Photo Tour of Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Japan
Photo Tour of Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Japan

The top things to buy at Universal Studios Japan center on three themes: Nintendo, Harry Potter and the Minions. The Power-Up Band, popcorn buckets, wizard robes and Bertie Bott’s Every Flavour Beans are all crowd favorites. Shops are spread across the themed areas, so if you want the best 2026 USJ souvenirs, check the list of picks under ¥3,000 below. If you only want to shop without entering the park, head to Universal CityWalk Osaka just outside the entrance.

Super Nintendo World™: Step Into the Real Mario Game World

Super Nintendo World is the USJ area modeled on scenes from the Super Mario games. Bowser’s Castle, Princess Peach’s Castle and the Mushroom Kingdom streetscapes all recreate the game world. During busy periods, entry requires an Entry Ticket (timed entry pass, seiriken) claimed in the official app, or an Express Pass that includes a guaranteed entry slot.

The area sells exclusive items such as the Power-Up Band, popcorn buckets and Tomica collaboration toy cars, and the 1UP Factory is the flagship store with the widest selection. Shoppers should put this area first on the itinerary so popular items do not sell out.

Super Nintendo World™
Super Nintendo World™

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™: A Wizard Shopping Street Beneath Hogwarts Castle

Themed after Hogsmeade, this shopping street faithfully recreates scenes from the books. Honeydukes, Zonko’s Joke Shop and Ollivanders Wand Shop line the street, and the brick buildings and falling-snow effects create a strong movie atmosphere that makes it a prime photo spot.

The area sells Hogwarts wizard robes, Bertie Bott’s Every Flavour Beans, Chocolate Frogs and interactive wands. We suggest going toward evening for photos, since Hogsmeade looks especially magical once the lights come on, and you can enjoy a Butterbeer while you shop.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™

Minion Park: A Cheerful Shopping Playground in Minion Yellow

After its expansion in July 2025, the area is 1.4 times its original size. Three themed shops, Minion Pop Shop, Fun Store and Sweet Surrender, offer snacks, plush toys and household goods, and the colorful displays are a popular photo spot in themselves.

The Pink Unicorn and Bob’s Tim Bear lines are the most-asked-about products lately. Keep an eye out for in-store exclusives, as some items are sold only at Minion Park and may not be available at shops in other areas.

Minion Park
Minion Park

Hollywood Area: A Retro Movie-Style Shopping Street at the Entrance

Since everyone passes through it on the way in and out of the park, the Hollywood Area gathers several flagship souvenir shops and is a good place to stock up before you leave. The streetscape recreates the architecture of America’s golden age of film in the 1930s, and it feels completely different by day and by night.

The Universal Studios store here sells merchandise common to the whole park. If you are short on time and cannot browse every themed area, this is the safe last-chance stop for souvenirs.

New York Area: Hidden Specialty Shops in a City Setting

The New York Area is known for its faithful movie-set recreation. Its street-side shops are less eye-catching than Nintendo World or the Harry Potter area, but they sell plenty of limited-edition household goods and stationery, making them a good treasure hunt for visitors who prefer understated designs.

The park sets up dedicated shops or pop-up stores for limited-time collaboration events, so before you go shopping, check the current event information and the store list on the official USJ website (usj.co.jp).

Jurassic Park: Dinosaur-Themed Souvenir Shop

The Jurassic Park shop focuses on dinosaur fossil models, jungle-expedition-style clothing and plush toys. It suits families looking for educational souvenirs, and the store’s decor itself carries a jungle-adventure feel.

We suggest stopping by after riding “Flying Dinosaur.” Buying themed items right after a thrilling ride makes the memory stick, and it is a fixed stop for many families.

Jurassic Park
Jurassic Park

Universal Wonderland: Cute Character Shops Kids Love

Themed around classic characters such as Hello Kitty, Snoopy and Sesame Street, the Universal Wonderland shops sell plenty of cute goods that parents and kids can enjoy together, including plush toys, stationery and home items. Prices are friendly and well suited to gifts.

