The wizarding world of harry potter universal studios japan tickets

In this regularly updated Ultimate Guide I'll show you everything you need to plan the best ever visit to Universal Studios Japan in Osaka. 

I share my experience and know-how, from multiple visits, featuring information and advice on all the best and latest attractions. 

Right, there's a lot to cover - so let's get started!

Your Universal Studios Japan Adventure Starts Here!

Universal Studios Japan The Ultimate Guide
by Rob Dyer

The 4th Most Attended Theme Park in the World

Universal Studios Japan is one of just four Universal Studios theme parks around the globe. Opening in Osaka (Japan's third largest city) in 2001, it's more than double the size of its nearest neighbour Universal Studios Singapore.

Universal Studios Japan is currently the 4th most attended theme park in the world - placing it ahead of many larger and longer running parks around the world. Its high ranking is impressive. But not entirely surprising.

It has some of the best theme park rides and attractions anywhere in the world.

It has some of the best theme park rides and attractions anywhere in the world. It's a firm favourite among locals and foreigners visiting the country, with a staggering 14.9 million visitors in 2017.

There's a reason that many people are coming here.

VIDEO: Tour of Super Nintendo World

Universal Studios Japan: the Ever-Evolving Theme Park

I'm not what you'd call a theme park nut. I've been to a few - mostly in Europe. I'm not a fan of stomach-churning rollercoasters designed to push you to your limits, but pretty much everything else I'm up for and enjoy.

But, if you do like stomach-churning rollercoasters, Universal Studios Japan has those. If you don't, there's still loads more worth visiting for.

I first visited Universal Studios Japan in 2002. Just past the 1st anniversary of its opening in March 2001. Here's my wife and I during that first visit - with Rocky the Flying Squirrel from Rocky and Bullwinkle.

My first trip to Universal Studios Japan in 2002

That first visit was a lot of fun. I returned a few years later, bringing a couple of friends who were visiting Japan for the first time. Back then the park included the rides E.T. Adventure and Back To The Future: The Ride. Both of which I loved. Since then, the park has seen some major investment and undergone major development.

E.T. Adventure was replaced by Space Fantasy – The Ride in 2010, and Back To The Future by Despicable Me Minion Mayhem in 2017. Most famously, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter opened in 2014. That was followed most recently by Minion Park in 2017.

Recently opened is the much-anticipated Super Nintendo World. More on that shortly! Universal Studios Japan offers a wide range of rides and attractions. So there's something to cater to every theme park taste.

Universal Studios Japan offers a wide range of rides and attractions. There's something to cater to every theme park taste.

So, when I had the opportunity to visit the park again recently, it was with a sense of excitement at getting the chance to try out the latest rides and attractions (Harry Potter and Minions). And to revisit a few old favourites (Spider-Man, Terminator 2).

Minions Park

Why Pre-planning Your Trip to Universal Studios Japan is Essential

It's no good deciding to come here in the morning, rocking up to try and get tickets or, more unlikely, an Express Pass. Sure, you could try that - but I wouldn't recommend it. (And this coming from someone whose travel ethos is to not over plan things.)

No, to get the most out of any visit to Universal Studios Japan, you best have a game plan beforehand. If you do, your visit will be unforgettable. Pretty much guaranteed.

If you don't plan what time you have correctly, you'll come away with a sense of frustration and, even worse, missing the rides and attractions you most wanted to try. Keep reading, and together we'll ensure that doesn't happen to you!

Latest deals on places to stay in Universal Studios Japan, Osaka

Guide to Tickets for Universal Studios Japan

Buying Tickets

First things first: buying tickets!

There are two main ticket types. Park entry tickets are called Studio Passes. Whereas Express Passes shorten the waiting time for attractions. You do not need both. The Studio Pass will get you in and give you access to all the rides and attractions.

However, as one of the most popular theme parks in the world, you will encounter long queues for some rides. What's 'long'? How about a waiting time of 2 hours or more?! Spending too much time in queues can quickly impact on how many things you can experience. That's where the extra cost of Express Passes can be money very well spent.

