With rollercoasters, immersive 4D experiences, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, plenty of exciting rides, and the new Super Nintendo World, it’s no wonder that a visit to Universal Studios Japan (USJ) has become one of the top things to do in the Kansai region. This steady popularity, however, means few discounts are available, but decisions on where and when to buy tickets, as well as what kind of access you want, can help you save a few yen towards that extra cauldron cake.
Read on for a guide to Universal Studios Japan tickets: how much they cost, where to buy them, and—most importantly—getting whatever discounts are available.
Also read: Our recommended USJ itinerary for first-time visitors.
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Note: All prices are listed inclusive of tax, but prices do fluctuate and may rise annually.
Universal Studios Japan tickets: Prices & types
On the surface, USJ’s tickets are pretty simple: you have a 1-Day Studio Pass, a 1.5-Day Studio Pass, a 2-Day Studio Pass and the option of an Express Pass add-on. The Express Pass lets you skip queues on certain rides and pack more into your day, but it does come at a rather hefty price.
So how much do tickets to Universal Studios Japan cost?
USJ ticket prices: Studio Passes
- 1-Day Pass – Adult: ¥8,600 to ¥10,400 — purchase online
- 1-Day Pass – Child: ¥5,400 to ¥6,200
- 1.5 Day Pass – Adult: ¥13,100
- 1.5-Day Pass – Child: ¥8,600
- 2-Day Pass – Adult: ¥16,200
- 2-Day Pass – Child: ¥10,500
Note: Universal Studios Japan entry ticket prices may vary depending on the day and season.
Universal Studios Japan Express Pass
A USJ Express Pass, also known as a “fast pass”, comes in several forms, including these popular options (the price includes the day pass):
- USJ Express Pass for 7 attractions – from ¥19,800
- USJ Express Pass for 4 attractions – from ¥13,800
These passes have varying options about the rides included — you can’t just pick and choose.
How much does it cost to go to Harry Potter’s Wizarding World in Japan?
Entry to Harry Potter’s Wizarding World is included in your Studio Pass. Like Super Nintendo World and the other attractions at Universal Studios Japan, you don’t need to pay extra.
Note that you can get a free timed entry ticket to shorten wait times for certain attractions and rides. If you really want to spend extra cash, you can pay for photos after the experience.
On-the-day tickets for Universal Studios Japan
If you prefer to keep things casual and rock up on the day to purchase tickets, head straight for the USJ park ticket gates. The gates are open an hour before the park’s official opening time, and close two hours before the park itself.
Tickets bought at the gate are a little more simplified, but buying online gives you more options, including the 1.5 Day Pass.
Note that buying your USJ tickets at the gate, on the day, carries risks—including lengthy queues, cutting into your day, and tickets selling out during popular seasons (like Halloween and school holidays). We strongly recommend buying your tickets online ahead of your visit. Plus, ticket prices are the same online or at the gate, so it’s a no-brainer to secure your tickets ahead of time. See the next section for info on authorized online resellers.
Planning ahead: How to buy USJ tickets online
Booking Universal Studios Japan tickets in English
You can buy your USJ Studio Pass quickly and easily online through Klook, an authorized reseller.
This “authorized reseller” part is important: If you rock up with tickets purchased through any non-authorized resellers, you won’t be able to enter the park unless you buy a new ticket on the day.
Booking USJ Osaka tickets in Japanese
Another option is to book directly on the Japanese USJ website. This can be manageable if you use Google Translate (which works well on Chrome), and offers some unique discounts. The regular 1-Day or 2-Day Pass costs the same as the at-the-gate tickets.
If you try to buy tickets directly through the English version of the USJ website, you will be redirected to an authorized reseller page.
Special birthday discounts at USJ Osaka
There are some discounts to be had on the Japanese site if it is your birthday. If you’re visiting during your birthday month or the following month, you can save ¥500 on a 1-Day Pass and ¥1,000 on your 2-Day Pass. You do have to be a member for this deal, but you can sign up for free, so it’s an easy save.
Travel combination tickets for USJ
It can work out cheaper to buy a package deal for your entry pass, transport and accommodation, especially if you are coming from a major area like Tokyo.
USJ ticket + highway bus combo packages
If you’re traveling from Tokyo, there are various USJ bus packages available from Willer Express, which include your USJ entry ticket, transport and—optionally—hotel accommodation if you don’t fancy snoozing in the bus.
Alternatively, you can make your own way to Osaka—you can get highway bus tickets from Tokyo to Osaka for as low as ¥2,000 one way.
Pro tip: Check out our full guide on how to make the most of your visit to USJ, to find out how to enjoy USJ while saving a few more monies on the day. Also take a look at what else there is to do in Osaka while you’re there.
While we do our best to ensure it’s correct, information is subject to change. This post was originally published in June 2020. Last updated: August 12, 2021.
