Information and attractions of "Universal Studios Japan"

The main theme parks in Japan are Tokyo Disney Resort in the east and Universal Studios Japan in the west. This time, we will introduce the western theme park, "USJ".

First, about the location of USJ. USJ is in Osaka Prefecture, Japan. As you can see from the map, it is located on the coast of Osaka. Therefore, the cold sea breeze seems to blow strongly especially in winter.

To get there by train from Osaka Station, take the Osaka Loop Line from JR Osaka Station, transfer to the Yumesaki Line at Nishikujo Station, and get off at Universal City Station. It is easily accessible, taking about 15 minutes.

A list of the types and prices of park tickets. Prices vary depending on the date, day of the week, and type of ticket, so purchase the park ticket that suits you. The purchase site is also available in English. WEB Ticket Store | USJ - Universal Studios Japan

- 1-Day Studio Pass (1 adult): ¥8,600 ¥9,400 ¥9,900 ¥10,400 ¥10,900

- 2-Day Studio Pass (1 adult): ¥16,300 ¥17,900 ¥18,800 ¥19,800 ¥20,700

- 1.5-Day Studio Pass (1 adult): ¥13,100 ¥14,400 ¥16,000 ¥16,800 ¥17,600

As the name suggests, the 1-Day Studio Pass and 2-Day Studio Pass are admission tickets that allow you to enjoy the park for one or two days. The 1.5-Day Studio Pass allows you to enter the park for two consecutive days. You can enjoy the park from 3:00 p.m. on the first day and from opening time on the second day. USJ has a variety of attractions, shows, food, etc., so one day may not be enough to enjoy everything. Especially popular attractions, such as the Demon Slayer XR Ride and Mario Kart, can sometimes have you waiting for more than three hours.

I can't wait that long! You're probably thinking that. The ticket I would like to recommend is the Universal Express Pass. This pass needs to be purchased separately from the admission pass and is quite expensive, but it is a magical ticket that shortens the waiting time for popular attractions. There are also various types of attractions and price settings, so please check it out if you are interested.

　At USJ, you can enjoy a variety of attractions, shows, parades, and other things you would expect to find at a theme park. In addition, USJ has limited-time collaborations with Japanese anime, so you can enjoy limited-edition gourmet food and get USJ-exclusive collaboration goods. I especially recommend the One Piece collaboration that takes place every summer. They also hold seasonal events, such as Easter, Christmas, and the most famous event at USJ, Halloween.

During the Halloween event, various kinds of zombies roam the park. At a certain time, ”sho” of ado suddenly starts, and the zombies and guests all dance together in unison, making it a very fun event.

Here are some of the anime, characters, and games currently collaborating with USJ.

・Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba

July 19, 2024 - January 5, 2025

XR rides, original food, and merchandise

・Chainsaw Man

September 6th - November 4th, 2024

Experience-based theater show

・One Piece

July 3rd - October 7th, 2024

Water show, original food, and merchandise

・Detective Conan

Permanent

Theater-integrated attraction, original food, merchandise

・Pokemon

September 5th to November 4th, 2024

A Pokemon Halloween show will be held

You can also greet Pokemon in Halloween costumes.

Original food, merchandise

・Resident Evil

September 6th - November 4th, 2024

360-degree stage show with a realistic feel, original food (no merchandise for sale)

・My Melody, Kuromi (Sanrio)

September 5th - November 4th, 2024

Shows and greetings, original food (no merchandise for sale)

It's clear that USJ puts a lot of effort into limited-time events and collaborations with popular anime. Another thing I'd like to recommend at USJ is the amazingness of Super Nintendo World.

First, you go through the pipe to enter the world of Mario. It is completely different from the world you were in before, and it is a world inside the game. It is an area that is fun to just look at because it was made with attention to detail.

There are two attractions inside: Mario Kart and Yoshi Adventure. Mario Kart is an attraction where you race with Mario and friends and collect coins. You actually enter the world of the game and enjoy the race as if you were a Mario character. While Mario Kart progresses with intense images, Yoshi Adventure is an attraction where you can leisurely look at Super Nintendo World. You can take photos at this attraction, so it is easy to keep them as memories. Also, a Donkey Kong area will be added later this year, so I am looking forward to the further evolution of Super Nintendo World. If you visit USJ, please be sure to visit Super Nintendo World.

　In this article, we introduced the location, tickets, events, and popular areas of USJ. There are many more attractions at USJ that we cannot introduce here. One of the great things about USJ is that everyone can enjoy it in their own way, such as enjoying anime collaborations unique to Japan, thrilling attractions, and photogenic food unique to theme parks. If you are visiting the Kansai region, be sure to visit the western theme park, "Universal Studios Japan."