This guide explains how to enjoy Universal Studios Japan (USJ) with children and young kids, how to efficiently experience more active attractions, and how to plan your day around Mario Kart and other rides with long wait times. It also includes practical tips for getting around the park.
How to Get Around USJ
Universal Studios Japan has so many attractions and shows that it is impossible to experience everything in a single day. That is why many guests visit repeatedly with an Annual Pass.
In this guide, the editor-in-chief of Happyell, who visits USJ more than 50 times a year, shares everything you need to know to enjoy Universal Studios Japan efficiently in one day, including recommended routes and time-saving strategies.
Preparing carefully before your visit will make your day at the park much smoother, so be sure to read through to the end.
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Earn Rakuten Points when you purchase USJ tickets
USJ Touring Guide: Before You Go
Advance preparation is extremely important if you want to make the most of USJ.
Here are the key points to review before leaving for your trip.
◆How to Guarantee Entry to SUPER NINTENDO WORLD
If you are traveling from far away and staying at a hotel, consider booking a JTB hotel package that includes guaranteed entry to SUPER NINTENDO WORLD.
A Guaranteed Area Entry Ticket lets you enter SUPER NINTENDO WORLD without obtaining a same-day Area Timed Entry Ticket.
Universal Studios Japan hotel and tour packages with Studio Passes
◆Download the Official App in Advance
Download the official USJ app before your visit.
You can check attraction wait times from anywhere, obtain timed-entry tickets, and view the park map.
If you wait until you arrive at Universal Studios Japan to install it, slow mobile service, data usage, and battery drain can all cause problems later in the day.
We recommend setting it up at home or at your hotel before heading to the park.
App Benefit 1: Check Real-Time Wait Times and Show Schedules
The official USJ app lets you view attraction wait times anywhere inside the park.
Check which attractions have shorter lines and when the next shows begin before deciding where to go next.
Many attractions are some distance apart. It is frustrating to walk all the way to your next ride only to discover that the wait is too long and decide not to ride.
There are only two locations in the park that display wait times on physical boards, and one of them is in an area most guests rarely pass. The app is a much more efficient way to check current waits.
App Benefit 2: Obtain Area Timed Entry Tickets and Yoyakunori Reservations
The app lets you obtain Area Timed Entry Tickets for SUPER NINTENDO WORLD and free Yoyakunori reservations for attractions in Universal Wonderland.
Yoyakunori gives you priority access at a designated time, allowing you to experience an attraction with a shorter wait than the regular line.
*In the past, tickets could also be obtained from ticket machines without the app, but distribution through those machines has ended. The app is now required.
During the Halloween season, timed-entry tickets for certain Halloween Horror Nights attractions are also available through the app.
Timed-entry tickets offer three available experience windows. It is convenient to claim one as soon as a time that works for your plans appears.
The following article explains how to obtain timed-entry tickets and register your admission tickets in the app.
Arrive One Hour Before Opening: Three Reasons Why
To get the most out of USJ, arrive before the park opens.
If you do not have a special ticket, a good rule of thumb is to arrive by 6:30 a.m. during extremely busy periods, before 7:00 a.m. during busy periods, around 7:30 a.m. during moderately busy periods, and around 8:00 a.m. during quieter periods.
Benefit of Arriving Early 1
During extremely busy periods, only evening Area Timed Entry Tickets for SUPER NINTENDO WORLD may remain by around 8:00 a.m.
Even during ordinarily busy periods, only late-afternoon or evening tickets may remain by around 9:00 a.m., and by 10:00 a.m. the remaining entry times may be at night.
Since Donkey Kong Country opened, timed-entry tickets have disappeared especially quickly. Even guests arriving at 6:00 a.m. may receive an entry time around 9:00 a.m., so plan accordingly.
Benefit of Arriving Early 2
Even attractions that usually have long waits are easier to experience first thing in the morning.
For example, an XR Ride may have a wait of about 30 minutes immediately after opening, but waits of two to three hours or more during the day.
Benefit of Arriving Early 3
The simplest benefit is that you have more time in the park.
A full day may sound long, but at Universal Studios Japan, the afternoon and evening seem to arrive before you know it.
Even after nearly 200 visits to Universal Studios Japan, I still find that closing time arrives surprisingly fast. It is such an enjoyable place that arriving as early as possible is well worth it.
If you arrive shortly after opening, you may also spend more than 30 minutes waiting outside the entrance gates.
Arriving at the suggested time should allow you to enter smoothly in about 10 minutes.
Check Opening and Closing Times
Checking USJ’s opening and closing times in advance helps you plan your entire day.
Hours vary by season and event.
However, the opening time listed on the official website is best understood as the latest time the park expects to open.
On most days, USJ opens earlier than the published time. On exceptionally early days, it has opened as much as 1 hour and 45 minutes ahead of the posted schedule.
See the following article for a forecast of the actual opening time.
On rare occasions, previously announced opening or closing hours are changed a few days to two weeks in advance.