The paths here are gentle and the queues are short, so it is a good place for families with small children to take a break between purchases. The shops often have photo corners as well.

Universal Wonderland
Universal Wonderland

Amity Village: Jaws-Themed Exclusive Items

Amity Village is themed after the movie Jaws. The shops are small, but the products are highly unique: shark goods, fishing-village-style T-shirts and commemorative pins are limited items you can only buy here.

While shopping, you can also stop at the street-side snack stands. The atmosphere here is quiet and relaxed, making it a good place to pass through during a lull in your afternoon schedule.

Waterworld: Pop-Up Stands for the Stunt Show

Around the Waterworld theater there are small sales stands focused on souvenirs tied to the explosive stunt show, such as limited posters and small goods. They are usually open for purchase only around show times.

We suggest confirming the day’s show times in advance and heading to the stands right after the spectacular water stunt show, so you avoid the crowd rushing in once the performance ends and missing out.

Waterworld
Waterworld

Shopping Near USJ: Universal CityWalk Osaka, No Ticket Needed

You do not need a ticket to shop near Universal Studios Japan. On the walk from JR Yumesaki Line’s Universal City Station to the USJ entrance, you pass the commercial complex Universal CityWalk Osaka (ユニバーサル・シティウォーク大阪), which has many shops and restaurants.

  • Universal Studios Store (ユニバーサル・スタジオ・ストア CityWalk Osaka): on the 3F and 4F, this is the largest official store outside the park. It stocks everything for your park outfit, such as headbands and plush toys, and also carries Harry Potter items that used to be sold only inside the park. Hours change with the park’s opening hours, so check the official announcements before you go.
  • Universal Style Store (ユニバーサル・スタイル・ストア): another official store on the 3F, selecting this season’s trendy items from a wide range of products.
  • Little OSAKA: a souvenir market on the 3F, good for picking up local Osaka gifts.
  • Matsumoto Kiyoshi (マツモトキヨシ) and LAWSON: both on the 3F, so you can top up on drugstore items, snacks and drinks here.
  • Eating: “TAKOPA” on the 4F brings together takoyaki shops and is open until 22:00.

The general opening hours announced on the CityWalk website are: 3F shops and fast food 10:00 to 22:00, 4F shops 11:00 to 22:00, and 4F and 5F restaurants 11:00 to 23:00, adjusted by store and season. Browsing CityWalk after leaving the park and then walking on to Universal City Station for your train is a convenient plan with no backtracking.

How to Get to Universal Studios Japan in Osaka: Transport Options and Costs

USJ is not far from central Osaka. Depending on where you stay and your budget, you can choose from several options, including JR trains, subway with transfers, airport shuttle buses and the Limousine Bus.

How to Get to USJ: Transport Options at a Glance

  • 🚃 JR Osaka Loop Line + Yumesaki Line: about 11 minutes by train from Osaka Station (transfer at Nishikujo), or about 20 minutes including waiting time, then a 5-minute walk from the station to the City Walk shopping area. Trains are frequent, making this the top choice for independent travelers.

  • 🚇 Osaka Metro + JR Yumesaki Line transfer: about 35 to 45 minutes from Namba or Shinsaibashi, ¥320 to ¥400. It can be combined with the Osaka Amazing Pass (one-day pass in 2026: ¥3,500).

  • 🚌 Kansai Airport Limousine Bus: about 70 minutes, roughly ¥1,600 to ¥1,800 one way. Luggage goes straight into the cargo hold, which suits families and older travelers.

  • 🚃 Shin-Osaka Station (JR): take the JR Kyoto Line or Kobe Line to Osaka Station in just 4 minutes, then transfer to the Osaka Loop Line, about 16 minutes to Universal City Station. The most convenient connection from the Shinkansen.

