Region
Kansai
Island
Honshu
Largest City
Osaka
Population
8,804,806

Universal Studios Japan

The world's best ride, a wizarding wonderland and guardian minions. As if you needed another reason to visit Osaka.

Bored of Tokyo DisneySea? Fuji-Q Highlands a little bit too much? Universal Studios Japan (otherwise known as USJ) has a brilliant selection of exhilarating rides, spectacular entertainment in 4K3D, and park shows that will satisfy all age-groups.

Universal Studios in Osaka Jaws Attraction

Photo by: masatsu Stay out of the water.

It’s also one of GaijinPot’s Top 5 theme parks in Japan. By the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, the park will open a Super Nintendo World, featuring a full Mario Kart racing course!

Halloween Horror Nights

Visitor beware, you’re in for a scare. The theme park gets infested with zombies and aliens during its annual Halloween Horror Nights. Try to escape from the undead in the Biohazard survival horror maze and confront your fears in Chucky’s Hospital Ward of Madness. Or just run away from the zombies who roam the streets nightly.

Everyone’s favorite long-haired ghost Sadako has even crawled out of the TV right into USJ for her own haunted attraction. There’s trick or treating and a costume parade for the kiddies, or adult scaredy cats, too. Check the official website for a full list of attractions.

Spiderman, dinosaurs, and Jaws, oh my!

For the thrill-seekers, it would be a waste to leave USJ without trying classic rides like Jaws or the more modern, adrenaline-pumping Jurassic Park roller coaster: The Flying Dinosaur.

Marvel fans, make a bee-line for The Amazing Adventures of Spiderman. Winning the world’s best ride award for seven years in a row, this immersive and mind-bending experience never fails to live up to expectations.

The Amazing Adventures of Spiderman has been awarded the world’s best ride award for seven years in a row.

If even the idea of roller coasters make you feel queasy or you’ll be traveling with people who don’t quite fit the height limits (children, we’re looking at you), there are plenty of things for you to do too. Take The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

Step into the world of Harry Potter

Hogsmeade truly comes to life in this stunning recreation from the popular franchise.

A Guide to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Purchase genuine wizarding goods like robes and wands, then stroll over to the Three Broomsticks for Butterbeer or Shepherd’s Pie (British people-approved).

Rides like Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey or Flight of the Hippogryph often have lengthy wait times. This is for good reason: short of receiving your letter to Hogwarts, it’s the closest muggles like us can get.

Those more into cute and peppy characters than death eaters will love Universal Wonderland.

Helly Kitty Christmas as Universal Studios Japan in Osaka

Photo by: mono There’s Hello Kitty, Minions, and Sesame Street for the kids!

Attractions themed around Snoopy, Hello Kitty and Sesame Street make this area is perfect for children and adults alike. Stage shows and parades abound throughout the day.

Like Minions? Those yellow critters can be found traveling around the park averting emergencies and rescuing damsels in distress. Want your day to end with a bang? The Universal Re-Born parade offers party-streamers, bubbles and fun by the gallon.

Trivia

A Guide to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Fantastic entertainment and where to find it at Universal Studios Japan.

More

Things To Know

Opening Hours

USJ usually opens between 8:30 a.m. and 9 a.m. and closes between 7:30 p.m. and 10 p.m. depending on the season. It’s recommended that you turn up to the park at least an hour beforehand to pick up your tickets on the day in order to avoid queuing.

Entrance Fees

A standard One-Day Pass costs ¥7400. These can be purchased in advance at Lawson convenience store (Japanese skills required) or on the day. Fast Passes and Express Tickets which give you earlier access into the park can be purchased online through select hotels or travel agents.

How To Get There

Address

2 Chome-1-33 Sakurajima, Konohana-ku, Ōsaka-shi, Ōsaka-fu 554-0031, Japan

By train

As Universal Studios is such a popular attraction there are many ways to access it. Certain trains on the Osaka Loop line go directly to the park, or with a transfer at Nishikujo.

By bus

Direct buses travel from Kansai airport to USJ. For more detailed travel information, check out the website: https://www.usj.co.jp/e/access/

Where To Stay

Hotel Kintetsu Universal City
  • 6-2-68 Shimaya, Osaka-Shi Konohana-Ku, Osaka, 554-0024 Japan
  • From ¥15500
  • 0.2 km
Hotel Universal Port
  • 1-1-111 Sakurajima, Osaka-Shi Konohana-Ku, Osaka, 554-0031 Japan
  • From ¥21000
  • 0.2 km
Oriental Hotel Universal City
  • 6-2-78 Shimaya, Osaka-Shi Konohana-Ku, Osaka, 554-0024 Japan
  • From ¥19040
  • 0.3 km
Hotel Universal Port Vita
  • 6-1-16 Shimaya, Osaka-Shi Konohana-Ku, Osaka, 554-0024 Japan
  • From ¥20000
  • 0.3 km
The Singulari Hotel & Skyspa at Universal Studios
  • 6-2-25 Shimaya, Osaka-Shi Konohana-Ku, Osaka, 554-0024 Japan
  • From ¥23900
  • 0.3 km

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