Check the official USJ website for the latest information.
Buy Your Admission Ticket in Advance
There is one especially important step for touring USJ efficiently:
buy your ticket in advance.
You can purchase one at the Lawson convenience store in Universal City, but it is better to buy it from the official website by the day before your visit.
Types of USJ Tickets and How to Buy Them
In addition to standard admission tickets, USJ offers special products such as Universal Express Passes, which can greatly reduce wait times, and VIP tours.
Some attractions and restaurants are available only as paid experiences.
Later in this article, we explain whether these options are worth purchasing.
What to Check Before Your Visit
Reviewing the following points in advance will make it easier to plan your day.
Attraction Operating Status
At Universal Studios Japan, attractions may close for inspection and maintenance one to three times per year.
Some attractions may also stop regular operation while they are converted into limited-time experiences.
Outside peak travel periods, one or more attractions are often temporarily closed, so check the official USJ show and attraction closure schedule.
Space Fantasy – The Ride, for example, is frequently operated as an XR Ride and rarely runs in its standard format, making the regular version something of a rare attraction.
Show and Parade Times
Showtimes are not fixed at the same hours every day.
They vary by date.
Parade start times also change occasionally.
The NO LIMIT! Parade – Discover U!!! Version, scheduled from Wednesday, March 4, 2026, through Monday, January 11, 2027, begins at 2:00 p.m. During the summer season, it begins at 4:15 p.m. See the following article for details.
Schedules are released one week in advance. Once your visit is one week away, check the official USJ operating hours and schedule page.
Several shows may take place at the same time. If there are multiple shows you definitely want to see, review the schedule carefully or you may be forced to miss one.
Areas and Attractions That Require Timed-Entry Tickets
Some Halloween Horror Nights attractions, such as Biohazard, require a free timed-entry ticket.
Most attractions in Universal Wonderland also offer free Yoyakunori reservations.
Check the official app before your visit.
USJ Touring Guide: What to Do Immediately After Opening—Get Your Timed-Entry Tickets
Once you enter USJ, your first priority should be obtaining any required timed-entry tickets. Some popular areas and attractions cannot be experienced simply by waiting in line if you do not have the necessary ticket.
Option 1: Get a Timed-Entry Ticket for the Mario Area or Try for Walk-In Entry
SUPER NINTENDO WORLD is the most popular area at USJ. Securing entry is your first mission.
On many days, timed-entry tickets become necessary about 20 minutes after the park opens.
As soon as everyone in your group has entered the park, use the app to obtain your tickets.
*You cannot obtain a ticket for anyone who has not yet entered the park.
① Try for Walk-In Entry
If you can pass the temporary barricade near JAWS within about 20 minutes of the park opening, you may be able to enter SUPER NINTENDO WORLD without a timed-entry ticket.
*Walk-in entry may remain available slightly longer on quieter days.
It takes approximately five to seven minutes to walk from the entrance gates to the barricade near JAWS.
It also takes time to pass through the entrance gates.
If you are around 30th in line, you may be able to enter in five to ten minutes. Combined with the walking time, that may be just fast enough to enter without a timed-entry ticket.
If walk-in entry has ended, immediately obtain a timed-entry ticket in the app.
Refresh the app screen. If it says that timed-entry tickets are being distributed, you can claim one.
Option 2: Head to a Popular Attraction
Immediately after opening, an XR Ride can often be experienced with an actual wait of around 30 minutes, even when the posted wait is more than one hour.
If you want to enjoy both the XR Ride and SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, head to the XR Ride first.
All bags must be placed in the free coin lockers. Prepare a 100-yen coin in advance, although a change machine is available beside the lockers.
You may bring your phone into the queue, so wear pants or a jacket with a secure pocket.
Distribution of SUPER NINTENDO WORLD timed-entry tickets will begin while you are in line, so claim your ticket then.
*If you wait until after riding to obtain a ticket, your entry time may not be until late afternoon or evening.
Suggested Itineraries
Here are several sample itineraries based on your goals and preferences.
[Choose a recommended itinerary from the calendar]
This Month
Next Month
Two Months From Now
For Guests Who Want to Enjoy Donkey Kong Country and Other Attractions
This itinerary is designed for guests who arrive around 8:00 a.m. on a weekday or around 7:00 a.m. on a weekend and plan to leave in the late afternoon.
1) As soon as you enter, use the app to obtain a SUPER NINTENDO WORLD Area Timed Entry Ticket.
(Entry times between roughly 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. will probably still be available.)
2) Ride Hollywood Dream – The Ride or The Flying Dinosaur.
3) Experience Detective Conan 4-D Live, or head to The Flying Dinosaur or Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey.
(The Flying Dinosaur and Forbidden Journey tend to have shorter waits between about 9:00 and 10:00 a.m.)
4) Eat lunch as early as possible. Restaurants become very busy after 11:30 a.m.
