Universal Studios Japan Studio Pass

Universal Studios Japan in Osaka is the busiest theme park in the country right now, and it is not close. Between Super Nintendo World, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and the new Donkey Kong Country expansion, USJ has gone from a fun day out to the hottest theme park ticket in Asia. The Studio Pass is your park entry, and these days it is very much a book-ahead affair.

What the Studio Pass covers

The Studio Pass is straight admission: every land and every standby queue in the park, from Hollywood Dream and The Flying Dinosaur through to Minion Park and the Wizarding World. It comes as an e-ticket with a QR code, so you go straight from the train to the gates without a ticket booth stop. One and a half day and two day versions exist if you want to spread the park across an evening plus a full day.

The Super Nintendo World catch

Park entry does not guarantee entry to Super Nintendo World. On busy days the area runs timed entry: you request a slot in the official app once you are inside the park, and slots can be gone by mid-morning. If Nintendo is the whole reason you are going, either arrive before opening and request a slot immediately, or pair your Studio Pass with an Express Pass that includes guaranteed area entry. The same now applies to the Donkey Kong Country expansion, where the Mine Cart Madness queue can pass three hours.

Getting there by train

USJ has its own station, Universal City, two stops from Nishikujo on the JR Yumesaki Line. From Osaka Station it is about 12 minutes with one easy change, all covered by the JR Pass or a few hundred yen on a Suica or ICOCA card. From Namba or your hotel in central Osaka, allow half an hour door to gate.

Tips worth knowing

• Buy your dated ticket as soon as plans firm up. Weekends, Japanese school holidays and anniversary events sell out.
• Be at the gates 45 minutes before official opening. USJ routinely opens early.
• Download the official USJ app for queue times and the Nintendo area timed entry lottery.
• Single rider queues on The Flying Dinosaur and Hollywood Dream save serious time if your group does not mind splitting up.

Frequently asked questions

Does the Studio Pass include Super Nintendo World? It includes the park, but on busy days area entry is by free timed slot via the app, or guaranteed with certain Express Passes.

Is there a multi-day option? Yes, 1.5 and 2 day Studio Passes are sold alongside the standard one day.

How early should I book? A few weeks out for quiet dates, further for weekends and holidays.

We may earn a commission when you book through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. Details and inclusions can change, so always check the booking page for the latest.