Universal Studios Japan

Universal Studios Japan (USJ), located in Osaka, is one of six Universal Studios theme parks worldwide. It was the first to open outside the United States in 20011. The park is the second most visited amusement park in Japan. It offers various amusement rides and shows based on popular movies.

Operating Hours: Everyday 8.00am to 10.00pm Address: 2 Chome-1-33 Sakurajima, Konohana Ward, Osaka

Universal Studios Japan Ticket Prices, Express Pass & Promotions

Recommended Hotels Near Universal Studios Japan

  • Hotel Universal Port

    Within a 5-minute walk of Universal Studios Japan and Osaka Takoyaki Museum

  • The Park Front Hotel

    Steps from Universal CityWalk Osaka and 3 minutes by foot from Universal Studios Japan

  • Hotel Kintetsu Universal City

    Steps from Universal CityWalk Osaka and 3 minutes by foot from Universal Studios Japan

Reviews of Universal Studios Japan
4.7/5
13317 reviews
5/5
It's crowded, so it might not be suitable for those who just want to shop casually and focus on enjoying the view and atmosphere. The shopping items are very cute; you might end up spending all your money in the shops instead!
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5/5
The Halloween event was a lot of fun, and the Resident Evil collaboration was also very interesting.
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5/5
It was definitely the best thing we could have done. If you have the chance to do it, do it, because you don't get to play the best games all day, and that's even though we went early in October.
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5/5
Excellent amusement park. We bought fast-track tickets because we knew we wouldn't be able to fully enjoy the park otherwise, given the large crowds. And we're so glad we did! If you have the chance, do it, because you won't have enough time to go on all the best rides.
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5/5
So much fun! The coolest ride is definitely The Flying Dinosaur in Jurassic Park! If you’re looking for an adrenaline rush, this one is perfect — it even sends you diving backwards a few times!The Mario area is absolutely beautiful! If you book through the park’s app, you can get in much faster, but it’s always crowded.The Harry Potter area is amazing too! I think these are the best attractions, but there are still plenty of others I didn’t get to try, and I’ve heard they’re really good too!The food is pretty expensive, though. Expect to spend a little over ¥2,000 per person for a meal.
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Universal Studios Japan Tickets & Visiting Guide

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by Sophie

August 12, 2026

AttractionsTheme ParksOsakaJapanUniversal Studios Japan

Universal Studios Japan

Experience amazing movie worlds at Universal Studios Japan. Ride thrilling USJ attractions, see spectacular shows, and meet beloved characters from franchises like Harry Potter and Jurassic Park. USJ is perfect for movie fans, thrill-seekers, and families.

About Universal Studios Japan - Opening Hours & Address

Universal Studios Japan, often abbreviated as USJ, is one of the four Universal Studios theme parks. It was the first Universal Studios theme park to open in Asia, and it has more than 10 million visitors every year.

  1. Standard Hours (13.0 hrs): 08:30-21:30 is the most common schedule.
  2. Extended Hours (14.0 hrs): 08:00-22:00 occurs frequently (especially in Aug, early Sep & Oct).
  3. Reduced Hours: Shorter days include 09:00-20:00 (11.0 hrs), 09:00-19:00 (10.0 hrs early Sep), 08:30-18:30 (10.0 hrs Sep 4), and 09:30-21:30 (12.0 hrs Jul 27).
  4. Peak Season: August & October have the highest concentration of Extended Hours days.

However, the openning hours can vary depending on the season and special events, so it's recommended to check the official website for the most accurate information.

See Latest USJ Hours & Book USJ Tickets
10 Best Hotels near USJ

USJ Address: 2 Chome-1-33 Sakurajima, Konohana Ward, Osaka, 554-0031, Japan

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Universal Studios Japan (USJ) Halloween 2026: Event Overview & Highlights

USJ Halloween Horror Night 2026: Dates, Highlights & Event Guide | Trip.com

In 2026, Universal Studios Japan marks a major milestone—the 15th Anniversary of Halloween Horror Nights alongside the park’s 25th Anniversary overall.

1. Event Schedule

  • Universal Extreme Autumn (~Discover U!!!~): September 10 – November 8, 2026
  • Halloween Horror Nights (HHN): September 11 – November 8, 2026 (Runs daily from 18:00 to park close)
  • Extended Horror Attractions: Select attractions run beyond November 8, such as Resident Evil: Requiem – The Dive (through December 27, 2026) and JAWS: Red Alert (through January 31, 2027).