*Advance restaurant reservations are also recommended, although only certain restaurants accept them.
5) If the timing works, the Kuromi live show near the Conan attraction is also recommended.
6) Enter SUPER NINTENDO WORLD.
Mine-Cart Madness is expected to have a wait of 120 to 180 minutes.
(Even when the posted wait is 120 minutes, the actual wait may be closer to 90 minutes.)
If you do not mind skipping the temple interior along the way, the Single Rider line may also reduce your wait.
7) Experience Mario Kart and Yoshi’s Adventure.
8) If the timing works, see WaterWorld. Its entrance is right beside the exit from SUPER NINTENDO WORLD.
9) Experience JAWS.
10) Experience Hollywood Dream – The Ride.
11) Shop for souvenirs.
For Guests Who Want an Active Day
This plan is recommended for guests who want an active, attraction-filled day.
Obtain an Area Timed Entry Ticket First Thing in the Morning
Begin by securing a SUPER NINTENDO WORLD Area Timed Entry Ticket.
Attractions to Experience in the Morning
Wait times are generally shorter in the morning.
Use this time for attractions that develop long lines later in the day.
1) Hollywood Dream – The Ride
2) The Flying Dinosaur
3) Jurassic Park – The Ride
Starting the day on Hollywood Dream is exciting even while you wait, and the refreshing rush after the ride can launch your day on a high note.
Recommended Lunch Locations
Choose a restaurant with a short wait. Around 11:00 a.m., seats are often still available and service is smoother.
Because you started early, you may already be hungry even with an early lunch.
1) Discovery Restaurant
A dinosaur-themed restaurant. In summer, it becomes a One Piece restaurant and gets crowded, so avoid 12:00 to 1:59 p.m.
2) Mel’s Drive-In
Takeout is available. Even if all indoor tables are occupied, you can eat on a bench by the lagoon or rose garden when the weather is good.
3) Amity Landing Restaurant
This restaurant serves a shark-meat menu item.
Attractions and Shows for Early Afternoon Through Late Afternoon
By early afternoon, wait times for many attractions become long.
Shows such as the Summer Splash Parade, which is offered only in summer, WaterWorld, and Universal Live Rock and Roll Show are good choices.
Attractions for the Evening and Night
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is recommended after evening begins. The atmosphere of the wizarding world is especially immersive at night.
Flight of the Hippogriff, which has long waits during the day, also tends to become easier to ride.
Wait times for The Flying Dinosaur can become very short.
The ride feels scarier at night, which may discourage some guests, and it is also located deep inside the park.
A Relaxed Family Itinerary
This route is designed for families visiting with elementary-school-age children and younger kids.
Children who are at least 92 cm tall can ride many attractions when accompanied by an adult.
Obtain an Area Timed Entry Ticket Immediately After Entering
As soon as you enter, secure a SUPER NINTENDO WORLD Area Timed Entry Ticket.
Families with small children who enter at a slower pace may find that only afternoon or evening entry times remain.
Obtain a Yoyakunori Reservation Immediately After Entering
Yoyakunori is a free reservation with a designated experience time.
Obtain one as early as possible after entering USJ.
1) The Flying Snoopy
2) Snoopy’s Flying Ace Adventure
3) Freeze Ray Sliders
Children’s Attractions: Universal Wonderland
Universal Wonderland features attractions starring Snoopy and Hello Kitty.
It is an area designed especially for children.
Children’s Attractions: Minion Park
Freeze Ray Sliders in Minion Park seats four guests.
A family of four can ride together.
The vehicles move in unpredictable ways amid a fun setting filled with Minions.
There is just enough of a thrill for both children and adults to enjoy.
Snoopy and Hello Kitty Shows in Universal Wonderland
About five times a day, Universal Wonderland presents shows where Snoopy, Hello Kitty, and friends dance and then pose for commemorative photos.
Watch near the location of your child’s favorite character.
Snoopy, Charlie Brown, and Lucy: In front of The Flying Snoopy
Hello Kitty and Dear Daniel: In front of Hello Kitty’s Ribbon Collection
For the route we followed with children ages three and five, along with photos and recommended items to bring, see the following article.
Option 3: How to Enjoy USJ on a Rainy Day
Rain on your USJ day can be disappointing, but there are still many attractions and shows to enjoy.
Indoor Attractions and Shows
On rainy days, indoor attractions are the best choice.
However, if rain begins in the afternoon, their waits tend to become longer.
1) Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
2) XR Ride
3) Mario Kart
4) SING on Tour
5) Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem
6) Detective Conan Theater
7) Universal Live Rock and Roll Show
Outdoor attractions may continue operating in light rain when winds are weak.
Their waits can be very short, so consider riding if the rain is only slight.
Rainy-Day-Only Character Greetings
Outdoor shows are canceled when it rains.
Depending on the show, performers and characters may instead appear for commemorative photos.
The greeting location may differ from the show’s usual performance area.
