lion travel usj

• 洛磯景觀火車Rocky Mountaineer
• Club Med全包式假期

熱門話題 ‧ 季節精選

• 春夏‧ 洛磯雙堡豪華體驗
• 早鳥預購 ‧ 歐洲假期
• 南極 ‧ SEABOURN
• 專家首選 ‧ 台灣環島特輯

優質產品 ‧ 深度體驗

• Keisei Skyliners
• Payment Methods
• Tax strategy

JAPAN RAIL PASS types and prices

There are two types of JAPAN RAIL PASS: Green (for superior-class Green cars), and Ordinary. Each of these types is available as a 7-day, 14-day, or 21-day PASS.

Japan Rail Pass Price and Types

The above are yen (or ) prices for a JAPAN RAIL PASS Exchange Order; the actual cost in local currency is calculated based on the Banker’s selling Rate (BSR) ,etc., at the time the Exchange Order is issued. Note that the purchase exchange rate may differ from the exchange rate in effect when you actually visit Japan.

For More Information, please see the JR Pass official website:

Please note that the ticket you purchase from our company is the exchange order. You need to exchange it into a Japan Rail Pass. Please see the information below.

How to turn in an exchange order to receive a JAPAN RAIL PASS:

**Please note that it takes around 3~5 working days for us to issue the exchange order. Please also let us know the date you will need the ticket, so that I can help you check whether we have enough time to issue the exchange order. Thank you! **

lion travel

Address: No. 152 Sec 6 Zhongshan N. Rd., Shihlin District, Taipei, R.O.C.

Company No: 04655091

Integrated Travel Agency No: 2016

Quality Assurance Board No: 93/0541

Copyright@2000-2011 LION TRAVEL SERVICE CO. LTD All Right Reserved

English Customer Service Team

Mon-Fri 09:00am – 07:00pm--> Mon-Fri 08:30-21:00--> Mon-Fri 09:00-18:00

Phone: +886 2 8793-LION(5466)--> Phone: +886 2 8793-5466

Email: [email protected]

• Destinations
• Travel Tips
• Travel With Us
• Paid Travel Internship
• TTIFridays (Community Events)
• SG Travel Insider (Telegram Grp)

The Ultimate USJ Guide and Tips (2024) — Universal Studios Japan

Newly updated Universal Studios (USJ) guide for those heading there in 2024!

If you’re travelling to Osaka , spending at least a day at Universal Studios Japan (USJ) is a must! We last visited Universal Studios Japan in 2022, and Super Nintendo World had also just opened — successfully transforming us into literal game characters.

Since then, there have been some changes in USJ such as new parades, attractions, as well as certain rides being closed (spoiler alert: Jurassic Park fans may cry!).

The problem with USJ is that it’s EXTREMELY popular with both local Japanese and foreign tourists. Plan your day wrongly and you might end up stuck in the queues for hours instead of enjoying the rides.

To help you out, I’ve split this USJ guide into four main sections: New and Closed Attractions in USJ (2024), Pre-USJ Planning, USJ Day Guide, and Frequently Asked Questions. Pay close attention to Section Two!

*Note: Will try updating this frequently so it should stay relevant!

Read also:  JR Pass Japan Budget Itinerary: 8 Days 9 Cities for under $1.1k incl. flights and accommodation

New and closed attractions in Universal Studios Japan (2024)

They’re constantly building new exciting rides and doing renovations in the park, so make sure to have the latest news on USJ attractions before you visit.

New attractions

Photo credit: Universal Studios Japan

These are the new and upcoming attractions in USJ for 2024 to take note of. Exciting attractions await for the new year!

Dates are subject to changes and may vary from what is listed in our USJ guide. Check out the official website for the latest updates!

Click “Read More” to see which attractions have closed, or are closing soon.

Temporarily closed attractions

Photo credit: @universal_studios_japan via Instagram

These attractions are listed on the USJ website as “temporarily closed”. There’s no specific date yet for when any of them will re-open.

1) Jurassic Park: The Ride (closed from 4 Sep 2023, to re-open 2025) 2) Shrek’s 4-D Adventure (closed from 19 Jun 2020) 3) Sesame Street 4-D Movie Magic (closed from 19 Jun 2020) 4) Universal Spectacle Night Parade: The Best of Hollywood (closed from 19 Jun 2020) 5) Sesame’s Big Drive (closed from 19 June 2020) 6) Ernie’s Rubber Duckie Race (closed from 19 Jun 2020) 7) Space Fantasy – The Ride (closed from 31 Jan 2023) 8) Wand Studies (closed from 14 Feb 2023) 9) Hogwarts Castle Walk (indefinitely closed) 10) Snoopy’s Sound Stage Adventure (indefinitely closed from 13 Nov 2023)

Permanently closed attractions

These are USJ attractions that will be or have already closed for good by the time you’re reading this in 2024.

1) The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man 4K3D – The Ride (closed from 22 Jan 2024) 2) Sadako’s Curse: Dark Horror Ride (closed from 8 Jan 2024)

Pre-USJ Planning

1) buy your usj tickets in advance — save time and money.

Tickets can be bought on the day itself at the front counter. But unless you are a BIG FAN of queuing, please save yourself some time and buy your USJ tickets beforehand . Don’t be one of the clueless tourists stuck in the queue long after the park has opened.

There are several ways to get your tickets online, either through the official Universal Studios Japan ticketing website or via authorised partners like Klook . We preferred the latter as the process was fuss-free and we were issued an e-ticket instantly. We simply had to scan the QR code at the automated entrance gantry. Talk about skipping the queues!

The best part though, is that the retail price is literally the same! – Single day studio pass at USJ ticketing booth : ¥8,600 or ~S$80 – Single day studio pass via Klook : ~S$80

*Pro-tip:  For those who want a little more time, there’s a new 1.5day USJ Pass . Start at 3PM on the first day, and enjoy the park for the entire second day.

2) Best time to visit – Wednesdays & Thursdays are best

If your travel schedule allows, try to plan your visit to Universal Studios Japan in the middle of the week. The weekends are usually notoriously crowded, with an influx of Japanese tourists.

According to park officials, the days near the weekends can also be quite packed as locals may take leave for a long weekend, and schools may send students on excursions to USJ.

Of course please avoid holidays! Here’s a list of Japanese public holidays .

3) Decide whether you need the USJ Express Pass

The Flying Dinosaur Ride

If you read this USJ guide carefully and follow the tips from start to end, there is a very good chance that you will not need the USJ Express Pass .

However, if you’re travelling in a big group or unable to avoid the peak days of the week, I definitely suggest getting them to have more time to enjoy the park.

Which USJ Express Pass to Buy (Express Pass 4 or Express Pass 7)

The USJ Express Pass  basically gives you the highly coveted timed-entry ticket to Super Nintendo World and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter  (so you don’t have to run across the park to collect your timed ticket on busy days).

As their names suggest, the USJ Express Pass 4 lets you skip the queue for four rides and attractions, while the USJ Express Pass 7 — seven. The specific rides depend on the type of USJ Express Pass you get.

Unfortunately magic won’t help you cut the queues. Only the USJ Express Pass can.

Something to note is that the price of the USJ Express Pass ranges from ¥6,800-¥10,800 depending on demand and supply — you can buy your USJ Express Pass 4 or USJ Express Pass 7 from Klook to skip the lines in the park. Also take note that there are only limited passes per day, so best to book early!

Keep reading our USJ guide to make sure you don’t have to purchase one!

4) Decide on your route — Gaming, Adventure, Harry Potter, or Cute?

For those who did not get the  USJ Express Passes , here are four possible USJ itineraries or ride routes you can follow to maximise your time at the park.

I’ve split them by interests so even if the park is packed, at least you get to experience the things you are most interested in!

For the routes below, prioritise the first three rides before slowing down to explore the decor. If you’re fast, you should be able to finish the first two rides with minimal queuing and the third with a fairly short queue time.

Gaming Route For all Super Mario gamers out there.

Start: – Mario Kart: Koopa’s Challenge – Yoshi’s Adventure – Explore Super Nintendo World – The Flying Dinosaur – Despicable Me Minion Mayhem – Hollywood Dream The Ride: Backdrop – Jaws – Harry Potter and The Forbidden Journey

Adventure Route For the thrill seekers who love rollercoasters.

Start: – Hollywood Dream The Ride: Backdrop – The Flying Dinosaur – Jurassic Park: The Ride – Despicable Me Minion Mayhem – Mario Kart: Koopa’s Challenge – Jaws – Harry Potter and The Forbidden Journey

Harry Potter Fan Route Expecto a grand welcome at Hogwarts castle.

Start: – Harry Potter and The Forbidden Journey – Explore The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – The Flying Dinosaur – Jurassic Park: The Ride – Despicable Me Minion Mayhem – Explore Hollywood Zone – Jaws – Explore Super Nintendo World

Cute Stuff Route For those who love the Minions, Hello Kitty, Snoopy or Sesame Street.

Start: – Despicable Me Minion Mayhem – Explore Minion Park – The Flying Dinosaur – Explore Super Nintendo World – Explore Hollywood Zone – Hello Kitty Fashion Avenue & Snoopy Studios (you can come here anytime as queues are generally short) – Jaws – Explore The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Alternatively, plan your own route using the USJ Park Map . Check out the Shows & Attractions Timetable  too, as timings and availability are subject to change from day to day!

*Pro-tip : The various photo points clear up near showtimes and towards the evening. So don’t waste time queuing for them in the first half of the day if the line is long.

5) Where to stay near Universal Studios Japan

Photo credit: Klook

If you want to get to Universal Studios Japan early and easily, it is best to stay near the park. There are a couple of official hotels  just outside the park, such as The Park Front Hotel which boasts a gorgeous night view of the park.

