Universal Studios Japan (USJ) was the first theme park under the Universal Studios brand to be built in Asia! This theme park is the most visited amusement park in Japan after Tokyo Disney Land.
There’s a lot to cover about this park – so let’s get started!
Park Area
Universal Studios Japan currently has ten sections:
☆Hollywood (Hollywood dream attraction) ☆New York (Spiderman attraction and The Terminator area) ☆San Francisco ☆Jurassic Park ☆Waterworld (Enjoyment of water show) ☆Amity Village (Jaws attraction) ☆Universal Wonderland (Snoopy, Hello Kitty, Sesame Street area) ☆Minion Park (Minions attraction, goods and food) ☆The Wizarding World of Harry Potter ☆Super Nintendo World (Which is new and opened in 2021)
So let’s start to explain-
Park Entrance area
Hollywood
Walk down Hollywood, see live stage shows on the streets, stop for a hamburger at Mel’s Drive-In.
New York
An area that has two of the park’s main attractions: The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man and Terminator 2
San Francisco
Port city like Fisherman’s Wharf and Chinatown! With its location to the lagoon, you can enjoy the smell of sea air, just like the real port city. Experience the lively city of San Francisco!
Jurassic Park
Prepare for a Dinosaurs – spotting jungle adventure with Jurassic Park – This ride is a water-based attraction and you will get wet at this attraction.
Waterworld
The WaterWorld is American science fiction movie (from about 1995) and there a theater show in USJ to the battle from the movie. With water and explosion sound.
Amity Village
Beware the giant, man-eating shark from the movie – JAWS! Can be topped off with a great photo opportunity with the captured shark. The attraction is on the boat but you don`t get wet, so no worry here.
Universal Wonderland
Meet Snoopy, Hello Kitty, TheSesame Street and more in this kawaii (cute) area. Recommended for families with young children. This area has 10 different rides.
Minion Park
BA-NA-NA! The most ridiculously entertaining yellow minions are one of USJ’s newest area & attractions. It has a photo opportunities, play areas, food stalls, and goods
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is genuinely incredible. The attention to detail in the design and construction of this area is breathtaking! Hogwarts really has to be seen to be real.
This absolutely Harry Potter fan heaven! If you are a Harry Potter fan, you may expect to spend in this area a few hours.
The area
The iconic Harry Potter Train
Some of the goods in the area
Super Nintendo World
World’s First Super Nintendo World Opens! The world’s first Nintendo themed area opened in March 2021, at a cost of more than 50 Billion Yen. This area provides an unmissable opportunity to see their favorite Nintendo characters come to life. The park has been set up as a completely immersive experience, using a high technology to bring gaming to vivid life. In this area there are rides, attractions, restaurants and shops themed. Visitors can also take the whole experience to a whole new level by clipping on a “Power-Up Band”.
The area
The attractions
Meet the characters and have fun with the goods!
For Anime Lovers
There also a section for Anime lovers! An area that may change. Before few years there was Shingeki-no-Kyojin area. Now there a Kimetsu-no-Yaiba area! Also, Sailor Moon or Conan area! Check when you there, what kind of area they have now.
Park Tickets
There are two main ticket types. Park entry tickets are called Studio Passes (costs ¥8400 for adult, and ¥5,400 for children). Whereas Express Passes shorten the waiting time for attractions. The Studio Pass (The admission ticket ) includes park entrance and will get you in and give you access to all the rides and attractions. The express pass will cost much more but will short your waiting line time. As one of the most popular theme parks in the world waiting time may be 2 hours or more!
There are several different Express Passes available. Here’s a the different types so you can choose the best one for you.
Universal Express Pass 3 Experience the top 3 must-see attractions at the Studios! costs ¥6,800
Universal Express Pass 4 Experience the top 4 must-see attractions at the Studios! costs ¥7,800
Universal Express Pass 7Fully enjoy the Park by experiencing 7 popular attractions! cost ¥10,800
Access
Universal Studios Japan is located overlooking Osaka Bay. The entrance to the theme park is less than 5 minutes walk from the station – Universal-city station on the JR Yumesaki Line. The train is probably the best option for getting to the theme park from Osaka station.
There also an option in a direct bus if you come straight from Osaka International Airport (Itami). From the airport it takes about 45 minutes depending on traffic and cost about ¥1,000
Information
Name: Universal Studio Japan (USJ)
Hours: 8:30~22:00 (May be different depened on days, check before going)
Fees: Park pass – ¥8400 for adults, ¥5,400 for children Express pass – From ¥6,800 to ¥10,800 (Depend on the express pass kind)
Access: About 5 minutes from Universal-city station