JR Osaka Loop Line + Yumesaki Line: The Most Popular and Convenient Direct Option
JR Osaka Loop Line + Yumesaki Line: The Most Popular and Convenient Direct Option

The must-buy list at Universal Studios Japan spans three major IPs: Nintendo, Harry Potter and the Minions. To help you choose among the park’s shops, must-buys and souvenirs, here are the key shopping points, ordered by popularity.

1UP Factory: The Nintendo Flagship Store with the Widest Selection

The 1UP Factory is inside Super Nintendo World and has the richest range of Nintendo merchandise in the park, from the Power-Up Band and the Super Star popcorn bucket to the Mario Kart popcorn bucket, plus tin-box snacks and shaped cookies you cannot get at other shops. The store also has a dedicated Tomica collaboration toy car corner, at about ¥1,500 each, a popular pick for collectors.

We suggest heading straight to this store right after entering to check the stock of popular items. The Mario Kart and Super Star popcorn buckets in particular often sell out before noon, so if you are after a specific design, buy it first and then continue on to other attractions.

1UP Factory (inside Super Nintendo World)
1UP Factory (inside Super Nintendo World)

Power-Up Band: The Core Accessory for Nintendo World’s Interactive Games

The Power-Up Band costs about ¥4,900 and is the key item for joining the interactive games once you are inside Super Nintendo World. Through app syncing it records your scores as you clear challenges, and lets you interact with characters by punching blocks and collecting coins, bringing the game experience into the real world. Band designs come in several character themes, including Mario, Luigi and Princess Peach.

Buying in person often means queuing, so if your schedule is tight, consider buying in advance from the official online store (a Japanese delivery address is required) to save waiting time.

Power-Up Band
Power-Up Band

Popcorn Buckets: The Most Sought-After Collectibles in the Park

The Mario Kart popcorn bucket and the Super Star popcorn bucket are among the most talked-about USJ souvenirs. The buckets are finely detailed and come with usable popcorn inside, at about ¥3,000 to ¥3,500 each, and there are often queues to grab them, even limited supplies.

If you are set on a particular design, check the official app in advance for sales locations and availability. Some popcorn stands restock only at certain times, and if you miss it you may have to wait until the next day, so treat this as a priority when planning your shopping.

Mario Kart Popcorn Bucket
Mario Kart Popcorn Bucket

Hogwarts Wizard Robes: Immersive Dress-Up for Wizard Fans

Robes are sold at Gladrags Wizardwear in Hogsmeade, in uniform styles for the four Houses, including Gryffindor and Slytherin, at about ¥8,000 to ¥12,000. They are cut to resemble the film versions and are loved by devoted Harry Potter fans.

We suggest wearing the robe you bought for photos on the same day. Photos taken in a wizard robe against the Hogsmeade streetscape look especially cinematic, a keepsake many visitors hold on to, and the robe is also a high-quality gift option.

Hogwarts Wizard Robes
Hogwarts Wizard Robes

Bertie Bott’s Every Flavour Beans and Chocolate Frogs: Wizard-Style Snack Souvenirs

Honeydukes is the most popular snack shop in Hogsmeade. Bertie Bott’s Every Flavour Beans come as a mixed pack of regular flavors and prank flavors such as “vomit” and “dirt,” a great conversation-starter snack to share at gatherings. Chocolate Frogs include a wizard collector card, and each card has a different picture, which draws many people to collect the full set.

Both cost about ¥1,500 to ¥2,500 and are easy to carry, ideal for buying in bulk as souvenirs. We suggest buying a few extra boxes and splitting them up as gifts, since friends and family who receive them are usually struck by the “vomit flavor” beans.

Bertie Bott's Every Flavour Beans and Chocolate Frogs
Bertie Bott’s Every Flavour Beans and Chocolate Frogs

Interactive Wands: Magic Souvenirs That Cast Spells

The interactive wands sold at Ollivanders cost about ¥5,500. After buying one, you can point it at sensor windows at specific spots along the Hogsmeade streets and cast spells that trigger effects such as items moving in shop windows and lighting changes, an innovative blend of storytelling and technology.

