When I told people I was heading to Japan for two weeks in April of 2024, almost everyone said, “Wow! Are you going to go to Universal Studios?”, or ‘Epic! You have to go to Disneyland!’ I had never been to either but I’d heard nothing but great things about both. One simply cannot go to Japan and not go to one or many of their world-renowned theme parks! First on the list was Universal Studios Japan (Universal Studios Japan), in Osaka. Let’s go!
How Far Is Universal Studios Japan From Osaka City?
As a general starting point, from Osaka Train Station, Universal Studios is an 11-minute train ride via the Osaka Loop line including a transfer to the JR Yumesaki Line – so 2 trains in total. I recommend using Google Maps to plan your journey wherever you may be starting. It is reliable and accurate, with trains leaving every few minutes from each station.
How to Get To Universal Studios Japan From Osaka
There are two practical ways to get to Universal Studios from Osaka: car or train.
The cost of a ride share (from Osaka Station) is approximately 4,500 yen ($45 AUD) for a 26-minute journey. In my experience, the best way to get to Universal Studios from anywhere in Osaka is by train, from Osaka Station it is an 11-minute journey for 190 Yen ($1.93 AUD).
As mentioned before, I highly recommend that you use Google Maps as your journey planner, as it tells you exactly which train line, including colour and platform to catch when you set your desired route. Every day that I was on this trip, I was blown away by the efficiency and accuracy of the train system. Coming from Australia where there are constant disruptions and confusing maps and re-directs, this experience is heavenly… as long as you don’t mind crowds.
From Osaka station, you need to get on the Osaka Loop line (red) and ride two stops to Nishikujo Station. From Nishikujo Station you need to exit the platform (usually up an escalator), walk and follow the signs toward the JR Yumesaki Line (dark blue). At this particular station, you will find yourself in a sea of people, also waiting for the train as it is a direct line with two stops to Universal Studios and arrives right out the front of the entry.
You and everyone else waiting for the JR Train to Universal Studios Japan
Universal Studio Japan, Osaka – Ticket Price
There are two types of tickets:
- A park entry ticket (mandatory), which grants you access to the park. At the time of writing, this costs about $86 AUD.
- An Express Pass (EP), which is optional but highly recommended. The EP price ranges from $120 to $250 AUD (in addition to your entry ticket), depending on the attractions you’re interested in.
Because only a limited number of Express Passes are sold each day, it’s best to purchase yours as early as possible. The limited availability ensures the EP lines remain shorter, allowing you to spend more time enjoying the park and less time waiting.
Universal Studios Japan, Osaka – Express Pass Explained
Universal Studios Japan in Osaka offers an Express Pass (EP) option that is purchased in addition to your standard park entry ticket. You’ll notice that there are several Express Pass options available, each at different price points based on the experiences you want to prioritize. While it may initially seem expensive, I believe it’s well worth the investment to enhance your day at the park.
The specific Express Pass you choose depends on the attractions you’re most interested in. There are multiple versions, each granting priority access to different areas or rides, such as Harry Potter World, Nintendo Land, Donkey Kong, and more, and once you select a pass, you’ll be prompted to reserve a specific time window for entering each themed section.
When booking, I recommend using Klook Travel, a third-party service that simplifies the process. With Klook, you can either purchase a standard 1-Day Studio Pass by itself or choose a bundled option that includes both the park ticket and an Express Pass (for example, “1-Day Studio Pass + Universal Express Pass 4 – Theatre & Jaws”).
Make sure you read the details carefully so you know exactly which attractions and perks are included with each pass. Klook is quite transparent about what is or isn’t covered, which helps ensure you get the best value for your visit.
How To Buy Your Tickets
Personally, I found buying my tickets to be a bit of a challenging. The website itself can be quite tricky to navigate and it doesn’t accept Credit Card or PayPal payments which are much more common in Australia and around the world. Instead, they have their own payment methods like AliPay. If you are not familiar with AliPay, it can be quite confusing and I do not recommend trying to figure that one out. I ended up buying my ticket through a third party website called ‘Klook Travel’. First bonus being there are no extra fees attached. They were trustworthy, reasonably priced and offered a much smoother transaction. Klook also has an app for iPhone and Android where you can search for what you are looking for, and it suggests activities that you otherwise may not have known existed. They store your purchased tickets on the app as a QR code and you can access them there when trying to enter your activity.