For those on a budget like us, you can also consider staying at J-Hoppers Osaka Universal Hostel , which is only one JR stop (Ajikawaguchi Station) or a 15-minute walk away.

It’s a really beautiful hostel, cheap, and super convenient for getting to and away from USJ. Especially loved the friendly staff and movie screenings every night.

*Pro-tip: Check out our USJ guide to nearby budget-friendly accommodation !

USJ Day Guide

6) arrive before the gates open — 1hr ahead.

Try not to crash anything on your way to USJ.

One of the most important tips to remember in this USJ guide is to arrive an hour before the gates open. Even then, expect a small queue in front of you. The Japanese students are pretty hardcore when it comes to queueing! A little bit like Singaporeans. 😛

Universal Studios Japan’s opening hours vary, so  check the official site for calendar timings .

Too bad the Hogwarts Express can’t take you straight into USJ.

Directions to Universal Studios Japan :

By Train Take the JR Yumesaki Line (also known as JR Sakurajima Line) to Universal City Station. Universal Studios Japan is just a 5-minute walk from the station.

By Bus Unless you are coming straight from the airport, I don’t recommend taking a bus. Buses from Kansai International Airport take 35-75 minutes (¥1,600) depending on traffic.

But in any case, Klook offers a bus transfer option from Dotonbori and hotels in Osaka.

By Ferry If you bought the Osaka Amazing Pass  (which is a great way to explore Osaka), you can take the “ Captain Line ” for free (normal price ¥800) from Kaiyukan West Pier (near Osaka Aquarium) to Universal City Port in 10 minutes.

The downside is that the ferry service only starts running at 9:30AM. It is a good alternative for getting away from USJ if you leave before 8PM though!

7) Grab a free timed entry ticket for popular attractions

We highly recommend getting a timed entry ticket for attractions you’d wanna catch, especially when it’s crowded and queues are long.

Some areas, such as Super Nintendo World, also won’t allow you to enter unless you have an entry ticket so it’s best to check beforehand!

By getting a timed ticket, you are assured of an entry time into the themed zone. You’ll have a one-hour window to enter the area, and you can stay for as long as you want after you’re in! Note that the timed ticket is only valid once, and is not applicable for re-entry.

Previously, we’d have to queue at a ticketing site inside USJ at Central Park to obtain our timed ticket, but now you can just do it on the official USJ app . The best part? It’s totally free.

8) Stick to the plan but be flexible

If you followed point four in our USJ guide, you should have a game plan in mind before entering the park.

While it’s good to stick to the plan, keep an eye out for the electronic signboards that show the queue times around the park or just check the official Universal Studios Japan app . You never know as a popular attraction might become available for whatever reason!

9) Queue at Single Rider Lanes

Jurassic Park: The Ride

Unless you really need to take the ride with your friends or family, always queue at Single Rider Lanes if the waiting time is long. The Japanese prefer sticking together, so the Single Rider Lanes tend to be emptier and move a lot faster.

Who knows, you might just make a new friend with a stranger screaming your lungs out together.

10) Don’t be shy — ask for stickers

Minion stickers in front of the Despicable Me Minion Mayhem Ride .

Souvenirs and merchandise from Universal Studios Japan can be pretty pricey. If you want something small as a keepsake, do ask the friendly staff for stickers! They’ll be more than happy to oblige.

In case they can’t understand your English, try this with a BIG SMILE :

すみません。ステッカーがありますか？ Sumimasen. Sutekkā ga arimasu ka? (Translation: Excuse me, do you have stickers?)

*Pro-tip : The Minion stickers can only be obtained in Minion Park!

Alternatively, you can go window-shopping in the merchandise shops.

11) Stick to the centre in Theatre Shows

For the best seats in the house, try to shuffle your way to the middle of the waiting room when watching Theatre Shows. The staff will usher guests from left to right. By standing in the middle, you will end up close to the centre of the stage for a better experience!

12) Arrive early for popular street shows & parades

Harry Potter Wand Magic Show .

If you’re interested in catching any of the parades, plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before the start of the show to get a good view. On our previous trip, we had to catch the Harry Potter Expecto Patronum Night Show twice because our spots were so bad.

13) Explore your surroundings

A visit to Universal Studios Japan isn’t only about the rides. It’s about the atmosphere and vibe too! A lot of attention has been put into the decor so remember to explore your surroundings.

We especially loved the “Bank of Evil” in Minion Park where you can withdraw money from “someone else’s” bank account.

You can also hear Moaning Myrtle crying in the ladies toilet inside The Wizarding World of Harry Potter!

Do share with us other fun details you uncovered in the comments below. 🙂

14) Dinner at Universal City Walk

If you don’t want to eat in USJ, there are plenty of restaurants for all budgets just outside at Universal City Walk. The park closes between 7-9PM depending on the day , so you can easily end the day with a meal after maximising your time in the park.

We had dinner at Udon Kineya Mugimaru  on the first floor, which serves hearty and cheap udon.

Frequently Asked Questions for USJ

Are the rides and shows in english.

Unfortunately, almost all the rides and attractions are in Japanese. It’s a little odd hearing Harry Potter in Japanese though. However, the Despicable Me Minion Mayhem ride has English subtitles!

Banana? Minion talk is probably easier to understand than the shows.

Should I buy a 1 day or 2 day USJ Studio Pass?

Personally I will get the  1 day USJ Studio Pass  because I would like to spend more time exploring other parts of the Kansai region. But if you like to take things slow, it’s also fine to get a 2 day USJ Studio Pass.

Read also: 8-Day Japan Itinerary: 9 Cities in Kansai for Under S$900

Can I re-enter the park after heading outside for lunch?

You will not be allowed to re-enter the park. I’m sure if you have a genuine “emergency”, the staff will be able to make special arrangements though.

*Pro-tip : We suggest grabbing breakfast from Lawson before entering the park, munch on snacks for lunch, and have dinner at Universal City Walk.

Minion bao .

Turkey Leg.

What if I need to change my USJ Ticket dates?

Unfortunately, your USJ tickets and express passes are valid only on the specified date so be sure to plan your itinerary well to avoid any cancellations!

What are your favourite attractions in USJ?

If it wasn’t obvious in our USJ Guide, Super Nintendo World, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Minion Park, and Hollywood Dream Backdrop the ride!

We love Super Nintendo World and Harry Potter so much that we even bought wristbands and wands at Ollivanders to interact with different zones within the areas.

Minion Park on the other hand was just a bunch of cuteness. Be sure to hang around for the Minion Parade and photo-taking ops. Hollywood Dream Backdrop is simply the best ride in the park.

What snacks should I try in USJ?

Mario’s Cap Strawberry Shortcake and Luigi’s Cap No-Bake Grape Cheesecake.

Mario’s/Lugi’s Cap Pancake Sandwich, Minion Cookies at Minion Park (though it’s too cute to eat), and frozen Butterbeer at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter!

Minion Cookies.

Butterbeer! Sadly it’s non-alcoholic.

Yummm, maybe it’s time to book your tickets to Universal Studios Japan now 😉

Read also: Universal Cool Japan 2018: 4 New Attractions at Universal Studios Japan To Relive Your Childhood Nostalgia

Hope you found our ultimate USJ guide and tips for planning a magical experience useful. Do share with us your tips and experience in the comments section below!

This post is brought to you by Klook .

Like what you see? Follow us on  Facebook ,  Instagram ,  Tiktok , and  YouTube  for more travel updates!

          View this post on Instagram                         A post shared by thetravelintern.com 🇸🇬 (@thetravelintern)

RELATED ARTICLES MORE FROM AUTHOR

9 Travel Hacks to Save Money on Your Next Trip to Japan

How to Score Cheap Flights — 11 Most Common Mistakes to Avoid (and What to Do Instead)

5 Underrated Day Trips Under 2hrs from Tokyo — Win First Class Round-Trip Tickets to Japan!

Top 11 Stunning Yet Budget-Friendly Tokyo Capsule Hotels (from ~S$40/night)

Tokyo Vs Osaka: Why Are These Two Popular Japanese Cities so Different — Cultures Explained

Hiroshima and San’in Guide — Going Beyond Tokyo/Osaka to Find Japan’s Best Hidden Gems

87 comments.

Very informative piece on USJ! Love the tips given! Is the SUMMER70 code still valid? Thanks in advance.

Yes it is! But hurry!

Hi! When I purchase the USJ Express Pass ticket on Klook, will it give me my time slot for the Harry Potter ride?

Yes it does! However we got ours in Japanese. You can either ask a staff for help or ask a friend who knows Japanese.

I used a mixture of copy pasting on Google Translate and a friend to confirm our timed entries.

If you drop me a mail on our contact form I can send you a picture of what it looks like. There’s a QR code for scanning but the info is mainly in Jap. Gave feedback for them to improve though!

Thanks. Useful tips & guide, particularly #4. Can’t wait to visit USJ next week…

Hi! Since the USJ Express pass gives you a time slot for the Harry Potter ride, I assume it gives you head of queue privileges to get into the Wizarding World of HP. However, what are my options if my ride time slot is for the morning and I also want to go back in the late afternoon? Can I get in line for a timed entry ticket with the rest of the public? Thanks for your help!

Yes you can just queue for a timed ticket as well if necessary. But if you try to go on weds or thurs as suggested there shouldn’t be a problem!

What is your opinion – usj 1.5 day pass vs usj 1 day+express4?

(My girl doesn’t go for the super thrill rides. Anything that’s similar to USS Battlestar is out!)

Hello! It depends on which day you are going. You never really know! I personally think 1day + express is better because you get to spend the other day doing something else.

Hello there! If after i take the time ticket for HP late afternoon slot as suggested, how can i go to the HP Forbidden Journey since you suggested for me to go there after i take the time ticket in the late afternoon?

