Universal Studios Japan 2025 — The ULTIMATE Guide to Beating the Queue (+ New Attractions!) (2025)

Newly updated Universal Studios (USJ) guide for 2025!

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.

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 (2025), Pre-USJ Planning, USJ Day Guide, and Frequently AskedQuestions. Pay close attention to Section Two!

*Note: Will tryupdating 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 (2025)

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 2025 to take note of. Exciting attractions await for the new year!

Temporarily closed attractions, opening soon

Photo credit: Universal Studios Japan

These are USJ attractions that were temporarily closed, but will be opening this year. Take note that the dates are subject to change.

1) Jurassic Park: The Ride (closed till 7 Jan 2025)
2) Space Fantasy – The Ride (closed till 25 Jan 2025)

Rides may be closed during your visit for maintenance. Check here for the schedule!

Pre-USJ Planning

1) Buy your USJ tickets in advance — Save time and money

The best part though, is that the retail price is literallythe 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 scheduleallows,try to plan yourvisit 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 localsmaytake 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 theUSJ 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.

Read our 2025 USJ Express Pass guide for the full answer to the question: is it worth it?

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

For those who did not get theUSJ 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 wholove 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, you can plan your own route using the USJ Park Map. Check out the Shows & Attractions Timetabletoo, 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

If you want to get to Universal Studios Japan early and easily, it is best to stay near the park. There are a couple ofofficial hotelsjust outside the park, such asThe Park Front Hotelwhich boasts a gorgeous night view of the park.

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

It’s a really beautifulhostel, 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!

USJDay Guide

6) Arrivebefore 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, socheck 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) fromKaiyukan West Pier (near Osaka Aquarium) toUniversal 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 theelectronic 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 whateverreason!

9) Queue at Single Rider Lanes

Jurassic Park: The Ride

Jaws

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 theSingle 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 TheatreShows

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 least30 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 spotswere 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 usother fundetails 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 Mugimaruon 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 the1 day USJ Studio Passbecause 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 afterheading 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 attractionsin 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 tryin 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 ourultimate 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.

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