Hotels & Accommodation Close to Universal Studios Japan, Osaka
Due to the location of Universal Studios Japan and the fact it is very accessible by train from anywhere in Osaka, I think that your accommodation does not need to be tailored around being close to Universal. If you are someone that likes to be super close and maybe flit back to your accommodation for a midday nap between excitement at the park (especially if you have kids), you could easily book your accommodation with a quick map search using a hotel booking website. Naturally, the price will reflect the convenience of being so close to a very popular tourist destination.
Universal Studios Japan, Osaka – Opening Hours & Closing Time.
The opening hours at Universal Studios Japan vary depending on the day and time of year. It can open as early as 9am most days, and close as late as 10pm some days. This does vary though and opening hours can be found on their website. Being that I recommend booking well in advance (especially if you would like an Express Pass) you would be aware of this timing when booking your tickets.
Rides at Universal Studios Japan, Osaka
Before I share with you a ‘rides list’. I must be up front and honest with you, speaking from experience. I recommend you heed this warning – in Japan, their rides are not really built for Westerners or those with a bigger build (height or width…). Most of the rides that require you to sit or be fastened into a seat will have a ‘tester’ seat before you can enter the waiting line. I implore you to use this to make sure you’re going to fit. I witnessed first hand a number of people who waited in line for two hours, sat in the ride ready to go, did not fit, and then had to get out and walk away while their friend completed the ride – or they both walked away altogether on the other side of the starting point. It is just how it is. You could potentially be too tall, with your knees hitting the seat in front of you and literally cramped up against your chest, or you could be bigger boned and the ride harness wont click down on you. Save yourself the time and discomfort, use the tester seat at the front.
You can refer to this Riders Guide for more specific information on rider limitations for those with specific needs or medical conditions.
Now that’s out of the way, below is a list of the sections within the park and what you can expect to experience in the way of rides! Depending on the section of park you are in, the rides are specific to that area.
Sections Within the Park
As of the most recent updates, Universal Studios Japan in Osaka is divided into several themed areas, each with its own attractions, shows, and experiences. These sections transport visitors into popular movie universes, providing a variety of entertainment and immersive environments. Here’s a breakdown of the main sections:
Hollywood
Theme: The glitz and glamour of Hollywood’s golden age.
Key Attractions:
- Hollywood Dream – The Ride (roller coaster)
- Shrek’s 4-D Adventure
- Terminator 2: 3-D (though closing soon in favour of new attractions)
- Parades and seasonal events.
New York
Theme: A recreation of New York City, with a focus on the world of movies and theater.
Key Attractions:
- The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man – The Ride 4K3D (a highly popular motion-based 3D attraction)
- Jaws (classic boat ride)
- Backdraft (special effects show)
- Seasonal events and themed dining.
San Francisco
Theme: A section designed to resemble the San Francisco Bay Area, with various attractions based on movies.
Key Attractions:
- Jurassic Park – The Ride (water-based thrill ride)
- Jurassic Park: The Flying Dinosaur (roller coaster)
- Themed shops and dining experiences.
Jurassic Park
Theme: Based on the Jurassic Park franchise.
Key Attractions:
- Jurassic Park – The Ride
- Jurassic Park: The Flying Dinosaur (intense coaster)
- Dino-Splash (water-based attraction)
- Jurassic Park Discovery Center (interactive exhibit)
Minion Park
Theme: Based on the Despicable Me and Minions movies.
Key Attractions:
- Despicable Me Minion Mayhem (3D simulator ride)
- Minion Hacha Mecha Ride (another ride featuring Minions)
- Themed shops and cafes, such as Minion-themed desserts and food.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
Theme: The world of Harry Potter, designed to immerse guests in the magical experience.
Key Attractions:
- Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey (motion-based dark ride)
- Flight of the Hippogriff (family roller coaster)
- Hogsmeade village (shops and dining, including Butterbeer and Three Broomsticks )
- Ollivanders (wand shop)
Universal Wonderland
Theme: Family-friendly section based on various characters, perfect for younger children.