Tickets purchased in advance allow direct entry into the park. There's no need to exchange for a Studio Pass at the ticket booths. There are 1 Day, 1.5 Day and 2 Day versions of the Studio Pass. The admission ticket includes park entrance and use of all attractions in the park.

The Best Way to Buy Tickets

Tickets can be purchased at the ticket booths at the entrance to the park, but you'll almost certainly have to queue for those. Far better to buy your tickets in advance. Then you can just walk up and go straight into the park, wasting none of that precious time.

Universal Studios Japan has a list of official partners authorised to sell tickets. Only buy tickets through official partners. Don't be tempted to try purchasing tickets from other sources as they may be denied at the park. Of the official partners, only two, Klook and Rakuten Travel Experiences, are authorised in all approved countries. Both are partners with The Real Japan - so you're in safe hands with either.

I've included links to both agents throughout this article so you can quickly book whatever you need.

TRJ Tips: Re-entry is restricted. Meaning once you leave, you cannot go back in. There are a lot of ticketing options. The price of tickets varies depending on when you attend.

Studio Passes

Click on the Klook or Rakuten links to select your specific date(s) and to compare prices.

The Express Pass

The Universal Express Pass shortens your waiting time for designated popular attractions. Don’t push your patience to its limits, jump to the front of the lines with an Express Pass. Some Express Passes also include a timed entry ticket to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter to guarantee your entry on the day.

Whether or not you need to buy Express Passes depends on a few things. If you're only desperate to try a couple of rides or attractions then you probably don't need one. Just be prepared to queue. (Note: 2 hours queuing time is not unusual).

Also consider how long are you planning on spending in the park. If you can take advantage of a 1.5 or a 2-day Studio Pass you'll have much more time at your disposal to get around all the rides and attractions you want.

Again, you'll still have to queue, but with more than 1 day, you'll be able to strategically plan your days to minimise the queuing and maximise your ride time. Express Pass pricing varies depending on expected crowd levels. Only a limited number are available each day. Book early as once they sell out there are no more available.

Express Passes: essential if you don’t like queuing

The most common (and key) question about the Express Pass is - is it worth buying? In short: Yes. Whilst you can access all the rides in the park with a regular Studio Pass, you're likely to be doing a LOT of queuing.

If you only want to be sure to try 2 or 3 rides then that will be fine with just the Studio Pass. But any more than that and you'll start to struggle to fit them in a single day. Even if you do, expect to spend several hours queuing.

Is it worth buying the Express Pass? Yes.

With the Express Pass you're pretty much guaranteed to try the rides you want, skip the queues significantly, have plenty of time to try plenty of other rides and still be able to take a leisurely lunch break in the middle.

There are several different Express Passes available. Here's a breakdown of the different types so you can choose the best one(s) for you.

Universal Express Pass 3 - Standard / Minion Ride

Experience the top 3 must-see attractions at the Studios!

Click on the Klook or Rakuten links to select your specific date(s) and to compare prices.

Universal Express Pass 4 - Standard / The Flying Dinosaur / Minion Ride

Experience the top 4 must-see attractions at the Studios!

Click on the Klook or Rakuten links to select your specific date(s) and to compare prices.

Universal Express Pass 7 - Standard / The Flying Dinosaur / Backdrop

Fully enjoy the Park by experiencing 7 popular attractions!

Click on the Klook or Rakuten links to select your specific date(s) and to compare prices.

Two new annual passes: Universal Prime Annual Pass Grand Royal and Universal Prime Annual Pass Standard

The Royal Studio Pass used to be the ultimate Universal Studios Japan ticket. However, sale of the Royal Studio Pass stopped during the Covid pandemic and at the moment it is no longer on sale, not even on the official Japanese USJ website.

However, two new annual passes, Universal Prime Annual Pass Grand Royal and Universal Prime Annual Pass Standard, are now available.

Universal Prime Annual Passes Pricing

Universal Prime Annual Pass Grand Royal - Adult (12 years old and over) ¥48,800 including tax. Child (4-11 years old) ¥33,200 including tax. 

