Written by Selena Hoy
Researched by Jane Pipkin
Universal Studios Japan, or USJ as it’s known, is a super-popular destination in Osaka, with thousands making the pilgrimage to visit Harry Potter’s Wizarding World along with Shrek, Snoopy, Woody Woodpecker, Sesame Street and the rest of the gang (including the Minions). There’s also Super Nintendo World, which opened a few years ago.
First off, we’ll tell you what to expect at USJ in Osaka, answering common questions about the theme park. Then we’ll get you ready to roll with our tried and tested tips to have the maximum fun on your visit.
Looking for ticket prices and where to buy? See our full guide to buying Universal Studios Japan tickets first — this page is all about saving money on passes and once you’re inside the park. You can book tickets online through official partner Klook.
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Major attractions at Universal Studios Japan
If you’re a fan of the cheeky yellow characters from Despicable Me, you’ll be thrilled to hear that they are a feature of the theme park. At the aptly named Minion Park, you’ll be able to see shows, buy Minion-themed stuff, eat Minion-themed food, and try out the “Despicable Me Minion Mayhem” ride.
Of course, you can also enjoy the usual suspects like The Wizarding World of Harry Potter (including Butter Beer), Hollywood Dream, Jurassic Park, Jaws, Attack on Titan, Spider-Man 4K3D, Space Fantasy and more.
Super Nintendo World is a joy for video-game fans and lets you experience Mario Kart in real life, plus other attractions including the impressive Yoshi’s Adventure.
And in 2024, the Donkey Kong Country area opened next door, adding the high-speed Mine Cart Madness rollercoaster and more to the Super Nintendo World zone.
Universal Cool Japan, Halloween Horror Night and Universal Wonderland
You might have heard about Universal Cool Japan, where hits from Japanese anime and games are turned into limited-time attractions of varying thrill levels. The line-up changes each year and has featured the likes of Detective Conan, Attack on Titan and Sailor Moon. These collaborations usually run for a set window during the year, so check our event listing to see what’s on when you visit.
Come fall, you can experience terror, screaming and other good fun as part of Universal Studios Japan’s annual Halloween special. Zombie mobs, manic mazes and other dark delights add an extra element to evenings at the theme park.
For families and those with younger children, Universal Wonderland is the place to be. The area has three main sections: Snoopy Studios, Hello Kitty Fashion Avenue and Sesame Street Fun World. With dozens of rides and interactive experiences, there is plenty here to entertain the kids — and an option to book the free timed ride tickets to reduce time in the line (and who doesn’t love that).
Planning your day at USJ Osaka ahead of time: Tried and tested tips
Pro tip: Download the official USJ app in advance — it shows live wait times so you can plan around the shortest queues.
If you choose to save your dosh and forego the Express Pass, you may need to spend some time planning your USJ itinerary. If you’re doing a full day at Universal Studios Japan and haven’t bought tickets in advance, it’s best to show up early, as long queues can form at the ticket gates, which open an hour ahead of the park’s opening time.
The 4D shows at USJ, meaning moving seats and spurts of water and air among other things, run on strict timetables, so if you’re interested in seeing a few, it’s best to plan your day around them. Note that the movies are mostly only in Japanese, with a few subtitled bits.
Additionally, several attractions (like the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Super Nintendo World) have timed entry tickets or numbered entry tickets that you have to obtain (for free) in advance through the official website or app. Between the shows and the timed attractions, it’s best to plan when you are going to visit each one, then go and enjoy other attractions in the meantime.
There’s the Universal Japan Studios App if you read Japanese; otherwise you might want to spend some time with a map familiarizing yourself with the layout and what you want to see. It is particularly handy for checking out the current wait times on the most popular rides (it gives pretty accurate wait times too) and strategically planning your day around main attractions and special events.
Finally, the attractions and most of the restaurants close before the souvenir shops, so if you want to maximize your ride time, you may want to leave your shopping until the end of the day.
Universal Studios Japan opening hours
Readers always ask: what time does USJ open?
The operating hours for USJ vary by season and day. The park generally opens between 8 and 9 a.m. and closes anywhere from 7 to 9 p.m. — often later in spring and summer. We recommend arriving at least 30 minutes before opening to make the most of your day. Always check the official schedule before your visit, as times change daily.
