Universal Studios Japan
Universal Studios Japan (USJ) was the first theme park under the Universal Studios brand to be built in Asia. Opened in 2001 in the Osaka Bay Area, the theme park has been expanded over the years and is one of the most visited amusement parks in Japan.
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Universal Studios Japan currently has ten sections: Hollywood, New York, San Francisco, Jurassic Park, Waterworld, Amity Village, Universal Wonderland, Minion Park, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Super Nintendo World. Visitors are able to enjoy many amusement rides, ranging from child-friendly carousels to thrilling roller coasters and simulators based on popular movies such as the Minions, Shrek and Jurassic Park.
In addition to rides, the theme park offers many opportunities to take pictures with popular characters' mascots such as Snoopy, Hello Kitty and the Muppets. There are also various shows put on every day, including a night parade featuring illuminated floats.
Just outside the park's gates is Universal Citywalk Osaka, a shopping mall with multiple hotels and many restaurants and shops, including stores selling Universal Studios merchandise and Osaka souvenirs. Furthermore, the Osaka Takoyaki Museum, which is essentially a collection of several popular takoyaki vendors, is located on the mall's fourth floor.
Getting there and around
By train
The park's entrance gate is located a five minute walk from Universal City Station on the JR Yumesaki Line (also referred to as JR Sakurajima Line). From Osaka Station, there are several direct trains per hour (15 minutes, 190 yen) and many more connections that require an easy transfer at Nishikujo Station. From Kansai Airport, take a JR airport rapid to Nishikujo Station and transfer to the JR Yumesaki Line to Universal City Station (75 minutes, 1210 yen).
By bus
Universal Studios Japan is connected by bus to Kansai Airport (50-70 minutes, 1800 yen, hourly) and Itami Airport (45 minutes, 940 yen, hourly). Some overnight buses from other cities across Japan also stop at the Universal Studios Japan.
By ferry
A ferry service named "Captain Line" connects the Universal Studios Japan with the Osaka Aquarium (10 minutes, 900 yen one way, 1700 yen roundtrip, 1-2 ferries per hour). A combination ticket for the aquarium and the ferry ride can be purchased for 3400 yen (one way) or 4200 yen (roundtrip).
Hours and Fees
Hours
Refer to the park's official website.
Closed
Admission
8,400 to 9,400 yen (12-64 years old)
5,400 to 6,300 yen (4-11 years old)
7,600 to 8,500 yen (65 years or older)
Passes include unlimited rides and can be bought at the official website, park gates, partner hotels and through Klook.
Purchase USJ Studio Pass |
Express Passes allow holders to skip lines for selected rides and are available for four rides (between 6,800 and 18,800 yen depending on the rides and day) or seven rides (between 10,800 and 23,800 yen depending on the rides and day) online in advance or on the day at the entrance gate and inside the park. Express Passes may sell out on busy days.
Purchase USJ Express Pass 4 |
Purchase USJ Express Pass 7 |
Note that there is a limit on how many people can visit the popular Super Nintendo World each day. Guaranteed access is possible by purchasing in advance an Express Pass (see above) or travel package that includes entry to the Super Nintendo World. Otherwise, it is possible to get a "timed entry ticket" at the park on the day of your vist via the official app or at a ticket office. On busy days when the limit of visitors is exceeded, it is possible to apply for timed entry tickets based on a lottery.
Questions? Ask in our forum.
