Universal Studios Japan
Universal Studios Japan (USJ) was the first theme park under the Universal Studios brand to be built in Asia. Opened in 2001 in the Osaka Bay Area, the theme park has been expanded over the years and is the most visited amusement park in Japan after Tokyo Disney Resort.
Purchase USJ Studio Pass |
Universal Studios Japan currently has ten sections: Hollywood, New York, San Francisco, Jurassic Park, Waterworld, Amity Village, Universal Wonderland, Minion Park, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Super Nintendo World. Visitors are able to enjoy many amusement rides, ranging from child-friendly carousels to thrilling roller coasters and simulators based on popular movies such as the Minions, Shrek and Jurassic Park.
In addition to rides, the theme park offers many opportunities to take pictures with popular characters' mascots such as Snoopy, Hello Kitty and the Muppets. There are also various shows put on every day, including a night parade featuring illuminated floats.
Just outside the park's gates is Universal Citywalk Osaka, a shopping mall with multiple hotels and many restaurants and shops, including stores selling Universal Studios merchandise and Osaka souvenirs. Furthermore, the Osaka Takoyaki Museum, which is essentially a collection of several popular takoyaki vendors, is located on the mall's fourth floor.
Getting there and around
By train
The park's entrance gate is located a five minute walk from Universal City Station on the JR Yumesaki Line (also referred to as JR Sakurajima Line). From Osaka Station, there are several direct trains per hour (15 minutes, 190 yen) and many more connections that require an easy transfer at Nishikujo Station. From Kansai Airport, take a JR airport rapid to Nishikujo Station and transfer to the JR Yumesaki Line to Universal City Station (75 minutes, 1210 yen).
By bus
Universal Studios Japan is connected by bus to Kansai Airport (50-70 minutes, 1600 yen, hourly) and Itami Airport (45 minutes, 940 yen, hourly). Some overnight buses from other cities across Japan also stop at the Universal Studios Japan.
By ferry
A ferry service named "Captain Line" connects the Universal Studios Japan with the Osaka Aquarium (10 minutes, 800 yen one way, 1500 yen roundtrip, 1-2 ferries per hour). A combination ticket for the aquarium and the ferry ride can be purchased for 2900 yen (one way) or 3600 yen (roundtrip).
Hours and Fees
Hours
Refer to the park's official website.
Closed
Admission
8,400 to 9,400 yen (12-64 years old)
5,400 to 6,300 yen (4-11 years old)
7,600 to 8,500 yen (65 years or older)
Passes include unlimited rides and can be bought at the official website, park gates, partner hotels and through Klook.
Purchase USJ Studio Pass |
Express Passes allow holders to skip lines for selected rides and are available for four rides (between 6,800 and 18,800 yen depending on the rides and day) or seven rides (between 10,800 and 23,800 yen depending on the rides and day) online in advance or on the day at the entrance gate and inside the park. Express Passes may sell out on busy days.
Purchase USJ Express Pass 4 |
Purchase USJ Express Pass 7 |
Note that there is a limit on how many people can visit the popular Super Nintendo World each day. Guaranteed access is possible by purchasing in advance an Express Pass (see above) or travel package that includes entry to the Super Nintendo World. Otherwise, it is possible to get a "numbered ticket" at the park on the day of your vist via the official app or at a ticket office. On busy days when the limit of visitors is exceeded, it is possible to apply for a "admission lottery ticket" instead.
Questions? Ask in our forum.