2. Nighttime Thrills & Street Horror (18:00 to Park Close)

  • Street Zombies: The largest zombie horde in USJ history overruns the park. Roaming packs include the Psycho Circus Clowns led by Hamikuma, the Chainsaw Chain-Gang, and tortured laboratory subjects.
  • Zombie de Dance: Guests dance alongside zombies to King Gnu's hit track "SO BAD".
  • Playback Zombie de Dance (15th Anniversary Special): The final street dance show each night revives iconic past event anthems, including Ado's "Show" and Sandaime J SOUL BROTHERS' "Rat-tat-tat".
  • Halloween Horror Night Academy ~15 Years of Screams~: A special retrospective stage show at Gramercy Park celebrating 15 years of USJ horror legends. (Paid express/reserved viewing area tickets available).

3. Mazes & Horror Attractions

  • Resident Evil: Requiem – The Dive (Stage 18): Celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Resident Evil / Biohazard franchise. Plunges guests into the ruined Renwood Hotel and sanatorium surrounded by bio-weapons. (Runs Sept 11 – Dec 27, 2026).
  • Factory of Fear ~Zombie Tour of Despair~ (Stage 22): A walk-through maze set inside a claustrophobic zombie manufacturing facility.
  • Sadako’s Curse ~Dark Horror Ride~ (Space Fantasy – The Ride): An indoor coaster overlay immersed in total darkness and Japanese psychological horror.
  • Afterimage: A brand-new, high-intensity psychological horror walkthrough requiring a separate paid ticket (from ¥1,900).
  • KATE PRESENTS – Witches of House 18: An immersive, reality-bending walk-through attraction.

4. Anime & Coaster Collaborations

  • Chainsaw Man: The Chaos 4-D: An immersive 4D theater experience featuring Devil Hunters in action.
  • Hollywood Dream – The Ride Overlays:
    • Backdrop (Backward Roller Coaster): Features "IRIS OUT" by Kenshi Yonezu (Chainsaw Man: Reze Arc theme).
    • Forward Coaster: Features King Gnu’s "SO BAD", Ado’s "Show", and Sandaime J SOUL BROTHERS' "Rat-tat-tat".

5. Nighttime Classic Rides & Daytime Family Fun

  • JAWS: Red Alert: After sunset, the classic boat ride turns pitch-black, shrouded in heavy fog, with blood-red waters as the shark attacks. (Runs Sept 11, 2026 – Jan 31, 2027).
  • Jurassic Park The Ride – In the Dark: A dark-water ride modification operating after dark.
  • Super Nintendo World (5th Anniversary): Features character greetings with Pink Yoshi and Light Blue Yoshi, alongside an upgraded Bowser Jr. Shadow Showdown.
  • Daytime Characters: Minion Monsters greeting sessions and family-friendly trick-or-treating during park operating hours before 18:00.
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How to go to Universal Studios Japan

How to go to Universal Studios Japan

Source from Universal Studios Japan Official

Transportation to Universal Studios Japan, located in Osaka, can vary depending on where you are coming from. Here are some common ways to get there:

1. Train:

From Osaka Station:

  • Route: Take the JR Yumesaki Line (also known as JR Sakurajima Line) directly to Universal-City Station. It's about a 5-minute walk from there to Universal Studios Japan.
  • Cost: approximately $1.35 USD
  • Travel Time: About 10-15 minutes

From Kyoto Station:

  • Route: Take the JR Kyoto Line to Osaka Station, then transfer to the JR Yumesaki Line to Universal-City Station.
  • Cost: approximately $6 USD
  • Travel Time: About 45-60 minutes

2. Bus:

From Kansai International Airport:

  • Route: There are direct airport limousine buses to Universal Studios Japan.
  • Cost: approximately $11.50 USD
  • Travel Time: About 70 minutes
How to go to Universal Studios Japan

Source: USJ official

3. Taxi:

Taxis are available throughout Osaka and can take you directly to Universal Studios Japan. They are more expensive than public transportation.

  • Cost: Varies greatly depending on your starting point; from Osaka Station, it could be around $18.50-$26 USD.
  • Travel Time: Depends on traffic; from Osaka Station, it could be around 15-30 minutes

4. Ferry:

  • Route: The Captain Line ferry service connects Universal Studios Japan with the Osaka Aquarium (Kaiyukan) in the Osaka Bay area.
  • Cost: approximately $6 USD for a one-way ticke
  • Travel Time: About 10 minutes

*Please note that all the costs are approximate and can fluctuate based on exchange rates, travel time, and other factors.

