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So we decided to kick off our travels with Universal Studios Japan one of the first big attractions we tackled as a family. Dragging the kids out of school, away from their mates and everything they’ve ever known. Whilst we’re living the dream for most adults, the kids were (understandably) hesitant originally. A two-day trip to Universal Studios felt like a pretty decent way to seal the deal. But was it worth the expense?
Spoiler Alert : yeah, it was but if you’re planning your own trip, here’s what we wish we’d known:
- Should you book 1 day or 2?
- What’s the best way to book tickets?
- What time should you actually arrive?
- Do they speak English inside the park?
- What’s the best day to visit?
- What’s the deal with Super Nintendo World?
- Is the Express Pass worth it?
Quick tip: We booked through Klook – smooth, simple, and way less stressful than the official site. I’ll explain more below.
How to Book Universal Studios Japan Tickets (And Why We Used Klook)
There’s a clear choice when it comes to booking theme park tickets in Southeast Asia use Klook instead of booking direct.
Klook negotiate bulk access or get exclusive inventory from places like Universal Studios Japan, which means they can:
- bundle things like park tickets and express passes.
- offer deals when the demand is low.
- and you earn klookCash as you go to put towards other activities.
So it can even work out cheaper at times than booking through the official site.
Pro Tip:
When booking, try switching between currencies. Open an incognito window and do a side-by-side comparison: the total in your home currency vs. Japanese Yen. Sometimes the exchange rate and bank fees work out better one way than the other.
Price-wise, Klook is usually slightly cheaper or about the same but the real difference is how much easier it is to use. Their site’s built for English speakers, and you won’t hit any weird issues with credit cards forms or translation errors like you often do on the USJ site.
Booking access to Super Nintendo World is also way smoother through Klook. The tickets clearly show what’s included, and the confirmation is instant. No printing. No kiosks. Just scan your phone and walk in.
If you’re travelling with kids and don’t want to mess about with forms and Japanese app. Then Klook’s 100% the way to go.
1 Day vs 2 Day Tickets at Universal Studios Japan – What’s Best for Families?
For us, it was a no-brainer. We hadn’t flown halfway across the world to squeeze Universal into one day. And we were right. One day wouldn’t have cut it.
There’s actually a 1.5-day ticket option too, and I remember saying to Lucy at the time, “What’s that about? Who wants to go to a theme park for half a day?” But now I get it. If you’ve got younger kids, 1.5 days is probably bang on. Enough time to cover the park, soak it in without rushing, and still dodge the end-of-day meltdowns.
Ours were 7 and 5 at the time, so they couldn’t go on a lot of the bigger rides anyway but if your kids are older or taller, then yeah, two full days is what you’ll need. Otherwise you’ll either miss stuff or burn out trying to fit it all in.
What We Didn’t Expect at Universal Studios Japan
This might sound obvious to some, but I’ll say it anyway: Universal Studios Japan is, well… in Japan. I know that sounds stupid but with the whole “Universal” brand being so tied to Hollywood and American films, I sort of expected more English-language support, especially for the big shows.
Waterworld, for example a massive production, amazing set, loads of action… all in Japanese. Same with most of the live performances. Now to be clear, it’s still enjoyable and the visuals carry a lot of it but if you’re expecting English-speaking actors or even subtitles, you’re going to be caught off guard. (Harry Potter World seems to be an exception to this rule).
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Something else that surprised us: how seriously Japanese culture takes its pop culture. We’re talking full-blown adult superfans queueing for photos with Elmo, lining up for the toddler rides, and not giving way just because you’re with a 5-year-old in tow.
At one point, we were waiting for a meet-and-greet with Glinda from Wicked. I assumed, in true British fashion, that people would clock the small child and let her through. Nope. I ended up having to awkwardly shuffle us into position past a wall of very committed, very polite grown men who were there for their own photo.
Same with the Elmo ride you’ll think, “Ah, that’ll be a quick one, it’s clearly for little kids.” Nope again. You’re behind a queue of adults who want the photo or the badge or whatever it is. I don’t say that with judgment, it’s just part of the culture. They genuinely love these characters, and it’s all part of the experience. Just… be aware you may be waiting for longer on children’s rides because adults without kids are taking up valuable que space.
After 15 minutes of pushing through adults – We got out picture
Our Top Insider Tips for Universal Studios Japan
The park officially opens at 9am (or at least, that’s what it says online). In reality, the gates opened well before that on both of our days. We showed up at 8:30am on the second day and walked straight in. No queues, no stress.
It makes a difference too, because the place is massive. Even once you’re inside, it’s a solid 15-minute walk just to reach the first major ride. If you’re hoping to grab timed entry for Super Nintendo World, being early helps massively.
One thing we found out on day one: ask staff for coloured wristbands for your kids. They show your child’s height at a glance, so the ride attendants don’t have to measure them every time.
We read that Wednesdays are meant to be quieter. In our experience (we went on a Wednesday in May, during term time), it didn’t feel any quieter than the day before. So take those “quiet day” tips with a pinch of salt.