Where to eat at USJ
The food at Universal Studios Japan can be seriously expensive, with prices ranging from around ¥700 for smaller snacks to ¥8,000 for fancier meals at the sit-down restaurants (and let’s not even talk about tea and other beverages).
You might want to splurge on a few specialty items (a glass of Butterbeer, anyone?), but it’s good to keep in mind that there are regularly priced restaurants right outside the park entrance in Universal Citywalk Osaka, including curry spots, sushi go-rounds, and the typical fast food joints — if you want to eat before or after your park visit, rather.
There are convenience stores outside for a rice ball fix too.
Be warned, though, that USJ tickets are single-entry: once you leave, you can’t re-enter on the same pass. Our advice? Fill up before you go in, or chow down before you take the train home.
Can you bring food into Universal Studios Japan?
You can take 500 ml of bottled water or a thermos into the park, but no other beverages or food, except for baby food and snacks for the kids.
More details please: Where is Universal Studios Japan?
Universal Studios Japan is in the Konohana ward of Osaka Prefecture. Note: There is no Universal Studios in Tokyo.
What station is Universal Studios Japan?
USJ is a short walk from Universal City Station on the JR Sakurajima train line. If you have a JR Pass, you can use it to get there.
How do you get to Universal Studios Japan?
Universal City Station is 10–15 minutes from Osaka Station, making it easily accessible from the city center. You can hop on the Osaka Loop Line and change over to the Sakurajima (aka Yumesaki) Line at Nishikujo Station.
USJ is also just under an hour from Kyoto Station. If you’re coming from Tokyo, see our Tokyo to Osaka travel guide.
Universal Studios Japan hotels
If you’re wanting to spend the night near Universal Studios Japan, The Park Front Hotel and Hotel Keihan USJ are convenient, comfortable options.
Staying at an official partner hotel costs more, but it comes with perks: you can buy a 1-Day Studio Pass or Express Pass at the hotel, and some offer a hotel-exclusive Studio Pass upgrade bonus. Several, such as Hotel Kintetsu Universal Port, also have fun themed rooms.
You can also try these other Osaka accommodation ideas if you don’t need to be that close to the park.
Exploring the rest of Osaka
Don’t forget to spend some time in Osaka proper, a fabulous part of Japan in its own right. From castles complete with samurai stuff to some of the best food you’ll ever eat (okonomiyaki, ramen, gyoza and much more), as well as massive green spaces (think Expo ’70 Memorial Park in Suita City) and 24/7 hot spring theme parks (Spa World), Osaka has it all.
Japan Universal Studios FAQs
You ask, we answer.
What is the best day to go to Universal Studios Japan?
Try to go on a weekday. Monday through Friday tends to be less hectic than weekends and holidays, though still crowded.
Is one day enough for Universal Studios Japan?
For most people, one day is enough for USJ in Osaka. If you get there early, you can make a full day of it. If you are planning to go during a busy period, for example, Halloween, you will probably want to buy an Express Pass, however, to minimize wait times for the rides and attractions.
If you simply can’t get enough of USJ, there are 1.5 Day and 2-Day Studio Passes too.
Is USJ worth it?
If you like theme parks, then almost certainly. USJ ranks highly as a must-do on Japan travel bucket lists.
Can you cosplay at Universal Studios Japan?
Yes, you can dress up at USJ. However, you are not allowed to wear costumes that are indecent (think lots of skin), headgear, prosthetic face make-up or full-face masks (basically anything that covers more than half of your face), costumes that may be dangerous, costumes that are excessively frightening (think children running away and crying), or costumes that impersonate park staff.
Is the Donkey Kong area open at USJ?
Yes. Donkey Kong Country opened inside Super Nintendo World in December 2024. It features the Mine Cart Madness rollercoaster, interactive attractions and food options, all set in the familiar jungles of our collective childhoods.
While we do our best to make sure the information provided here is correct, it is subject to change. The original version of this article was written by Selena Hoy in 2016. Last updated in June 2026, by Jane Pipkin and the editorial team.