Hi Nami! The idea is to take the timed ticket as backup but try your luck at the HP Forbidden Journey because you never know, there might be no queue!

Hi, It will be my first time to USJ this Dec. May I check with you (hope it’s not a dumb question) if the timed ticket is required to take the HP Forbidden Journey? If there is no queue, we can take the ride even without the ticket? Also if I get the express pass, the timing indicated is purely decided by Klook? Thanks for your time.

Yup if there is no queue you don’t need the timed ticket. Unfortunately USJ will be the ones who determining the timing for the express pass.

Hope this helps!

Hi, can I know what do I need to produce to get the HP time ticket? Thanks.

Hello! I believe just your entry ticket!

Hi, like to find out more about the timed ticket to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter… How does it works? Is it similar to Disneyland whereby there a machine for you to press on for the ticket and time is fixed. E.g. first 5 people who press for it will receive timed ticket for 10:15 to 10:45am and the following 5 people will receive timed ticket for 10:30 to 11am?

Hello! When the park is experiencing heavy traffic, the timed tickets will be required. Most of the time it won’t be required especially if you follow the tips!

However, in the event that you want to get one, the machine will give you options to choose based on what’s available! Hopefully not much has changed since then.

Hi Guy, This is such a useful information that I’ve ever seen before. However, I have a doubt on few points. For the Harry Potter Fan route as you suggested to get the timed HP ticket as late afternoon. Can it be possible us to play HP Forbidden journey in the morning if it is not my time slot to entry HP zone? How many time we can enter to HP zone? Thank you in advance yaaa.

If it is not crowded in the morning yes you can! The suggestion is to protect yourself incase the park gets too crowded. You can enter the Harry Potter zone as many times as possible. But if the park is packed and the timed tickets are in place, you will only be able to use your timed tickets once!

Hi, I would like to ask countdown party ticket. I found that this ticket can go inside since 8 PM. till 2 AM of January 1,2018 right? But If I just buy normal ticket on the January 1, 2018 I can get in since 2 AM… So.. the question is, they just open for just enter and look around or all the ride will open in the night time?

For the VIP pass, they allow to enter before opening hour right? So if I have it, I can get in and go riding first or just the right for first Q inside?

Unfortunately we do not have information regarding the countdown party ticket as we have not experienced it ourselves. For the VIP wristband, you will be in a queue that allows you to get into the park earlier. Do still arrive early because if you are at the end of the VIP queue, it will not make much of a difference as being in the normal queue.

Hi, I was wondering after you get the harry potter timed ticket that is for an afternoon entrance will you still be able to go straight to the Forbidden journey or do you have to wait for your timed ticket to go for this ride? Thanks!!

Hi danica! It really depends on the crowd that day! The strategy is to try and get the timed ticket, if it’s required.

The times ticket is for entering that section of park and not for the ride. For the ride, you will need an Express Ticket!

Hello! Thanks for this very informative article!! When you mention “timed ticket”, you don’t have to have an express pass to get this timed ticket right?

Would you recommend express pass if I am travelling in early Feb to Osaka?

Hi Cheng Ting,

Nope you don’t need an express pass for the timed ticket if you get it at the park. But if you buy an express pass, you’ll also be given a timed ticket!

Early Feb is a good period, though I think avoiding weekends is still key! If you can’t avoid public holidays or weekends, it might be a safer bet to get the express pass. it’s really hard to say though!

Hi, I need your help and advice.

It’s our first time to Universal Studio Japan and we will go on February 8 (Thursday). Couple and 2 teens.

I just checked KLOOK for the Universal Express PASS 4 and it is too expensive (SGD128 per person). We will probably just try to get a timed ticket and go early.

1. Do you suggest us to get the VIP Pass? I’m still not clear how it works? “You can enter USJ 30mins to 1hr earlier than the normal crowd”…. is this PASS just for the main entrance? When you say earlier, do you mean “30 minutes to 1 hour before opening hour?” 2. Is the timed ticket only for HP? How about other popular rides like Minion Mayhem, Spider-Man, Backdrop? 3. After getting the timed ticket for HP, do we just do the normal queue for other rides? 4. Is there something like Fastpass (Disneyland) for each ride for us to get a ticket and go back at designated time? 5. How long are the queues for other rides other than HP? 6. Have you tried the outdoor rides on winter season?

Hope you can reply me, thanks!

Hope we can answer your questions here.

1) The VIP pass allows you to enter via a separate queue beside the normal USJ gates. The opening times vary everyday, and it’s up to USJ to decide. How it works is that after collecting the pass, you need to log-on to the USJ website using the pin-code given to access the timing for the VIP passes. Even with the VIP Pass, I recommend that you arrive 45mins before the opening timing on your pass. If you are at the back of the VIP queue, it’s the same as entering with the normal queue. ( https://www.klook.com/activity/1326-usj-vip-wristband-harukas-300-observatory-pass-osaka/?aid=312 ) 2) The Timed-ticket mentioned in the article is specific for HP. However if you get the Express Pass, you will also get a timed ticket for the popular rides. 3) Yup! 4) No USJ doesn’t have what Disneyland has. The only way to fast track is using the Express Pass. However if you follow our tips and pick a good day to visit, it is likely that you won’t need the Express Pass 5) It can be as long as 4hrs or as short as 15mins. Really depends on when you go. 6) Not yet but the team is heading there in a few days! Cool Japan is back and refreshed for 2018.

Sorry, more questions and advice. : )

If we get the VIP Wristband for early-entry…. should we go immediately to take the HP ride? Or can we first get a timed ticket for HP (afternoon slot), and then go to Minion Mayhem first. Will the queue for the timed ticket also long?

What is the best plan having a VIP Wristband.

The timed ticket for HP will only be up when the park is too crowded. So if you head straight for Harry Potter world, there shouldn’t be a problem. The idea of the VIP wristband is to arrive early and try to complete 2 rides before the real crowd comes.

Hello, is the Harry Potter and the forbidden journey claustrophobic? I have a major fear of enclosed space. That being said so, i managed to get through the transformers ride in Singapore Universal Studios, just barely however!

I think you’ll be fine! This ride isn’t exactly in an enclosed carriage. You sit sideways in a row with nothing in front of you except the safety bar. Turned out of be one of my favourite rides! Hope you’ll enjoy it too 🙂

Hi, love this post and a lot of information (especially the pre-planning part) before heading there in mid-May. I got questions here to check with you guys.

1) If I purchased the Express pass, means I don’t need to get the timed ticket for The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and I just go as per schedule on my Express pass right? Unless I want to go for Expecto Patronum Night Show, then I will need to get timed ticket for late afternoon?

2) Because I am bringing my mom (she is 50 year old) together, any advice or suggestion like which ride is suitable for elderly?

Thanks in advanced 🙂

(1) Yes! (2) Oh man. We were all a bunch of young people so didn’t really pay attention to that. I reckon the rides in the children zones should be appropriate unless your mom is super adventurous!

Thank for the advice! 🙂

hello!! thank you for this informative post! it really helps for the first timers. I have some questions. We are going there on Mar29 (which is Thursday, but school spring break 🙁 We expect massive crowd that day. So my question, what if we just go there during midday, will the crowd pass by and possible to enter the park? and HP? thanks dear

Hi Bea! Glad you found it useful. That might be tricky because people usually stay in the park the entire day so arriving in midday might not make much of a difference. Would suggest getting the Express Pass via the link on the site!

thank you for replying <3 I've been checking all the Express Pass and VIP Wristband in different agency, but its too damn expensive at the moment 🙁 Do you have suggestion which agency is ok? JTB, Klook or Voyagin? Thanks Again

Klook for us! http://bit.ly/2FW8l50

Is it possible to change times for the Express Pass? Will be attending with other who have been given different times.

Hi Adam, based off our understanding I don’t think so! Perhaps you can try asking the company you bought it off from?

I went to usj for my birthday in 2nd May 2018.

Hi ! Do you know what the exact time for the Harry Potter Expecto Patronum Night Show ? Because I got the 3:30 timed entry (express pass), and planning to get another one for the late evening one, so I can enjoy the world at night and watch the show.. Thanks !

Hello, from memory there’s a few shows starting from 530 and lasting till 730. The schedule changes according to the season so it’s best to check on the day itself! Can ask the staff there or pick up the leaflets near the entrance.

hello i need usj express ticket on 11, july. can you check if it’s available? i want express 7 backdrop or anything else. thankyou! mail me please

Hi Shina, sorry but we are unable to advise as we do not work directly with USJ. Have you checked the link on Klook?

HI PuppetMaster,

Thanks for all the tips. I’m a HP lover and will follow your suggested route in USJ.

Just 2 questions: 1. As at Nov 2018, I don’t seem to be able to find the “Expecto Patronum Night Show” you mentioned here. Instead, there is the “Hogwarts Magical Nights”. Has the latter show replaced the former? 2. Where is the best place in your opinion, to stand to catch the “Universal Spectacle Night Parade – The Best of Hollywood” parade?

Thanks so much!

We haven’t been there in a year so there’s a chance the show has changed!

For the Parade, the paid area is the best, but if you do not wish to pay extra, I would suggest the junction just outside Terminator 2. That way the parade will pass by you twice! You can check out this link for the route. https://www.usj.co.jp/e/universal-night-parade/

No prob. Thanks for the tips. Will be visiting in 2 weeks. Keep you posted about the junction outside T2. Cheers!

USJ is fantastic. I’ve done USO, USS as well. and USJ competes with USO and Islands of Adventure, which is saying something.

All of the tips above are great, here are my suggestions: If you are paying the money to go here you HAVE to get the Express Pass. I’ve never got an Express Pass before, since I have just done Single Rider, but forget the Single Rider being an adequate alternative for the popular rides.