We suggest going through the wand-choosing ceremony in the store before buying, to pick the wand that is right for you. The process itself is a small performance, and once you have chosen, you can follow the in-store map to find the hidden interactive spots, which adds to the fun of shopping.

Interactive Wand
Interactive Wand

Minion Snacks: Souvenirs Yellow Fans Must Stock Up On

Sweet Surrender sells Minion-shaped cookies, candies and chocolates in cute, playful packaging, at about ¥800 to ¥2,000. They are a popular souvenir for kids or office colleagues, and the flavors suit most tastes, so they are unlikely to disappoint.

We suggest choosing small, individually packed versions that are easy to carry home. If you worry about luggage weight, the airport also has some Minion merchandise counters you can use as a last-minute backup.

Minion Snacks
Minion Snacks

Bob’s Tim Bear and Pink Unicorn Lines: Minion Park Exclusives

The Bob’s Tim Bear line sold at the Fun Store centers on Bob’s teddy bear from the movie, with plush toys, charms and stationery. Its warm, cute style is, along with the Pink Unicorn line, one of the most-asked-about product lines lately.

Both lines are sold only at Minion Park and may not be available at shops in other areas. Visitors who love collecting characters should put this area first on the itinerary to avoid regrets.

Universal Cool Japan 2026 Collaboration Items: Limited-Time Goods Including Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End

“Universal Cool Japan 2026” has featured collaborations since January 30, 2026 with works including Detective Conan, Jujutsu Kaisen, Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End and Monster Hunter Wilds, each with its own merchandise and shops.

Each work runs on a different schedule: Conan (until June 30), Monster Hunter Wilds (until May 17) and Jujutsu Kaisen (until August 18) have all ended, while the Frieren “Story Walk” runs until January 11, 2027. Check the official event page before you go.

Universal Cool Japan 2026 Collaboration Items
Universal Cool Japan 2026 Collaboration Items

25th Anniversary “Discover U!!!” Commemorative Items: Milestone Merchandise Worth Collecting

For the 25th anniversary celebration “Discover U!!!” (March 4, 2026 to March 30, 2027), the park has released limited commemorative pins, anniversary popcorn buckets and collaboration apparel, with designs that blend classic characters and the anniversary key visual.

This line has collectible value. We suggest picking items up early in the celebration, before popular designs run out as demand grows toward the end of the event. Commemorative items are usually not restocked after the celebration ends.

25th Anniversary Commemorative Items
25th Anniversary Commemorative Items

Best USJ Small Souvenirs 2026: How to Pick Gifts Under ¥3,000

The wizard robes, wands and popcorn buckets above are all fairly expensive. If you want to hand out gifts to friends and family, or you are on a budget and only want a few small things to take home, you can use the official online store’s listed prices to plan. Below are the main price ranges for various USJ small items, checked on the official USJ online store (onlinestore.usj.co.jp) in September 2026 (actual items change with characters and seasons, and in-park prices are as shown on site):

  • Shareable snacks (boxed cookies, chocolate crisps, pasta snacks and similar): mostly ¥1,300 to ¥2,900, with the most options around ¥2,000.
  • Stationery: ballpoint pens or pen sets about ¥1,200 to ¥3,500, a 4-pack of A4 folders ¥1,200, a 6-pack of erasers ¥1,300.
  • Small towels: about ¥1,000 to ¥3,000 (including sets of 2 to 4).
  • Key chains: regular ones from about ¥1,000, most around ¥2,000, and plush toy key chains about ¥2,000 to ¥3,600.
  • Pass cases (パスケース): about ¥1,400 to ¥2,900, handy for carrying your ticket or transit card around your neck when entering the park.
  • Headbands: about ¥1,900 to ¥3,600, the most common accessory for photos in the park.

