Having a trip planned to Japan is one of the most elite states of being, topped only by actively being in Japan. If you are planning a vacation to Japan and Universal Studios Japan (USJ), there is a lot to be excited about, but also quite a few ducks to get in a row.
Lucky for you, I am a lifelong pro at duck-organizing, a career-level theme-park itinerary planner, and recently became pretty savvy at traveling to/around Japan.
- Universal Studios Japan is located in Osaka and contains several beloved attractions you can find at the North American Universal theme parks (like SUPER NINTENDO WORLD and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter) in addition to offerings unique to the Japanese park, like Space Fantasy – The Ride.
- I recommend you allot one or two days in your Osaka/Kyoto itinerary for Universal Studios Japan.
- Universal Studios Japan is a popular destination so it is recommended you add one of the multiple types of Universal Express passes or a VIP Tour to your ticket package.
All right, let’s dig in. Read on for all my tips for planning a Japan vacation and trip to Universal Studios Japan.
TRAVEL TIPS | TRANSPORTATION | TICKETS | HOTELS | MOBILE APP | LAND OVERVIEWS
Japan Travel Tips
First off, if you’re like me and traveling to Japan from a great distance, I have a few thoughts on how to do this element of the trip well.
- What is the best time of year to visit Universal Studios Japan?
- It really depends on what you’re looking for out of your visit! I, personally, was looking for cherry blossoms, so I went in late March. If you’re a horror fan, go during Halloween Horror Nights (HHN), which runs from early September to early November. But with revolving seasonal offerings at USJ throughout the calendar year, you really can’t go wrong visiting any time!
- It really depends on what you’re looking for out of your visit! I, personally, was looking for cherry blossoms, so I went in late March. If you’re a horror fan, go during Halloween Horror Nights (HHN), which runs from early September to early November. But with revolving seasonal offerings at USJ throughout the calendar year, you really can’t go wrong visiting any time!
- Can English speakers visit Japan and USJ easily?
- Absolutely! There is plenty of English signage throughout the country and a handful of helpful translation apps. At USJ, there is an English version of the official app, plus the Crew Members at Universal Studios Japan are incredibly helpful. A lot of them even have translation devices to help if you run into any issues!
- I do think you should try to learn some of the language, though. My last trip to Japan was scheduled with a pretty tight turnaround, and I didn’t feel like I had enough time to add language-learning to my to-do list. Luckily, I was travelling with folks who had an excellent handle on most key phrases so we didn’t run into any issues in-country. Be like my travel companions and spend as much time as you can leading up to your trip to learn Japanese! Yes, there are apps that can help you translate once you’re there, but everything runs so much smoother (and is so much more respectful) when you know the language.
- How can I limit jet lag when traveling to Japan?
- If possible, try to arrive in Japan at night and go straight to sleep! This will help your body start adjusting to your new timezone.
- I’m pretty good at sleeping generally, but bad at sleeping on planes and being out of routine. To mitigate this, there are apps that help you shift time zones by telling you when to nap, when to drink coffee, and when to expose or not expose yourself to light. I used one that helped me by preparing a few days before the trip, easing in the first days after arrival, and then prepping again on the way back.
- What should I pack when traveling to Japan and USJ?
- Great question! Read my guide to what to pack for Japan here. It includes my tips for packing for Japanese weather, long flights, and what you’ll need for your visit to the theme park.
Transportation in Osaka
I found transportation around Japan relatively easy and I hope you will, too! To get from your hotel (more on them later!) to Universal Studios Japan, you have a handful of options, but I think the two easiest ones for out-of-town guests are taking the train or using a rideshare app to take a taxi:
- Train: Do some research on what the best app for train travel is and familiarize yourself with it — and with the routes you’ll be taking — ahead of your trip. There are two different train systems in Osaka: The Metro and the JR Line. The JR Line is an extensive system that runs throughout Japan, and the Osaka Metro is just for the Osaka Metropolitan Area. It’s easy to transfer from one system to another at different stations throughout the city. For Universal specifically, you’ll arrive at a JR Line station labeled Universal City Station. You’ll be dropped off right at Universal CityWalk Osaka and can walk straight through it to the front gate of the theme park.
- Rideshare: If navigating a train system in a different country than your own intimidates you a bit, you’ve got other options! Your hotel can likely help you secure a taxi to drop you off at the theme park. Or you can book a car yourself via one of the popular ridesharing apps.
I recommend using the train if at all possible, as it’s easy and cost effective! For more information on your travel options, though, you can check out this How To Get Here page on the USJ website.
Tickets to Universal Studios Japan
Universal Studios Japan consists of one theme park with an adjoining CityWalk area. Based on what kind of theme park goer you are, you could end up needing only one day in the theme park, or two, or somewhere in the middle. The good news is there are ticket options for all three!
- 1 Day Studio Pass: One full day of theme park fun, from open to close.
- 1.5 Day Studio Pass: With this pass, the theme park is available to you starting at 3 p.m. the first day of your visit and all day the second day of your visit.
- 2 Day Studio Pass: Two full days of theme park fun, from open to close.
USJ’s operating hours vary, but most days it opens at or around 9 a.m. and closes somewhere between 7-9 p.m.
NOTE: Universal Studios Japan does not permit re-entry into the theme park once you leave. So make sure to soak up all your theme park fun before making your way to the exit!
- Universal Express Pass with an Area Timed Entry Ticket: Advance Booking: This option not only reduces your wait times for attractions throughout the theme park, but is the only ticket option that guarantees your access to SUPER NINTENDO WORLD.