Key Attractions:
- Sesame Street Fun World
- Hello Kitty’s Cupcake Dream (ride for younger guests)
- Various character meet-and-greets (e.g., Hello Kitty, Snoopy)
- Carousel and small rides.
Waterworld
Theme: Based on the 1995 movie Waterworld.
Key Attraction: WaterWorld Show (live-action stunt show with water-based stunts and explosions)
Universal Cool Japan (Seasonal)
Theme: A limited-time event that features attractions and experiences based on popular Japanese pop culture, including anime and video games.
Key Attractions: (Varies by year)
- Attack on Titan: The Real
- Monster Hunter: The Real
- Detective Conan: The Escape
- These attractions are available for a limited time each year, often focusing on different franchises.
DreamWorks Theatre
Theme: Features attractions and experiences based on DreamWorks Animation films.
Key Attractions:
- Shrek’s 4-D Adventure (4D movie experience)
- Kung Fu Panda: The Hidden World (interactive show)
Universal Studios Japan also has various seasonal events throughout the year, including Halloween Horror Nights, Christmas celebrations, and New Year’s festivities, which can affect the theme and decorations of certain sections. Additionally, the park frequently updates and introduces new attractions, so it’s always worth checking the latest offerings before visiting.
Here’s me, content with my new life in New York…
Absolutely chuffed and blown away by the beauty and majesty of the Hogwarts Castle next to the Black Lake in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
Hagrid’s Hut while waiting in line for Flight of the Hippogriff… need I say more?
Ollivanders Wands! Fangirling! You can also do an interactive show within the wand shop.
As a huge HP fan… this was a ‘chills’ moment!
The New ‘Super Nintendo World’ Explained
Super Nintendo World Overview:
Theme: An immersive world based on the beloved characters and worlds from the Super Mario series, bringing the video games to life.
Mario Kart: Koopa’s Challenge
Type: Mixed-reality, trackless dark ride.
Description: This is one of the signature attractions of Super Nintendo World. Guests board a ride that lets them race through various iconic Mario Kart tracks, featuring 3D projections, physical sets, and augmented reality elements. Players wear AR goggles that help them “see” items and power-ups, and you can interact with elements in the environment, such as throwing shells or collecting coins, much like in video games.
Yoshi’s Adventure
Type: Family-friendly dark ride.
Description: A slower, more relaxed ride that lets guests board a Yoshi and embark on an adventure through the Mushroom Kingdom. This attraction is perfect for younger guests and provides a scenic view of the land, including a chance to interact with the environment in a gentle and fun way.
Power-Up Band Interaction
Type: Interactive elements using wearable technology.
Extra cost: 3,200 Yen ($32ish AUD)
Description: Visitors can purchase a Power-Up Band (similar to a wristband) that links to the official Universal Studios Japan app. This band allows you to interact with the environment in real-time. You can hit the ‘?’ yellow blocks, collect coins, and participate in mini-games scattered throughout the area. Points accumulate, and there are even leaderboards, adding an element of competition to the experience.
Kinopio’s Café (Toad’s Café)
Type: Themed dining experience.
Description: The café is a vibrant, whimsical restaurant themed around Toad and the Mushroom Kingdom. The menu features a variety of Mario-inspired dishes, such as Super Mushroom Pizza Bowl and Toadstool Cheesecake. The café is designed to feel like you’re dining inside the Mario universe, with Toad as the primary character and various playful touches throughout.
Shops and Merchandise
Type: Themed retail spaces.
Description: Super Nintendo World features several stores where you can buy exclusive Nintendo-themed merchandise, from plush toys of Mario, Luigi, and Yoshi to Power-Up Band accessories and Mario Kart gear. The stores are colourful and packed with iconic Nintendo imagery.
Photo Opportunities
Type: Interactive and Instagram-worthy spots.
Description: The world is designed for guests to take photos and videos, with life-sized statues of Mario, Luigi, Yoshi, and other characters. There are also hidden secrets and Easter eggs scattered around the area, like question blocks and Warp Pipes, perfect for a unique photo op.