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How to go to Universal Studios Japan

Source: USJ official

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Best time to go to Universal Studios Japan

Best time to go to Universal Studios Japan

The best time to visit Universal Studios Japan in Osaka depends on several factors, including weather, crowd levels, and special events. Here are some considerations to help you decide when to go:

Season

Weather

Crowd Level

Special Note

Spring (March to May)

Mild and warm

Moderate to high

One of the best times to visit as the cherry blossoms are in full bloom.

Fall (September to November)

Mild weather

Moderate

Another great time with mild weather and the chance to see the autumn leaves.

Summer (June to August)

Hot and humid

High

A popular time for families to visit due to school vacations.

Winter (December to February)

Cold, but generally dry

Relatively low

Christmas events and New Year holiday create a festive atmosphere.

Ultimately, the best time for you will depend on your preferences for weather, crowd tolerance, and interest in special events.

Discover more info about USJ!
[8% Off] Best Hotels near USJ

What to Eat at Universal Studios Japan

What to eat at Universal Studios Japan

Universal Studios Japan offers diverse dining options that cater to a wide range of tastes. Here are several popular restaurants within the park:

Popular restaurants

Themed Land

Introduction

Finnegan's Bar & Grill

New York

Serves hearty meals such as fish and chips, beef stew, and their signature Finnegan's Burger.

The Three Broomsticks

Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Enjoys British pub fare like Fish & Chips, Shepherd's Pie, and the Great Feast Platter. Don't forget to try a Butterbeer.

Discovery Restaurant

Jurassic Park

Offers a wide selection of dishes, including roasted chicken, pasta, and a variety of salads.

Snoopy's Backlot Café

Universal Wonderland

Serves up Western-style food such as rotisserie chicken, pizza, and Snoopy-shaped curry rice.

SAIDO

San Francisco

This is a place to enjoy Japanese-style dishes, including ramen, udon, and tempura.

Mel's Drive-In

Hollywood

Burgers, fries, and milkshakes are the staples here. The restaurant is known for its retro 50s ambiance and classic American diner fare.

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Osaka Amazing Pass & JR Tickets
Osaka Amazing Pass | Visit attractions such as Osaka Castle Main Tower and Umeda Sky Building Floating Garden Observation Deck
Osaka Amazing Pass | Visit attractions such as Osaka Castle Main Tower and Umeda Sky Building Floating Garden Observation Deck
4.7/5
1347 reviews
This is a highly recommended travel pass, especially since it allows you to visit most of Osaka's attractions within two days, including both mountain and sea sightseeing. I already took three different boats to enjoy Osaka's scenery in just one day. Since it's impossible to see everything in two days, I would definitely buy it again if I had the chance.
[Official ticket] Osaka subway 1-day/2-day/26h/48h pass, e-ticket, scan to use
[Official ticket] Osaka subway 1-day/2-day/26h/48h pass, e-ticket, scan to use
4.6/5
575 reviews
Already bought for Osaka trip last year and its very convienent to use. Then I bought it again.
JR HARUKA Kansai Airport limited express ticket (physical ticket [requires redemption])
JR HARUKA Kansai Airport limited express ticket (physical ticket [requires redemption])
4.8/5
1556 reviews
I bought a HARUKA train ticket from Osaka Tennoji Station to Kansai Airport on Trip.com. The price was much cheaper than buying it at the counter, and I could exchange it for a physical ticket and reserve a seat at the Tennoji service counter/green machine a day earlier. Very convenient. Great value for money.
Osaka Amazing Pass (1-Day or 2-Day)
Osaka Amazing Pass (1-Day or 2-Day)
4.6/5
134 reviews
It is affordable and you can enter a lot of places using this pass!

Things to do at Universal Studios Japan

Things to do at Universal Studios Japan

Source from Universal Studios Japan Official

Universal Studios Japan is divided into 10 themed lands, each offering a unique atmosphere, attractions, shows, shops, and dining options. Here's an overview of the things you can do in each land:

1. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Visit Hogwarts Castle, explore Hogsmeade, and enjoy thrilling rides like Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. Don't forget to try a Butterbeer!

2. Minion Park: This is the world's largest Minion-themed area where you can enjoy a 3D ride, meet and greet with Minions, and shop for Minion merchandise.

3. Jurassic Park: Experience the thrilling Jurassic Park – The Ride, explore the jungle, and see dinosaurs up close.

4. Waterworld: Watch a live-action stunt show based on the film Waterworld, featuring water explosions and thrilling stunts.

5. Jaws: Take a boat ride and come face-to-face with the infamous great white shark from the Jaws movie.

6. Universal Wonderland: Perfect for families with young children, this area features characters from Sesame Street, Hello Kitty, and Snoopy. Enjoy rides, shows, and character meet and greets.