If the heat starts to ruin everyone’s mood, head straight for Sesame Street Fun World it’s an indoor, air-conditioned soft play zone with massive padded balls and climbing structures. Our kids didn’t want to leave, and we had to actually talk them out of there.
Also worth knowing if you haven’t booked Express Pass access to Super Nintendo World, you’ll need to grab a timed-entry ticket through the app or at a machine inside the park. We spoke to a member of staff at the entrance and she actually sorted it all out for us, literally took the phone out of our hands and did it herself.
Last one technically, outside food isn’t allowed. But the bag checks aren’t strict, and we brought snacks both days without any issues. If you’re on a budget (or just don’t want to buy a £4 churro every 90 minutes), bring your own stuff and eat low-key in the shade somewhere, it didn’t look like we were the only ones who had done this!
Just to give you some idea of the crowds. This was taken Wednesday morning 8.25am.
Super Nintendo World: Tips, Entry Rules, and What to Expect
What do you get if you cross the newest themed area at a major park, the fact Nintendo is Japan’s homegrown global obsession and a nation of people obsessed with cartoon characters, collectibles, and merch Absolute chaos.
Super Nintendo World is the big-ticket zone at Universal Studios Japan. But its not just for the kids, its for everyone. And because it’s so hyped, they’ve had to introduce timed entry to control the madness. Which, to be honest, barely scratches the surface and in my opinion just isn’t working. People have time entry but there is no limit on when you have to leave. So throughout the day its just getting more and more crowded.
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Even with the limits in place, it gets packed fast. If you wait even half an hour after the gates open to grab your time slot, you could be left with a 3pm entry or worse, miss out entirely. If you are a big fan and absolutely have to get in (or in our case have two young kids), it’s worth paying extra for a ticket that includes guaranteed Nintendo World access. The peace of mind alone is worth it.
One thing that caught us off guard: you need more than just a ticket to get the full experience. There are a few rides (like Mario Kart/Yoshi’s Adventure/mine cart madness) included in the entry, but the interactive games and features dotted around the land? Those only work if you’ve shelled out for the ¥3,200 (£18.56/$20.48 USD) Power-Up Band.
It’s not mandatory but without one, you’re basically walking through an interactive video game that you can’t properly play. So budget for it ahead of time, or you’ll end up annoyed like I was, because you just hadn’t expected it. Come to terms with the expense ahead of time and you’ll have a much better time.
Tip:
If you are hoping to grab that Instagram worthy picture/video with the amazing Super Nintendo Land backdrop in the background. Well be prepared to pull out your best photoshop skills because there is about 400 other people with the exact same idea, in the exact same spot.
Final Thoughts: Was Universal Studios Japan Worth It?
If you’re planning a trip to Osaka for Universal Studios Japan and need to cut back after going all out on merch, check out our 3 Day Osaka Itinerary for under ¥54,000 = £280.80 / $345.60
Absolutely and we have zero regrets.
If you’re heading there, the two-day pass is required in my opinion. You’ll need it, especially with older children who are tall enough for the big coasters. Trying to fit it all into one day just means rushing around, skipping things, or dragging tired kids from one queue to the next without the option of just taking a well needed sit down (because you’re worried about running out of time).
As for the Express Pass we didn’t buy it. We were keeping costs down, and honestly, we still had a great time. But if you can stretch to it? Go for it. The queuing is real, and you’ll probably enjoy the whole day a lot more if you’re not constantly checking wait times and making tactical ride choices.
Ready to book?
We used Klook for our tickets and it genuinely made the whole process smoother – especially when it came to timed entries and e-tickets. If you’re planning your trip, that’s the route I’d go.
Check Klook’s latest Universal Studios Japan ticket options here
Where to Stay Near Universal Studios Japan
A lot of people just book the hotel that’s right outside the park without thinking twice. It’s the easiest option, but in our opinion, not the best one. These two picks are both nearby, better value, and actually gave us more of what we wanted out of the stay.
Hotel Universal Port . A Better Budget Option
Most people make the mistake of booking the hotel that’s right outside the gates. It looks convenient, and it’s the first one that comes up. But honestly, it’s expensive and a bit soulless.
Hotel Universal Port is less than ten minutes away on foot. It’s more affordable, and it actually feels like a fun place to stay. The rooms are big, the decor is colourful and family-friendly, and there’s a bit of atmosphere to the place. It still has all the convenience of being near the park, just without the inflated price tag and theme park chaos at your front door.
– Check prices and availability here.
Hotel Keihan Universal Tower. Comfortable, Family-Friendly, and Still Close
This one’s even closer around a five-minute walk but again, far enough to give you a bit of breathing space. Hotel Keihan Universal Tower is a proper hotel. It’s calm, clean, and has the bonus of a spa if you need it after a full day on your feet.
If you want something that feels a little more relaxing and a bit more polished without paying a premium for the novelty of being directly outside the gates, this is a solid choice.
– Check Prices and availability here.
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