How is this for a first impression once walking into SNW!
Collect points on your interactive wrist band throughout the SNW attraction – great for the kids… adults, you could save yourself the 3,200 YEN.
Can I store luggage at Universal Studios Japan?
Yes! You can store your luggage for a small fee (coins only) at Universal Studios Japan. These are available outside the park and can store large items like suitcases and roller bags. Lockers are only accessible with coins, and change machines are available in each locker area.
Small: 500 yen
Large: 1,000 yen
Extra Large: 1,500 yen
Multi-use: 400 yen.
Map of Universal Studios Osaka
An interactive map of Universal Studios Japan can be found in the attached link: https://www.Universal Studios Japan.co.jp/web/en/us/service-guide/parkmap?mapModal=page&mapFilters=;&mapCard=Universal Studios Japan.Universal Studios Japan
My Top Rides Ranked
Personally, I really enjoyed The Flying Dinosaur. This was located in the Jurassic World section of the park, and best of all, this had a Single Riders line (explained in the next section), which meant I was able to ride it multiple times in a row with a minimal wait time on that particular day. This ride was thrilling, fast and really puts some lead in your pencil while you’re on it! I loved it so much that I went on it five times.
My second favourite ride was the Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey Ride. I went on it twice (I used my express pass as well as my friend’s, as she could not go on the ride). As my express pass did not include the Flight of the Hippogriff, I did end up waiting nearly two hours in line for this one… was the 30 seconds worth it? Not really. Especially when I saw the ride go past me multiple times with many seats vacant. This was due to people not fitting in the seats and being removed before the ride could commence… but because they have a specific gated system when loading the ride, they do not get more people waiting in line to fill the ride. They send it off half full sometimes, which was a tough pill to swallow. By the time I got to the front, I was not in a great frame of mind to actually enjoy it. I felt more like ‘well, finally I’m here, let’s get it done with’.
My friend and I had the EP that gave us a ticket to the front of the line for Koopa’s Challenge in Super Nintendo World. This EP was a gem, as at the time of lining up, it was a 180-minute wait in the normal queue, but we were on the ride within 15 minutes. The line itself weaves through a fully decked out and staged castle scene from Super Mario, and was a great experience in itself. Express Pass wins on this one. It was a great interactive ride where you are basically in a cart doing a race with a controller in your hand. It took some getting used to in the beginning, but it was so much fun!
My favourite Hack To Make Things More Enjoyable at Universal Studios Japan, Osaka
A bonus hack I would recommend to you is if you are comfortable going solo, some rides have a ‘single rider’ line that moves very quickly. The purpose of this line is to fill any gaps in a ride to make sure no seat goes to waste. This is needed when a group of three might fill up three of four seats in a row, and there’s a spare. Even if you’re travelling with a friend, I’d recommend both going up the ‘single rider’ line if you’re happy to not be right next to them or on the exact same ride at the same time. It will definitely save you a crazy amount of time waiting in line.
Single Rider line straight down the middle there… run, don’t walk!
Can I Take My Own Food Into Universal Studios Japan?
In short, no. They tend to do a fairly thorough bag check upon entry and the main way to possibly get around bringing food in is if you have young kids/babies and say they are special snacks for the children As an adult, you can’t stock up on 7-11 snacks for the day without risking getting it taken off you or told you have to eat it at the door – without a legitimate explanation as to why. Water is fine, and they have water refill stations around the park.
Is Universal Studios Japan in Osaka Worth It?
As someone who loves adventures and new experiences, as an adult, I would definitely say that Universal Studios Japan in Osaka is well worth the visit. If you’re already in the area as a part of your trip itinerary, it is a no-brainer to dedicate a day of your trip to get there. The transport to Universal Studios Japan is very affordable by train, the entry ticket itself is below average for a theme park, and the Express Pass (if purchased) is a small price to pay to know you’re not spending your valuable time waiting in lines. When I return to Osaka, I will definitely go again for a new experience, as the park is always updating and changing. I 100% would recommend adding Universal Studios Japan to your Japan trip!