7. Amity Village: Experience the terror of Jaws on a thrilling boat ride, and enjoy other attractions based on the classic film.

8. Hollywood: Walk down the famous Hollywood Boulevard, enjoy live entertainment, and meet some of your favorite characters.

9. San Francisco: Explore this area that recreates the charm of San Francisco. Don't miss the Backdraft attraction, a thrilling experience based on the movie.

10. New York: Experience the Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man - The Ride 4K3D, and enjoy the atmosphere of New York with its classic landmarks.

USJ Latest Reviews
4.7/5
13317 reviews
5/5
It's crowded, so it might not be suitable for those who just want to shop casually and focus on enjoying the view and atmosphere. The shopping items are very cute; you might end up spending all your money in the shops instead!
review picture
5/5
The Halloween event was a lot of fun, and the Resident Evil collaboration was also very interesting.
review picture
5/5
It was definitely the best thing we could have done. If you have the chance to do it, do it, because you don't get to play the best games all day, and that's even though we went early in October.
review picture
5/5
Excellent amusement park. We bought fast-track tickets because we knew we wouldn't be able to fully enjoy the park otherwise, given the large crowds. And we're so glad we did! If you have the chance, do it, because you won't have enough time to go on all the best rides.
review picture
5/5
So much fun! The coolest ride is definitely The Flying Dinosaur in Jurassic Park! If you’re looking for an adrenaline rush, this one is perfect — it even sends you diving backwards a few times!The Mario area is absolutely beautiful! If you book through the park’s app, you can get in much faster, but it’s always crowded.The Harry Potter area is amazing too! I think these are the best attractions, but there are still plenty of others I didn’t get to try, and I’ve heard they’re really good too!The food is pretty expensive, though. Expect to spend a little over ¥2,000 per person for a meal.
review picture

Universal Studios Japan Map

Universal Studios Japan Map

Source from Universal Studios Japan Official

As the map shown above, Universal Studios Japan is divided into 10 themed lands. Travelers can also find playlands, restaurants, shops, and other services such as guest services, ATM aervice, family service, and currency exchange service on the map.

Universal Studios Japan Attractions

Universal Studios Japan is one of the most popular theme parks in Japan and features a wide range of attractions and entertainment based on movies produced by Universal Pictures, as well as other notable franchises. The park is divided into various themed areas with rides, shows, and attractions for visitors of all ages. Here are some key attractions:

1. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™:

  • Frog Choir: Enjoy a harmonic offering of songs by a choir of Hogwarts™ students, accompanied by their talented croaking frogs. The group of four students – one from each house; Gryffindor™, Slytherin™, Hufflepuff™ and Ravenclaw™ – perform songs familiar in the wizarding world.
  • Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey™: A thrilling, immersive ride that takes you through iconic scenes from the Harry Potter films.
  • Flight of the Hippogriff™: Follow Hagrid’s instructions as you learn the proper way to approach a Hippogriff, which has the head of a giant eagle and the body of a horse. Then you’ll take off on a family-friendly coaster that spirals and dives around the pumpkin patch, and swoops past Hagrid’s Hut.
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Universal Studios Japan Attractions

2. Minion Park:

  • Despicable Me Minion Mayhem: A 4D ride where guests join Gru, his daughters, and the mischievous Minions on a heartwarming and thrilling ride.
  • Super Silly Fun Land: An outdoor playground with water features, inspired by the seaside amusement park from the Despicable Me franchise.
Universal Studios Japan Attractions

3. Super Nintendo World:

  • Mario Kart: Koopa's Challenge™: Race your way to victory! Iconic Mario Kart courses have been brought to life with cutting-edge technology. Challenge enemies with shells! Aim for the finish line with Mario and Peach!
  • Yoshi's Adventure: Hang on to Yoshi as you search for Captain Toad on a treasure hunt! Use the Captain's map to find 3 mysterious eggs! Get a spectacular view of the Mushroom Kingdom from Mount Beanpole while having fun on this ride that's perfect for the whole family.
Universal Studios Japan Attractions

4. Jurassic Park :

  • A water-based attraction where guests embark on a river adventure through a dinosaur habitat, culminating in an exciting drop.
Universal Studios Japan Attractions

5. Hollywood:

  • A high-speed roller coaster that offers a panoramic view of the park, with an option to choose backward-facing seats for a different experience.
Universal Studios Japan Attractions

6. Universal Wonderland:

  • A family-friendly area with attractions themed around beloved characters such as Snoopy, Hello Kitty, and Sesame Street.
Universal Studios Japan Attractions
Visit Top Attractions at USJ!
10 Best Hotels near USJ

Other Top Attractions in Osaka

Other Attractions in Osaka

Attractions

Address

Recommended Sightseeing Time

Highlights

Price

Osaka Castle Park

1-1 Osakajo, Chuo Ward, Osaka

1-2 hours

The park is rich in vegetation, with cherry blossoms and plum blossoms attracting a large number of tourists every year.