Kuromi Live: Under the canopy
Power of Pop: Mel’s Drive-In
Street Side Symphony: Under the roof slightly to the right of the regular performance area
NO LIMIT! Parade: Under the canopy (not offered on extremely crowded days)
Recommended Plan for Couples in Their 20s
A USJ date can be an active day packed with attractions, but the park also offers plenty of romantic experiences.
A Romantic Restaurant
Park Side Grille is a full-service restaurant serving Angus beef and, depending on the season, prix-fixe meals.
Its calm atmosphere feels surprisingly removed from a theme park, and its polished hospitality makes it ideal for a date.
You can make an advance reservation or join the same-day virtual queue outside the restaurant to reduce your wait.
Attractions That Are Great for a Date
Hollywood Dream – The Ride is especially popular with couples.
This roller coaster climbs high above the park while you listen to upbeat music.
The excitement may even bring you closer through the so-called suspension bridge effect often discussed in psychology.
The classic JAWS attraction is another good choice.
Sit together in a boat and enjoy an ocean adventure as a shark appears around you.
Visit Photo Spots and Capture Your Memories
The park is filled with photogenic locations.
Take pictures with characters and against beautiful backdrops to preserve your memories.
For Instagram-worthy spots in the New York and San Francisco areas, see:
This article introduces movie-set props and retro items in the New York area:
Suggested Schedule: For First-Time or Returning Visitors
This schedule assumes an official opening time of 8:00 a.m. on a day when the park actually opens early at 7:15 a.m. Travel times and estimated waits are included.
Press the black button to show or hide the schedule.
2) 7:30 a.m. — Enter the park
3) 7:31 a.m. — Use the app to obtain a Mario Area Timed Entry Ticket
*Choose the earliest available entry time whenever possible.
4) If you have time before your entry window, ride Hollywood Dream – The Ride, The Flying Dinosaur, Space Fantasy, or JAWS.
5) Enter SUPER NINTENDO WORLD with your timed-entry ticket.
6) Make a reservation for Toadstool Cafe. During the day, the return time may be about two hours after you reserve.
7) If the Mario Kart wait is one hour or less, ride it first. Otherwise, experience Yoshi’s Adventure first.
8) Experience Mario Kart.
9) Eat lunch at Toadstool Cafe.
10) Experience Mine-Cart Madness.
11) Try the drum activity and Key Challenges (two to six challenges).
12) If the timing works, go to WaterWorld.
13) Experience JAWS.
14) Head to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
15) If the timing works, watch the Magical Creatures show.
16) Experience Ollivanders.
17) Ride Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey.
18) Ride Flight of the Hippogriff.
19) Ride The Flying Dinosaur.
20) Visit the souvenir shops.
21) Leave the park.
This route includes 11 attractions, including Donkey Kong, plus Key Challenges and a show.
Suggested Schedule: Families With Preschool and Elementary-School Children
This schedule assumes an official opening time of 8:00 a.m. on a day when the park actually opens early at 7:15 a.m. Travel times and estimated waits are included.
Press the black button to show or hide the schedule.
7:15 a.m. — Park opens
7:30 a.m. — Enter the park
7:31 a.m. — Use the app to obtain a Mario Area Timed Entry Ticket
*Choose the earliest available entry time whenever possible.
7:35 a.m. — Head to The Flying Snoopy in Universal Wonderland (estimated wait: 15–30 minutes)
*While waiting, obtain a Yoyakunori reservation.
7:50–8:05 a.m. — Experience The Flying Snoopy
8:15–8:45 a.m. — Enter the Mario Area with your timed-entry ticket
8:20–8:50 a.m. — Head to Bowser’s Castle and Mario Kart (estimated wait: 30–60 minutes)
8:50–9:50 a.m. — Experience Mario Kart
9:00–10:00 a.m. — Check the available reservation time for Toadstool Cafe
*Reserve if it matches your preferred meal time. If it is too early, come back and check again later.
9:05–10:05 a.m. — Join the line for Yoshi’s Adventure (estimated wait: 45–90 minutes)
9:50–11:35 a.m. — Experience Yoshi’s Adventure
9:55–11:40 a.m. — Try the Key Challenges (two to six challenges)
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. — Enter Toadstool Cafe and have lunch
12:15–1:15 p.m. — Finish lunch
12:20–1:20 p.m. — Take photos with Mario and Luigi and shop for Mario Area souvenirs
1:00–1:30 p.m. — Move to a viewing location for the NO LIMIT! Summer Parade
2:00 p.m. — Enjoy the parade
2:30–3:00 p.m. — Experience the attraction reserved with Yoyakunori
3:00–3:30 p.m. — Enjoy Playing with Curious George (estimated wait: 10–20 minutes)
3:30–4:00 p.m. — Line up for SING (estimated wait: 10–20 minutes)
3:40–4:10 p.m. — Experience SING
4:10–4:40 p.m. — Join the line for Shrek 4-D (My Hero Academia 4-D) (estimated wait: 20–40 minutes)
4:40–5:10 p.m. — Experience the 4-D attraction
5:00–5:30 p.m. — Buy souvenirs and leave the park
This route includes seven attractions plus Key Challenges and the parade, with departure in the late afternoon.