Links and Resources
English
Hotels around Osaka
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Kaneyoshi RyokanA modern Japanese inn in Dotombori. the center of Osaka. 2 subway stations nearby. Close to many shops and Osaka Castle.View siteSponsored
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Guest House YadomaruFeaturing 1-star accommodation, Guest House Yadomaru is set in Osaka, 500 metres from Tempozan Ferris Wheel and 3.1 km from Isoji Central Park. The air-conditioned accommodation is 3.2 km from Minato Kumin Centre. Hirao Park is 5.8 km from the guest house and Aeon Mall Osaka Dome City is 5.8 km away. Featuring a shared bathroom, units at the guest house also feature free WiFi. Guests can also relax in the shared lounge area. Ansei Earthquake Tsunami Monument is 6.3 km from the guest house, while Universal Studios Japan is 6.4 km from the property. The nearest airport is Itami Airport, 27 km from Guest House Yadomaru.View on Booking.com
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HOTEL SAILSLocated in Osaka, HOTEL SAILS offers 4-star accommodation with a restaurant and a bar. The property is around 2.8 km from Isoji Central Park, 2.8 km from Minato Kumin Centre and 5.5 km from Aeon Mall Osaka Dome City. The property is non-smoking and is situated 500 metres from Tempozan Ferris Wheel. Guest rooms in the hotel are equipped with a flat-screen TV. At HOTEL SAILS each room comes with bed linen and towels. The accommodation offers a buffet or American breakfast. Speaking English and Japanese at the reception, staff will be happy to provide guests with practical guidance on the area. Hirao Park is 5.7 km from HOTEL SAILS, while Ansei Earthquake Tsunami Monument is 5.9 km away. The nearest airport is Itami Airport, 26 km from the hotel.View on Booking.com
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Auberge du Tanuki Noir Maison d'H?tesSituated 2.4 km from Universal Studios Japan, Auberge du Tanuki Noir Maison d'H?tes d'H?tes is set in the Osaka Bay district of Osaka. The property is located 4 km from Glico Man Sign. Namba CITY shopping mall is 4.1 km from the property. At the guest house, the rooms have a wardrobe. The property offers a simple breakfast including coffee and cookies. Guests at Auberge du Tanuki Noir Maison d'H?tes d'H?tes can also enjoy a French breakfast for an additional fee upon prior request. Billboard Live Osaka is 5 km from the accommodation, while Shinsekai is 5 km away. Osaka Itami Airport is 23 minutes away by train, while Kansai International Airport is 55 minutes away by train from the property.View on Booking.com
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Konjaku-So Tempozan Osaka Bay -Universal Bay Area-Featuring 5-star accommodation, Konjaku-So Tempozan Osaka Bay -Universal Bay Area- is located in Osaka, 100 metres from Tempozan Ferris Wheel and 3.3 km from Isoji Central Park. The property is set 3.3 km from Minato Kumin Centre, 6 km from Aeon Mall Osaka Dome City and 6.2 km from Hirao Park. The holiday home provides rooms with air conditioning, free private parking and free WiFi. The units at the holiday home are equipped with a flat-screen TV with streaming services and a kitchenette. Featuring a private bathroom, certain units at the holiday home also provide guests with a balcony. Ansei Earthquake Tsunami Monument is 6.4 km from the holiday home, while Universal Studios Japan is 6.5 km away. The nearest airport is Itami Airport, 27 km from Konjaku-So Tempozan Osaka Bay -Universal Bay Area-.View on Booking.com
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LIBER HOTEL AT UNIVERSAL STUDIOS JAPANLIBER HOTEL AT UNIVERSAL STUDIOS JAPAN features air-conditioned rooms with satellite flat-screen TV in the Osaka Bay district of Osaka. Among the facilities of this property are a restaurant, a 24-hour front desk and ticket service, along with free WiFi. The hotel has a garden and provides a terrace. Guest rooms in the hotel are equipped with a kettle. All units will provide guests with a fridge. A continental breakfast is available daily at LIBER HOTEL AT UNIVERSAL STUDIOS JAPAN. Universal Studios Japan is 3.1 km from the accommodation, while Tempozan Ferris Wheel is 6 km away. The nearest airport is Itami Airport, 22 km from LIBER HOTEL AT UNIVERSAL STUDIOS JAPAN.View on Booking.com
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Hotel Universal Port VitaIdeally located in the Osaka Bay district of Osaka, Hotel Universal Port Vita is a 4-minute walk from Universal Studios Japan, 4 km from Osaka Bay Tower and 6 km from Tempozan Ferris Wheel. Featuring a restaurant, the 4-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, each with a private bathroom. Private parking is available on site. Guest rooms in the hotel are fitted with a kettle. All guest rooms at Hotel Universal Port Vita come with a flat-screen TV with satellite channels and a safety deposit box. Guests at the accommodation can enjoy a buffet breakfast. Speaking English and Japanese at the 24-hour front desk, staff are willing to help at any time of the day. Isoji Central Park is 4 km from Hotel Universal Port Vita, while Minato Kumin Centre is 4 km from the property. The nearest airport is Itami Airport, 16 km from the hotel.View on Booking.com
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Hotel Universal PortHotel Universal Port is a 4-minute walk from Universal Studios Japan and a 20-minute drive from Osaka Station. It offers 1 restaurants, and rooms with free WiFi. Guest rooms offer both air conditioning and heating facilities. Each room is equipped with a fridge, an electric kettle and a flat-screen TV with cable channels. The en suite bathroom comes with toiletries and a bathtub. Hairdryers, slippers and bath amenities including a toothbrush set are provided. Laundry and dry cleaning services are available. Luggage storage can be found at the 24-hour front desk. Restaurant Port Dining Rico Rico serves a variety of buffet dishes for breakfast. Universal Port Hotel is a 20-minute ride from Shin-Osaka Station and Umeda Station. It is a 15-minute drive from Kaiyukan and a 25-minute train ride from Namba Station.View on Booking.com
