Universal Studios Japan is one of my favourite theme parks worldwide. If you’ve been an Explorer with us for a while, then it is no surprise that I always recommend the park to anyone visiting Japan’s Kansai region. The varied offerings from limited-time anime collaborations, family-friendly entertainment, and the incredible Super Nintendo World make this park one of the best.

Knowing where to start with your planning is overwhelming if it’s your first visit to Universal Studios Japan. As a regular visitor to the park, I’m here to give you essential tips for your first visit.

Read through all these tips, and you’ll be miles ahead of everyone else.

Once you’re done, I recommend our comprehensive digital guidebook on Universal Studios Japan to take your travel planning to the next level.

Always Buy Tickets & Express Pass in Advance

While you can attempt to buy tickets at the ticket booths, I don’t recommend that at all. Not only do you risk tickets selling out, but you’re also wasting time getting into the park to beat the crowds.

Tickets and Express Pass are available two months in advance.

I have a complete guide on buying your tickets and Express Pass in our tickets guide, so read that article at least three times. If you know you want tickets right now, then I recommend buying your tickets and express pass through Klook.

Express Pass is Worth Splurging

The Express Pass allows you to skip the lines for select attractions and the options to enter Super Nintendo World. It’ll save you time from waiting in the regular standby line.

The Express Pass is worth the splurge if you cannot visit often or if this is a once-in-a-lifetime trip. In most cases, the cost per person is more than a day ticket, so that’s something to keep in mind.

Read my guide on Express Pass to learn how to buy them.

Arrive at the Park Early

The worst-kept secret is that Universal Studios Japan opens the park before its advertised opening time. That means if the park hours say 8:00 AM on the website, the park could open as early as 7:00 AM. The kicker is the time isn’t publicly announced.

A good rule of thumb is to be there an hour before opening. Most major attractions are open so that you can knock out a few rides with minimal wait. Sometimes, you can walk right into Super Nintendo World, but this isn’t always the case; see our guide for more details.

Stay at a Universal Studios Japan Hotel

It’s much easier to arrive at the park early in the morning if you’re staying at one of the Universal hotels at the park. I recommend staying two or three nights in a hotel. Here are my recommendations:

Universal Studios Japan is accessible to all the hot spots in Osaka, so it’s not out of the question to use your Universal Hotel as your home base if you don’t want to bounce around hotels. Each hotel gives different benefits, so it’s best to check with them directly.

Download the Universal Studios Japan App

Having the Universal Studios Japan app makes your day easier by seeing the wait times for attractions and the park map. The app makes getting a timed entry for Super Nintendo World easier.

There’s only Wi-Fi at the entrance to the park, so I recommend a portable Wi-Fi device or an e-sim to stay connected in Japan. Also, you’ll need to keep your devices charged, so a portable power bank is essential.

You Can’t Simply Walk into Super Nintendo World

Super Nintendo World requires an additional reservation called a timed entry (free of charge) to get into the area. Without one, you’re unable to enter the area in most cases. Here’s a quick rundown of how to get into Super Nintendo World:

• Buy an Express Pass that comes with a timed entry.
• Get a timed entry after you’ve scanned your park ticket into the park through the app.
• Somedays, if you’re inside the park before the official opening time, you may be able to enter the area without a timed entry ticket.

Read our comprehensive guide for more details on getting into Super Nintendo World. You can also watch our video below!

Visit During the Week

The park is known for being busy and crowded, so the best way to avoid crowds is to visit during the week and skip national holidays. While you can consult with a crowd calendar to check your dates, I advise you to choose a day or two that works best with your plans.

Stressing over visiting on a Wednesday or Thursday isn’t worth the stress. Pick one that works best and go with that. You’ll be fine if it’s not a national holiday.

Don’t forget to check attraction closures and consult our best times to visit guide (it’s for Tokyo Disney Resort, but the same idea applies).

One Day is Enough

In most cases, one day is enough to enjoy Univeral Studios Japan, even more so if you opt for the Express Pass. For a more relaxed pace, then go with 1.5 or 2 days.

Use the Single Rider Lines

Some major attractions have a Single Rider line, and I cannot stress enough that you should use them. This allows you to have a shorter wait, but the only downside is you’re separated from everyone you’re with (in most cases).

When it comes to saving time, it’s worth ditching everyone! Ask any of my friends who visit with me. I do it all the time.

These rides have Single Rider lines that you should use:

• Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem
• Space Fantasy – The Ride (and its overlay)
• The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man 4K3D – The Ride (closing permanently in 2024)
• The Flying Dinosaur
• Mario Kart: Koopa’s Challenge
• JAWS
• Elmo’s Go-Go Skateboard
• Hollywood Dream – The Ride
• Jurassic Park – The Ride
• Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey

Check the Seasonal Event Calendar

Universal Studios Japan has special seasonal events, most of which are included in your ticket, throughout the year, from its popular Cool Japan to Halloween Horror Nights. While the events aren’t announced far in advance, I recommend checking the events calendar to see what’s happening during your visit!

Also, check attraction closures too.

There’s No Rentry

One thing that catches people off guard is no re-entry with a day ticket. If you leave the park, you won’t be allowed back in on the same ticket; you’ll have to buy another one. The only exception I’m aware of is if you have an annual pass.

Don’t Worry Too Much About the Language Barrier

You can navigate most things at the park if you don’t know Japanese. The park map, signage, and restaurant menus are in English. However, don’t expect all Team Members to speak English. While they’ll do their best to help you, knowing a few pleasantries and having Google Translate on your phone help. Also, most of the shows are only in Japanese.

Some things, like limited-time events and offerings, are inaccessible if you don’t know Japanese. An example is the Spy x Family treasure hunt is only in Japanese and no other language.

Expect Waits for Food

Expect restaurant and food booth lines to become long during meal times. Try to eat before noon or later in the day for shorter lines. You may need a “timed ticket” to stand in the queue for some limited-time food. An example is the Pokémon snacks, where on busy days, you’ll need to get a timed ticket and return later, which are first-come-first-served.

On most days, Kinopio’s Cafe in Super Nintendo World requires you to get a return time as you can’t make a reservation ahead of time. You’ll get this return time from the front of the restaurant.

Get a Spot for the Parade Early

The “No Limit!” Parade is worth waiting for, and I recommend getting a spot no later than an hour before it starts. While it typically begins at 2 PM, check the schedule. It’s a ton of fun, and you won’t regret it.

Travelling from Tokyo is Possible

There’s a good chance Universal Studios Japan is part of a larger trip, and you’ll come from the Tokyo area. If you have the JR Rail Pass (or buy a ticket a-la-carte), hop onto the Shinkansen, aka bullet train, between Tokyo and Osaka (or vice versa). It’s about a 2.5-hour train ride and is a popular route, which means there’s a lot of signage in English.

Remember to Enjoy Yourself

It’s easy to get overwhelmed while sticking to your carefully laid-out plan. When I feel overwhelmed, I slow down, take a few deep breaths, and remind myself we’re here to have fun! The fact that you’re reading this article means you’re doing your research, and I’m here to reassure you that you’ll be fine. All your plans may not work perfectly, but it’ll all work out in the end.

Now, go and have fun and ride The Flying Dinosaur for me! For more on Universal Studios Japan, see our dedicated page and digital guidebook!