Universal Prime Annual Pass Standard - Adult (12 years old and over) ¥20,000 including tax. Child (4-11 years old) ¥14,000 including tax. 

Currently, these can only be bought on the official Universal Studios Japan online ticket store on the Japanese version of the website (Google translated link), via the Lawson convenience store ticketing service (website, Loppi at Lawson store), or at a ticket sales booth at the park (from November 14 2022).

Universal Studios Japan - Park Area Guide

The park is split into 10 themed areas. These are:

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

Let's take a look at each of these areas...

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is genuinely incredible

I wouldn't describe myself a Harry Potter fanatic (I have seen all the films but not read any of the books). Nevertheless, even for me, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is genuinely incredible. The attention to detail in the design and construction of Hogsmeade and especially the breathtaking Hogwarts really has to be seen to be believed.

This is Harry Potter fan heaven! And, if you are a Harry Potter fan, you should expect to easily spend half a day here alone. More if you want to see and try everything.

Hagrid's cottage, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

There are two rides. Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey takes place inside Hogwarts and lasts about 15 minutes once you've walked your way around (passing all the familiar Hogwarts sights and characters along the way).

The actual ride itself though, where you are suspended as if riding a broomstick, last around 4 minutes.

It's an assault on the senses from start to finish and terrific fun. You even get to take part in a game of Quidditch - which is an unforgettable experience. This is a must-do ride!

Flight of the Hippogriff is a more sedate rollercoaster ride. Just the kind of rollercoaster I like, in fact. It's well designed with plenty of tight twists and turns - but nothing too stomach-churning.

The kind of rollercoaster where you smile and laugh out loud rather than scream in fear. (Although you will still hear plenty of screams!) Great fun.

Minion Park

Despicable Me, Minion Made and all related marks and characters are trademarks and copyrights of Universal Studios. Licensed by Universal Studios Licensing LLC. All Rights Reserved. TM & © Universal Studios. All rights reserved.

BA-NA-NA!

Yes, the most ridiculously entertaining yellow minions (from the hit Despicable Me/Minion movies) are Universal Studios Japan's newest attraction - in their own park! Be transformed into a minion on the Despicable Me Minion Mayhem ride. Slip and slide on the Freeze Ray Sliders, and eat all manner of Minion-themed snacks along the way.

Rides aside, Minion Park is a great place to wander around. It's packed with photo opportunities, play areas, food stalls and the Minion Market Place where you can spend a fortune on Minion and Despicable Me merchandise.

There are also daily street performances featuring all your favourite characters.

Despicable Me Minion Mayhem is fantastic - one of the top rides in the park

Freeze Ray Sliders is a gentle variation on the classic waltzer/teacups rides. Enjoyable if not particularly memorable. It's best suited to younger riders (not that it stopped me having a go).

Despicable Me Minion Mayhem is an excellent ride. Though it might be a little frightening for very young ones simply because you are thrown around a lot and the sensation of flying and falling is very realistic.

The build up to the ride itself is great fun as you join a recruitment drive to be transformed into a minion. The pre-ride walk takes you through Gru's house and it really looks like the one in the films. Despicable Me Minion Mayhem is fantastic - one of the top rides in the park. An absolute must-ride.

World's First Super Nintendo World Opens!

Nintendo properties are trademarks and copyrights of Nintendo. © 2016 Nintendo. ® & © Universal Studios Amblin Entertainment ® & © Universal Studios. All rights reserved.

The world’s first Nintendo themed area opened in February 2021, at a cost of more than 50 Billion Yen.

The much-anticipated extension to the park was scheduled to open in time for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. However, just like the Olympics, due to the impact of COVID-19, the opening was pushed back.

Super Nintendo World comprises expansive and multilevel environments filled with unprecedented state-of-the-art rides, an interactive area shops and restaurant, all featuring Nintendo’s most popular characters and games.

