If you have ever planned a day at Universal Studios Japan, you have likely stared at the Express Pass options and wondered if the price is worth it. To find out, we spent two full days in the park – one day exclusively using stand-by and single rider, and one utilising Express Pass. We timed every ride to see how much time we actually saved and whether the cost makes sense for most visitors.
Use our Klook promo code TDREXPLORERUSJ5 using this link for 5% off the Universal Studios Japan Studio Pass & Universal Studios Japan Express Pass! Hurry – this exclusive offer ends December 10th!
What is Express Pass at USJ?
The Express Pass is a paid upgrade that lets you skip the regular lines at Universal Studios Japan. There are different types available, each covering a set of attractions. You can buy them through the official Universal Studios Japan website or through our preferred third-party affiliate, Klook.
Image courtesy of Universal Studios Japan
Express Passes must be purchased separately from your park ticket and allow you to choose timed entries for select attractions, including Super Nintendo World. While it’s an additional cost, it can save you significant wait time if used strategically – more on that below!
Day 1: Stand-by and Single Rider
If you’ve ever planned a day at Universal Studios Japan without an Express Pass, you know the challenge of long queues. On our first day, we relied solely on stand-by lines and single rider options. Single rider lines are a great hack to reduce wait times, especially for popular rides, but you miss out on much of the immersive queue experience, however not all attractions offer single rider.
| Ride | Standby Wait | Single Rider Wait |
|---|---|---|
| Donkey Kong | 90 min | 45 min |
| Mario Kart | 130 min (~100–130 min noted) | 90 min |
| Yoshi’s Adventure | 70 min | N/A (68 min standby) |
| Jaws | 50 min | 15 min |
| Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey | 80 min | 18 min |
| Flight of the Hippogriff | 90 min | 50 min (ride skipped due to safety issue) |
| Flying Dinosaur | 80 min | 54 min |
Note: some attractions, like Yoshi’s Adventure, don’t offer single rider lines, so standby waits are unavoidable.
Day 2: Express Pass
On day two, we switched to using the Express Pass 7. This pass allows you to skip regular queues on seven of the park’s top attractions, but it comes with a significant price tag. The Express Pass not only cuts down wait times significantly, but it also allows you to experience more of the queue and pre-show content that you usually skip with single rider lines.
| Ride | Express Pass Wait |
|---|---|
| Donkey Kong | 10–15 min |
| Mario Kart | 20–25 min |
| Yoshi’s Adventure | 5–10 min |
| Jaws | 5 min |
| Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey | 10 min |
| Flight of the Hippogriff | 10–15 min |
| Flying Dinosaur | 15–20 min |
Verdict: Is Express Pass Worth It?
Comparing both days, we saved around 3.5 hours with Express Pass 7. If your priority is to ride everything with minimal waiting and experience more of the themed queues, the Express Pass is worth considering. On the other hand, single rider lines offer a budget-friendly alternative if you don’t mind skipping some of the queue details. What’s your preferred approach? Let us know!
Use our Klook promo code TDREXPLORERUSJ5 using this link for 5% off the Universal Studios Japan Studio Pass & Universal Studios Japan Express Pass! Hurry – this exclusive offer ends December 10th!
More on Universal Studios Japan
Universal Studios Japan Guidebook
Are you planning a trip to Universal Studios Japan? If so, you need our digital guidebook! Our guidebook is the most comprehensive resource available, covering everything you need to know about the park, including Super Nintendo World, Express Pass, hotels, restaurants, attractions, shows, seasonal events, and more! With our guidebook, you’ll be an expert on Universal Studios Japan before you even set foot in the park. You’ll know what to expect, where to go, and what to do. You’ll also be able to avoid the crowds and make the most of your time at the park.
Stress-Free Japan: Book with Klook
Make the most of your trip to Japan with these exclusive offerings from our trusted affiliate partner, Klook. From making bullet train reservations with ease to fully private tours, you can save time and money on your trip. I’ve used Klook since 2016, and it is my go-to booking platform for anything in Japan!
- Japan Shinkansen & Train Tickets
- JR Pass for All of Japan
- Klook Pass Greater Tokyo
- Asakusa Kimono Rental & Photo Shoot (Kimono Rental Ange)
- Mt. Fuji Private Customizable One Day Trip from Tokyo
Book Your Flight
I use Google Flights & Momodo to find affordable flights. Another great way is to sign up for Going to get notifications of cheap airfares, which happens often in Japan. You’ll sometimes stumble on cheap flights to Kansai International Airport.
Buy Your Shinkansen Tickets (Bullet Train)
Getting around Japan by the world-renowned bullet train, known as the Shinkansen, is incredibly fast, reliable, and affordable for visitors. You can travel from Tokyo to Osaka in just over 2 hours. Get the JR Rail Pass to save a ton of money on the bullet train for your trip.
Book Your Hotel
Universal Studios Japan has affordable accommodations that are steps away from the park and have easy access to Osaka. I recommend checking prices through Booking.com followed by the hotels directly. Sometimes, you’re able to score some incredible deals. Here’s a short list of hotels at Universal Studios Japan I recommend.
- The Park Front Hotel at Universal Studios Japan – You’re directly in front of the Park gates and have instant access to Universal CityWalk Osaka. The rooms are gorgeous, with restaurants and even a Lawson (Japanese convenience store).
- The Singulari HOTEL & SKYSPA – Attached to the train station is a fantastic hotel for those who want a comfortable, clean, and stylish place to sleep. After a long day at Universal Studios Japan, the rooftop sento (public bath) is excellent for unwinding and relaxing.
- Hotel Universal Port – This is an excellent hotel for the Minion fan in your family, only a 5-minute walk from Universal Studios Japan. It also boasts the largest breakfast buffet in Japan, a must during your visit.
Buy Your Tickets & Express Pass
In advance, save time and stress by buying your tickets and Express Pass for Universal Studios Japan.
Stay Connected
Universal Studios Japan only offers free Wi-Fi at the park’s entrance. That’s not enough to stay connected and share your day with everyone back home on Instagram to give them FOMO. Here’s how you can stay connected while travelling in Japan.
- Pocket Wi-Fi – If you’re travelling with a group or have multiple devices, this is your best and most affordable way to stay connected to the internet. Pick up and drop off at the airport. Easy.
- Japan SIM Card – If you have an unlocked phone and need a Japanese phone number, this is the best and easiest way.
Get Yourself Travel Insurance
While travelling aboard, having travel insurance protects you against injury, cancellations, illness, and other things you can never predict. Whenever I travel, I always budget for travel insurance to protect myself. I’ve used it, and I’m so glad I had it. My recommended companies are SafteyWing and World Nomads for travel insurance.
Learn More about Universal Studios Japan
Don’t forget to study our in-depth destination guide on Universal Studios Japan for more information on this beautiful park in Osaka.
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