Suggested Schedule: Arriving Around 9:00 a.m.
This route is recommended for guests who want to eat breakfast at their hotel and cannot arrive very early.
Press the black button to show or hide the schedule.
9:00 a.m. — Arrive
9:30 a.m. — Enter the park
9:31 a.m. — Use the app to obtain a Mario Area Timed Entry Ticket
*Your entry time may be between 4:00 and 8:00 p.m.
9:40 a.m. — Head to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
9:55 a.m. — Join the line for Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey (estimated wait: 60–100 minutes)
10:55–11:35 a.m. — Experience Forbidden Journey
*After leaving the attraction or shop, use the restroom on the left.
11:10–11:50 a.m. — Join the line for Ollivanders (estimated wait: 10–15 minutes)
11:25 a.m.–12:05 p.m. — Experience Ollivanders
11:45 a.m.–12:25 p.m. — Head to lunch
12:00–12:40 p.m. — Eat lunch
12:30–12:40 p.m. — Try JAWS if time permits (estimated wait: 30–60 minutes)
1:10–1:45 p.m. — Move to a viewing location for the NO LIMIT! Parade
2:00 p.m. — Enjoy the parade
*Parade period: Wednesday, March 4, 2026, through Monday, January 11, 2027
2:20–2:30 p.m. — Join the line for Shrek 4-D (Chainsaw Man) (estimated wait: 15–30 minutes)
2:35–3:00 p.m. — Experience the 4-D attraction (about 20 minutes)
3:00–3:30 p.m. — Join the line for Hollywood Dream – The Ride (estimated wait: 60–100 minutes)
4:00–5:00 p.m. — Experience Hollywood Dream – The Ride
5:00–8:00 p.m. — Enter the Mario Area with your timed-entry ticket
●If you enter by 6:00 p.m. when the park closes at 8:30 p.m.
●If you enter by 7:30 p.m. when the park closes at 10:00 p.m.
5:10–7:30 p.m. — Join the line for Yoshi’s Adventure (estimated wait: 50–70 minutes)
6:10–8:30 p.m. — Experience Yoshi’s Adventure
6:20–8:40 p.m. — Head to Bowser’s Castle (estimated wait: 70–120 minutes)
8:20–9:50 p.m. — Experience Mario Kart
Until closing — Try Key Challenges or shop for souvenirs
10:00 p.m. — Park closes
●If you enter after 6:00 p.m. when the park closes at 8:30 p.m.
●If you enter after 7:30 p.m. when the park closes at 10:00 p.m.
6:10–9:00 p.m. — Head to Bowser’s Castle and Mario Kart (estimated wait: 60–120 minutes)
8:10–9:55 p.m. — Experience Mario Kart
Until closing — Try Key Challenges or shop for souvenirs
●If none of the above applies
You may only have time for Yoshi’s Adventure and the Key Challenges,
or possibly only the Key Challenges.
This route includes seven attractions plus Key Challenges and the parade.
Recommended Attractions and Shows
Here are our top picks for attractions and shows you should not miss at USJ.
New Attractions
New attractions are exciting because they often feature the latest technology, creative effects, and plenty of buzz.
Here are some newer attractions we recommend.
Mario Kart
This attraction uses cutting-edge technology to immerse guests in the world of Nintendo games inside SUPER NINTENDO WORLD.
It debuted in 2021.
Although the attraction is inside SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, an Area Timed Entry Ticket is often required to enter the land.
On some days, distribution ends before 9:00 a.m.
See the following article for details on obtaining a timed-entry ticket or guaranteed entry.
Detective Conan Theater
This show attraction brings Kaito Kid, Ran Mouri, and Sonoko Suzuki to life onstage.
It is a must for Detective Conan fans.
The attraction opened in March 2024.
Its large capacity also helps keep wait times relatively short.
SING on Tour
This theater attraction makes you feel as though you are watching a show scene from the movie SING live in front of you.
In the film, theater owner Buster Moon, a koala, and performers such as the shy elephant Meena overcome numerous setbacks to put on a show.
USJ’s SING on Tour is set on the opening day of the show that follows those events.
Why we recommend it: In the first room, a video shows the same kind of hectic backstage chaos seen in the movie. Even guests unfamiliar with SING can quickly understand the atmosphere, while fans will find it especially exciting.
After moving into the main theater, you will watch a live performance by real entertainers. The cast sings famous songs featured in SING.
The concert-like energy and uniquely USJ-style effects make the show enjoyable for both children and adults.
Playing with Curious George
This children’s attraction stars Curious George from the popular animated series.
Animated images and the real world come together in a show filled with excitement and laughter, making it feel as though George is truly there.
