Universal Studios Japan opening hours
Step right into your favorite movies at Universal Studios Japan (USJ), one of the world's most vibrant and innovative theme parks. From battling Bowser in Super Nintendo World™ to sipping Butterbeer in Hogsmeade™, USJ crafts spellbinding experiences.
The business hours of Universal Studios Japan are not fixed every day. They may be slightly adjusted by month and week. Generally, from Monday to Friday, they are from 8:00 to 22:00 or from 10:00 to 19:00. From 8:00 to 22:00 or 9:00 to 21:00 on Saturdays and Sundays, be sure to check the official website of Universal Studios Japan before departure.
How to go to Universal Studios Japan
🚆Getting to Universal Studios Japan | By Train (Fastest & Most Reliable)
- From Osaka/Umeda Station:
- Take the JR Yumesaki Line (ゆめ咲線) from JR Osaka Station → Universal City Station (approx. 10 minutes, ¥180).
- 🚨 Key Tip: Board the front car—exits align perfectly with USJ’s entrance. Trains run every 5–10 mins.
- From Namba/Shinsaibashi:
- Take the Hanshin Line to Nishikujo Station → Transfer to JR Yumesaki Line → Universal City Station (20 mins, ¥280).
- From Kyoto/Kobe:
- Use the JR Kobe Line/Kyoto Line to Osaka Station → Transfer to JR Yumesaki Line (45–60 mins from Kyoto, ¥1,000–1,500).
🚖 Getting to Universal Studios Japan | By Taxi
- From Central Osaka (e.g., Umeda/Namba): 20–30 mins, ¥5,000–¥8,000.
- Late-night returns only: Trains stop around midnight.
- 📱 Use Uber/Didi or hail taxis at USJ’s dedicated stand.
🚌 Getting to Universal Studios Japan | By Bus
- Osaka City Air Terminal Bus (OCAT): Direct buses from Kansai Airport (KIX)/Osaka Station to Universal City Port (45 mins, ¥1,600). Check timetables here.
- Hotel Shuttles: Some Osaka hotels (e.g., The Park Front Hotel) offer free shuttles—ask when booking!
🚗 Getting to Universal Studios Japan | By Car (Expensive Parking)
- Parking Cost: ¥2,500–¥3,500/day at official USJ lots (fills by 9:30 AM!).
- 🧭 Navigate to: "Universal Studios Japan Parking" or ユニバーサル・スタジオ・ジャパン駐車場.
- Tip: Avoid peak days (weekends/holidays)—traffic near USJ is brutal.
⚡ Pro Tips:
- Suica/Pasmo IC Cards: Tap in/out instantly—no ticket queues.
- Avoid Rush Hour: Trains packed at 8–9 AM (Osaka commuters).
- Early Arrival: Arrive 30+ mins before opening—gates open early!
- Check JR Delays: Use apps like Japan Travel by Navitime for real-time train alerts.
Key Advice
1. Trains are king — Fastest & cheapest. Look for ユニバーサルシティ駅 (Universal City Station) signs.
2. Avoid rush hour — Trains packed at 8–9 AM (Osaka commuters).
3. IC Cards essential — Use Suica/Pasmo/Icoca for seamless transit.
🎁 Come for Best Choices on Trip.com! | Grab a Japan eSIM| Book Cheapest Flights to Japan! | Find the Fabulous Hotels near USJ!Best time to go to Universal Studios Japan
If you want to have a great time at Universal Studios Osaka, avoiding the crowds is the top priority! Although it is a popular tourist attraction almost all year round, it is still possible to find periods with relatively fewer visitors.
When is the off-season for Universal Studios Osaka? From the end of January to February and from mid-May to June each year, it is highly recommended to visit. By avoiding public holidays in Japan, school breaks in Osaka, and the Golden Week holiday in Japan, you can reduce queuing time and have a more enjoyable time! In addition, making good use of the official APP to check the real-time waiting time and plan an efficient travel route can also save a lot of time.