Links and Resources
English
Hotels around Osaka
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Kaneyoshi RyokanA modern Japanese inn in Dotombori. the center of Osaka. 2 subway stations nearby. Close to many shops and Osaka Castle.View siteSponsored
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HOTEL SAILSLocated in Osaka and with Tempozan Ferris Wheel reachable within 500 metres, HOTEL SAILS provides a restaurant, non-smoking rooms, free WiFi throughout the property and a bar. This 4-star hotel offers a 24-hour front desk and luggage storage space. Aeon Mall Osaka Dome City is 5.8 km from the hotel and Universal Studios Japan is 6 km away. Guest rooms in the hotel are equipped with a kettle. At HOTEL SAILS each room comes with air conditioning and a flat-screen TV. The accommodation offers a buffet or American breakfast. Isoji Central Park is 2.8 km from HOTEL SAILS, while Minato Kumin Centre is 2.8 km away. Itami Airport is 26 km from the property.View on Booking.com
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Guest House YadomaruFeaturing 1-star accommodation, Guest House Yadomaru is set in Osaka, 500 metres from Tempozan Ferris Wheel and 3.1 km from Isoji Central Park. The air-conditioned accommodation is 3.2 km from Minato Kumin Centre. Aeon Mall Osaka Dome City is 6.1 km from the guest house and Hirao Park is 6.1 km away. Featuring a shared bathroom, units at the guest house also feature free WiFi. Guests can also relax in the shared lounge area. Universal Studios Japan is 6.4 km from the guest house, while Chishima Park is 6.4 km from the property. The nearest airport is Itami Airport, 27 km from Guest House Yadomaru.View on Booking.com
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LIBER HOTEL OsakaLIBER HOTEL Osaka features air-conditioned rooms with satellite flat-screen TV in the Osaka Bay district of Osaka. Among the facilities of this property are a restaurant, a 24-hour front desk and ticket service, along with free WiFi. The hotel has a garden and provides a terrace. Guest rooms in the hotel are equipped with a kettle. All units will provide guests with a fridge. A buffet breakfast is available daily at Liber Hotel Osaka for a fee. Universal Studios Japan is 1.0 km from the accommodation, while Tempozan Ferris Wheel is 6 km away. The nearest airport is Itami Airport, 22 km from LIBER HOTEL Osaka.View on Booking.com
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Hotel Universal PortHotel Universal Port is a 4-minute walk from Universal Studios Japan and a 20-minute drive from Osaka Station. It offers 1 restaurants, and rooms with free WiFi. Guest rooms offer both air conditioning and heating facilities. Each room is equipped with a fridge, an electric kettle and a flat-screen TV with cable channels. The en suite bathroom comes with toiletries and a bathtub. Hairdryers, slippers and bath amenities including a toothbrush set are provided. Laundry and dry cleaning services are available. Luggage storage can be found at the 24-hour front desk. Restaurant Port Dining Rico Rico serves a variety of buffet dishes for breakfast. Universal Port Hotel is a 20-minute ride from Shin-Osaka Station and Umeda Station. It is a 15-minute drive from Kaiyukan and a 25-minute train ride from Namba Station.View on Booking.com
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The Park Front Hotel at Universal Studios JapanThe hotel features private parking, various cafes, restaurants and shops on site, as well as free WiFi access in all areas. Universal City Station is a 12-minute ride from JR Osaka Station via train, and a 20-minute ride from JR Shin-Osaka Station, where bullet train access is provided. The limousine bus service from Osaka International Airport to the property takes 45-minutes. From Kansai International Airport, the limousine bus will take 70-minutes. By car, it is around a 20-minute drive from Osaka via the Hanshin Express Way. The hotel features a 24-hour front desk, luggage storage and massage services, and a coin laundry service is available at an extra cost on the 2nd floor. In addition, guests will find a caf?, a pancake shop, a pizza restaurant and a convenience store all within the property premises. All rooms are furnished with an air purifier/moisturizer and are air-conditioned with a flat-screen satellite TV, desk and seating area. The en suite bathroom features a private bath and shower. Free toiletries, slippers and a hairdryer is provided. Rooms are also soundproof and feature refrigerators as well as personal lockers. The on-site restaurant Buffet Dining Akala has a Hawaiian themed interior and serves a wide array of international cuisine, including Chinese, Western and Japanese dishes. The restaurant is available for breakfast, lunch and dinner.View on Booking.com
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Hotel Universal Port VitaIdeally located in the Osaka Bay district of Osaka, Hotel Universal Port Vita is a 4-minute walk from Universal Studios Japan, 4 km from Osaka Bay Tower and 6 km from Tempozan Ferris Wheel. Featuring a restaurant, the 4-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, each with a private bathroom. Private parking is available on site. Guest rooms in the hotel are fitted with a kettle. All guest rooms at Hotel Universal Port Vita come with a flat-screen TV with satellite channels and a safety deposit box. Guests at the accommodation can enjoy a buffet breakfast. Speaking English and Japanese at the 24-hour front desk, staff are willing to help at any time of the day. Isoji Central Park is 4 km from Hotel Universal Port Vita, while Minato Kumin Centre is 4 km from the property. The nearest airport is Itami Airport, 16 km from the hotel.View on Booking.com