If you are going to spend on the express pass and tickets, get the VIP wristband. It sounds confusing as to what the advantage is. But its simple, even though you and the regular entrants get in the same time officially, you have a head start as they pre-scan your tickets and you are siting in a gift store. Therefore when the gates open you just go in the park. Normal entrants still need to wit their turn to get their tickets scanned.

Because the lines are long its a big advantage. I guess if you are first 5 in line at each turnstyle for the normal entry you have the same advantage, but to get that you need to be there maybe a few hours in advance. So get the VIP pass and come about 1/2 hour or so before the time they give you. I did and as literally near the door.

It was fun to sprint out with the others…even though I had no need to sprint :D. Next, my advice is to use that opportunity to ride the best rides that is NOT on your express pass. I had the Flying Dinosaur 7 pass and used the time to ride Hollywood Dream Backdrop. I was tempted to go to Harry Potter but figured not to since It was already on my pass. Now if you are a Harry Potter FANATIC and need to ride Forbidden Journey twice, I guess. but I’ve rode it twice at Orlando and Backdrop is a tremendous ride and a fantastic way to start the day!

Also dont waste the express pass on the rides which have shorter lines or that can take a lot of people like Jaws, Backdraft , and Terminator (unless you want to be in the front) if you have the option of a more popular ride like Spiderman, regular Hollywood Dream, etc.

Thanks for the really good tips and insight! Really agree with some of your strategies.

Hi Is it possible to buy an express pass for Harry Potter only or you have to get the Express pass 4? Thanks 🙂

There are no individual express passes however, you could head to the park early (be one of the first few in line!) and go straight for Harry Potter’s world to get your timed ticket.

Hi, I am planning on buying the express pass 4 – minion ride from the USJ Japanese website for our visit. It seems you can select the timed entry options for the HPW entry, the Forbidden Journey ride and the minion ride Iwhereae you cannot on Klook/Voyagin) . It think you said you bought tickets this way before. Which timed combo did you pick? There are several combinations. My dilemma is whether to choose the options to go to HPW first thing or later in the afternoon. My daughter loves HP, so we will want to spend a lot of time there. But since the Minion Ride is outside of the HPW, if I choose to go HPW in the morning and my timed minion ride in the afternoon, that means I must exit the HPW with a risk of not being able to go back in. What would be your recommendation? 1. 9.10am HPW entry, 9.30 Forbidden Journey Ride, 3pm Minion Ride (This selection means I am in HPW for 5 hours and 50 mins. Is that enough time to complete HPW?) 2. 9.50 Minion Ride, 11.40pm HPW entry, 12pm Forbidden journey ride 3. 10am Minion Ride, 1.30pm HPW entry, 1.50pm Forbidden Journey ride

I know my daughter is going to want to go straight to HPW upon getting into USJ, but would you say the better strategy is to explore the rest of USJ in the AM and then go into HPW in the PM? Are the crows heavier in the AM or PM? And is it true that there are only 2 restaurants in HPW, so better to have lunch before going in?

Thanks for your feedback. 🙂

Yup you are right in saying that the timed entry ticket can only be used once. It really depends on the crowd that day but I think your strategy is safe if you want to spend a lot of time in HPW. So I would suggest that you do Minion and the rest of USJ first before heading into HPW.

Hi, where is the Studio West located? Near what? Thanks!

What do you mean by Studio West? Here’s a map but not too sure what you are referring to… https://www.usj.co.jp/e/common/studiomap.html

Hi louie, Just understood your question. Studio West is located on the right side of the main entrance. 🙂

Great article! I’d like to ask what are the average costs of the souvenir photos? Are there staff stationed around the theme park to help with photos?

Hi Angie, we aren’t sure, but it should be ~1,800 yen per photo.

Thanks for this article! It’s so helpful!

I’m planning to go USJ mid May, and seems like it’s best to pick either a Wed/Thurs to go where it’s less crowded. I’m a huge HP fan but I’m so confused with the timed entry tickets. Am I right that the timed entry is for entering to the entire Wizarding World, and not just limited to the rides? So potentially if I have a timed entry for mid morning, and I leave, then I might be denied entry to watch other shows at Wizarding World? There’s a new Hogwarts Magical Celebration at the Castle now but it’s only at these timings: 19:40 / 20:05 / 20:30 / 20:50, so I wonder if I need to get a second timed entry ticket to go back in the evening to watch these shows.

Also, do you know how would we know if a timed entry ticket is needed? I went to the USJ website and it mentioned “during peak periods”. Any advise is greatly appreciated 🙂 Thanks!

Timed entry tickets are only for entrance to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. The purpose of these is to control crowds going into that section of the theme park. So yes if you enter in the morning and leave to come back later, you may not be able to enter again if there are too many people (unlikely though on a Wednesday as long as it’s not a public holiday).

Timed tickets will only be issued on the spot if the park is too crowded! So most of the time you don’t really need it.

For rides, you actually have to look at express timed tickets from the Express Pass.

Hello! Thankful for this guide that I can start planning my USJ route in advance. However I have some doubts about Timed Entry Ticket with the Express Pass Rides. Hope you can guide me along the way.

I will purchase a Express Pass-4/7 with the USJ entry pass. So it will contained 1 timed entry to HPW right?

Will the timed entry to HPW same as the forbidden journey ride express time or different? If same, is it possible to get another timed entry ticket to enter in the evening to catch the show if our express pass time and timed entry is in the morning? If different, I can enter the HPW with the express pass time and re-eneter again in the afternoon with the timed entry ticket?

Is it possible to get another timed entry ticket for late evening when we first enter the USJ (even though I have already have it with the express pass)?

Hope you can clarify my doubt or if you dont understand you can email me!. Thank you so much!

Hi Charlotte! The algorithm should give you a timed entry to HPW before your Forbidden Journey Express Ride unless something went wrong. Unfortunately you will not be able to select the timed entry nor will USJ allow you to choose. However we haven’t heard from anyone who has a screwed up schedule with their timed entry and express ride pass so I think it should be ok! Do let us know how it goes!

Hi! Thanks for the reply! Appreciated much!! Can we still get another timed entry to HPW at the USJ central park itself ? (even though i have bought the express pass and it comes with the timed entry too) Thanks!

Hi Charlotte,

Years later, i have the same questions as u. I bought the Express pass 4 and they have given me a 4pm entry to Nintendo world. I wonder can i come early in morning and try get a timed entry, then re-enter at 4pm.

yes you can!

Hi! Can we use the wand purchased at universal Japan to cast spell in universal Orlando?

Hi Arham, we’re not sure but I think the USJ wand can only be used in USJ!

Hi, I am heading to USJ with my hubby and taking our 1 year old daughter, 9 year old son and 72 year old dad with us. I presume most of the rides won’t be suitable for my 1 year old. I was thinking of taking turns with my hubby to ride on the adult ones. In this case, i shouldn’t buy any express nor VIP passes? Doesn’t make sense does it? Which route would work best for us? Thanks much! 🙂 I was thinking of visiting the park on Wed, 20th Nov.

Hi Gillian,

Express Passes might still be useful for yourself and your hubby so you guys don’t have to be apart for too long while waiting for the rides! Route wise it really depends on your interests!

I see, ok then! Thanks a lot , will go check out the express passes. 🙂

I see a lot of questions on times entry tickets. Mine too, How will I know whether will there be timed entry tickets available on the day I am going?

If the crowds are less, there wont be any timed entry tickets?

Hi Anan, if you are referring to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, there’s no way you will know. It really depends on the crowd. If there is less crowd, they will not give our timed entry tickets to Harry Potter World! Hope this helps! 🙂

Hi, great info. Are there age/height restrictions on the rides? We have a 10 year old who is approx 140 cm tall. We would hate to go there and then he would not be allowed to ride…

140cm should be safe! According to this page at least: https://www.usj.co.jp/e/attractionguide/

Hi! Do I still need to pay before getting into the rides, or does the admission/entrance ticket cover all the rides? 🙂

Also, can I use my ICOCA card when purchasing/paying inside USJ? How about credit card? Debit card?

Planning to go to USJ this April 2020. This post was quite informative. Thank you. 🙂

Hi Anne! There are a few seasonal rides that require a top up but the regular ticket gets you access to most of the rides in the park. Not too sure if they accept ICOCA cards but credit/debit cards backed by Mastercard and Visa are definitely accepted! Glad you found this guide useful 🙂

Hi, can I register my studio passes a few days in advance in the USJ app?

Hi! Yes, you can get your studio passes via the USJ app!

Hello! I will be heading to USJ in Jan. Was wondering how do I make my way form the entrance to central park to get the timed tickets to enter Nintendo world/Harry Potter.

Hi! You can check this website for an illustration map: https://www.usj.co.jp/e/attraction/timed-entry-ticket/index.html

It’s not too far from the entrance and there will be signs put up onsite too, so you’ll know you’re in the right place!

Hi there, its my first time to USJ. I bought the Express pass 4 and Studio pass. It has given me a timing to enter to Nintendo World at 440pm. If i arrive early at USJ, can i use the app to get an area timed entry ticket first in the morning and then re-enter at 440pm?

Your ad keeps popping up making it super annoying to read the article. I’ve never been so irritated before

Hey Jo, thanks for your feedback! We’re working with the developer to not have it pop-up after it’s closed.

If I purchase express pass, it guarantee me a timed entry to Super Nintendo world , but does it guarantee me a table at the cafe in Super Nintendo world? How can I do a reservation to ensure I am able to dine inside one of the restaurants in Nintendo world?

Hi Teo, based on what we are aware of, the cafe doesn’t allow reservations. You’ll need to queue up outside the cafe to get a time slot to enter the cafe. Hope this helps!

LEAVE A REPLY Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

The Reef — A New Santorini-inspired Cafe in Phuket, Thailand

9 Travel Hacks to Save Money on Your Next Trip to...

Central Thailand Guide for Explorers — 11 Things to Do in...

