2026 Universal Studios Japan Guide: Tickets, Express Passes, Must-Ride Attractions, Access and Hotels
Universal Studios Japan (USJ) in Osaka is one of Japan’s most popular theme parks, with themed areas such as The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Super Nintendo World and Jurassic Park. This guide gives you a detailed ticket buying guide, Express Pass tips, must-ride attractions, transport and hotel recommendations to help you plan the perfect USJ trip.
What Are the Must-Do Attractions at Universal Studios Japan in 2026? A Complete Guide to Each Area
Universal Studios Japan is one of the first-choice attractions for many visitors to Osaka. The park is divided into several themed areas, including Hollywood, New York, San Francisco and Jurassic Park, with a wide variety of rides and shows. From thrilling roller coasters to meeting cartoon characters, there is plenty to keep visitors happily busy. This article details USJ’s must-do attractions and the highlights of each area to help you plan your day.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter recreates Hogwarts Castle and the village of Hogsmeade, where you can taste butterbeer and shop for wizarding-world souvenirs. We suggest staying 1 to 2 hours.
The area has two rides: “Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey” and “Flight of the Hippogriff.”
On ordinary days you can enter directly, but when the park is crowded, entry to the area is limited, so we suggest checking the official announcements before you go, or buying an Express Pass that includes an area entry reservation.
Super Nintendo World: Mario Kart and How to Enter the Area
Super Nintendo World has three rides: “Mario Kart: Koopa’s Challenge,” “Yoshi’s Adventure” and “Donkey Kong’s Crazy Mine Cart.” To enter you need an “area entry reservation ticket” (for example, one included with an Express Pass), or you can use an area numbered entry ticket or lottery ticket. From January 5, 2026, numbered entry tickets and lottery tickets can only be obtained through the official app, so we suggest checking ticket availability right after you enter the park.
Jurassic Park
The Jurassic Park area recreates the subtropical jungle scenery of the film Jurassic Park. The main rides are the suspended roller coaster “Flying Dinosaur” and the water boat ride “Jurassic Park: The Ride.”
For each ride’s operating status and height restrictions, please check the official website’s announcements on the day.
We suggest staying about 1 hour. The boat ride makes a splash, so we recommend bringing a raincoat on rainy or cooler days.
Hollywood
The Hollywood area recreates the Hollywood Boulevard streetscape of the 1930s and 1940s. Its signature ride is “Hollywood Dream – The Ride ~Backdrop~” (ハリウッド・ドリーム・ザ・ライド ～バックドロップ～).
“Mario Kart: Koopa’s Challenge” is in Super Nintendo World; see the Super Nintendo World section of this article for details.
We suggest staying about 1 hour. Ride and show times follow the official announcements on the day.
2026 Universal Studios Japan Tickets and Tours: How to Buy and Use Them
Universal Studios Japan is one of the first-choice destinations for many travelers, and the choice of tickets and tours is crucial to your experience. To help you plan better, we explain in detail how to buy USJ tickets, how to use them and the various guided services. Whether you are a family, a couple or a group of friends, you can find a way to enjoy USJ that suits you.
Universal Studios Japan 1-Day Ticket
The Universal Studios Japan 1-Day Studio Pass (1デイ・スタジオ・パス) uses floating prices that change with the date and crowds. For adults (age 12 and up), from September 1, 2026 it starts at about ¥8,400 and can reach about ¥11,900 in peak season; the actual amount follows what the official website shows.
For entry dates from September 1, 2026, prices may rise with demand after tickets go on sale, so buying early once you have settled on a date is safer.
We suggest avoiding weekends and holidays; to cut waiting time, you can also buy an Express Pass separately (see the next section).
Universal Studios Japan VIP Tour Service
Universal Studios Japan offers the paid “Universal VIP Experience” guided tour, led by a dedicated guide with priority access to selected attractions. Group tour fees are about ¥23,000 to ¥41,000 per person, depending on the entry date and package.
VIP Experience package contents, meeting points and booking conditions vary by date, so please check the official website and book in advance, and also confirm whether it can be combined with an Express Pass or an area entry reservation.
Universal Studios Japan Express Pass
The Express Pass is a separately purchased paid fast-pass ticket, offered in several combinations depending on the number of attractions you can ride, with prices that float by combination and entry date; some combinations include an entry reservation for the Harry Potter or Nintendo areas.
Before using it, check which attractions it covers, the time slots and whether it includes an area entry reservation, and use it on the entry date specified on the ticket.
Universal Studios Japan Guidebook and Map
The official USJ app shows the park map, attraction wait times and show times, and Super Nintendo World’s area numbered entry tickets and lottery tickets can also only be obtained through the official app (from January 5, 2026).
Download the official app before you go, so that once inside you can get your numbered entry ticket right away, view the show schedule and keep track of each attraction’s wait time at any moment.
From Osaka Station to Universal Studios: JR Yumesaki Line Time and Fare
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 12 minutes and costs ¥200 one way for adults, and some trains run straight from Osaka Station onto the Yumesaki Line. After exiting, it is about a 5-minute walk to the park entrance; follow the signs to the entry gates after you get off.