Two things to note about “USJ Osaka exclusive merchandise”: first, many items on the official online store are marked “パーク来場者限定” (park visitors only), and you can order them only on the day you enter the park, by opening the online store on your phone and allowing location access to complete “パーク来場登録” (park entry registration). Second, the online store ships only within Japan, usually dispatching about 8 days after the order, with standard shipping of ¥1,000 and free shipping on orders of ¥10,000 or more. For visitors from overseas, the most practical way to get limited small items is still to buy them on the spot at the official stores in the park or at CityWalk, and the online store is better for checking designs and prices in advance.

Tax-Free Shopping: A Money-Saving Tip Short-Stay Visitors Should Know

The USJ tax refund counter is at Studio Gifts West (from 14:00). Show your passport; purchases of the same category totaling ¥5,000 or more before tax qualify, and after a 3.3% handling fee you actually get back about 6.7%. Popcorn buckets and food and drink are not eligible. From November 1, 2026, Japan switches to refunds after confirmation at the airport on departure, so please check with the official sources first.

We suggest concentrating your spending and bringing your passport, goods and receipts to process everything at once, so scattered purchases do not leave you below the threshold.

How Much Does USJ Osaka Cost? Tickets and Express Pass Buying Guide

Beyond shopping at Universal Studios Japan in Osaka (USJ), the biggest headache for visitors is choosing tickets and Express Passes. USJ’s ticket types are quite varied, with different pricing strategies for one-day passes, Express Passes and limited-time event tickets. We suggest comparing prices on platforms such as KKDay and Klook before you leave, which is usually cheaper than buying at the gate and saves you the time of queuing to buy. Below are the four main categories of tickets to buy, so even first-time visitors can see their budget clearly.

The official purchase channel is the WEB ticket shop on the official USJ website (usj.co.jp), and you can also buy at Lawson. Express Passes are likewise sold in the official ticket shop, and ticket types and prices are as shown on the official page.

2026 USJ Osaka Hotel Guide: Themed Rooms, Natural Hot Springs and Official Partner Hotels

2026 USJ Osaka Hotel Guide: Themed Rooms, Natural Hot Springs and Official Partner Hotels

The 2026 USJ Osaka hotel guide rounds up the official partner hotels

USJ One-Day Pass: The Basic Entry Requirement

The one-day pass is the most basic ticket for entering Universal Studios Japan. In 2026, adult prices range from about ¥8,400 to ¥11,900 under daily variable pricing, and the earlier you buy, the more likely you are to get a lower price tier. Child tickets (ages 4 to 11) cost a little over 60% of the adult price. We suggest buying an e-ticket through an online travel platform such as KKDay or Klook, which you can scan to enter directly, saving the time of queuing to exchange tickets at the gate.

USJ One-Day Pass: The Basic Entry Requirement
USJ One-Day Pass: The Basic Entry Requirement

Because USJ uses dynamic pricing, prices rise noticeably if you plan to go during cherry blossom season, Halloween or Christmas. We suggest locking in your date and buying one to two months ahead, which gives you steadier prices and ensures popular dates do not sell out. The one-day pass does not include an Express Pass, so if you want shorter waits at popular attractions (such as Minion Mayhem and Flying Dinosaur), you still need to add an Express Pass.

Also, if you are staying in Osaka for more than two days, consider the two-day pass, which suits in-depth visitors who want to explore Universal Wonderland, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Nintendo World at leisure.

Express Pass: The Key Investment for Saving Time

Express Passes range from Express Pass 4 (4 attractions) to Express Pass 7 (7 attractions), and the main ones currently offered are Express Pass 4, 5 and 7. Each plan includes different attractions, and prices vary by ticket type, date and supply, so go by what the official purchase page shows. Popular items such as Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey and Minion Mayhem often sell out weeks in advance, so book through KKDay or Klook as soon as your itinerary is set.