There are also many magic-show elements, so adults can enjoy its playful sense of wonder.
Popular Thrill Rides
In recent years, some guests have come to think of USJ as a theme park for thrill rides.
Among amusement and theme parks in Japan, it offers major thrill attractions alongside destinations such as Fuji-Q Highland and Nagashima Spa Land.
Guests who are not comfortable with scary rides can scream and release some stress.
Those who love thrills will find plenty to enjoy.
The Flying Dinosaur
This is the most intense attraction at USJ.
It opened in 2016, making it one of the park’s relatively newer rides.
You can experience powerful centrifugal force as though a dinosaur were whipping you around, along with the thrill of plunging from high above the ground.
The ride has a vertical difference of 37.8 meters and a 1,124-meter course, the world’s longest flying-coaster track.
How scary is The Flying Dinosaur? What is the shortest route there?
The moment before launch when your body suddenly tilts into a face-down position is startling. The train then climbs slowly to its highest point, with the ground clearly visible below. It can be terrifying, or you can have fun waving to the people beneath you. From the first drop onward, the strong forces and sensation of being tossed around are remarkable.
[code_balloon position=”left” name=”Happyell
Editor-in-Chief” text=”Some sixth-grade children can ride it, but it is scary enough that many kids are frightened.” img=”https://happyell.co.jp/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/happyell60a.jpg”]
Hollywood Dream – The Ride
This roller coaster lets each rider select a favorite song and enjoy a high-speed journey through the sky while listening to music.
Its floating sensations feel exhilarating.
Choosing the same song as the person riding with you may make the shared experience even more exciting.
Limited-time collaboration songs and stories are another major attraction.
[code_balloon position=”left” name=”Happyell
Editor-in-Chief” text=”The intensity is manageable for many upper-elementary-school children, although guests who dislike heights may find it scary.” img=”https://happyell.co.jp/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/happyell60a.jpg”]
Popular Attractions
Here are some of the movie-themed attractions that make USJ special.
Several of these experiences are available nowhere else in Japan.
Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
This is the main attraction in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
You enter Hogwarts Castle and travel through Harry Potter’s world, flying with Harry on a magical broom and encountering Hermione, Ron, and other characters.
[code_balloon position=”left” name=”Happyell
Editor-in-Chief” text=”Preschool and younger elementary-school children may be frightened when enemies attack. This is also the attraction at USJ most likely to cause motion sickness.” img=”https://happyell.co.jp/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/happyell60a.jpg”]
Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem
This attraction debuted in 2017. You tour Gru’s laboratory with the Minions.
The ride vehicle moves in sync with images on an enormous screen, creating the sensation that you have entered the movie and are adventuring with the Minions.
Before boarding, there is also an entertaining story sequence featuring Gru and his three daughters.
[code_balloon position=”left” name=”Happyell
Editor-in-Chief” text=”Its intense motion can easily cause motion sickness.” img=”https://happyell.co.jp/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/happyell60a.jpg”]
How to Enter The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
On crowded days, entry may require a Harry Potter Area Timed Entry Ticket or a guaranteed-entry ticket.
Recently, however, timed-entry tickets have rarely been required during the day.
If distribution begins, you will need admission tickets for every member of your group and must obtain the area tickets from the ticket machine.
Guests who claim the first tickets distributed will probably receive an entry time about one hour later.
Ticket machine location: Near the rose garden by Mel’s Drive-In
Limited-Time Attractions
USJ almost always offers limited-time experiences, such as collaboration attractions based on anime or games and seasonal horror attractions.
These attractions often feature the anime, games, television properties, and other content currently generating the most attention or expected to become major hits during the year, so they are well worth experiencing.
The same attraction is rarely offered again the following year after its limited run ends. Take advantage of the opportunity to experience it while you can.
Even if you know nothing about the original anime or game, a preshow or explanatory video usually introduces the world and provides enough context to follow the story.
Best Times for Lunch
Restaurants inside the park become extremely crowded from noon to 1:30 p.m.
The biggest problem is finding a seat, and waiting for a table to open can be stressful.
Try to eat lunch by 11:30 a.m. or after 2:00 p.m.
Restaurants that also serve cafe items may become crowded again around 4:00 p.m.
Keep this in mind, especially during Halloween Horror Nights and the Christmas season, when tired guests often rest before evening events.
At Toadstool Cafe in SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, waits may reach 30 minutes to one hour shortly after 11:00 a.m.
After 2:30 p.m. is recommended.
Make a Restaurant Reservation
At this restaurant, you can reserve a time to join the priority waiting line.
As long as you arrive at the entrance within one hour of your reserved time, you will be seated as soon as a table becomes available.
For an adults-only trip, this can also be a good place to enjoy beer or wine.
・Park Side Grille (steak)
・Azzurra di Capri (pasta and pizza)
・SAIDO (upscale Japanese cuisine)
Reservations open at 11:00 a.m. one month before your visit.
