Universal Studios Japan Guide 2023
Universal studios japan
a day trip in osaka
Hi! Writing up a little guide for those who can’t speak Japanese but really want to experience Universal Studios Japan. Even if you aren’t a huge theme park lover (yes we get it, you have a thing against Disney Adults 🙄) I highly recommend taking a trip to USJ. It’s a blast - the rides are easy and interactive, the staff is so friendly, and the vibes are just.. wholesome and heart warming. Also the language barrier really is no big deal and won’t impact your experience. The hardest part is the planning and advance ticket purchasing (which is something I highly encourage).
From what I hear from my California theme-park going friends - there are quite a few differences that make the USJ trip worth it. Also Nintendo World is absolutely nuts. The production value really blew me away and is 100% worth checking out yourself. Harry Potter world is also great.
things to know:
Official website: USJ Official Site (Eng)
Current seasonal attractions: Official Seasonal Attractions (Eng)
Hours: Typically 9am-9pm, check Official Visitor Hours (Eng)
Admission Fee: 9000¥ ish, express pass 9800¥ -15000¥, Official Ticketing (Eng)
Other:
Not that many children compared to US theme parks. Lots of students, young adults, and adult travelers
You are allowed to bring food and water into the park
Long lines but they move quickly
One of Osaka’s top attractions between local + foreign tourists
Every couple hours there’s a random street show. They’re generally pretty entertaining and a cute thing to enjoy when you want a break :)
If you’re going in the summer, a mini fan will save you
5. Food & beverage
buy inside or bring inside
Food and beverage are usually crazy expensive at theme parks, right? While USJ’s prices are not cheap, the pricing is quite reasonable compared to back home. There are free refillable water stations throughout the park. Light bites range from 400¥-800¥ yen. A sit down meal will range from 1200¥ - 2000¥. Make sure you try some super cute themed food - even tho the lines are long, they move fast. Japanese are very efficient, lol.
❗Pro tip: USJ allows food entry. Snag a couple onigiri or snacks at your local conbini before arriving at the USJ station. There are 2 convenience stories right outside the park entrance, but those always have massive lines and are usually wiped clean of the good food.
📷 dangimhungry, pin76yok, 3jsb__saya
4. dress the part
the ears are worth it
Dressing up will improve your experience by tenfold. Not that I am extremely biased from cosplay days, but please: if you have extra cash, buy the ears! Or the hat! Or something wearable! The staff are so incredibly warm and sweet that they will always wave hi and jump around excitedly when they see you & your crew dressed up. You can find merch throughout the park, but you’ll find exclusives at the smaller gift shops in their “themed” area.
If you’re looking for practical advice: wear the obvious usual - comfortable and cool. If it’s summer: bring a hat or a mini fan. If it’s winter: bring a hat. I like hats.
3. fast pass / express pass
it’s worth it
Fast passes are a must especially if you’re going during high season or anytime between Thurs-Sun lol. Realistically - USJ is always pretty busy. Right now the price breaks down to roughly $65 for entry and $135 for fast pass.
Originally I was reluctant to blow $100+ USD on a fastpass; I was very down to arrive there an hour before doors opened and sprint for the attractions I wanted. But.. walking through the FP lane past GA felt too powerful. Highly reccomend.
❗How to purchase express passes: Official Universal site
❗How to purchase express pass on Klook: Official Klook Guide
Klook is an official (?) USJ ticket reseller that makes purchasing a pass/express pass easy. There’s a full length guide to different ticket tiers* and how to purchase. It’s a reputable site.
The main difference between purchasing on the official site/Klook is you can select your entry time on the official site. Klook is randomized. Klook is allegedly easier to navigate and I wouldn’t be concerned about a randomized time slot.
*There are multiple tiers of fast passes at different price ranges and attractions. USJ “Express Pass: 7” allows you to skip the line for 7 different rides and includes entry into those ride’s theme parks. For ex: if your pass grants you line skip for Mario Kart, you’re also granted access for Nintendo World. We got Express Pass 7 and spent the full day (11am-8pm) at the park.
Shoutout to the homies who were like “no we’re only going fast pass ur either in or ur out” 🫡 You won’t regret!
2. TRANSIT getting to/from
getting to/from usj
Taking the JR Train is super easy and accessible. USJ is easiest to get to by taking the JR Osaka Loop Line and transferring at the station.
Travel from Osaka Station:
Osaka Loop Line (platform #1) to Nishikujo Station. Transfer to Sakurajima line (same platform, opposite side). Get off at Universal Station.
Travel from Osaka-Namba Station:
Hanshin Amagasaki line (platform #3) to Nishikujo station. Transfer to JR Sakurajima line (different train line, walk to JR). Get off at Universal Station.
❗Tip: Remember that JR, Hanshin, Hankyu, and the subway are all different train companies. Transferring amongst them is very easy, but you will very likely have to exit/re-enter the turnstile.
❗Tip: Buy onigiri/snacks at the convenience stores close to your home station. The conbinis at the USJ station are always wiped clean and never have any good snacks left.
ENJOY THE MERCH
Nowhere except Japan
The giftshops and merch at USJ are incredible. I’m pretty picky about merch - lol, surprise - but think the USJ merch is so fun and unique. In addition to enhancing your experience by wearing fun themed ears/headband, they are quite objectively cute. :)
The quality of product is high - keychains, apparel, and wearables feel nice and durable. I’d recommend the themed food items and USJ exclusives. Snacks, okashi おかし, are wildly popular souvenirs in Japan so the quality is reliable. Be sure to check the expiration dates.
Overall, if you’ve got a spare day to check out USJ and especially if you don’t live in CA, definitely check out USJ! You’re on your feet a lot of the day, but it’s the perfect blend of American Hollywood plus Japanese culture. It’s a nice change from the city, and you can interact with Japanese locals on a different level.
Also. Who doesn’t want to see Toad?!?!?!!!!!!
