With rollercoasters, immersive 4D-experiences, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, plenty of exciting rides, and 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.
So how much do tickets to Universal Studios Japan cost?
USJ ticket prices: Studio Passes
- 1-Day Pass – Adult: ¥8,600 to ¥10,900 — book 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
Peak vs. off-peak tickets
Universal Studios Japan entry ticket prices vary depending on the day and season. Peak times include late February to March, Golden Week in May, and mid-July to the end of August. Other popular times of the year include the park’s seasonal events such as Halloween, Christmas and New Year’s Holiday. Around these times, tickets tend to be around ¥10,400 to ¥10,900.
Off-peak season is from October to December. Naturally, tickets tend to be on the cheaper side during this time, costing between ¥8,600 to ¥9,900. Regarding what day of the week to go, consider going on a Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday — these are the least crowded days.
Universal Studios Japan Express Pass
To make the most out of your day, and avoid some stress, consider getting a Universal Studio Japan Express Pass, also known as a “Fast Pass”. These special tickets reduce wait times and allow you to skip the queue. It also gurantees you entry to popular areas like Super Nintendo World and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
Sounds simple enough, right? Well, just because you have a Express Pass, doesn’t mean you can just skip the queue for any ride you would like. There are actually several Express Passes to choose from — each with different inclusions and access.
The first choice you need to make is whether you want an Express Pass for 7 attractions or 4 attractions. There is also a Premimum Pass. Compare the prices below (note that they include the base Studio Pass price):
- USJ Express Pass for 7 attractions – from ¥26,800
- USJ Express Pass for 4 attractions – from ¥13,800
After you have picked the number of attractions, you then need to pick the type of Express Pass. Each includes different rides and options, with some being better for families and others for thrillseekers.
USJ Express Pass for 4 attractions
- Minecart & Race: Donkey Kong’s Crazy Mine Carts, Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge, Minion Mayhem and Jaws. Area Timed Entry Ticket: Super Nintendo World & The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
- Minecart & Adventure: Donkey Kong’s Crazy Mine Carts, Yoshi’s Adventure, Despicable Me Minion Mayhem and Jaws. Area Timed Entry Ticket: Super Nintendo World & The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
- Trolley & Choice: Donkey Kong’s Crazy Mine Carts, Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, and Space Fantasy – The Ride OR Jaws. Area Timed Entry Ticket: Super Nintendo World & The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
- Minecarts & Minions: Donkey Kong’s Crazy Mine Carts, Yoshi’s Adventure, Despicable Me Minion Mayhem and Space Fantasy — The Ride OR Jaws. Area Timed Entry Ticket: Super Nintendo World & The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
- Thrills & Selection: Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, Hollywood Dream — The Ride (Backdrop), and Hollywood Dream — The Ride or Jaws. Area Timed Entry Ticket: Super Nintendo World & The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
Note: There are more 4-attractions passes to choose from, including those that are specifically for the various 4D shows. They all differ in price.
USJ Express Pass for 7 attractions
- Variety Standard: Donkey Kong’s Crazy Mine Carts, Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge, Yoshi’s Adventure, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, Flight of the Hippogriff, Despicable Me Minion Mayhem OR The Flying Dinosaur, Hollywood Dream — The Ride OR Jaws. Area Timed Entry Ticket: Super Nintendo World & The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
- Variety Theater: Donkey Kong’s Crazy Mine Carts, Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge, Yoshi’s Adventure, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, Flight of the Hippogriff, Detective Conan 4-D Live Show: Starry Sky Jewel and Despicable Me Minion Mayhem OR The Flying Dinosaur. Area Timed Entry Ticket: Super Nintendo World & The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
- Variety Selection: Donkey Kong’s Crazy Mine Carts, Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge, Yoshi’s Adventure, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, Flight of the Hippogriff, Despicable Me Minion Mayhem OR The Flying Dinosaur, Space Fantasy — The Ride OR Jaws. Area Timed Entry Ticket: Super Nintendo World & The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
USJ Express Pass for 1 attraction
- Jurassic Park — The Ride
Premium
- Donkey Kong’s Crazy Mine Carts, Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge, Yoshi’s Adventure Area, Flight of the Hippogriff, The Flying Dinosaur, Hollywood Dream — The Ride (Backdrop), Minion Mayhem, Hollywood Dream — The Ride, Jaws and Detective Conan 4-D Live Show: Starry Sky Jewel. Timed Entry Ticket: Super Nintendo World & The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
Note: The USJ Express Pass for 1 attraction (Jurassic Park) and Premium Pass are currently only available on the official USJ website. The prices on there don’t include the Studio Pass.
How to use the Universal Studios Japan Express Pass
Once you buy your Express tickets, you will see that some of the attractions have timed entry and some don’t. For those that don’t, you can just go along whenever you would like. For timed entry, you will need to go on the time printed on your ticket. Make sure to show your entire ticket to a staff member.
