Universal Studios Japan

Understand

Universal Studios Japan is one of five Universal resorts worldwide. It opened in 2001, and as of 2023, it was the third busiest theme park in the world and Japan's second largest, behind only the Tokyo Disney Resort. Sprawling across 54 hectares, it is also the oldest and largest Universal Studios theme park in Asia, with ten themed areas based on movies and games like Harry Potter, Super Mario Bros, Despicable Me and Jurassic Park. There is also Universal CityWalk, a shopping, dining and entertainement complex just outside of the park.

When to visit

As in much of Japan, spring is the best time to visit: temperatures are temperate and if you're lucky you'll catch the cherry blossoms too. June is generally rainy before giving way to heat and humidity in July and August, two months that are best avoided. By September it starts to cool down, and while there may be typhoons, in Osaka this rarely translates to more than a day or so rain and it's unlikely the entire park will close. Winters are chilly but often clear, and snow or subzero temperatures are rare. USJ is generally a very popular theme park and weekends in particularly are packed. Visit midweek if possible, and consider investing in an Express Pass to beat the crowds. The ticket price calendar (see Tickets) gives the park's own forecast of how busy that day will be: "A" days are both cheapest and quietest, while "C" days are busiest and more expensive.

Getting there

Osaka is well connected to all of Japan and the world, see Osaka#Get in for details. If you're in Tokyo and planning a visit, beware that Osaka is 450 km east, so even by Shinkansen/plane attempting a visit as a day trip would be a very long day. The rest of this section covers only travel from Osaka to USJ.

By train Most visitors arrive by train directly to 1 Universal City Station (ユニバーサルシティ駅) on the JR Yumesaki Line, a 5-minute walk from the park entrance. There are frequent through trains every 10 min or so from the JR Osaka Loop Line, passing through Tennoji, Kyobashi and Osaka/Umeda stations in that order on their way in, and the trip from JR Osaka station takes only about 12 minutes. If arriving by Shinkansen bullet train, you'll first need to transfer from Shin-Osaka to Osaka.

By bus There are numerous direct bus services from Japanese cities around Kansai and even further to USJ. The direct shuttles from both Kansai and Itami airports are particularly useful, since you would otherwise need to transfer at least two times to get to USJ by train.

Getting around

A pair of walking shoes will come in handy as the only option to get around is to walk. In addition, USJ is laid out around a large lake, meaning that the shortest route is often quite circuitous. The official app is worth the download: you can prebook area access slots and some attractions, make restaurant reservations, and see real-time wait times for all attractions.

Buy

Gift shops are common across the park. Below are some of the more-unique shops:

1 Gladrags Wizardwear. Souvenir stores that sell Harry Potter-themed clothing, wands. It is right next to the Owl Post and Owlery which carries stationery products. (updated Sep 2023)

Eat

As with many theme parks, dining options at USJ are generally crowded, overpriced and mediocre. The following is not a complete list, but merely a selection of the less bad options. There are far better and cheaper eating options right outside the park gates, including conveyor sushi maestros Sushiro, but regular tickets do not permit re-entry.

Fast food 1 Happiness Cafe. This Minions-themed cafe serves up only three dishes, namely burgers, fried chicken and curry, but at least you get a filling and reasonably tasty set meal for your ¥2000-2200. (updated Oct 2022)

Full service Prior reservations are required for all full-service restaurants at USJ. Book ahead via the app!

2 Finnegan's Bar & Grill (In New York Area). (updated Jul 2018) 3 Lombard's Landing. (updated Jul 2018)

Drink & nightlife

Cold beer is sold from carts strategically located along long walks. Harry Potter fans will be tempted to splash out on a cup of sickly sweet non-alcoholic Butterbeer (¥600/800 regular/frozen).

Sleep

There are half a dozen hotels located around Universal City station.

Mid-range 1 Hotel Universal Port, 1-1-111 Sakurajima Konohana-ku (3 minutes walk from JR Universal City Station.), ☏ +81 6-6463-5000. Hotel Keihan Universal Tower. Hotel Keihan Universal City.