My Experience at Universal Studios Japan: Tips You Should Know

Universal Studios Japan (USJ) is one of six Universal Studios theme parks worldwide and one of only two in Asia (the other being Singapore's USS), featuring immersive recreation areas inspired by beloved blockbuster movies from around the world.

With its vast campus, featuring numerous theme parks, shopping areas, and food outlets, visiting the entire place can be quite overwhelming for first-time visitors. This article aims to guide you on which theme park is the most worthwhile to visit, what to eat, and some special photography spots that are lesser-known, helping you save time on research and planning.

• Location and transportation:

Universal Studios Japan is just a 12-minute train ride from Osaka Station.

Address: Google Map

• Admission pass:

USJ has many types of tickets for different purposes. But there are 2 main types: One day pass and Annual pass. You can buy tickets online easily on the USJ homepage (if you understand Japanese), or 3rd party companies like Klook (multiple languages, more payment methods, similar or cheaper prices depending on the time).

+ Link to buy USJ annual tickets : HERE

Annual tickets are available in two types: Standard and Grand Royal.

With the Grand Royal Annual Ticket, you can visit every day of the year, with no limit on the number of visits. The ticket price is approximately 45,000 JPY, which is around 8 million VND.

With the Standard Annual Ticket, you can visit almost every day of the year, except for certain holidays designated by USJ. You can check the blocked dates on the ticket purchase link above. The ticket price is around 18,000 JPY, approximately 3 million VND.

+ Link mua vé ngày USJ: Tại ĐÂY

Day tickets are also divided into many types, such as 1-day tickets, 1.5-day tickets, 2-day tickets... Ticket prices also depend on the day you arrive, holidays or weekends are usually higher than normal days. You should book tickets about 1-2 weeks in advance because they are often sold out very quickly on holidays or weekends. Day tickets can be purchased up to 1 month before the visit date. Ticket prices range from 7,000 JPY - 15,000 JPY ~ about 1 million - 2.5 million VND.

• Express pass: Here

Để được vào chơi các trò chơi trong theme park thì bạn thường phải xếp hàng 30 phút đến 1 tiếng tùy độ hot của từng trò. Nếu không muốn phải xếp hàng đợi lâu thì bạn có thể mua Express pass, sẽ có đường vào riêng cho khách mua vé này, thời gian đợi chỉ khoảng 1-2 phút. Lưu ý là vé này không phải vé vào cửa, bạn phải mua kèm vé này cùng với vé vào cửa mới có thể vào.

There are three types of Express Passes available: Express 4 (providing quick access to 4 games from the list), Express 7 (providing quick access to 7 games from the list), and Express Premium (providing quick access to all games in USJ). The entry times for each game are also specified on the ticket. For more details, you can refer to the link above.

Ticket prices are approximately 7,000 JPY for Express 4, 10,000 JPY for Express 7, and 13,000 JPY for Express Premium.

Based on my experience, I recommend opting for the Express 7 ticket, as it's quite challenging to experience all the games in just one day.

• And finally, here’s a series of photos showcasing the theme parks and the must-try dishes at USJ:

1. Super Nintendo World

Super Nintendo World là một trong 2 theme park được yêu thích nhất tại USJ, dù có Express pass hay không thì bạn đều phải xếp hàng để được vào cổng nên nơi đây lúc nào cũng chật kín người xếp hàng dài để được vào thăm quan. Nên để có được trải nghiệm tốt nhất thì bạn nên vào đây đầu tiên, ngay sau khi USJ mở cửa để tránh đông người.

Super Nintendo World brings to life the iconic Super Mario game, a beloved part of many people's childhood, especially for those of the '90s generation.

You can purchase a Power-Up Band at the entrance to experience collecting gold coins just like Mario in the game. By wearing the band, you can hit the [POW] and [?] boxes scattered throughout the park to earn coins.

• Attraction: Mario Kart.

