Universal Studios Japan in Osaka has been a popular attraction since its opening, loved by both kids and adults. The park has successively launched The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Minion Park, and Jurassic Park, all of which have been hot topics. Are you a fan of theme parks? In this issue, we’ll introduce a complete guide to Universal Studios Japan, covering everything from tickets and maps to must-ride attractions and Express Pass options. Let’s check it out together!
Quick Facts About Universal Studios Japan
Park Zones
Universal Studios Japan is mainly divided into nine themed areas: Hollywood, New York, Minion Park, San Francisco, Jurassic Park, Amity Village, WaterWorld, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and Super Nintendo World.
For a more detailed park map:Visit the official Universal Studios Japan website
Operating Hours
The general operating hours are from 8:30 AM to 9:00 PM, but they may be adjusted on special days or during events in certain zones. Be sure to check theofficial websitebefore your trip to confirm the schedule and avoid affecting your plans. The website also posts updates on any temporarily closed attractions, so it’s a good idea to review it before your visit to ensure you don’t miss out on any rides you’re most excited about!
Transportation
Take the JR Yamato Line / JR Loop Line / Hankyu Railway Namba Line → transfer at Nishi-Kujo Station → take the JR Yumesaki Line → get off at Universal City Station and walk to the park.
Tickets
|
Types |
Adult |
Child (4 to 11 years old) |
Senior (65 years old and above) |
|
1-Day Pass |
?7,900 |
?5,400 (Approximately TWD 1,500) |
?7,100 |
| 2-Day Pass | ?13,400 (Approximately TWD 3,600) |
?9,000 (Approximately TWD 2,400) |
#8211; |
# Quick Reminder:
1. Do not purchase tickets from unofficial auction websites or resale platforms, as Universal Studios has announced a ban on ticket resales since 2015. Otherwise, you might end up paying a lot but not being able to enter the park.
2. Starting January 2019, Universal Studios tickets will be divided into peak season and off-peak season prices, with the maximum price difference reaching up to TWD 350.
Quick Tips for Entering Universal Studios Japan
Download the Universal Studios Japan App in Advance
Before your trip, you can downloadthe Universal Studios app. Although this app is only available in Japanese, it shows the wait times for attractions, as well as the schedules for parades and shows, helping you make the most of every precious moment in the park.
Check Crowd Predictions on the Universal Studios Japan Website
Universal Studios Japan is very considerate. To help manage crowd flow, they have created a crowd prediction webpage. Before planning your visit, it's recommended to check the site and choose a day with fewer visitors. The color coding of the dates indicates the crowd level — from top to bottom, white means least crowded and black means most crowded.
Express Passes & VIP Wristbands
With nearly daily crowds of visitors from all over the world at Universal Studios Japan, don't want to spend all your time in lines? Afraid you won't get to experience your must-do rides? Then you might want to consider purchasing an Express Pass or VIP Wristband.
|
Express Pass |
VIP Wristband |
|
|
Features |
Allows you to reserve spots for popular attractions in advance, ensuring you won’t miss out on your must-dos and reducing your wait time. | Lets you enter the park earlier to enjoy popular attractions first and to draw facility reservation slips (numbered tickets). |
|
Pricing |
From JPY 4,815 (Approximately TWD 1,305) |
?3,000 (Approximately TWD 800) |
|
Recommended For |
Those with a higher budget who really want to experience the three major popular attractions | Early risers who have planned their visit well |
# Express Pass
As the name suggests, the Express Pass lets you skip the regular lines. There are options for 3, 4, or 7 express entries.
Quick Reminder:
1. Express Pass and VIP are not entry tickets; they must be used in conjunction with an entry ticket to enter the park.
2. Some attractions have designated operating times.
3. By using the Express Pass at the specified time, you can access your desired attractions faster and secure ride eligibility.