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The Park Front Hotel at Universal Studios JapanThe hotel features private parking, various cafes, restaurants and shops on site, as well as free WiFi access in all areas. Universal City Station is a 12-minute ride from JR Osaka Station via train, and a 20-minute ride from JR Shin-Osaka Station, where bullet train access is provided. The limousine bus service from Osaka International Airport to the property takes 45-minutes. From Kansai International Airport, the limousine bus will take 70-minutes. By car, it is around a 20-minute drive from Osaka via the Hanshin Express Way. The hotel features a 24-hour front desk, luggage storage and massage services, and a coin laundry service is available at an extra cost on the 2nd floor. In addition, guests will find a caf?, a pancake shop, a pizza restaurant and a convenience store all within the property premises. All rooms are furnished with an air purifier/moisturizer and are air-conditioned with a flat-screen satellite TV, desk and seating area. The en suite bathroom features a private bath and shower. Free toiletries, slippers and a hairdryer is provided. Rooms are also soundproof and feature refrigerators as well as personal lockers. The on-site restaurant Buffet Dining Akala has a Hawaiian themed interior and serves a wide array of international cuisine, including Chinese, Western and Japanese dishes. The restaurant is available for breakfast, lunch and dinner.View on Booking.com
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TOMARO Osaka BayTOMARO Osaka Bay features air-conditioned guest accommodation in Osaka, 800 metres from Tempozan Ferris Wheel, 2.8 km from Isoji Central Park and 2.8 km from Minato Kumin Centre. Boasting full-day security, this property also provides guests with a sun terrace. Free WiFi is available and private parking can be arranged at an extra charge. The accommodation comes with a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with walk-in shower, bidet and slippers, while the kitchenette has a microwave, a fridge and a stovetop. Units are equipped with a dressing room. At the aparthotel, the units include bed linen and towels. The area is popular for cycling, and bike hire is available at this 3-star aparthotel. Aeon Mall Osaka Dome City is 5.5 km from the aparthotel, while Hirao Park is 5.5 km from the property. The nearest airport is Itami Airport, 26 km from TOMARO Osaka Bay.View on Booking.com
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Guest House Rice ChikkoGuest House Rice Chikko is located in Osaka and features free WiFi throughout the property. Guests can enjoy the on-site bar and shared lounge. The property is located 7 km from Namba Station and Glico Man Sign. All rooms in the guest house are fitted with a flat-screen TV. The shared bathroom is equipped with free toiletries. Guest House Rice Chikko is a 30-minute train ride or a 15-minute drive away from Universal Studios Japan. Shinsaibashi Station is 7 km from Guest House Rice Chikko, while Shinsekai is 7 km away. INTEX Osaka is 2 km away, while Kyocera Dome Osaka is 4.4 km away. The nearest airport is Osaka Itami Airport, 15 km from the property.View on Booking.com
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Experiences around Osaka
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Osaka Highlights Private Day Tour (Muslim-friendly meal available)Visit the best spots in Osaka, including the famous Osaka Castle and Dotonbori Glico Spot, in just one day!View on Klook
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Japanese Initial D Sports Car Rental in OsakaExperience the one-to-one restoration of the sports car in Initial D in Japan, and it can be driven on the road!View on Klook
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Osaka Local Bar & Izakaya Crawl Evening Tour in Uranamba AreaAt first, going to izakaya at Sennichimae, where locals drinkView on Klook
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Private Helicopter Charter Cruise Experience in OsakaEnjoy sightseeing as you fly over some of Osakafs most famous sites with this helicopter charterView on Klook
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Osaka Castle & Umeda Sky Building & Tonbori River Cruise Day TourVisit famous Osaka's hotspots in one dayView on Klook
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Osaka Nighttime Guided Food TourExplore local neighborhoods many visitors donft get to seeView on Klook
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Kendo Experience Tour In Osaka "SAMURAI TRIP"Enjoy a real samurai experience with a 2-hour class to learn Kendo, a Japanese martial art formView on Klook
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Kimono Rental by Kimono Botan in OsakaMakes me feel better! Let's stroll around Osaka in your favorite kimonoView on Klook
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Kyoto and Nara Private Car Charter with English Speaking GuideExplore Kyoto and Nara city on a day trip from Osaka or Kyoto!View on Klook
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Japanese Ceramics DIY Private Workshop in OsakaA pottery workshop in Osaka with an English, Spanish and Catalan speaking potterView on Klook
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