Kaiyukan West Pier and Universal City Port in about 10 minutes. One-way fares vary by regular and special fare days: 900 yen or 1,100 yen for adults aged 13 and over, 500 yen or 600 yen for children aged 7-12, and 400 yen or 500 yen for preschool children aged 3-6. Return adult fares are 1,700 yen or 2,100 yen. One child under age 2 can travel free with an attendant. Sailings may be canceled because of weather or safety conditions.

Hotels near Universal Studios Japan (USJ)

To maximize your time at USJ you may want to stay at one of the hotels that are located close to the park. USJ’s official hotels are Oriental Hotel Universal City, The Singulari Hotel & Skyspa at Universal Studios Japan, The Park Front Hotel at Universal Studios Japan, Hotel Kintetsu Universal City, Hotel Keihan Universal Tower, Hotel Universal Port, and Hotel Universal Port Vita.

The Park Front Hotel at Universal Studios Japan is located just one minute from USJ’s main gate and is the closest hotel to the park. Guest rooms are themed after major US cities and the elevator is designed to resemble a time machine. Rooms on the upper floors have gorgeous night views over the park.

Hotel Kintetsu Universal City is located just two minutes from USJ. This hotel has guest floors with rooms themed around Sesame Street characters, a Universal Studios Store on the premises, and convenient access to Universal City Walk Osaka.

Hotel Keihan Universal Tower is located by Universal City Station. The hotel has a 31st floor natural hot spring with views, and a Sky Restaurant & Bar where diners can enjoy the city skyline.

Hotel Universal Port is a five minute walk from USJ and has spacious, comfortable rooms. The hotel is known for its Minions theming in the lobby and rooms, and it is also convenient for Universal City Port if you plan to use the Captain Line ferry.

Other official hotels close to the park include Oriental Hotel Universal City, The Singulari Hotel & Skyspa at Universal Studios Japan, and Hotel Universal Port Vita.