Want to jump like Mario or drink Butterbeer like Harry Potter? Universal Studios Japan (USJ) in Osaka is a theme park where you can fully enjoy these experiences.

This guide covers key info on tickets, prices, booking, discounts, and family friendly tips and most importantly, the actual visit review from us the local. We’ll also suggest some great nearby hotels for your stay.

February Update: Save Big on Osaka Travel with Klook Pass Kansai⚡

What to See There?

Universal Studios Japan (USJ) is one of five worldwide. It’s especially popular among domestic and international visitors for its unique collaborations with Super Mario and Japanese anime Sanrio characters like Hello Kitty, My Melody, and Kuromi, which can only be experienced in Japan.

Insider tip: To enter SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™, a simple Park Ticket is not enough.⚠️ You need an additional pass on top of Park Ticket. (detail here)

Near USJ is the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, one of the world’s largest aquariums. A Shuttle Ferry from Hotel Universal Port takes 16 minutes to reach it. The journey overlooking Osaka Bay can be a memorable part of your trip.

Ticket Prices

Universal Studios Japan tickets may seem complicated, but they’re simple if you understand the steps. A Park Ticket is essential, and other tickets are optional. However, the Super Mario and the latest Donkey Kong Country area requires an additional ticket, and an Express Pass is recommended to reduce waiting times.

Note: As of February 22, tickets are available until April 30. Basically bookings can be made up to 2 months in advance.

For purchasing USJ tickets, Klook is recommended. They offer various combo options, allowing you to find the perfect choice for your needs.

• Adults: 8,600 yen
• Children Age 4-11: 5,600 yen
• Senior Age 65 and above: 7,700 yen
  • Ticket prices vary by visit date. These are the best rates available.

👉 Easy ride to get around Osaka? Use Uber Japan & Coupon Code here 🚗💨

To Get Discount

While the official website does not offer discounts, you can find the Best Deals on Klook, an online travel and leisure booking platform.

First-time users can enjoy a 5% discount on their initial booking, and Klook occasionally offers limited-time coupons. Plus, you’ll earn Klook points on your purchase, which can be used for future discounts.

Coupon Code

Save 5% on your first Universal Studios Japan ticket when you book through their mobile app using this special “Mobile App First-Booking Discount” coupon code below:

We Visited Here: Latest 2025 January

Let me share my recent experience at Universal Studios Japan. Having visited more than 5 times since its opening in 2001, I just went there on January 1st, 2025, with some family friends.

What Ticket We Bought For USJ 2025

Here’s what we paid for: We got both Admission Tickets and Express Passes for 6 persons.

We went as two families – one with three members and another with four members. Since 2-year-olds get in free (no charge for both Admission and Express Pass), we bought tickets for 6 people. Express Pass costs the same for adults and children. The total came to about 180,000 yen or $1,100.

It was a birthday month of my wife, so we bought birthday admission ticket.😊

Harry Potter Area at night was Wonderful

The Harry Potter area is accessible with just the regular Admission Ticket. The nighttime atmosphere was absolutely magical! Starting at 7 PM, they have this beautiful projection mapping show with music – I definitely recommend visiting at night.

Many Places to Eat, Not Too Crowded Compared to Tokyo Disney

While the park has restaurants, there are many food stands too. The Minions Bun and Mario’s Green Shell’s Calzone are worth trying! Even during lunch hours, it wasn’t as crowded as Tokyo Disney Resort.

We Stayed at OMO7 Osaka, Very Family Friendly

We stayed at OMO7 Osaka hotel in central Osaka. It’s a really family-friendly hotel with nice perks like free drinks, free night meals, and daily morning magic shows that both kids and adults enjoy. You can book here.

Free Shuttle Bus to USJ is Available Daily!

What really made us love OMO7 Osaka was this free shuttle bus to Universal Studios Japan! It leaves at 9:20 AM and takes you directly to USJ. How easy and perfect!

Tennoji Zoo: Recommended Spot Before/After Your USJ Visit

If you’re wondering where to go before or after USJ, I recommend Tennoji Zoo for families. Kids love the zoo, and there’s a beautiful park right in front, plus the huge Tennoji shopping mall “Abeno Harukas” and Tsutenkaku Tower nearby. You can easily spend a whole day there.

Tips from Local for USJ

Here’s some tips especially useful for anyone visiting Universal Studios Japan.

🎫For those wanting to reduce wait times, an Express Pass is absolutely recommended! There should be no regret of buying one. Based on our experience, popular attractions often have looong waits exceeding an hour, which can be especially challenging with children. With an Express Pass, you can enjoy attractions quickly, bypassing long queues. It feels great.

🧒If you have young children, the Universal Wonderland area within the Park is recommended. There are rides suitable for small children and a large indoor playground where they can play extensively even if they can’t enjoy other rides.

🍽️For dinner, you can eat inside the Park or at Universal City Walk, which is located just outside the Park entrance. The place offers various restaurants and souvenir shops.

🚗If coming by car, the official Universal Studios Japan parking lot can accommodate 3,600 vehicles, but it often fills up early. It’s recommended to arrive early. Also, note that it’s about a 10-15 minute walk from the parking area to the Park entrance.

Where are Ideal Hotels to Stay For Universal Studios Japan?

For those wanting to fully enjoy USJ, staying near the Park is recommended. (As in our review, OMO7 Osaka is also a good choice with a free shuttle bus to USJ!)

You can easily return after enjoying the Park late into the night, and it’s ideal for two consecutive days of fun.

1. The Park Front Hotel At Universal Studios Japan

The closest hotel to USJ’s entrance – an iconic landmark!

⭐Review Score: 9.1 (Wonderful)
🧒Kids Stay Free: 0-6 yrs (If sleep in same bed with adult)
👕Laundry: Yes (Coin Laundry)

How to Book here?

You can book here with Agoda or Booking.com.

Read Next: 12 Best Family Friendly Hotels in Osaka🐙

2. Hotel Universal Port

Perfect for families with various rooms, including popular character-themed collaborations.

⭐Review Score: 9.1 (Wonderful)
🧒Kids Stay Free: 0-6 yrs (If sleep in same bed with adult)
👕Laundry: Yes (Coin Laundry)

How to Book here?

You can book here with Agoda or Booking.com.

3. LIBER Hotel Osaka

Osaka’s largest hotel boasting a huge terrace and natural hot spring baths. Spacious rooms too!

⭐Review Score: 9.3 (Wonderful)
🧒Kids Stay Free: 0-6 yrs (If sleep in same bed with adult)
👕Laundry: Yes (Coin Laundry)

How to Book here?

You can book here with Agoda or Booking.com.

Read Next: 12 Best Things to Do While in Osaka🏯

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