TRJ Tip: If you're flying in or out of Kansai International Airport and using the elevated expressway to get there, then look to your left (if going to the airport), or to your right (if coming from the airport) and you can catch a tantalising glimpse of Super Nintendo World.

I snatched a view recently and it was surreal and exciting to see that familiar Super Mario landscape lifesize!

Watch the video below for a preview of what's included. It looks awesome!

VIDEO: Super Nintendo World: What's Inside...

Developers teamed up with the key big names to ensure the reality matches their dreams for the park, including Shigeru Miyamoto creator of Mario and Creative Fellow at Nintendo and Mark Woodbury, President of Universal Creative.

Super Nintendo World comprises expansive and multilevel environments filled with unprecedented state-of-the-art rides, interactive areas, restaurants and shops selling an array of gifts and souvenirs as brightly coloured as they are bountiful.

BOOK Tickets to Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Japan HERE.

Entrance to Jurassic Park with the track of The Flying Dinosaur high above it

Prepare for a dinosaur-spotting jungle adventure with Jurassic Park - The Ride. Then, if you have the stomach for it, fly over Jurassic Park with your body dangling straight down on the terrifying The Flying Dinosaur ride. This area of the park has gradually expanded since it originally opened.

Jurassic Park - The Ride is a water-based attraction. Riders climb into rafts which wend their way through the Jurassic landscape of the movie, dodging an array of dinosaurs as they go. It finishes with a T-Rex attack that plunges rafts down an 85ft drop. It reminds me a little of the JAWS ride - only a bit more sophisticated and thrilling.

The Flying Dinosaur is unique to Universal Studios Japan. It's the world's longest flying rollercoaster as riders are suspended and ride face down. It features two massive inversions that soar high above the park and runs at a frankly terrifying 100km/h.

There's no way you'd get me on this, but it is hugely popular, having some of the longest queues in the park.

Universal Wonderland

Meet Snoopy, Hello Kitty, the Sesame Street gang and more in this kawaii area recommended for families with young children.

10 different rides and attractions await, including The Flying Snoopy, Snoopy's Great Race, Hello Kitty's Cupcake Dream, Elmo's Go-Go Skateboard, Moppy's Balloon Trip and Sesame's Big Drive go-karts.

Hollywood

All the fun and excitement of Hollywood featuring Space Fantasy - The Ride, Sesame Street 4-D Movie Magic, Shrek's 4-D Adventure, the rollercoasters Hollywood Dream - The Ride and its reversing counterpart Hollywood Dream - The Ride - Backdrop.

Walk down Hollywood Boulevard, see live stage shows on the streets, stop for a hamburger at Mel's Drive-In.

New York

Home to two of the park's biggest and best attractions: The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man - The Ride 4K3D and Terminator 2: 3-D Battle Across Time. Stroll through Gramercy Park, stop for a stone oven baked pizza or Japanese food in a variety of restaurants.

I'm a bit of a Spider-Man so always take the Spider-Man ride when I'm here. It begins with a public tour of The Daily Bugle newspaper, where Spider-Man's alter ego Peter Parker works. However, it quickly descends into an encounter with several of Spider-Man's famous super villiain enemies. A lot of fun.

Terminator 2: 3-D is incredible! It first opened in Universal Studios Florida in 1996 and yet it remains one of the best things at the park. The attraction is a mini-sequel to the film Terminator 2: Judgment Day and reunites director James Cameron and stars Arnold Schwarzenegger, Linda Hamilton, Edward Furlong and Robert Patrick.

The show is presented in two parts; a pre-show where a Cyberdyne Systems company hostess shows guests a video presentation about the company's innovations (disappointingly in Japanese only with no English translation), and the main show, where live performers interact with a 3D film.

Note: T2-3D has closed in all other locations. Universal Studios Japan is the only place you can still experience this superb show. If you've not yet tried it, I urge you to do so, just in case it gets replaced here too.

San Francisco

Overlooking the park's lagoon and where you can experience the realism of Backdraft the movie with powerful explosions and approaching flames! Grab a Minion curried omelet or Minion burger at Happiness Cafe.

