Are you like me – a mamma who wants her kid’s trip to USJ to be perfect? Which means you’re spending a crazy amount of time researching things like:
- Exactly what time you should arrive at the entrance
- Which passes you need to buy
- If Super Nintendo World Power-Up Bands are worth the cost
If so, you’re in the right place!
I spent a day at Universal Studios Japan in Osaka with my almost 10-year-old as part of our 10 day trip to Japan. I wanted to make the most of our time at the park, and I wanted it to be a stress-free day, so I did my best to set us up for that.
We had an amazing time!
Here’s what I did to prepare for the day, how our day went, and tips for your visit.
Buying Tickets & Passes for Universal Studios Japan
For me, this was one of the most annoying, confusing, and time-consuming parts of our entire trip to Japan.
You for sure need to buy Studio Passes (the USJ entrance tickets).
You probably also want to buy Express Passes (the skip-the-line tickets for 4-7 rides and timed entrances to Super Nintendo World and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter areas).
There’s a lot of info online, some of it contradictory, and so I recommend always taking a peek at the official USJ website for the latest on Studio Passes, Express Passes, and opening hours.
One of the main choices to make is whether you buy your tickets on the official site or on a 3rd party site like Klook.
I ended up buying our Studio Passes (the USJ entrance tickets) and our Express Passes 60 days in advance through Klook because it had availability (the main USJ site didn’t). I had read that with Klook you aren’t able to choose your entry times or ride times, but that wasn’t the case for us – we were able to reserve both when purchasing through Klook.
Heads Up: There are reports online of people having trouble buying tickets on the official USJ site using US credit cards.
Our Express Pass Rides and Timing
10:00 Super Nintendo World Area Entry
10:00-10:30 Mario Kart: Koopa’s Challenge
10:30-11:00 Yoshi’s Adventure
14:00 Harry Potter Area Entry
14:20-14:50 Forbidden Journey
14:50-14:20 Flight of the Hippogriff
Any Time – Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem
Any Time – The Flying Dinosaur
Choose One, Any Time – Hollywood Dream or JAWS
Important: You can’t leave and re-enter Super Nintendo World or Harry Potter, so make sure you see and do everything while you’re there!
Good To Know: Having an Express Pass doesn’t mean you walk right onto the ride. You will still wait in a line. Also, you have some leeway with your entry times, so don’t stress out if you’re in line and don’t think you’ll make it to your next ride in time. For example, we entered the Mario Kart line with our Express Pass but it was still a long wait and we barely made it to Yoshi’s Adventure. The staff there told us not to worry, that we’d have been let through even if we’d arrived late from Mario Kart.
Our Day at Universal Studios Japan
We visited in late April, just before Golden Week. The park opened at 9:00am.
We weren’t in a rush to be at the park before it opened because we had timed entry to Super Nintendo World and the Wizarding World of Harry Potter with our Express Passes. Still, we wanted to get to the park in the morning to get on a ride or two before the lines got crazy (hours-long lines are not uncommon here!).
Arrival & Entrance
We took the train and metro from Kyoto and arrived at USJ at about 9:12am. We grabbed snacks at the Lawson convenience store at the entrance and walked to the left to get our bags checked (security check). We were in the bag check line at 9:20, and we entered the park at 9:25.
Good To Know: As expected in Japan, the lines to enter the park are orderly. And there’s plenty to look at while you’re waiting.
Areas We Visited & Rides We Went On
JAWS – We had time to go on the JAWS ride before our 10:00 entrance to Super Nintendo World (the JAWS line wait was only 20 minutes). Tip: Sit on the left side of the boat for the best views of Jaws.
Super Nintendo World Area (Express Pass) – We waited in a short line to scan our entry tickets and then immediately waited in another line to buy Power Up Bands (way overpriced, in my opinion). Still, as Nintendo fans, we had so much fun in the area and I’m so glad we made it. Tip: If you like any of the souvenirs here, buy them before you leave because you can’t re-enter the area.
Mario Kart: Koopa’s Challenge (Express Pass) – My son and I really enjoyed this ride, but I’m not sure everyone will. You have to wear a headset that shows you part of the racing scene.
Yoshi’s Adventure (Express Pass) – Perfect for small kids in your group, but still fun for Nintendo fans. It also gives you a different viewpoint of the area (from above).
Harry Potter Area (Express Pass) – My Harry Potter loving son had a blast in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. We had Express Passes for the two rides and we also spent awhile wandering the streets, shopping in Honeydukes (Every Flavour beans! Chocolate Frogs!), looking at wands and little dragons, window shopping at the Hogsmeade shops, and watching people cast spells. Tip: Watch the owl cuckoo on the hour above the clock.
Love Harry Potter? Be sure to visit The Making of Harry Potter just outside of London!