Time Period | Crowd Level | Weather | Recommend? | Key Notes |
|---|
Mid-Jan to Early Mar | ★☆☆☆☆ (Lowest) | ❄️ Cold (5-10°C) | Highly Recommended | • Shortest queues • Layer clothing |
Late Apr–Mid May (Avoid Golden Week) | ★★☆☆☆ (Light–Moderate) | 🌸 Mild (15-25°C) | Great | • Cherry blossoms end • Golden Week (Apr 29–May 6): AVOID |
September Weekdays | ★★☆☆☆ (Low–Moderate) | ☀️ Warm (25-30°C) | Good with Caveats | • Post-summer lull • Typhoon risk; check forecasts |
Oct–Nov (Halloween) | ★★★★☆ (High) | 🍂 Cool (10-20°C) | For Event Lovers | • Horror Nights (peak Oct) • Arrive EARLY! |
Nov–Dec (Christmas) | ★★★☆☆ (Moderate) | ❄️ Chilly (5-15°C) | Festive but Busy | • Hogwarts snow projections • Quietest: Nov weekdays |
July–August | ★★★★★ (Peak) | 🔥 Hot/Humid (>30°C) | Avoid If Possible | • 2–3hr waits • Typhoons & crowds |
Golden Week/Obon/New Year | ★★★★★ (Extreme) | Varies | NEVER Recommended | • Parks hit capacity • Rides inaccessible |
Universal Studios Japan
Fortunately I bought it, otherwise I would have to wait for more than 5 hours for the three Nintendos. With the quick card, I only waited for less than an hour in total, an average of about 15 minutes each. It's worth it
What to eat at Universal Studios Japan
USJ offers a variety of dishes. Depending on the theme of the amusement park, if you are a fan of Harry Potter, Minions or Nintendo, you definitely shouldn't miss these themed restaurants. There are also some on-the-go foods that are well worth trying.
Enjoy special themed food from SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™!
Inside Super Nintendo World™, Mushroom Kingdom’s restaurant transports you to a culinary adventure. Chef Toad’s larger-than-life menu features exquisite, themed dishes made with pixel-perfect flair.
Kinopio's Café™
Recommended Dishes:
- Mario's Bacon Cheeseburger
- Yoshi's Spinach Carbonara
- Teriyaki Chicken & Super Star Rice
- Super Mushroom Pizza Bowl with Mushroom Tomato Sauce
Pit Stop Popcorn
Recommended Dishes:
Yoshi's Snack Island™
Recommended Dishes:
- Green Shell Calzone Filled with Yakisoba & Cheese
- Yoshi's Lassi
Jungle Beat Shakes
Recommended Dishes:
- DK Crush Sundae with Mug— Tropical Banana Flavor
- DK Wild Hot Dog — Avocado & Cheese Sauce
Feast on fantastical fare from the wizarding world
Want to dine inside Harry Potter’s world? The Three Broomsticks™ recreates the films’ rustic charm, pairing savory feasts with spellbinding ambiance.
Three Broomsticks™
Recommended Dishes:
- The Great Feast™
- Hogwarts™ Plate
- Rotisserie Smoked Chicken and Pork Ribs Plate with Beef Onion Pie and Potato Soup
The Magic Neep™ Cart
Recommended Dishes:
- Gryffindor™ Churritos
- Hufflepuff™ Churritos
- Ravenclaw™ Churritos
- Slytherin™ Churritos
- Bowtruckle Lanyard
Butterbeer™ Carts
Recommended Dishes:
- Butterbeer™ with Souvenir (Non-Alcoholic)
Minion-Inspired Foods
You'll be blown away by the Minion! From silly banana-themed feasts to unicorn sprinkle desserts, dig into outrageously cute dishes starring your favorite yellow troublemakers. Warning: food this adorable might make you giggle!
Evil Eats
Recommended Dishes:
- Villain-Con Donut Burger — BBQ Pork & Bacon
- Minion Donut — Banana Cream
- Evil Minion Donut — Blueberry
- Dave's Keema Curry Meal
- Bob's Chicken & Waffle Meal
On-the-Go Foods
Hollywood On-the-Go Food
Recommended Dishes:
- WICKED Churritos — Peanut Butter Flavor
New York On-the-Go Food
Recommended Dishes:
- Tiramisu Dolce Churritos
- Strawberry Berry Soda
San Francisco On-the-Go Food
Recommended Dishes:
- Yakult Soft Serve Sundae ― Peach
- Minion Bun with Curry Filling
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