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Guest House Rice ChikkoGuest House Rice Chikko is located in Osaka and features free WiFi throughout the property. Guests can enjoy the on-site bar and shared lounge. The property is located 7 km from Namba Station and Glico Man Sign. All rooms in the guest house are fitted with a flat-screen TV. The shared bathroom is equipped with free toiletries. Guest House Rice Chikko is a 30-minute train ride or a 15-minute drive away from Universal Studios Japan. Shinsaibashi Station is 7 km from Guest House Rice Chikko, while Shinsekai is 7 km away. INTEX Osaka is 2 km away, while Kyocera Dome Osaka is 4.4 km away. The nearest airport is Osaka Itami Airport, 15 km from the property.View on Booking.com
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TOMARO Osaka BaySet within 800 metres of Tempozan Ferris Wheel and 2.8 km of Isoji Central Park, TOMARO Osaka Bay offers rooms with air conditioning and a private bathroom in Osaka. Boasting full-day security, this property also provides guests with a sun terrace. Free WiFi is available and private parking can be arranged at an extra charge. The accommodation comes with a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with walk-in shower, bidet and slippers, while the kitchenette has a microwave, a fridge and a stovetop. Units are equipped with a dressing room. At the aparthotel, the units include bed linen and towels. The area is popular for cycling, and bike hire is available at this 3-star aparthotel. Minato Kumin Centre is 2.8 km from the aparthotel, while Aeon Mall Osaka Dome City is 5.7 km from the property. Itami Airport is 26 km away.View on Booking.com
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PORTA INN bentenchoFeaturing free WiFi and a shared lounge, Porta Inn is set in Osaka, 4 km from Universal Studios Japan. Built in 2018, the property is within 4 km of Glico Man Sign and 4.3 km of Namba CITY shopping mall. The accommodation provides a 24-hour front desk and a concierge service for guests. At the hotel, rooms have a desk and a flat-screen TV. Every room is equipped with a private bathroom with a bath. All units have a wardrobe. Billboard Live Osaka is 4.9 km from PORTA INN, while Shinsekai is 5.4 km away. Itami Airport is 16 km from the property. The use of the fitness center requires an additional cost.View on Booking.com
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THE SINGULARI HOTEL & SKYSPA at UNIVERSAL STUDIOS JAPANThe Singulari Hotel & Skyspa at UNIVERSAL STUDIOS JAPAN TM is an official affiliate of Universal Studios Japan (R). Directly connected to JR Universal City Station, guests can enjoy convenient access to Universal Studios Japan (R) and Osaka city centre. Free WiFi is available in all rooms. For guests' comfort, all rooms are equipped with Simmons mattresses. A clothes rack, sofa bed, electric kettle, hairdryer, toothbrush and slippers are provided. Some rooms have large windows featuring Osaka bay views. Dry cleaning service can be requested for an additional charge. The Skyspa which features an open-air bath and a sauna is located on the 14th floor and is free for all guests to view the Osaka waterfront. The on-site restaurant offers buffet breakfast for an additional cost. JR Osaka Station is a 12-minute train ride from the hotel, while Namba Station is a 35-minute train ride and walk away. The closest airport is Itami Airport which is 30 minutes drive away from the property.View on Booking.com
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Osaka Restaurants
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Oryori MiyamotoAwarded Two Stars in 2024 - A renowned kaiseki restaurant that has earned two stars on a prestigious global gourmet site for over 10 consecutive years. While preserving the traditions of Japanese cuisine, the chef’s unique and innovative touch subtly shines through in the dishes, attracting food enthusiasts from all over the world.View on JapanEatinerary
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SushirokuAwarded One Star in 2024 - A cozy, family-run restaurant managed by a husband and wife. They are deeply committed to perfecting their shari (sushi rice) and use two types of vinegared rice tailored to complement each topping. Since 2019, the restaurant has consistently earned stars.View on JapanEatinerary
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Kitashinchi Kushikatsu BonA restaurant that elevates Osaka's soul food, kushikatsu, to a luxurious level. Skilled chefs meticulously prepare each skewer using carefully selected premium ingredients such as Chateaubriand and foie gras. The skewers are fried in a custom copper pot using a unique oil blend based on cottonseed oil, enhancing the natural flavors of the ingredients.View on JapanEatinerary