Thời gian xếp hàng khoảng 30p ~ 1 tiếng. Bạn phải có Express pass mới được vào chơi game này.

After entering the gate, there will be a “museum” displaying items and belongings of the characters in Super Mario. Let’s take a look around!

Racing training book 😀

Missiles and bombs used by racers to shoot at each other :v

Photos and helmets of Mario Kart racers

After following the path, you'll reach the racing area. You'll be given a helmet with virtual reality glasses, and 4 people will sit in a car together. Your task is to steer the car with the wheel while using the virtual reality glasses to aim and shoot as many bosses as possible. Navigate the car with the steering wheel, aim with the VR glasses, and use the buttons on the wheel to fire at the bosses. At the end of the ride, the system will calculate the points and rank the four participants in the car. This experience is, in my opinion, the best among all the games at USJ—definitely worth the wait and queue!

Rating: 10/10.

After finishing the game, we’ll head to the souvenir shop right at the exit, where you can find a variety of racer-themed accessories from the Mario Kart game.

• Attraction: Yoshi's adventure.

Thời gian xếp hàng: 15-30 phút. Bạn phải có Express pass mới chơi được game này.

In this game, you get to ride on colorful dinosaurs. Your task is to press the corresponding color button on the car when you spot a blue, red, or yellow egg along the way. This game is more suited for children, while adults can sit in the car to film and take pictures, as the cars will take you around the Super Nintendo World area. Let’s take a look at the photos I snapped while in the car!

Game rating: 5/10.

• Restaurant: Kinopio's Cafe

The restaurant is located on the first floor of the campus. Before entering, you need to get an order number from the staff standing in front of the store, as this area is always crowded. The waiting time is typically around 30-45 minutes.

In my experience, you should come here to get the lottery ticket after playing Mario Kart, and go play Yoshi's adventure, then come back here after playing.

The restaurant area is spacious and beautifully designed, allowing you to freely check in and take photos to capture the moment.

The staff here are efficient and friendly, always proactively offering to take photos for guests.

And finally, in my opinion, the food at the restaurant is absolutely delicious. It’s not only tasty but also beautifully presented. Below are the three dishes I ordered: a block-shaped Tiramisu, mushroom-shaped pizza, and a bowl of mushroom soup.

Restaurant rating: 10/10.

2. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

Next is the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, along with Super Nintendo World, which are the two most popular theme parks in USJ. This place recreates almost all the famous locations in the Harry Potter movies, such as Hogwarts School of Witchcraft, Hagrid's garden, the magic wand shops in Diagon Alley, Platform 9 ¾, the garden with Hippogriffs, ...

• Restaurant: Three Broomsticks.

The store is located right at the entrance of the theme park, across from the area selling Butterbeer, the famous drink from the Harry Potter movies. However, don't rush to stand in line for beer outside—head inside the restaurant instead. They serve beer without the long wait, and you can also order food while you're there.

The restaurant's menu is truly unique, designed in a magical style just like in the movie. Check out the video below to see it in action!

The value of this restaurant lies not in the food (which, to be honest, is quite disappointing haha), but in its incredible view.

From here, you can take hundreds of photos without being disturbed by the crowds waiting or visiting outside, and the view is far more beautiful than what you’d find elsewhere.

When you visit, be sure to try a cup of Butterbeer. It’s a non-alcoholic drink, slightly sweet, very easy to drink, and quite delicious (even Harry Potter enjoys it).

Restaurant review: Food: 5/10, Butter beer: 9/10, view: 10/10.

• Attraction: Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey.

Before entering the game area, you must leave all your belongings in a locker. Since this game involves a lot of movement and can cause your items to fall, it's important to keep them safe.

Next, you’ll queue up and explore areas that recreate famous scenes from the movie. Since cameras weren’t allowed in this section, I snapped photos with my iPhone instead :v

After waiting in line, we’ll enter the game area and begin the experience.

