Guide to Universal Studios Japan
Hi there, welcome aboard! We are aware that Universal Studios Japan is a destination covered by many, so in this guide, we will keep it short (5-10 mins read) and only mention some key points you have to know, and also some smart tips that we found helpful!
Things to prepare/know before going:
✿ Purchase your park entry ticket beforehand
Save you and your group time by purchasing your tickets in advance! You may do so in the link below, and you will be allowed direct entry into the park by scanning the QR code provided instead of queuing at ticket booths!
✿ Get your Universal Express Pass
Popular areas like Super Nintendo World are almost impossible to even get in due to the heavy crowd. You either get guaranteed admission through purchasing the Express Pass, or you may try for the free Area Timed Entry Ticket / Standby Entry Ticket (Timed Entry eTicket) through the official USJ app after you enter the park on the day, which is a lottery system and does not guarantee entry.
i) Express Pass:
An "Area Timed Entry Ticket: Advance Booking" ticket is included in some Express Pass types, please choose the attraction combination carefully based on your preferences. You may choose from 4 or 7 attractions, please check out the links below for more details. Please note this Express Pass is additional to the Studio Pass, which is the ticket required for Park admission.
ii) Area Timed Entry Ticket/Standby Entry Ticket (Free):
Only those selected in the lottery may enter the area at a designated time. You may acquire only one of such ticket per day, meaning you only get one chance to enter e.g. Super Nintendo World and if you were not selected, you may not even enter the zone during the day of your park visit. Our recommendation is, if you are keen on visiting, definitely try to get the Express Pass so you can secure your entry and not waste your trip to USJ!
✿ Download the official app before visiting
This is crucial in order for you to get a Timed Entry eTicket as mentioned above. You may also check attraction wait times in the app to better plan the day!
Useful tips in the park:
✿ Single rider
Apart from express passes, another way to bypass the queue is to go for the single rider line, but this means that you will not get to get on the ride at the same time with your group. If that is not something you mind, then definitely go for the single rider line as it is way quicker!
✿ Kinopio's Cafe (Area: Super Nintendo World)
If you would like to dine in the super popular Kinopio's Cafe, we recommend getting a ticket at the Cafe once you get into the area, so you can explore the area/queue for rides while you wait!
✿ Yoyakunori (Reserve & Ride) Ticket (Area: Universal Wonderland)
For families with kids, you may reserve a specific ride time for Universal Wonderland attractions for free, no lines necessary! The Yoyakunori ticket booth is placed near the entrance of each attraction, or you may do so through the official app!
Where to get cute stuff in USJ:
If you are a kawaii fan like us, you will love Universal Wonderland! This area features Hello Kitty, Snoopy, Elmo, and other popular cute characters around the world!
Below are some spots we recommend visiting!
✿ SNOOPY STUDIOS
✿ Hello Kitty Fashion Avenue
Where to stay:
In order to get an early start to enjoying the park, we recommend staying at hotels nearby, preferably at the Universal City Station, which is the same station as Universal Studios Japan!
Below are some of the hotels we have stayed in or would recommend, some of them are even themed!
Themed rooms:
💡Pro tip: To make the best use of time, we recommend staying 3 days and 2 nights at the hotel! Check in the night before your park visit, enjoy USJ bright and early the next day, head straight to the hotel for a good night's rest after a fun day at the park, then check out the next morning and off to your next destination!
Way home:
There are plenty of ways recommended online for you to get to the airport so we would not be repeating those, but we personally found this direct bus from Universal Studios Japan to Kansai International Airport very helpful! It only takes around 1 hour and gets you directly to the airport, so you don't have to stress about missing your flight! For more details and timetable, please check out the below link!
And that's a wrap! We hope you found these tips helpful, and we wish you a safe and fun-filled trip at Universal Studios Japan!
Find us on:
✿ Instagram: @kawaiifanatictravels
✿ Youtube: @kawaiifanatictravels
✿ Email: kawaiifanatictravels@gmail.com [for business inquiries]
The home for unique & authentic travel