35 New Deals and Attractions in Singapore this June 2024

How to Score Cheap Flights — 11 Most Common Mistakes to...

• Terms Of Use
• Privacy Policy

Combined Shape .st0{fill-rule:evenodd;clip-rule:evenodd;fill:#fff} region-beach-cities-lax region-downtown region-hollywood region-valley region-westside .st0{fill-rule:evenodd;clip-rule:evenodd;fill:#fff} SMS Main navigation Things to Do Attractions & Tours Arts & Culture Outdoors & Wellness Shopping Budget Family Hidden Gems Luxury Pet-Friendly Eat & Drink Bars Clubs Dine LA Restaurant Week Restaurants Business Spotlight Find Events Itineraries Where to Stay Celebrate LA Heritage AAPI Heritage Black LA Latino Heritage LGBTQ+ Tourist Information Meetings About LA Tourism Travel Trade Membership Business Spotlight Media Research Careers Today's must read Hidden Gems of Los Angeles Log in Search Search Tourist Information Travel Agents Lion Tours USA Inc. Share Been There Login Register My Next Trip Login Register Get Directions Go Metro Website Travel Agents Eco Friendly Pet Friendly Family Friendly For over 30 years, Lion Tours USA has provided services for groups and FIT tours. From Asia, we handle Airlines FIT packages, specialize in designing tailor made itineraries and programs for technical visiting, meetings & VIP groups. Contact Information 8831 Las Tunas Dr, Temple City 91780 626-285-3333 Additional Information Eco Friendly Family Friendly Student Group Friendly Pet Friendly Tour Group Friendly

Discover LA Newsletter

The  Stuff

Childhoods  are made of, fun family activities & places to visit with our kids in singapore & beyond  (plus the occasional mommy rantings), by vivian teo.

• Jun 9, 2023
• 14 min read

Taking your kid to Universal Studios Japan? Here're 15 things you must know

Updated: Jun 10, 2023

Universal Studios Japan is loads of fun for kids and adults but planning a trip there can get rather confusing and daunting. Here are 15 tips and things you must know if you're heading to the theme park, with or without kids!

We've just returned from our Osaka, Japan trip! Universal Studios Japan is definitely the highlight of our trip. It's all that it's hyped up to be with its newly-opened Super Nintendo World and the mesmerising Harry Potter world. The cheeriness and energy of the staff also added to the theme park's magical atmosphere.

I won't be reviewing on what the rides are like at Universal Studios Japan - Youtube and social media are great resources for that and videos do a better job than written reviews to give you a sense of what the rides are like. But I can tell you, yes, USJ is as impressive as what you see online. It's definitely a must-visit if you are in Osaka!

That said, what many of these videos and pics don't show you is the blood, sweat and tears some go through when booking their trip to Universal Studios Japan, especially for the newly-opened Super Nintendo World. I found it really overwhelming when I first looked at all the different park entry tickets (called studio passes), express passes and timed entry tickets for Super Nintendo World (yes, you need separate tickets for this, more on that later). I just wanted to buy a ticket and go into the park but really, it's not as simple as that if you want to make the most out of your trip.

We were also planning to go on a Monday and Tuesday but express passes that included entry to Super Nintendo World were all snapped up about a month before - I wasn't expecting them to go THAT fast and I think it's because Super Nintendo World is newly opened and everyone going to Universal Studios Japan wanted to make sure they could enter Super Nintendo World, and also because many people are making a beeline for Japan this year after it reopened to tourists.

So, after nearly tearing my hair out figuring what tickets to get and the initial scare that we might not even get to enter Super Nintendo World when at Universal Studios Japan, I decided I have to write this blog about the things to know if you're planning to go to Universal Studios Japan. So here they are:

1) How advance do I need to book my tickets and express passes?

Booking for park entry tickets and express passes open about 2 months ahead. Do note that park entry ticket and express pass are two separate things. Park entry ticket lets you enter the park while an express pass lets you skip the ride queues.

So if you are certain you're making the trip, I would advise booking express passes with Super Nintendo World entry once booking starts. I tried booking about a month before our desired entry date and the express passes with Super Nintendo World entry were sold out, so we had to rearrange our schedule and go on a Sunday instead of Monday. The express passes without Super Nintendo World entry were still available then but people are grabbing these express passes with Super Nintendo World entry because these passes guarantee entry into Super Nintendo World (more on that below). But yes, if you want to guarantee your entry into Super Nintendo World, get the express passes with timed entry into Super Nintendo World .

As for the park entry tickets, or studio passes, we had actually booked our second day entry to Universal Studios Japan a few days ahead of our entry date. Looking at the ticket availability, park entry tickets were generally still available if you book last minute and want to go the next day. But that said, we visited during June and this is the off-peak period for tourism in Japan. This might not be the case when you're going during peak season like July, August and year-end. So you might want to get your park entry tickets at least a month ahead or even once booking begins if you're travelling during peak season .

Tickets and express passes can be purchased from the USJ website and travel agencies like Klook and KKDay. We got ours from Klook but a quick check showed that prices do not differ by much among these sources. You'll see that there are Studio Passes A-E, these are just based on seasonality like weekdays, weekends, non-peak season, peak season. Tickets are cheaper on non-peak weekdays and more expensive during peak season. Don't panic if you click on Studio Pass A and see that there's nothing available, it could be the dates you are going is a B, C, D or E category. Just check the other Studio Pass categories.

2) Does the park entry ticket mean I can visit Super Nintendo World?

Not necessarily. You need a Timed Entry Ticket to guarantee entry to Super Nintendo World . Timed entry for Super Nintendo World comes with certain express passes (see tip no. 3).

Another way to get a Timed Entry Ticket to Super Nintendo World is to apply for it through the USJ app or at park ticket kiosks. These are free but do note that you might not be successful getting the Time Entry Ticket as USJ says, "we may stop or temporarily suspend the issuing of tickets without notice on the day of your visit due to crowd conditions." Follow the instructions at USJ's website on how to apply for Timed Entry Tickets. Judging from the popularity of Super Nintendo World and the express passes with timed entry into Super Nintendo World, I think it's a bit risky to go for this option, unless you don't mind leaving it to chance and NOT being able to enter Super Nintendo World.

Another way to get entry into Super Nintendo World is to go and queue at the park super early like 7-plus am, before the park opens, and then make a dash for Super Nintendo World. (This, I read online and heard from other people.) You might be able to enter Super Nintendo World because capacity at Super Nintendo World is unlikely to be full this early. But again, entry is not guaranteed with this method as there are likely many who would be doing the same.

If you don't want the stress of rushing and queuing early at the park or leaving your entry to Super Nintendo World to chance, getting an Express Pass with Timed Entry to Super Nintendo World is the best way to guarantee entry to Super Nintendo World . Of course if you're unable to secure an Express Pass with Timed Entry to Super Nintendo World then the above methods would be your best bet.

3) There are so many different express passes. Which do I get?

There are Express Pass 4 and Express Pass 7. The former allows you to skip queue for four designated rides and the latter, seven. On which of the pass to get, it'll depend on what rides you want to go on because these are for designated rides. So research ahead via YouTube to see what the rides are like and if the rides in that particular express pass are what you want to go for. My kids do not want to go for the scarier rides like Flying Dinosaur and Hollywood Dream, so there is no point getting express passes with these rides in them.

The following rides are very popular and tend to have very long queues, so it'd be better getting express passes with these rides in them if they are what you and your kids wanna ride: Doraemon XR Ride; Harry Potter & the Forbidden Journey; Flight of the Hippogriff; Minion Mayhem; Hollywood Dream; Backdrop; Mario Kart; Yoshi's Adventure.

We bought the Express Pass 7 which had all the rides we wanted to try out. Some friends also advised getting Express Pass 7 because Express Pass 4 is just for 4 rides and you'll have to join the normal queue for rides not covered by the express pass and normal queues can get pretty long for the popular rides.

Do note that you'll be given designated ride times in your express pass. That means if it says your ride for Minion Mayhem is at 1300-1330, you'll need to be at the ride entrance at this time. You won't be allowed into the express queue outside of the timing. But the fixed timing is nothing to worry about, the timings are well spaced out and the express queues really do move fast and the ride timings are unlikely to eat into one another.

Do also note that the express pass can only be used once on each designated ride . So after you have used it on say, the Doraemon ride, and you want to ride the Doraemon ride again, you'll need to join the normal queue on your second ride.

4) Is it really necessary to buy an express pass?

I would say buy the express pass if you can afford them. Yes, they are expensive - an Express Pass 7 is about SGD230 dollars for one person, so if you have a family of four, it will easily cost you close to S$1,000.

But having been there 2 days, one with and one without express pass, I find our enjoyment of the park is a lot more with the express pass. Some of the normal queues at the popular rides can get as long as over 2 or even 3 hours as compared to express queues which are easily below 30 mins. And with an Express Pass 7, we didn't finish all the non-express pass rides or explored everything at the park. Note that there are even queues at restaurants and food stalls. So without an express pass, you might not be able to fully experience the park as you do use up quite a bit of time queuing.

Of course if budget is a concern, you can get an Express Pass 4 with the popular rides or even go on two days instead of one.

Once again, if you really want to visit Super Nintendo World, please get the express pass with timed entry to the world - I feel that it's a real downer if you go to USJ and end up not being able to enter Super Nintendo World. My girls are huge Nintendo fans, so I wanted to make sure that we could visit SNW during our visit.

5) Should I get the Super Nintendo World power-up band?

The power-up band is for participating in extra activities at Super Nintendo World which you can purchase in the world itself. If you're thinking of getting the power-up band, read what you can do with it first. Here's an explanation from Klook and there are also instructions in the power-up band box on how to use the band. We initially thought you just use the wristband to hit those question mark boxes and that was it but no, it allows you to complete challenges and through the USJ app, collect stickers and rewards.