The game takes you into a Quidditch match like in the Harry Potter movies in 4D. You will have to face Death Eaters, dragons outside the field, ... and catch the Quidditch ball.

Game rating: 8/10.

• Attraction: Flight of the Hippogriff

You'll get to ride a Pegasus that flies around, giving you a stunning view of the entire theme park. This game is a type of roller coaster, but the thrill level is not as intense :v

Game rating: 7/10.

Be sure to check out this area before you leave. On a calm day with still water, the entire castle’s reflection will appear on the lake’s surface. Unfortunately, I didn’t get lucky today :))))

Let's move to the next area.

3. Minion Park

This area recreates the famous Minions cartoon, featuring many playful Minion models. It includes a variety of shopping and food stores, and, most notably, several Minion-themed ball-throwing games for children.

• Attraction: Despicable me

The game is also in the 4D genre, immersing you in the famous Minion Rush game from your phone, bringing the excitement to life.

Like other games, you can take a tour around before starting. For Minions, they show cartoons inside, making this section more suitable for children. The game itself is incredibly fun, closely recreating the original game, with many free-fall moments that are quite thrilling :))) The game duration is also longer than others, making it well worth the experience.

Game rating: 9/10.

• Restaurant: Happy kitchen

Before heading to another area, be sure to try the Minion-shaped dumplings here—they’re a fun and delicious treat!

4. New York

This area recreates the streets of New York City in the 1930s. It offers a completely different vibe from the previous three areas, with its modern American-style streets and shops, providing a charming contrast.

• Attraction: The Amazing Adventures of Spider Man – The Ride

As usual, before entering the game, we have the chance to see familiar items from the Spider-Man movie, adding to the immersive experience.

Behind this room is the game entry area.

Another game with the 4D genre. This time you play the role of the unlucky passengers on a bus, being thrown everywhere by the sandman, Electro, Green Goblin =)) This part of the game has added effects of water spraying, hot air blowing, ... making you feel more realistic about the dangers you are facing. Especially the final free fall scene is really scary =)))

Game rating: 10/10.

5. Hollywood

Right next to New York is the path leading to Hollywood, where you’ll find modern shops, live music performances all day, and even a Walk of Fame!

• Attraction: Hollywood Dream – The Ride and Back Drop.

When visiting USJ, you definitely can’t miss these two roller coaster rides, including the backward version of the roller coaster. These rides are always crowded with people waiting in line, so it's highly recommended to use the Express Pass to skip the long wait (you can select the games for the Express Pass when purchasing tickets).

Game rating: 1000/10 because I'm too scared to play =)))

6. Universal Wonderland

This area is a collection of famous cartoon characters such as Elmo, Snoopy, Hello Kitty,... very suitable for children.

• Attraction: Moppy's Balloon Trip

This game lets you ride a hot air balloon high up in the air, offering a breathtaking view of the entire scene below—perfect for children.

7. Other areas

In addition to the areas mentioned above, USJ also features Jurassic Park, Amity Village, and WaterWorld. In my opinion, these areas aren’t as exciting. However, if you have extra time, you can still visit and take some photos here.

Especially in Jurassic Park there is the game The Flying Dinosaur, similar to Hollywood Dream - The Ride, but the level of fear is twice as high :v Unfortunately, when I went, it was under maintenance, otherwise I wouldn't have dared to go =)))

We’ll wrap up our day of exploration at USJ by checking in at this iconic spot, the symbol of Universal Studios.

Thank you for reading through to the end of the article! I hope it helps make your exploration of USJ easier and more enjoyable. It’s definitely a place worth visiting at least once when you’re in Japan!

I will leave the tickets at Universal Studios Japan here for you to easily find:

Vé ngày USJ: tại ĐÂY

Vé Express Pass: tại ĐÂY

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• Taking photos of individuals, couples, and families in Osaka, Kyoto, Nara: See more HERE
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