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.

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

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

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.

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

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.

Source: USJ official

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:

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

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:

Things to do at Universal Studios Japan

Source from Universal Studios Japan Official

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

4. Jurassic Park :

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

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.

6. Universal Wonderland:

• A family-friendly area with attractions themed around beloved characters such as Snoopy, Hello Kitty, and Sesame Street.

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