Personally, I don't think it's a big deal and wouldn't get one for myself, especially since one band costs 4200 yen. Most of the kids I saw got the bands and were having fun with it and so did my younger one. So I guess the kids might have more fun with it. But even without, I think you'll still have fun at Super Nintendo World, just that the band allows you to participate in some extra activities.

6) When's the best day to go to USJ?

Generally, I think you can expect USJ to be busy everyday but it's apparently less crowded on Wednesdays and Thursdays . We snuck a peak at the queue times through the USJ app and indeed, the queuing times are shorter on these days.

The general advice is to avoid weekends. We went on Sunday and it was crowded indeed but with our express pass, it actually didn't make a huge difference to us. The Monday we were there in fact felt more crowded and later I had read that Mondays and Tuesdays can be crowded as groups tend to plan excursions on these days.

7) What time should I arrive at the park?

Park opening hours differ on days so do check park opening hours ahead. Some people said you should go early to queue as the park will be less crowded, but when you're travelling with young children, it can be hard to go early. We arrived around 9-plus in the morning on Sunday and the queue to enter wasn't that long and it moved very fast. We arrived around 10am on Monday and the queue to enter was much longer, though it moved fast as well. So I reckon how long it takes to queue to enter the park has more to do with the crowd on that day.

8) Do the single rider queues move faster?

Riders in the single rider queue are slotted into empty seats in rides. E.g. If a ride has four seats, a group of three gets on those seats, staff will slot a single ride into the empty seat. Do note that single rider queues are NOT available for ALL rides and the park may or may not operate single rider queues for certain rides on certain days.

Single ride queues are generally shorter than the normal queues but for some popular rides like Backdrop and Doraemon, the single rider queues time displayed at ride entrance are about the same as the queue time displayed for normal queues when we were there. That said, we tried some of the single rider queues and though the stated queuing time is about the same as the normal queue, the waiting time was definitely shorter than the estimated queue time displayed at the queue.

But note that if you queue the single rider queue as a group, your group will likely be seated separately. My girls were initially a bit concerned about sitting the ride alone (we went for the single rider queue at the Spiderman ride as it was about half the queueing time of the normal queue), so what we did was we let hubs go first, followed by my two girls, and then myself. This is so that Hubs will be waiting at the exit of the ride for the next girl and I would still be in the queue with the other girl.

I also notice that the staff when boarding the single riders, they may actually take into consideration if you're queuing with children and if you're a family. Because the few times we queued single rider queues, they boarded our girls with one of us (Hubs and/or me) or the two girls went together such that we were in the same ride though not necessarily seated side by side. So if they can, I believe the staff do try to accommodate. But don't tell the staff you want to sit together with your so-so when you are in the single riders queue, it really wouldn't be fair to those in the normal queue and I don't think staff are obliged to accommodate your request.

So, after going once for the single rider queues, my girls realise it was no big deal even if we couldn't sit together cause we really cut short a lot of the queueing times. That said, it's also because my girls are older at 10 and 12 years old. The youngers ones might still need to have a parent with them. So if you have older kids, this is one strategy you can employ if you don't have an express pass.

9) How do I gauge the queue timings?

Estimated queueing times are stated outside the ride entrance. They will also state queueing time for single rider queues. Download and use the USJ app so you can check the queues through the app before heading to the ride .

10) Are the rides at USJ suitable for young children?

There are a good variety of rides at USJ. There's a Wonderland that is very suitable for younger children. We didn't explore much of this as they are too kiddy for my children.

But overall, I think there is a good mix of rides for children and adults. Do note, however, some rides come with minimum height. See USJ's website on height requirements . Again, do research on YouTube on what the rides are like to decide if they are rides suitable for your kids.

11) Do you need 2 days to cover the park?

If you don't have an express pass and only plan to queue the normal queues, it might be a bit challenging to fully cover the park in a day - it is much bigger than Universal Studios Singapore (I'm from Singapore!) - and remember, you also need to queue for food at food stalls and restaurants!

Because of our Express Pass 7, we actually covered MOST of the park in a day but I'm still glad we went for a second day because we managed to go for a few of the experiences we missed on the first day - like the Spiderman ride and queueing for the Mario cafe sandwiches - and we repeated the rides we really enjoyed. We also toured the park more leisurely on the second day with less stress as we already went for the rides we wanted to try on the day before.

Hubs felt one day was enough for him but the girls and I were still glad we went for a second day. So if you think your kids will really love USJ, I think you can go for a second day but maybe you can save some money by not getting an express pass on the second day.

12) Should I stay in the USJ area?

USJ is in the Osaka Bay area. It's not exactly very far in the suburbs - it is a 30-40-min train ride from the Namba city area we were staying at. Still, we booked 3 nights in the city and 3 nights at Osaka Bay because we are going USJ for 2 days and just so we didn't have to commute in case we want to arrive early or play till late at USJ. (BTW for families, I highly recommend La'gent Osaka Bay that's a 10-15-walk from USJ. Its family rooms are themed, huge and rates are reasonable for the hotels in the area).

But I think if you're staying somewhere that's pretty close to Osaka Bay or is only a short train ride from Osaka Bay e.g. Shin-Osaka area, then I don't think you have to book a hotel in the Osaka Bay area. The Osaka Bay area is not as convenient to travel to other parts of Osaka as compared to the city area and it is also quieter with not much to do there other than for USJ and Universal City Walk which has some shops and restaurants. So it really depends on where you're staying in Osaka. And changing hotels is also not the most convenient when you're travelling with young children and carrying bags. So I guess it's not necessary to have to stay in the Osaka Bay area.

13) How are the dining options?

There are lots of dining options at USJ and some sells special items like at the Mario Cafe or Pokemon food cart. But queues for food carts/restaurant can get pretty long throughout the day, so you'll also have to budget time to queue for food.

We went for the food carts mainly as we didn't have time to queue and sit down at restaurants, and just ate on the go. And when you are using express pass with designated ride timings, you have to make sure you get to your ride on time.

The only restaurant we queued for was Kinopio at Super Nintendo World. The timed entry and ride timings in our express pass were in the late afternoon, so could afford to queue as this was the last area we planned to visit for the day. The queue into the cafe was about half an hour. The food was quite nice - I wouldn't say superb - but it was a nice experience sitting in Toad's restaurant. So if you can afford to queue, I would say at least go for Kinopio or the restaurant in Harry Potter world, which I heard is really worth the wait as well.

14) Can I bring food and water in?

The USJ website states outside food is not allowed but baby food and snacks for children are allowed. If you have special dietary requirements, you can also inform the staff at the entrance.

Note that you're only allowed to bring in 500ml of water and they may check your bags through an x-ray machine, so there's no hiding of your extra bottles of water. That said, hubs and I brought in an extra half bottle of water each but the staff didn't say anything about it. I suppose as long as it's not too much, they will not kick up a fuss about it.

The first day our bags went through the machines but the second day we just breezed in without checks. Anyway, there are water coolers near the toilets in USJ, so you can re-fill your bottles. You can also buy mineral water at around 250 yen a bottle in the park.

15) Is there tax-free shopping in USJ?

In Japan, foreigners can shop tax free for purchases of at least 5000 yen. At USJ, you can claim back the tax you paid for your purchases in the park at the guest services area near the entrance. Please have your passport, receipt and merchandise ready when at the guest services area to claim back the tax. They will seal up your purchases in a bag and you're not allowed to open the bag while in Japan because tax-free goods are for foreigners who are consuming the goods outside Japan, not inside Japan. So if there is anything in your above-5000-yen purchases that you want to use while you're still in Japan, then don't claim back the tax for the particular item, if not, they will seal everything up in a bag for you.

Okay, that is all for now. Most of the tips here we learnt ourselves though research or the hard way and some from friends who are really helpful and generous to share about them. I hope these tips are useful for your trip planning to USJ. For more USJ pics and vids, do see my Instagram IGS highlights and post at 'vivianteowriter'!

I'll be sharing about our other experiences in Osaka and Kyoto in my upcoming blog posts, so do look out for them if you're planning to visit Osaka soon!

Disclaimer: We paid for our tickets, and my opinions and reviews here are strictly my and my family’s own.

©Vivian Teo. All content and photos are copyrighted to Vivian Teo unless otherwise specified.

Recent Posts

(UPDATED) 12 things to know before taking your kids to Legoland Malaysia

(UPDATED) Is Forest Adventure at Bedok Reservoir for your kid?

Ever camped at an airport? Here's a preview of 'A Night at the Airport' family camp at Jewel Changi!

4 comentarios

thanks for your comprehensive write-up!

I managed to get 1 express 7 pass for my son and when I want to get another one for the same time slots online they were all sold out! What would you think is the probability of me getting a similar time express 7 pass on the day that I am visiting?

I don't have experience buying from the door but I saw from the USJ website: Universal Express Passes are also sold at the Park, but their availability on the day of your visit may be limited and may sell out.

I think if you are unable to buy the Express 7 pass online seems like the best bet might be to go earlier on the day to buy at the door. Unsure which platform you bought the express pass but you might wanna double check your settings. I also almost got a heart attack when I saw on Klook all the dates I wanted were sold out and realised I got the date or some category thing wrong…

May I check whether the Harry Potter area still required an area entry pass?

Thinking of going there during the June holidays but wondering whether there will be a flood. When you went in 2023, was it raining heavily?

Oh dear, so sorry I'm only seeing your comment now! No, the Harry Potter zone didn't require a timed entry pass when we were there. I guess it's no longer as crowded as when it just opened. During June, yes, it rained quite a bit but probably like 2 days out of our weeklong trip. It wasn't very heavy but it did made our visits to Nara and Kyoto less enjoyable. So if you're going in June, you'll probably need to be prepared for the rain.