The Backdraft attraction is a clever way of turning a film into an 'experience'.

Guests enter a San Francisco building facade and into a soundstage where Backdraft is being filmed. During the main show visitors learn how the pyrotechnic effects were created and experience some of them first hand.

The show, and the heat generated by the huge fires created in front of you, are impressive.

Amity Village

JAWS photo opportunity in Amity Village

Beware the giant, man-eating shark! JAWS is a chilling tour through the shark-infested ocean waters from Jaws the movie. Can be topped off with a great photo opportunity with the captured shark.

WaterWorld

The WaterWorld theatre show is an epic recreation of the battle sequences from the movie, featuring incredible stunts.

Ways to Skip Those Queues

©2018MARVEL ©Universal Studios. All rights reserved.

How to Get to Universal Studios Japan

Despicable Me, Minion Made and all related marks and characters are trademarks and copyrights of Universal Studios. Licensed by Universal Studios Licensing LLC. All Rights Reserved. TM & © Universal Studios. All rights reserved.

Universal Studios Japan is located overlooking Osaka Bay. It has a dedicated train station, 'Universal-city', on the JR Yumesaki Line. The entrance to the theme park is less than 5 minutes walk from the station. The train is probably the best all-round option for getting to the theme park.

By Train (fast & simple - the best option):

Our recommendation, trains in Japan are clean, fast and efficient. From Namba Station ride the Hanshin Namba Line to Nishikujo, then transfer to JR Yumesaki Line (also known as JR Sakurajima Line) to Universal City Station. Universal Studios Japan is 5 minutes walk from the station.

Duration: 25 minutes
Cost: 360 yen
Frequency: about every 15 minutes

By Bus (direct from airport):

A good option if you flew straight in, the buses go direct but run infrequently.

From Kansai International Airport
Duration: 35–75 minutes depending on traffic
Cost: 1,550 yen
Frequency: hourly

From Itami Airport
Duration: 45 minutes
Cost: 930 yen
Frequency: hourly

If you're already staying at a hotel in Osaka check to see if they provide a shuttle service to Universal Studios Japan - several do.

By Ferry (a nice way to end your visit):

The ferry only departs from 9:30 am, so not the best way to get to the park to beat the queues, but is a nice way to end the day if you leave before 8pm. The Captain Line runs between Universal City Port and Kaiyukan West Pier (for Osaka Aquarium), and is free for holders of the Osaka Amazing Pass.

Duration: 10 minutes
Cost: 700 yen one way, 1,300 yen round trip
Frequency: 1–2 ferries per hour

Osaka is the ideal home for a theme park, as it has a (justified) reputation as being a city for those who like to celebrate life. It's also a great food city, and is very welcoming to foreigners. It's within sight of a major international airport, and it's a showcase for that world-famous incredible Japanese customer service.

Where To Stay

Hotels Near Universal Studios Japan

Universal Studios Japan offers 7 official hotels. Some of which are located just a few minutes walk from the entrance to the park.

If you're looking for a budget option that's close to the park, then take a look at the J-Hopper Hostel. It gets great reviews from guests and it especially popular with solo travellers.

If you prefer to stay in the heart of the city, I can personally recommend Candeo Hotels Osaka Namba. Read my full review of Candeo Hotels Osaka Namba HERE. Watch my video of Candeo Hotel Osaka Namba HERE.

The Park Front Hotel at Universal Studios Japan

This is the newest official Universal Studios Japan hotel, situated within a minutes’ walk from the theme park gate.

Couples particularly like the location — they rated 9.3 for a two-person trip. This property is also rated for the best value in Osaka. Guests are getting more for their money when compared to other properties in the city.

Hotel Kintetsu Universal City

A 1 minute walk to Universal Studios Japan! Located right next to the park, this hotel is just a 2-minute walk from the JR Universal City Station. They offer themed rooms based on the popular Woody Woodpecker character and his friends.

Facilities at Hotel Kintetsu include a Universal Studios Japan Information Desk, where tickets can be purchased and a Universal Studios Store.

