Osaka Self-Guided Tour | Universal Studios Japan Tickets & Express Pass Tips
With the rising popularity of Japan travel, a visit to Universal Studios Japan in Osaka is a must-do activity. This theme park, with its adorable characters such as Harry Potter and Super Mario, offers various themed areas and thrilling attractions, making it impossible not to visit.
However, with the variety of Universal Studios Japan ticket types available, it can be confusing to know which one to purchase. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with this guide to help you prepare for your visit.
Osaka : Universal Studio Japan
Established in 2001, Universal Studios Japan is the first-ever Universal Studio in Asia, with many travelers making a trip to Osaka solely to visit this destination. To access the attractions inside, you must purchase a Universal Studios Japan ticket.
There are two types of tickets available: an entrance ticket and an Express Pass. The Express Pass allows you to bypass the queue and ride the attractions without waiting in line. However, it’s important to note that you must also purchase an entrance ticket separately. Simply purchasing an Express Pass won’t give you access to the park.
Universal Studio Japan Pass Type
Let’s start by explaining the different types of entrance tickets. There are two things you need to check before purchasing a ticket: the visit date and the pass type.
Pass types are divided into 1-day, 1.5-day, and 2-day passes. A 1-day pass is valid for a single day, and a 2-day pass is valid for two days. The 1.5-day pass allows you to enjoy the park for the entire second day if you enter after 3 pm on the first day. It’s a great option if you don’t want to visit for just one day but don’t want to spend two full days either.
Once you’ve chosen the pass type, you need to check the visit date. Depending on the season, such as peak or off-peak, each pass is divided into a, b, c, or d categories. Choose the pass that suits your Osaka travel date and theme park visit date.
In addition to these options, there is also an early admission ticket available on Klook. This ticket allows you to enter 15 minutes before other visitors by presenting your voucher. It’s especially useful if you want to be the first to enjoy the park.
Click here for Book a Pass Universal Studio Japan
Universal Studio Japan Express Pass
If you’ve purchased an entrance ticket, you’re ready for Universal Studios Japan. However, if you don’t want to wait in long lines, you can purchase an Express Pass.
There are two types of Express Passes: Express 4 and Express 7. They allow you to quickly ride four or seven designated attractions without waiting in line.
However, the ticket you need will depend on which attractions you want to ride. Therefore, it’s important to check the ticket’s detailed description before purchasing it.
If you’re unsure which Express Pass to buy or which attractions are included, we recommend checking out our recommended attractions.
Must-see Attractions
Super Mario World is a newly created attraction and is very popular. We recommend purchasing the Express Pass that includes “Mario Kart: Koopa’s Challenge.”
If you missed out on purchasing an Express Pass, make sure to obtain the timed entry ticket as soon as the park opens. You’ll be able to enter at the designated time, so be sure to check the time and not miss out on the opportunity.
If you love thrilling rides, The Flying Dinosaur is a must-try. This attraction in the Jurassic Park section is a popular ride that lets you experience a thrilling 360-degree spin in the air.
If you’re a fan of Harry Potter, don’t miss out on the Hogwarts Castle ride. Many areas throughout the park recreate scenes from the Harry Potter movies, making it a great place for photo opportunities.
If you’ve purchased the admission ticket, your preparation for Universal Studios Japan is complete.
However, if you’re thinking, “I don’t want to wait long! I want to ride quickly,” you can purchase a separate Express Pass.
There are two types of Express Passes available, the Express 4 and Express 7.
With these passes, you can quickly board four or seven designated attractions without waiting in line.
The type of ticket you need depends on which ride you want to take, so be sure to check the ticket details.
But if you don’t even know what rides are available and what attractions are included in the Express Pass, it can be confusing!
For those of you who are unsure, we recommend checking out some of the recommended attractions.
If you’re a fan of Harry Potter, you must try the attraction that features his adventures!
In addition to Hogwarts Castle, there are many places that have been recreated as if they were straight out of the movies.
Make sure to reference these attractions when choosing your Express Pass.
We’ve introduced the types of Universal Studios Japan admission tickets and Express Passes, but it’s not complicated, is it?
If you’re really serious about the rides, you can also use the “Single Rider” option, which allows you to ride alone in empty seats.
As an editor, I’ve experienced riding within 10 minutes, which is much faster than waiting two hours to ride with friends, so I highly recommend this method!
We hope you enjoy your free trip to Osaka and for more Osaka travel information, check out our article from 3Hoursahead!