An Express Pass can usually be used once per attraction and specifies a particular entry time window. We suggest using the official app to plan your route, scheduling popular attractions for their time slots first, then using the gaps for shopping or meals to get the most value.

Express Pass: The Key Investment for Saving Time
Express Pass: The Key Investment for Saving Time
2026 USJ Osaka Complete Guide: Express Pass Comparison, Super Nintendo World Entry Tips and the Top 10 Areas Explained

2026 USJ Osaka Complete Guide: Express Pass Comparison, Super Nintendo World Entry Tips and the Top 10 Areas Explained

Everything in one place: the 2026 USJ Osaka complete guide covers the ten themed areas, the Express Pass 4/7/Premium comparison, how to enter Super Nintendo World, must-ride attractions, food and souvenirs, and transport, so you can skip the crowds,

Super Nintendo World Entry Tickets: A Pilgrimage for Mario Fans

Super Nintendo World, which opened in 2021, may require a free “timed entry ticket” depending on the day’s crowds, and during peak hours tickets often go by lottery (limited quantity), so we suggest registering in the app as soon as you enter the park. You can also buy an Express Pass package that includes guaranteed Nintendo World entry, which costs several thousand yen more than a regular package.

The Mario shops in the park (1-UP Factory and Mario Motors) sell exclusive merchandise such as the Coin popcorn bucket and Bowser figures. We suggest budgeting ¥3,000 to ¥5,000 for shopping, since the shopping experience is just as good.

Super Nintendo World Entry Tickets: A Pilgrimage for Mario Fans
Super Nintendo World Entry Tickets: A Pilgrimage for Mario Fans

Halloween Horror Nights: Special Viewing Area and Limited Express Passes

The 2026 Halloween Horror Nights (ハロウィーン・ホラー・ナイト) runs from September 11 to November 8. Street zombies and the zombie dance appear from 18:00 and can be watched with a one-day pass, with no extra ticket needed.

A special viewing area ticket for watching the “Horror Night Academy” stage show from a designated area starts at ¥2,100, and the Halloween-limited Express Pass starts at ¥11,800. Both require a one-day pass, and for some of the scary attractions you must claim an electronic timed-entry ticket in the official app after entering the park.

FAQ

Q: How much are Universal Studios Japan tickets?

Ticket prices are variable. A one-day pass is about ¥8,400 to ¥11,900, with the actual amount depending on the date and crowds. We suggest buying in advance from the official ticket shop or online through KLOOK or KKDAY.

Q: Where is the 1UP Factory? Do I have to go?

The 1UP Factory is inside Super Nintendo World and is the flagship Nintendo merchandise store with the widest selection. We strongly recommend going there first so popular items do not sell out.

Q: Do I have to buy the Power-Up Band?

It is not required, but the Power-Up Band costs ¥4,900 and unlocks the interactive game challenges in Nintendo World, so it is highly recommended for visitors who love immersive experiences.

Q: Can I get a tax refund on USJ shopping?

Yes. The tax refund counter at Studio Gifts West accepts applications from 14:00, with purchases totaling ¥5,000 or more before tax qualifying, and you actually get back about 6.7% (after a 3.3% handling fee). Popcorn buckets are not eligible.

Q: What is the fastest way to get to Universal Studios Japan in Osaka?

From JR Osaka Station, take the Osaka Loop Line to Nishikujo Station, then transfer to the JR Yumesaki Line (Sakurajima Line) to Universal City Station. The ride takes about 11 minutes, and the park entrance is about a 5-minute walk from the station.

Q: Do I need a separate reservation for Super Nintendo World?

It depends on the day. During busy periods you need to claim a free timed-entry ticket or lottery ticket in the official app, or hold an Express Pass that includes a guaranteed area entry slot. In peak season, timed-entry tickets run out quickly.

Q: When are the shopping areas least crowded?

We suggest arriving one hour before opening on a weekday morning, or checking the crowd forecast in the official app and avoiding peak dates rated yellow or above.