You can book until midnight on the day before.
*SAIDO and Lombard’s Landing often become collaboration restaurants and may not accept reservations.
The following article summarizes our recommended restaurants.
USJ Touring Guide: Attraction Strategies
Here are strategies for enjoying USJ attractions efficiently. Reduce your time in line and experience more rides throughout the day.
Five Underrated Times When Attraction Waits Are Shorter
To ride as many attractions as possible, target less crowded periods.
This is especially effective for attractions that normally have long waits.
1st: One hour before the park closes
2nd: Immediately after opening
3rd: After 6:00 p.m.
4th: From about 15 minutes before a parade begins until 15 minutes after it starts
5th: Around noon, especially for attractions with strong centrifugal force
② Save Time With a Universal Express Pass
A Universal Express Pass can dramatically reduce your wait.
It must be purchased separately from park admission, and many versions are expensive.
However, it is recommended for travelers coming from far away who may not be able to return to USJ soon.
On crowded days, first-time visitors without an Express Pass may experience only four or five attractions, which could reduce overall satisfaction.
Types of Express Passes and How to Buy Them
Some Express Passes bundle four attractions, while others include seven.
More expensive products that cover an even larger number of attractions are also available.
Express Passes are often sold out by the day of your visit.
Once your USJ date is set, buy one as early as possible.
Recommended Ways to Use an Express Pass
Express access is most valuable for popular attractions with especially long waits.
Choose a pass that includes the attractions you most want to experience.
Popular versions sell out quickly.
1) Mine-Cart Madness in Donkey Kong Country
2) Mario Kart
3) XR Ride
③ You Can Still Enjoy USJ Without an Express Pass
Even without an Express Pass, you can have a satisfying day by touring efficiently.
Tips for an Efficient Route
Target attractions with long waits immediately after opening or shortly before closing.
During the middle of the day, prioritize attractions with shorter waits.
Check real-time wait times in the official app before walking to your next attraction.
A good time to decide what to do next is while you are already waiting in a queue, when there is little else you can accomplish.
Use the Single Rider Line
A Single Rider line is offered at popular attractions that seat two or more guests together.
When one seat remains empty, a solo guest can fill it.
Because you cannot ride beside your friends, family, or partner, this option is best for guests whose priority is simply experiencing the attraction or riding it multiple times.
Use it when you are comfortable boarding separately from your group.
Many guests use Single Rider for Mario Kart because it is an attraction they want to repeat.
(The regular queue has a long route to the boarding area, while the Single Rider line also has the advantage of bringing you near the loading platform much faster.)
Areas of USJ
With the 2021 opening of SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, USJ came to have 10 areas.
For first-time visitors, the following areas are the easiest to recognize as distinct lands.
- SUPER NINTENDO WORLD
- The Wizarding World of Harry Potter (often called the Harry Potter Area)
- Universal Wonderland
- Jurassic Park
- WaterWorld
- Minion Park
These areas have clear visual boundaries, such as entrance arches, signs, or a dramatic change in atmosphere.
You can tell that you have entered a different area without consciously looking for the boundary.
Donkey Kong Country is an area located inside SUPER NINTENDO WORLD.
The following areas, by contrast, have no clearly marked entrance and can be entered from several directions, so you may not notice when you move from one to another.
Use the park map to navigate to the attraction, shop, or photo spot you want to visit.
- Hollywood Area
- New York Area
- San Francisco Area
- Amity Village
How USJ Differs From Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea
SUPER NINTENDO WORLD uses timed-entry tickets that are specifically for entering the area.
At Fantasy Springs, obtaining an attraction reservation allows you to enter the area. At USJ, however, once you enter the land, you normally join the regular lines for its attractions unless you have an Express Pass or other priority access.
USJ Map
Some attraction entrances are difficult to locate.
Check the official app’s park map or the following article before walking there to reduce the chance of getting lost.
The Hollywood Area near the entrance has many streets and similar-looking buildings. Taking one wrong road may make it difficult to find your destination.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter mainly offers four types of attractions and experiences:
・Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, a ride inside Hogwarts Castle
・Flight of the Hippogriff, where you experience Hippogriff flight training on a family-friendly roller coaster
・Ollivanders
・Wand Magic
You can also see Hagrid’s hut while waiting in line.
If the wandkeeper selects you, you can experience the moment when a wand chooses you and you become a wizard.
Wand Magic is an interactive magical experience available only to guests who purchase a wand.
Use your wand to create fire, water, wind, and snow effects.
The magic activates when you say the spell and move the wand correctly.
You can learn what to do in two ways:
・Use the map included in the wand box
・Look at the instructions marked on the ground at each magic location
(A magic instructor may also be available to guide you.)
USJ Touring Guide: Restaurants and Food
Here are strategies for making meals at USJ more enjoyable. Avoid peak crowds and enjoy a more comfortable dining experience.
① Avoid Peak Dining Times
The key to a smoother meal is avoiding the busiest times.