- Area Timed Entry Ticket/Standby Entry Ticket: These can only be acquired when you’re in the theme park, and depending on the conditions of the day, they may not guarantee entry.
Hotels at Universal Studios Japan
If you’re looking to stay as close to the action as possible during your visit to Universal Studios Japan, there are seven hotels in the area for you to pick from.
- Oriental Hotel Universal City: This nature-themed hotel offers a relaxing retreat for your non-theme-park resting hours and welcome lounge services serving drinks, sweets, hot dogs and more. The breakfast at the hotel is perfect for fueling up before a day in the theme park. You can sample the hotel’s Osaka menu (which includes one of my favorite Japanese delicacies, takoyaki) or go big with the Eggs Benedict, which is served on a croffle (that’s waffe using croissant dough) and absolutely delicious.
- The Singulari Hotel & Sky Spa at Universal Studios Japan: Enjoy a Japanese and Western breakfast buffet featuring around 60 different dishes, including freshly baked croissants and pain au chocolat. During your stay, unwind at Sky Spa, the complimentary top-floor public bath and open-air bath, where you can take in stunning views of Osaka Bay, from the sparkling night skyline to the beautiful sunrise.
- The Park Front Hotel at Universal Studios Japan: This hotel is as close to the theme park as you can reasonably get without sleeping under the globe. Book a Park View room and wake up to a view of the theme park every morning of your trip.
- Hotel Kintetsu Universal City: This is a must if you have a Sesame Street loving kiddo in your family! Snag a room on the Universal Sesame Street Designed Floor and start your day with a greeting from Elmo and the gang.
- Hotel Keihan Universal Tower: A photographer’s dream, this hotel has beautiful architecture and is a feast for the eyes and the camera. Level up your pictures (and your relaxation!) even more by booking some time at their SkySpa, which includes a panoramic natural hot spring overlooking Osaka.
- Hotel Universal Port: True to its name, this hotel is port-themed and seas-inspired in both its decor details and its proximity to Japan’s largest aquarium. And if you have any mischief-loving little ones, the hotel offers special Minions-themed rooms.
- Hotel Universal Port Vita: Sunshine in hotel form, this bright and vibrant hotel is perfect for anyone who needs their room to provide an extra spring in their morning step via a whole lot of orange.
All of these hotels are conveniently located near public transit, so when you’re touring other parts of Osaka, these are still great options!
Universal Studios Japan Mobile App
Having the official app for Universal Studios Japan is a must for navigating the theme park. Download it ahead of your visit to familiarize yourself with its capabilities and “heart” the attractions you want to prioritize during your visit. Once in the theme park, you can use the app to check a map of the theme park, to monitor wait times, and to check show schedules.
NOTE: Area entry tickets can only be obtained through the official app, so be sure to have it on-hand during your visit if you plan to use that feature!
Land Overviews
Universal Studios Japan has eight distinct lands, each full of rides, shows, and an abundance of food options. The theme park also consistently has seasonal events and offerings, ensuring that no matter what time of year you visit, there is something unique for you and your family to enjoy (often in churro form).
SUPER NINTENDO WORLD at Universal Studios Japan is the original iteration of this now-staple for Universal theme parks. It contains three stand-out attractions, deliciously-themed food offerings, and the chance to meet some of your favorite characters like Mario, Luigi and Princess Peach. Level-up your experience with a Power-Up Band and compete with your friends and family in Key Challenges throughout the area.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
Walking the tree-lined entrance to Hogsmeade village with the “Harry Potter” score lightly playing in the background is peak magical immersion. This snow-capped village has two rides (one of which brings you inside Hogwarts castle), multiple shows (some unique to the Japan theme park!), and plenty of opportunities to grab yourself a mug of Butterbeer. Don’t forget to swing by Ollivanders for a wand so you can make your own magic.
Travel back to when dinosaurs roamed the earth in Jurassic Park! Impeccably themed and roaring with energy, this land has two rides (The Flying Dinosaur is the one all those screams are coming from, unique to USJ and perfect for fans of thrill-rides) and multiple restaurants. And if you time it right, you may just stumble upon a chance to meet some dinosaurs.
If you’re looking for peak mayhem, look no further than Minion Park. The entire area is bursting with mischievous fun,numerous photo ops, an elite banana ice cream cookie sandwich, and five attractions, including Illumination’s Villain-Con MinionBlast!
This small fishing village contains the beloved JAWS attraction (where your Ride Skipper will vanquish a shark), Amity Landing Restaurant (where you can eat shark nuggets), and a photo op (where you can pose with a shark).
This area is unique to Universal Studios Japan and is a playground for the whole family. Home to beloved characters like Hello Kitty, Snoopy and the rest of the Peanuts gang, there are several kid-friendly attractions and food offerings throughout this whimsical area.
You’ll enter the theme park through the Hollywood area, which sets the tone for the day with its roaming characters, countless merchandise options, and a big roller coaster speeding by overhead. It’s called Hollywood Dream – The Ride and guests have the ability to choose whether their ride goes backward or forward and it is exclusive to USJ.Be sure to check out Universal Monsters Live: Rock and Roll Show in this area, as I can pretty much guarantee it’s unlike any other theme park experience you’ve ever had.
Themed to 1930s New York (but like, in the movie set way), this area of the theme park has carnival games, shows, one of my favorite in-park restaurants (SAIDO, a delicious Japanese option) and is a great spot for parade viewing during seasonal events.
What questions do you still have about traveling to Universal Studios Japan? Let us know in the comments below!