• Today's deals
• Search travel guides

Universal Studios Japan | First-Timer’s Guide to Osaka’s Top Theme Park

The largest theme park in Osaka is also the second most visited amusement park in Japan, right after Tokyo Disneyland . Universal Studios Japan is one of only four Universal Parks & Resorts in the world, and it was the first Universal Theme Park built in Asia.

Main attractions & best things to do at USJ

The park is divided into nine zones, each themed according to Hollywood hits and popular Universal Studios movies.

• Universal Wonderland : geared toward younger children and families, UWL is divided into three sub-zones – Snoopy Studio, Hello Kitty Fashion Avenue and Sesame Street Fun World. Adults and children both enjoy fun rides like The Flying Snoopy and Moppy’s Balloon Trip.
• Amity Village : hold onto your hat when you embark on a “boat tour of fear.” The JAWS ride in Amity Village has been using the world’s most famous man-eating shark to scare thrill-seekers for years!
• Waterworld : watch an intense battle take place in one of the most awesome studios in the complex. You won’t just feel like you’re watching a war on the water, you’ll feel like you’re a part of the action!
• The Wizarding World of Harry Potter : grab a Magical Wand when you enter and learn how to cast spells throughout Hogwarts castle at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Once you know how to use your Magic Wand, test your skills with real wizards at Hogsmeade or while encountering a Dementor on the thrilling ride, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey.
• Jurassic Park : swing through a prehistoric world on The Flying Dinosaur , and escape a dinosaur on one of USJ’s most popular water rides, Jurassic Park – The Ride .
• San Francisco : experience a dramatic fire scene like the one in the film Backdraft .
• Minion Park : hang out with silly yellow Minions when they come out of their basement lab, and have a laugh while riding Despicable Me Minion Mayhem and Freeze Ray Sliders .
• New York : get caught up in a 3D web of thrills on The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man – The Ride 4K3D .
• Hollywood : go head over heels for Hollywood Dream – The Ride – Backdrop , which takes passengers on a whizzing roller coaster ride – completely in reverse! If you prefer your roller coasters forward-facing, jump on Hollywood Dream – The Ride .

Opening hours : USJ ’s hours vary almost daily and are subject to change without notice. Times are posted on the USJ website. Visitors can normally plan on starting the day at 8:30 or 9 a.m. and ending it between 7 and 10 p.m.

FIND RESORT HOTELS NEAR UNIVERSAL STUDIOS JAPAN  

Where to buy tickets & entrance fees to Universal Studios Japan

Tickets to USJ are sold as one- and two-day Studio Passes, and prices vary according to dates. Purchase tickets at a USJ ticket booth, or buy advance tickets through USJ partner hotels and travel agencies, available on the USJ website.

Current ticket prices (2021)

• 1-day Studio Pass (with tax) : adults (12 and older), 7,800 yen; children (ages 4 to 11), 5,400 yen; seniors (ages 65 and older), 7,100 yen
• 2-day Studio Pass (with tax) : adults (12 and older), 15,400 yen; children (ages 4 to 11), 10,500 yen; seniors (ages 65 and older), not available.

Add a Universal Express Pass to your ticket and reduce average wait times from about two hours to 20 to 30 minutes per ride. Universal Express Pass prices vary by package, according to the number of attractions you want to visit. Prices range from 7,091 yen (four must-see attractions) to 18,637 yen (all attractions).

Restaurants & shops at USJ

Each of USJ ’s nine zones, except Waterworld , contain specialty boutiques and restaurants according to their themes. Enjoy a whoopie pie at Schwab’s Pharmacy in Hollywood , and snack on cute steamed buns at Hello Kitty’s Corner Café in Universal Wonderland .

How to get to USJ from Osaka

• By train – Nishikujo Station provides a direct line to Universal City Station from most major areas in Osaka , including Osaka Itami Airport and Kansai International Airport . Passengers coming from Osaka Itami Airport , Shin-Osaka Station , Sannomiya Station and Kyoto Station must change trains at Osaka Station , which travels to Nishikujo Station .
• By bus : Kansai International Airport and Osaka Itami Airport provide connecting buses to USJ . Buses run about once per hour. The ride from Kansai takes about one hour, and the ride from Itami lasts about 45 minutes.
• By ferry : Take the Captain Line ferry across the Aji River from Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan to USJ . Ferries run once or twice each hour.

Check In to a hotel or guest house near Osaka Train Station

Step Out to Universal Studios Japan

You may also like

Hidden Gems of Hong Kong: Off-the-Beaten-Path Attractions

The Ultimate Bali Adventure: Trekking Mount Batur

Nightlife in Jakarta: The Ultimate Guide to Bars, Clubs, and Night Markets

Top Luxury Hotels in Taipei for an Unforgettable Stay

Exploring Seoul's Street Food: Top Picks for Foodies

3 Days in Bandung Itinerary: Exploring the Best of Nature and Culture

A Day in Odaiba: Futuristic Tokyo Bay Adventure

A Foodie's Guide to Night Markets in Bangkok

Uncover the Best Hotels and Attractions in Kuala Lumpur: Your Ultimate Stay Guide

Exploring Hidden Gems in Osaka: Unique Experiences

3 Days in Penang Itinerary: A Cultural and Culinary Adventure

3 Days in Chiang Mai Itinerary: A Cultural Adventure

3-day itinerary for exploring the historical and modern attractions of Ho Chi Minh City.

3 Days in Jeju Itinerary: Must-See Attractions - Your Ultimate Travel Guide

3 Days in Johor Bahru Itinerary: Exploring Top Attractions

3 Days in Singapore Itinerary: Discover the Lion City's Highlights

3 Days in Manila Itinerary: Discover Cultural and Historical Gems

3 Days in Fukuoka Itinerary: Must-see Spots and Hidden Gems

3 Days in Pattaya Itinerary: The Ultimate Beach and Nightlife Experience

3 Days in Kyoto Itinerary: Exploring the Ancient Capital of Japan

3 Days in Jakarta Itinerary: Exploring the Heart of Indonesia

Discover the hidden gems of Hong Kong with our travel guide. Explore off-the-beaten-path attractions, serene parks, ancient temples, and picturesque villages. Unveil the unique side of Hong Kong and plan your perfect trip!

Embark on the ultimate Bali adventure by trekking Mount Batur. Discover a detailed itinerary, including preparation tips, sunrise views, crater exploration, and cultural experiences in Ubud. Read our comprehensive guide to make your trek unforgettable!

Explore the best nightlife in Jakarta with our ultimate guide to bars, clubs, and night markets. Discover where to drink, dance, and feast in Indonesia's bustling capital!

Discover the top luxury hotels in Taipei for an unforgettable stay. Experience opulent accommodations, world-class amenities, fine dining, and serene retreats in the vibrant capital of Taiwan.

Exploring Seoul's Street Food: Top Picks for Foodies

Discover the best street food in Seoul with our detailed guide. Dive into the flavors, where-to-eat, and tips on enjoying the best of Seoul's vibrant street food scene. Perfect for foodies!

Discover the best of Bandung in 3 days with our detailed itinerary. Explore top attractions, cultural spots, nature trails, and gastronomic delights. Perfect for a weekend getaway or a short vacation!

Discover Odaiba, Tokyo's cutting-edge waterfront district. Explore top attractions, dining, shopping, and family-friendly activities. Your ultimate guide to a futuristic Tokyo adventure.

A Foodie's Guide to Night Markets in Bangkok

Discover Bangkok's vibrant night markets with our ultimate foodie guide. Explore must-try street foods, unique markets, and insider tips to savor the best of Bangkok's culinary scene.

Discover the best hotels in Kuala Lumpur with our comprehensive guide. From luxury 5-star stays to budget-friendly options, find the perfect accommodation for your trip. Book now!

Discover the hidden gems of Osaka with our guide to boutique hotels and unique stays. Experience the best of Osaka's culture, cuisine, and attractions with our expert tips and recommendations. Book now and enjoy an unforgettable stay.

Discover the perfect 3 days in Penang itinerary with our cultural and culinary adventure guide. Explore top attractions, savor local foods, and immerse yourself in Penang's rich heritage. Plan your 3-day trip to Penang now!

Explore the best of Chiang Mai in 3 days with our ultimate cultural adventure itinerary. Visit iconic temples, savor local cuisine, and immerse in authentic Thai experiences. Plan your perfect trip now!

Ho Chi Minh City, Saigon, 3 days in Ho Chi Minh City itinerary, Vietnam travel, historical sites, Reunification Palace, War Remnants Museum, Ben Thanh Market

Discover the best of Jeju Island in just three days with our comprehensive itinerary. Find must-see attractions, travel tips, and more in our ultimate travel guide. Plan your Jeju trip now!

Discover the ultimate 3-day itinerary for Johor Bahru, exploring top attractions, hidden gems, and delightful culinary spots. Perfect for first-timers!

3 Days in Singapore Itinerary: Discover the Lion City's Highlights

Explore Singapore in 3 days with this ultimate travel itinerary. Discover top attractions, cultural spots, and dining recommendations to make the most of your visit to the Lion City. Perfect for first-time visitors and seasoned travelers alike.

Discover cultural and historical gems with this 3-day itinerary in Manila. Explore the city's rich heritage and iconic landmarks.

Explore the best of Fukuoka in 3 days with this comprehensive itinerary. Discover must-see attractions, hidden gems, and local culinary delights. Perfect for first-time visitors and seasoned travelers alike. Start planning your trip to Fukuoka now!

Explore Pattaya with our ultimate 3-day itinerary guide. Discover the best beaches, thrilling water activities, vibrant nightlife, and rich cultural sites while enjoying top accommodations. Perfect for first-time visitors seeking sun and fun in this Thai paradise. Plan your Pattaya trip now!

