To visit Universal Studios Japan, choose between a 1- or 2-day pass, both of which offer full access to the park’s eight zones—Hollywood, New York, San Francisco, Jurassic Park, Minion Park, Amity Village, Universal Wonderland, and the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. If you’re coming from Tokyo, you can ensure a hassle-free experience by combining a Universal Studios ticket with round-trip transfers by bullet train from Tokyo and overnight accommodations in Osaka.
Universal Studios Japan is a fantastic attraction for families who want to give the kids a break from temples and museums.
Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared to do lots of walking.
If you have a 1-day pass, plan your schedule carefully to ensure you don’t miss the shows, parades, and rides of most interest.
Express passes, Single Rider lines, and a Child Switch system are all available and can save waiting in long lines.
Universal Studios is wheelchair accessible, and many rides offer priority access to wheelchair users.
On-site facilities include ATMs, coin lockers, and various restaurants, cafés, and gift shops.
Universal Studios Japan is located in west Osaka and is easy to reach by public transportation. The closest subway station is Universal City Station on the JR Yumesaki Line, from where it’s a roughly 5-minute walk to the entrance gate. Trains from Osaka Station run either direct to Universal City Station or with a change at Nishikujo Station. The closest international airport is Kansai Airport, which has direct links with Nishikujo Station.
Universal Studios Japan is open all year, and most attractions, shows, and parades remain open even in low season. The busiest times are the summer and Christmas holidays, when it can get unbearably crowded and wait times can be up to three hours for popular rides. To avoid the crowds, choose a weekday visit outside of holiday periods and get there when the park opens.
Some of Universal Studios Japan’s most popular rides include the Flying Dinosaur, one of the world’s longest flying roller coasters; the award-winning Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey experience; and classics like Jurassic Park – The Ride. For younger kids, the Shrek 4-D and Sesame Street 4-D Movie Magic are unmissable, while nostalgic adults will want to peek into Snoopy Studios. Meanwhile, Hello Kitty Fashion Avenue offers plenty of selfie-worthy moments for lovers of the Japanese icon.