Although you can get Express Passes separately, we recommend buying your Express Pass along with your Studio Pass, in advance, as they do tend to sell out.
Is the Universal Studios Japan Express Pass worth it?
The Express Pass isn’t cheap and when you add it to the cost of eating at the park, getting there and back, it can make the overall day pricey. That said, there are a lot of ways you can save money while inside the park. The main benefit is that it can take a lot of stress out of the day and guarantees entry into some of the most in-demand areas. It also massively cuts down the waiting time, so it is ideal if you are visiting during peak season.
However, there are other ways that you can try to reduce your wait time, such as opting for single riders. It’s not a guarantee like an Express Pass, but it is a free alternative. Additionally, it’s important to note that some rides may be closed for maintenance on the day of your visit. As a result, even with the Express Pass, there’s a chance you may not be able to experience you desired ride.
At the end of the day, whether it is worth it or not comes down to the experience you want and how much money you think your time is worth.
What are Area Timed Entry Tickets and Standby Entry Tickets?
To enter the most popular areas of the park, including Super Nintendo World, you need to know about Area Timed Entry Tickets and Standby Entry Tickets. Obtaining one of these tickets gives you access to that area at a designated time. If you don’t get one of these, you may not be able to enter these sections.
It is possible to get these tickets before coming to the park. Keep in mind that some authorized resellers sell bundles that include both the Studio Pass and Area Timed Entry Tickets, so purchasing these is the easiest option. The other option is to get an Express Pass that comes with Area Timed Entry Ticket.
Alternatively, visitors can get these tickets on the day — both through the official app and ticket kiosk. Although it is free to do, you can only try once you have scanned in and entered the park. For the best chance of securing such tickets, we recommend downloading the app beforehand and registering your Studio Pass.
Given that there are only a set number of Area Timed Entry Tickets avaliable a day, there’s a possibility that you won’t be able to secure one. If that is the case, try applying for a Standby Entry Ticket on the app. This is basically a lottery for Area Timed Entry Tickets — it does not guarantee a ticket, but gives you a chance.
Note: During busy periods, you may also need to obtain an Area Timed Entry Ticket for The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
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. Keep in mind that the gates open at different times depending on the day.
Tickets bought at the gate are a little more simplified, but buying online gives you more options, including the 1.5 Day Pass.
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.
Planning ahead: How to buy USJ tickets online
Tickets are released up to three months in advance. It is recommended that you buy your ticket early — as some dates may sell out suddenly. This is especially true for peak seasons and during special events such as Halloween Horror Night and No Limit! Christmas.
Booking Universal Studios Japan tickets in English
You can buy your USJ Studio Pass quickly and easily online through Klook, an authorized reseller.
The “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.
Here’s a step-by-step on how to buy your Studio Pass on Klook:
- Choose the date you want to visit and click “Check availability”.
- Select the type of pass you want to get and add to the cart.
- Pay for your ticket using a credit/debit card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Union Pay, etc.)
- Upon payment and the booking being confirmed, you will recieve an email with your Klook e-ticket.
- Use the e-ticket on the Klook app or email to enter the park!
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.
Should 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.
VIP Experience
For a luxury experience, you could consider getting the Universal VIP Experience. This not only includes priority access to attractions, but also a dedicated tour guide, and access to a premium lounge. There are two tour types to choose from: Private or Group. Both offer several other benefits, including photo opportunities, special meals and access to exclusive spots throughout the park.
Group tours start from ¥23,000 and Private tours from ¥298,000.
Group booking options
Group bookings are only available for groups of 40 and above. If you are visiting in a bigger group, it is best to contact USJ or a local travel agency for the best deals.
Special event and ride tickets
As mentioned, Universal Studios Japan hosts a number of events throughout the year. Some, such as the New Year Countdown event, require an additional ticket like an Area Timed Entry Ticket or Standby Entry Ticket. Rides such as Detective Conan: The Escape, also require a separate ticket.
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.
Universal Studios Japan ticket FAQs
Can I change the date of my USJ ticket?
You can change the admission date for USJ Studio Passes and Birthday Passes, but not for Express Passes. If you purchased through the official website or Klook, you can adjust your ticket date within 90 days of the original admission date. To make changes, use the “purchase history” section on either site.
Do I need to print out my USJ ticket?
No, you don’t need to print out your USJ ticket. Simply use the e-ticket and scan its QR code to register your Studio Pass on the app.
What time does USJ open?
USJ can open anytime between 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. depending on the day or season. Check the official schedule beforehand, as these times can suddenly change. It is especially important to check if you are considering buying tickets on the day.
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: January 22, 2025, by Jane Pipkin.