Forbidden Journey (Express Pass) – An unexpected surprise!
Flight of the Hippogriff (Express Pass)
The Flying Dinosaur (Express Pass) – This was the most terrifying (in a good way) roller coaster I’ve ever been on! We screamed and laughed and held our breath on this crazy and adrenaline-pumping roller coaster. Don’t miss this if you’re a roller coaster fan!
Hollywood Dream (Express Pass) – You get to pick out your own song to listen to while on the ride. There’s also an option to do the ride facing backward.
Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem (Express Pass) – We almost skipped this one but I’m glad we made it to the Minion area. The ride is worth it too!
Dinosaurs in Jurassic Park Area – The Jurrasic Park ride was closed, but we still stopped by to see the moving dinosaurs.
4-D Cinema – We enjoyed it, but we walked right in without waiting in line. I probably wouldn’t do it again if the line was long.
Good To Know: There are a ton of rides and areas to visit for little kids, so if you’re coming with kids of different ages, you’ll be fine. I would happily return to USJ with my 3-year-old.
Leaving the Park
We left around 4:30pm, before the park closed. We were exhausted (and happy!) after a full day at the park. We got smoothies and made our way back to Kyoto.
Food at USJ
USJ has typical theme park food but it’s all adorable! Many of the dishes and snacks are themed (Minions, Super Mario, etc). There are a ton of sugary options, so you may want to bring some fruit or other snacks in with you.
I found the prices to be reasonable for a theme park (hot dogs for ¥950, or around $6 at the time).
We thought the cutest food was at Super Nintendo World, with plenty of Mario-themed options.
What We Did: We brought a few snacks in from Lawson (just outside the entrance) – some Super Mario gummies, onigiri, and drinks. We ate smoked chicken thighs for lunch – so delicious!
Tips for Visiting Universal Studios Japan
Before committing to USJ and buying tickets, make sure your kids are tall enough to do the rides you want to do. Otherwise, you may be paying high prices for entry (and Express Passes) and setting yourselves up for disappointment. For example, Super Mario fans will want to do the Mario Kart ride, but the height requirement (accompanied) is 107 cm.
Download the app and have it set up before you get to the park.
Arrive early if you don’t have an Express Pass with timed entrance. You can still get timed entry if you walk directly to Super Nintendo World. I didn’t want to risk it, but when we walked to Super Nintendo World after 9:30, there was still timed entry availability for the day (and availability lasted until 12:00pm that day).
If you have an Express Pass, go on any rides you want to do that aren’t on your pass right when you enter the park. My son decided later in the day that he wanted to go on Demon Slayer: Kimetsu… but at that point the wait was 3 hours!
Bring an external charger for your mobile phone. You’ll need it for your tickets, photos and for Super Nintendo World.
Having experienced Super Nintendo World with the Power Up Bands… I wouldn’t purchase them again. There’s plenty to see and do without the extra expense. We did some of the Power Up Band interactive experiences but would’ve had plenty of fun without them.
Ask for help if you need it! Japan is so organized and set up for everyone, and Universal Studios is no exception. This Riders Guide gives you some info, and you can ask for help at the park too. The park is stroller friendly and there are changing tables in some of the toilets (see the Riders Guide).
Know that USJ is spacious and there are plenty of areas to sit down or walk without crowds. We never felt overwhelmed (well, maybe a bit in Super Nintendo World).
I had a small backpack (Fjallraven) with water, snacks, and room for our fleeces. If I couldn’t bring it on a ride (like the Flying Dinosaur) there were always free lockers provided.
There are drinking fountains around the park and in some of the lines.
Many people were wearing masks. They were not required during our visit.
Highlights of Our Visit to Universal Studios Japan
My son and agreed the best parts of our visit to USJ were:
- The Flying Dinosaur rollercoaster
- Super Nintendo World (& Mario Kart)
- Wizarding World of Harry Potter (The Forbidden Journey, looking around Hogsmeade, shopping at Olivanders)
- Seeing so many people dressed up in costumes or themed clothing (so much fun!)
- JAWS
I hope this helps you plan a little bit and get an idea of what your day can be like at Universal Studios Japan. Have fun, and be sure to wave back at all of the amazing USJ staff!
Looking for more on travel to Japan? Check out
9 Reasons to Visit Japan with Kids
Packing List for 10 Days in Japan with a 9-Year-Old
10 Days in Japan with a 10-Year-Old – Our Itinerary
Souvenirs from Japan – What We Brought Back
Things to Do in Tokyo with a 10-Year-Old
Where to Stay in Tokyo with Kids – Areas & Hotels
How to Get Glasses in Tokyo – In One Day
A Day at Universal Studios Japan – Our Experience
Tokyo Disneysea with Kids – Quick Tips
Staying in a Ryokan in Kyoto