4. Do not purchase tickets from unverified sources, as their QR codes may be invalid.
For more on Express Pass, see:Universal Studios Japan official website
Top 3 Must-Ride Attractions at Universal Studios Japan
Universal Studios Japan is huge — where do you even start? Don’t worry, we’ll tell you about three must-ride attractions. Missing them would be a real heartbreaker. First, let’s introduce the park’s three most popular zones: Super Nintendo World, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and Jurassic Park. All three of the must-ride attractions are hidden here too!
Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey is the star attraction of Universal Studios Japan. It got a major revamp in March 2018 — fully upgraded. Now you can experience a full sense of depth and dimension without 3D glasses. The magical world is presented right before your eyes, and with enhanced special effects, the dragon’s fire and Dementors’ chills come rushing at you. It feels like you’re truly part of Hogwarts, and Harry Potter is waiting to go on an adventure with you!
Minion Park Crazy Ride
Hop on the Minions' vehicle and take a wild ride. Since Minion Park opened in 2017, crowds have flocked here just to catch a glimpse of the Minions — both kids and adults alike have fallen for their charm. This attraction takes you into the scientists’ lab with the Minions for an action-packed, hilarious, and exciting adventure.
Flying Dinosaur
Jurassic Park is a newly opened zone in 2016, and its most thrilling and popular attraction is the Flying Dinosaur. It’s a type of roller coaster designed to make you feel like you’re being carried away by a pterosaur. The intensity is unmatched, and the screams from the Flying Dinosaur can be heard throughout the entire Jurassic Park area. Adventure seekers with strong nerves shouldn’t miss this — come and take on the challenge!
New Attractions at Universal Studios Japan
Minion Park Ice Laser Coaster
The Minions, loved by kids and adults alike, have been the star attraction since opening in Universal Studios Japan. To make your visit even more fun this year, new attractions have been added. Hop aboard an ice-breaking vehicle and join the Minions for a frosty journey. They’ll also blast you with giant ice guns to help you beat the summer heat!
WaterWorld
WaterWorld is a legendary Universal Studios show watched by over 100 million people. This live performance brings all the high-octane stunts from the movies to life. With jaw-dropping feats, stunning visual effects, and dynamic soundtracks that match the plot, it’s impossible to look away. You haven’t truly visited Universal Studios until you’ve seen WaterWorld. Due to its immense popularity, the show has been upgraded this year with improved sound systems and visuals. Feel the explosive sounds up close, dodge bullets, and immerse yourself in an intense battle on water — become part of the WaterWorld experience!
Universal Spectacle Evening Parade
In May 2018, Universal Studios Japan launched a new night parade. Featuring floats inspired by the park’s four major themed characters, it combines music, light projections, and moving displays to bring these characters and floats to life. Watch the Hogwarts Express speed by, Optimus Prime transform, a T-Rex charge past you, and the Minions put on a dance show — it’s an immersive experience that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into the movies.
Limited-Time Events at Universal Studios Japan
If you’re heading to Osaka specifically for Universal Studios Japan, be sure to check the official website for any limited-time events before booking your trip. For example, this spring and summer there were events like Sailor Moon, and special Halloween-themed “Halloween Horror Nights.” Plan your itinerary around the events you want to experience.
Neon Genesis Evangelion
Limited-time offer: July 6, 2018 ~ January 6, 2019
And the latest limited-time offering is Neon Genesis Evangelion. Fans of Evangelion, are you ready? Come check this out — the Evangelion Ride was hugely popular when it first launched, and now it’s back as a limited-time attraction for fans once again. Featuring XR technology that’s even more advanced than VR, along with a roller coaster experience, you can become an Evangelion pilot and make your dream come true.
Related links:Official Universal Studios Japan Evangelion site
That’s the special report on Universal Studios Japan brought to you by travel writer Katrina.C from Tripresso HowToTrip. Feeling excited yet? No amount of description beats the real experience. Quickly book your flights and accommodation to Osaka, grab your Universal Studios Japan tickets, and head there with joy. No more excuses — set off now and step into the world of movies.
Text by Katrina.C | Tripresso HowToTrip Editorial Team