Osaka Travel: Universal Studios Japan

Universal Studios Japan (USJ) was the first theme park under the Universal Studios brand to be built in Asia. Opened in March 2001 in the Osaka Bay Area, the theme park occupies an area of 39 hectares and is the most visited amusement park in Japan after Tokyo Disney Resort.

Universal Studios Japan currently has eight sections: Hollywood, New York, San Francisco, Jurassic Park, Waterworld, Amity Village, Universal Wonderland and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. 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 Spiderman, Back to the Future, Terminator 2 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 puppets of Sesame Street. There are also various shows put on every day, including a night parade featuring illuminated floats that are paraded through the streets.

Just outside the park's gates is Universal Citywalk Osaka, a shopping mall with multiple official Universal 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 vendors of the local dish gathered under one roof, is located on the mall's fourth floor.

By train

The entrance gate of the Universal Studios Japan 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, 180 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, 1190 yen).

By bus

Universal Studios Japan is connected by bus to Kansai Airport (50-70 minutes, 1550 yen, 1 bus/hour) and Itami Airport (45 minutes, 930 yen, about 1 bus/hour). 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, 700 yen one way, 1300 yen roundtrip, 1-2 ferries per hour). A combination ticket for the aquarium and the ferry ride can be purchased for 2700 yen (one way) or 3300 yen (roundtrip).

How to get to and around Osaka

Hours

Varying hours, typically at least 9:00 to 19:00. Refer to the park's official website.

Closed

No closing days

Admission

7,900 yen (12-64 years old)
5,400 yen (4-11 years old)
7,100 yen (65 years or older)
Passes include unlimited rides and can be bought at the park gates, JR ticket counters, partner hotels, selected convenience stores and travel agencies and through Voyagin.

From January 10, 2019, a new ticket price system will be introduced in which the cost of tickets varies depending on the date. Higher prices will apply on busier days. For example, passes for adults will cost between 7400 and 8700 yen depending on the date.

Express Passes, that allow holders to skip lines for selected rides, are available for four rides (between 5,200 and 14,000 yen depending on the day) or seven rides (between 7,600 and 21,500 yen depending on the day) on the day of the visit at the entrance gate and inside the park. Express Passes may sell out on busy days.