From $3.96

Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan

1-1-10 Kaigandori, Minato-ku, Osaka

1-2 hours

The world's largest dome-shaped ceiling tank in the Arctic zone.

From $4.62

Dotombori

1 Chome Dotonbori, Chuo Ward, Osaka

1-3 hours

Dotonbori is a well-known and bustling business district, famous for its neighboring theaters, commercial and entertainment venues

Free

Shinsaibashisuji

2-2-22 Shinsaibashisuji, Chuo-ku, Osaka

2-4 hours

Shinsaibashi is a well-known commercial shopping district in Osaka

Free

Umeda Sky Building

1 Chome-1-88 Oyodonaka, Kita Ward, Osaka

1-2 hours

Take in the Osaka cityscape with a bird’s-eye view from the 360-degree open air rooftop

From $4.62

🎁 Book Cheap Flights to Osaka | Best Hotels near USJ | Get fast & reliable Japan eSIM.
Osaka Castle Park
Osaka Castle Park
4.8/5
4542 reviews
Osaka Castle Park is much larger than I expected. It's about a ten-minute walk from Tanimachi 4-chome Station, and you can already see the moat and stone walls along the way. The castle tower requires a separate ticket, but the park itself is free. The cherry blossom season and ginkgo season offer completely different scenery; autumn is the most pleasant time to walk along the ginkgo avenue, where fallen leaves carpet the ground. The stone walls along the moat are worth stopping to admire; the stones are of varying sizes, with moss growing in the crevices, showing their age. A word of caution: the queues at the castle tower can be very long during peak hours, so check opening hours online beforehand; many areas in the park do not allow sitting on the grass; and some areas of the park are darkened at night, so arrive early if you want to take night photos. Overall, it's best to spend half a day here, taking your time and not rushing to see everything.
Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan
Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan
4.7/5
966 reviews
A great aquarium! You can come with friends/family or alone. There are many different aquariums, especially the main shark tank, which you can walk around from top to bottom. Inside the aquarium, you can get 11 stamps featuring the aquarium's inhabitants.
Dotonbori
Dotonbori
4.7/5
1621 reviews
🇯🇵【Dotonbori, Osaka | Food and River Tours】🦀 Dotonbori is a must-visit in Osaka! The eye-catching Glico Runner and the giant crab sign are perfect for taking photos. Savor the sweet and delicious crab dishes, then take a Dotonbori sightseeing cruise to admire the bustling street scenes and neon lights on both banks of the river, experiencing Osaka's most representative vibrant atmosphere – a one-stop shop for food, shopping, and a cruise!
Shinsaibashisuji
Shinsaibashisuji
4.7/5
1804 reviews
Around the Autumn Equinox, we went chestnut picking in the mountains. The chestnut trees grew in sparse forests, and the ripe chestnuts would crack open and fall to the ground on their own. Wearing thick gloves, we searched for the fallen chestnuts under the trees. Peeling back the spiky shell revealed plump, round, and adorable chestnut kernels. The mountain breeze was cool, and the air was filled with the fresh scent of leaves. Walking on the soft, fluffy ground, we searched and picked, like a treasure hunt, and soon we had a small bag full. After picking the chestnuts, we gave them to a farmer at the foot of the mountain, who steamed them for us. Peeling them revealed golden chestnut kernels, sweet and powdery, incredibly delicious—even better than the roasted chestnuts sold in the market. We returned home laden with our chestnuts, even the wind on the road carrying the aroma of chestnuts. The joy of picking chestnuts in the mountains was truly unforgettable.
Umeda Sky Building
Umeda Sky Building
4.7/5
420 reviews
Be sure to come here in the evening to admire the lights of Osaka! The building itself is very unique from the outside, and the inside is also very pleasant. The observation deck is wonderful! It was great to enjoy the views of the city, take beautiful photos, and ride the neon escalator! There were quite a few people, but no one was in the way. We easily exchanged our e-ticket for a physical one, so overall, everything was great! I highly recommend it 🥰

FAQs about Universal Studios Japan

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