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OIMATSU Tempura SuzukiA renowned tempura restaurant led by a master chef who honed his skills at prestigious establishments, including The Ritz-Carlton, Osaka. Guests can savor exquisite tempura made with premium ingredients such as Japanese Black Wagyu fillet and Chateaubriand. The restaurant features a pristine white-wood counter, with lacquered vermillion trays set before each seat, the vibrant hue adding an elegant and festive touch to the entire space.View on JapanEatinerary
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Sushidokoro Kurosugi ShinkanThe branch of the star-awarded Sushidokoro Kurosugi offers a more affordable way to enjoy its exceptional flavors. Ingredients are sourced together with the main restaurant, where they are prepared before being brought to this location to be crafted into dishes.Guests can savor outstanding sushi alongside a wide selection of sake that is always available.View on JapanEatinerary
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Kassen IritaniThe head chef honed his skills at the star-awarded Naniwaryori Yu and served as the executive chef at the second branch of the equally star-awarded Oimatsu Kitagawa. He showcases his expertise by sourcing the freshest seafood from across Japan, offering dishes such as fresh sashimi and fragrant charcoal-grilled delicacies. The head chef also holds a sommelier certification, providing a wide selection of wines ranging from classic labels to rare finds.View on JapanEatinerary
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KonohaAwarded One Star in 2024 - The head chef, with 16 years of training at a long-established traditional restaurant, expresses the seasonal flavors of each passing season through dishes based on a broth made from premium kombu (kelp). Their signature tempura stands out with a delicate batter enriched with extra egg yolks for a rich and indulgent flavor. The tableware, carefully selected, includes exquisite pieces such as Kutani porcelain and Wajima lacquerware.View on JapanEatinerary
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Sushi HoshiyamaAwarded One Star in 2024 - This restaurant is popular for offering authentic Edomae (Tokyo-style) sushi without modern interpretations or creative twists. The head chef trained extensively at a star-awarded sushi restaurant in Osaka before establishing his own place. The restaurant is also highly regarded among fellow sushi chefs, boasting many fans within the industry.View on JapanEatinerary
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YUNiCOAwarded One Star in 2024 - Run by a chef who trained for 10 years at RISTORANTE HiRo, operated by the renowned Hiromi Yamada, featured in numerous media outlets. Guests can enjoy the thrill of watching high-quality ingredients, including Kyoto's traditional vegetables and fresh seafood from Awaji, being prepared right before their eyes across the counter.View on JapanEatinerary
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Sushi HakuIn an elegant space that perfectly embodies the term "a hidden retreat for adults," guests can savor exquisite sushi. With presentations that delight not only the palate but also the eyes, each visit offers new discoveries and moments of awe. On the second floor, a bar is available where guests can enjoy a relaxing post-meal time with sake or wine.View on JapanEatinerary
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Experiences around Osaka
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Japanese Weaving Experience in Osaka"Saori weaving" without a role model. You can enjoy the weave of your choice.View on Klook
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Osaka Nighttime Guided Food TourExplore local neighborhoods many visitors donft get to seeView on Klook
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Kendo Experience Tour In Osaka "SAMURAI TRIP"Enjoy a real samurai experience with a 2-hour class to learn Kendo, a Japanese martial art formView on Klook
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Kimono Rental by Kimono Botan in OsakaMakes me feel better! Let's stroll around Osaka in your favorite kimonoView on Klook
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World Heritage Shirakawago and Takayama Private Tour from NagoyaLearn about the history of Japanese traditional buildings at your leisure.View on Klook
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Japanese Ceramics DIY Private Workshop in OsakaA pottery workshop in Osaka with an English, Spanish and Catalan speaking potterView on Klook
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Kyoto and Nara Private Car Charter with English Speaking GuideExplore Kyoto and Nara city on a day trip from Osaka or Kyoto!View on Klook
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Tea Ceremony Experience in OsakaObserve and experience the tea ceremony together with other participantsView on Klook
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Ninja Workshop and Costume Rental Experience in OsakaBecome a ninja for a day on this 1 hour ninja workshop and costume rental experience in OsakaView on Klook
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Osaka Highlights Private Day TourVisit the best spots in Osaka, including the famous Osaka Castle and Dotonbori Glico Spot, in just one day!View on Klook
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