Discover the best of Kyoto with our comprehensive 3-day itinerary. Explore iconic temples, serene gardens, and vibrant markets in Japan's ancient capital. Perfect for first-time visitors, families, or solo travelers. Plan your Kyoto trip now!

Discover Jakarta with this ultimate 3-day itinerary! Perfect for first-time visitors, explore top attractions, cultural sites, shopping districts, and culinary delights in the heart of Indonesia. Plan your trip now!

Current language

All languages.

• Tokyo Cheapo (繁體中文)

The Essential USJ Itinerary [With Expert Tips]

Universal Studios Japan (USJ) may be smaller than its American counterparts, but don’t let size fool you. With areas like Super Nintendo World, Harry Potter, and Minion Park, it’s essential to plan ahead, so that you can make the most of your visit. Worry not, though; we have a one-day USJ itinerary and four tips to save you time and money — including the good-old child switch.

First things first — see how to save money on your tickets to USJ . Park pass sorted? Download the USJ app. It’s your day’s BFF, securing Super Nintendo World entry, serving as your trusty map, and dishing out the wait times. You can also use it to check for special events.

Pro tip: Express Passes are speedy, but spendy. For budget-friendly hacks to skip the pass, peep our tips below the itinerary.

USJ itinerary for first-time visitors

We battle-tested this itinerary ourselves, and were pleased with the results.

6:30 a.m.–7 a.m. Rise and shine

Wakey wakey! Depending on your Osaka hotel , it shouldn’t be more than a 30-minute hop to Universal-City Station and USJ, from the city center.

7:30 a.m.–8 a.m. The grand arrival

Time to make an entrance. To score a Super Nintendo World timed entry, arrive at least an hour early. Use the USJ app: One person scans tickets and grabs a group e-ticket via the Area Timed Entry Ticket button. Be quick; they go faster than Yoshi’s eggs!

Note: There’s no need for a timed-entry ticket to get into The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

What time does Universal Studios Japan open?

At USJ, the ride hours vary; some days they start operating as early as 8:30 a.m., while others kick off at 9 a.m.. However, the park itself opens an hour beforehand.

On the day we went, we arrived around 8:30 a.m. and the park was already open. We quickly opened the app for timed entry to Super Nintendo World, and the first available slot was 5:50 p.m.! So if you want an earlier time, you’ll need to get there even earlier.

You’ll find a Starbucks and a couple of convenience stores outside the park, where you can get coffee before you start queuing.

8:30 a.m.–10 a.m. Harry Potter’s magic awaits

Dive into Hogsmeade for the Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey ride; lines fill up fast. Then, try the Flight of the Hippogriff roller coaster. It’s best to do it early, as there’s no single-rider line (more on that below). If it’s not your thing, skip it.

Afterwards, explore Hogsmeade, savor Butterbeer, shop, and enjoy shows, maybe meet a Hippogriff.

10 a.m.–1 p.m. Tackle Amity Village, Jurassic Park, and more

Explore Amity Village, home to Jaws. If you’re feeling peckish, grab a pizza danish ( ¥ 1,000 ) from Boardwalk Snacks.

For dino thrills, head to Jurassic Park for The Flying Dinosaur roller coaster and the Jurassic Park ride (check for availability).

Then, dive into Minion Park for the goofy yellow crew. Enjoy some themed bites and shop for Minion goodies. Keep going until you reach The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man (closing in 2024).

Prefer the parade? Secure an excellent spot for the NO LIMIT! Parade. Check the USJ map for the route and arrive early. For the best view, consider Gramercy Park, but note that it needs a separate ticket. The parade kicks off at 13:00, and includes Pikachu and other Pokemon (subject to change).

1 p.m.–2 p.m. Lunchtime

Beat lunch lines by eating during the NO LIMIT! Parade. Use the USJ app to find a restaurant, including ones that allow QR-code orders, like Mel’s Diner. That way, you can skip a 30-minute wait and get food in under 10 minutes.

2 p.m.–3 p.m. Play and explore

If you’ve got little adventurers in tow, it’s Universal Wonderland time. There are over 30 attractions, starring characters from Sesame Street, Peanuts, Sanrio, and more. Your tots can revel in rides, meet beloved characters, and dive into interactive play areas for all ages.

Walk, meet more characters, catch a show, or indulge in a bit of retail therapy.

4 p.m.–5 p.m. Super Nintendo World*

In spring 2024, Donkey Kong Country will open in Super Nintendo World, so allow yourself even more time to explore.

The time has come to dive into Super Nintendo World. Journey through a green pipe, stepping right into the iconic video game.

March to Koopa’s (Bowser’s) castle to queue up for Mario Kart: Koopa’s Challenge. When wait times stretch to 2-3 hours, remember that the single-rider line is your friend!

With your little one? Find Yoshi’s Adventure for a kid-friendly, slow-paced ride.

You’ll see people sporting cool character power bands ( ¥ 4,200 ). For casual visitors, you don’t need them to enjoy the games and rides. They’re more for frequent visitors and super fans.

*You can’t control what time your entry ticket will be — swap other sections around for your visit to Super Nintendo World.

7 p.m.–8 p.m. Final adventures

Hungry? If you snagged a Kinopio’s Cafe reservation, great! Otherwise, head to Snoopy’s Cafe in Universal Wonderland, the more adult-friendly Park Side Grille, or save money by eating outside the park after leaving.

Still not wiped out? Hit Hollywood Dream, a lit-up roller coaster with epic Osaka views and an electrifying soundtrack.

Pro tip: Check the events on the app to see if any night shows or parades are happening.

4 tips for your day at USJ

1. use the single-rider lines.

Beat long waits with the single-rider hack. No need for an Express Pass — just be okay with splitting from your group on the ride. Enjoy rides in half the wait or less.

2. Child switch

Traveling with small kids? Child Switch is the trick. One adult rides first, the other babysits, then you swap — and the second adult goes straight to the ride.

3. Make the most of the kid-friendly wonderland

USJ is family-friendly. Kids under 3 enter free. Changing stations are in every bathroom, and there are dedicated childcare rooms in the Universal Wonderland area. Hungry little ones? Snoopy’s Backlot Cafe has baby food, though you can bring your own food for babies/toddlers.

4. Snack and shop smart

Buy food from carts to snack on in ride lines and save shopping for Universal Walk, just outside the park. If you spot a treasure in the park that you want, go for it — but know that USJ’s prices are no joke. For example, those collectible popcorn buckets go for ¥ 3,500 – ¥ 4,500 each.

Note: USJ is fun for any weather, and many attractions are indoors or sheltered. On sunny days, just remember to pack water, a hat, sunscreen, and a portable fan.

Also read: Everything you need to know about Universal Studios Japan .

While we do our best to ensure it’s correct, information is subject to change.

• Amusement park
• Family Day Out
• Universal Studios Japan

Get the best Japan Cheapo hacks direct to your inbox

10 Very Best Things To Do in Kobe

Eat, drink, be merry — and maybe climb a famous mountain.

June 2024: Top Events Around Japan

Fancy horses, dance festivals, fun with yukata, mud sports — and more.

Best Places To Stay in Nara

Because this beautiful city deserves to be more than just a day-trip destination.

15 Things To Do in Osaka: Explore "Japan's Kitchen"

Get ready for colorful nights, culinary delights — and much more.

May 2024: Top Events Around Japan

Giant battling kites, a thousand-samurai march, flower festivals and more!

10 Adrenaline-Pumping Okinawa Adventures

The options are plentiful, the prices low. Choose from jungle treks, wild camping, zip-lining and more.

A Matcha Lover's Guide to Kyoto

Love tea? Then you'll love Kyoto.

Updated: 2024 Japan Cherry Blossom Forecast

The blooms are fashionably late. Here's when to see sakura in all the major cities.

April 2024: Top Events Around Japan

Look forward to flowers and festivals galore!

8 Perfect Places To See Cherry Blossoms in Osaka

Castle grounds, sprawling parks — and somewhere extra special.

Cherry Blossoms in Kyoto: 14 Best Sakura Spots

From temples to riversides, geisha districts — and more.

9 Things To Do in Fukui

Explore the shiny new stop on the Hokuriku Shinkansen — an easy trip from Tokyo.

Recommended hotels located nearby

Close without accepting

This website uses cookies. We use cookies to analyze our traffic, enhance our website’s functionality and performance and better experience for our users. If you require more information, please view our Cookie Policy .

Call Today! 1-800-387-2706

Luxury africa, journeys & places, to fall in love with.

2024 Safaris

South Africa

Trip of the Month

Our african tale.

Dedicated Dream Team

Making affordable luxury safari dreams come true for more than 60 years, Lion World Travel is one of North America’s largest operators of safaris to Africa. We love Africa and specialize in small group safaris and custom tours to Southern Africa, East Africa and Egypt.

Safari Finder

Find your ultimate african safari.

For fifty-six years, Lion World Travel has demonstrated our African destination expertise, creating a level of service and comfort among clients that is unique. Our safari specialists have first-hand knowledge of Africa and can create an affordable luxury safari for you, paired with special highlights to make for an unforgettable vacation.

Awards & Accolades

The ardmore connection

Born From Kindred Spririts

Luxury African lifestyle brand, which transforms African art into global design through fabric, wallpaper, furniture, cushions and tableware with local artisans. Through our exclusive partnership, you can meet the artists and bring Africa to your home.

Mytishchi Tourism

• Things To Do in Mytishchi
• Mytishchi Itineraries
• Mytishchi Hotels

Mytishchi Trip Planner

Plan your customized day by day trip plan for Mytishchi. Choose from various experinces categories as adventure, romantic and family and kids friendly for your trip using using Mytishchi trip planner.

• THINGS TO DO
• HOW TO REACH
• TOP RESTAURANTS
• Moscow Trip Planner
• Yaroslavl Oblast Trip Planner