Hotel Keihan Universal City

Hotel with a Hollywood art deco exterior. Rooms are styled with themes such as “Forest”, “Lake” and “Movie”. Corridors continue the themes through their ceilings, carpets and room door designs. It's like you're already in the theme park - making it a great family option. The hotel is just over 1 minute walk to the park entrance.

Note: the Booking.com description saying the hotel is 1.9 miles from the park is wrong.

Hotel Keihan Universal Tower

The largest official hotel, rising 138 meters above ground with 32 floors. The 31st-floor S-PARK Spa has a sauna, jet bath and hot-spring baths with city views. Garden Restaurant lays an all-day buffet spread with Japanese and Western dishes. All rooms come with a 37-inch flat-screen TV. Rated highly by couples.

Hotel Universal Port

Only a 4-minute walk to the park, Hotel Universal Port offers private parking for guests. Has a Universal Studios Japan store and couples particularly like the location. Rated 9.0 for a two-person trip, but it's also suitable for families. Has a 'Superb' rating with over 4,000 reviews on Booking.com.

Hotel Universal Port Vita

One of the top picks in Osaka on Booking.com - and a guest favourite. They have a Universal Japan ticket counter where you can buy your tickets (as well as for the Kaiyukan Aquarium). By purchasing at the hotel, you can skip the lines and save time. It also has a 24 hour Lawson convenience store. A 6 minute walk to the park entrance.

(Note: the Booking.com description saying the hotel is 1.8 miles from the park is wrong.)

Latest deals on places to stay in Universal Studios Japan, Osaka

Universal Studios Japan FAQ + Tips

Can I resell my ticket?
Resale of tickets is strictly prohibited. Resold tickets will not be accepted in the Park.

How can I find out about daily show schedules?
The park publishes a 'Today's Events' leaflet and show schedules can be picked up at Guest Services (on the left as you enter the park). You can also check the show schedule in advance on the official Universal Studios Japan website HERE.

Does the park have Tax Free Shopping?
All the shops within the park are tax-free. You'll need to fill in an exemption form after making your purchases. Forms are available from the Studio Gifts West (on the right when entering the park).

What should I do if I get injured or feel sick?
Notify a member of the park's crew or go to the First Aid (on the right as you enter the park).

Do children need a ticket to enter? What are the age limits for a child ticket?
Yes, children from ages 4-11 require a child ticket to enter the park. Infants under the age 4 can enter the park for free.

Are senior tickets available?
Senior tickets may be bought directly at the park. To avoid long queues at ticketing, you may also opt to buy them an adult ticket on Klook.

Is there an Osaka travel pass you'd recommend?
If you're spending at least a couple of days in Osaka you might want to consider getting the Osaka Amazing Pass. It's a day travel/attraction access pass, offering unlimited subway rides, food discounts and free entry to 30 attractions in Osaka.

What SIM Cards/Wi-Fi can you recommend?
If you want to share your visit with friends and family you're gonna need a SIM card and/or a Wi-Fi router. If you need a mobile phone SIM card, I can recommend Mobal. They offer FREE worldwide shipping & pickup in Japan, English language support, a money back guarantee, and all their profits go to charity.

If you want to use a Wi-Fi router I recommend Ninja Wi-Fi. Rock solid reliability and excellent customer service too.

VIDEO: The Vision for Nintendo at Universal Theme Parks

Have Fun!

Well, that's it.

Our Ultimate Guide to Universal Studios Japan.

I hope you've found it helpful and interesting? When you go be sure to let me know by leaving a comment (and a photo or two) below. Have fun.

I think you're gonna love it!

Location Map

How to Travel in Japan if You Can't Speak Japanese

If you want to travel in Japan but don't speak Japanese you can learn more about my book How to Travel in Japan Without Speaking Japanese HERE.

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Resources

Do you need a separate ticket for Harry Potter World Japan?

How much does Universal Studios Japan cost?

Is Wizarding World included in Universal ticket?

Is there a Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Japan?