An early lunch around 11:00 a.m., a late lunch around 2:00 to 3:00 p.m., or a late dinner after 7:00 p.m. can help you avoid crowds and eat at a more relaxed pace.
However, many restaurants close in the late afternoon, depending on the location, so check operating hours in advance.
This is especially important during quieter seasons.
During Halloween Horror Nights and summer nighttime events, restaurants are often crowded around 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. because many guests stop to rest.
② Enjoy Grab-and-Go Food
Along the street between SING on Tour and Minion Park, there are three locations serving takeout food, including food trucks.
The food is affordable and tasty.
Benches overlooking the nearby lagoon make this a convenient place to eat.
Seasonal collaboration menus may also be available.
See the current food menu here:
Churritos are sold at locations throughout the park.
Collaboration versions based on anime or Pokémon are also frequently available.
Popular Takeout Foods and Where to Find Them
The turkey leg in Jurassic Park is extremely popular. Lines often form from lunchtime through the late afternoon.
You can find it at a food cart on the route from JAWS to SUPER NINTENDO WORLD and at locations inside Jurassic Park.
The dessert shop at the entrance to Minion Park is also popular.
For drinks, Butterbeer in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is another favorite.
③ For a Relaxed Meal, Use Priority Seating or a Virtual Queue
To enjoy a slower, more comfortable meal, take advantage of restaurant priority seating or a virtual queue.
1) Park Side Grille
2) Azzurra di Capri
3) SAIDO (not eligible while operating as a Demon Slayer restaurant)
[Official USJ] Make a restaurant reservation here
1) Apply between one month before your visit and the day before, up to 24 hours before your dining time.
2) Select the number of guests, date, and time.
3) You may also add options such as a cake.
4) On the day of your visit, go to the restaurant at your reserved time.
1) Go to the restaurant after 9:00 a.m.
2) Enter the number of guests and your phone number on the tablet.
3) You will receive an automated call when your turn is approaching.
4) Return to the restaurant within 30 minutes.
USJ Touring Guide: Souvenirs and Merchandise
Shopping for souvenirs is part of the fun at USJ. Here are tips for buying merchandise efficiently.
① General Souvenirs Are Available Near the Entrance
There are two large souvenir stores near the park entrance.
They carry items you may want to buy as soon as you enter, such as character hats, headbands, and clothing,
along with easy-to-give souvenirs such as candy, snacks, and stationery.
Map location 1: Many standard USJ products featuring Mario, Donkey Kong, Sesame Street, and other characters, plus T-shirts and collaboration merchandise
Map location 2: Harry Potter, Minion, and Mario snacks and food gifts, plus JAWS and collaboration merchandise
Map location 3: Headbands and character hats featuring classic characters
*Some elaborate items aimed at dedicated fans are not sold in the entrance-area stores.
How to Shop Efficiently
Some popular collaboration items sell out during the morning.
If there is a limited item you want, buy it immediately after entering USJ.
For other merchandise, shopping before late afternoon helps you avoid crowds.
The best general time to buy souvenirs is from noon to around 4:00 p.m., when stores are relatively quiet.
As closing time approaches, stores become crowded, products are harder to browse, and checkout lines grow very long.
Buy merchandise early and place it in a coin locker or carry it with you. Then, while other guests shop before closing, you can enjoy attractions whose waits have become shorter.
See the following article for the latest merchandise news and recommendations:
Use Coin Lockers
Walking through the park with heavy luggage is tiring. Make smart use of coin lockers.
Lockers are available near the entrance and in Universal Wonderland.
Carry only what you need and store unnecessary items for a more comfortable day.
Except for the lockers in Universal Wonderland, you must pay again if you open a locker and then want to use it a second time.
USJ Merchandise Shops at Universal CityWalk Osaka
Universal CityWalk Osaka is located outside USJ.
It also has stores selling official USJ merchandise.
Their selection focuses mainly on character hats, shirts, clothing, and headbands.
If you are staying nearby the night before or have an admission ticket valid after 3:00 p.m., such as a Twilight Pass or Night Pass, buying these items before entering can save time.
USJ Touring Guide: Practical Knowledge
Here are additional tips for a more comfortable visit.
① Use the Portable Battery Rental Service
If your smartphone battery is running low, use the portable battery rental service.
Rental stations are located near restrooms and the coin lockers by the entrance.
The batteries include charging cables with three connector types.
You must register through a dedicated app. Because payment requires a credit card, children cannot rent one on their own.
The fee is relatively high, so be careful about keeping the battery for a long time.
② Birthday Guests Can Receive a Birthday Sticker
USJ distributes birthday stickers to help guests celebrate.
Ask a crew member near the entrance for a birthday sticker.
When you wear it, characters may celebrate with you, and crew members may offer special birthday greetings.
③ Driving to USJ? Check Less Expensive Nearby Parking Lots
If you plan to arrive before the park opens, nearby parking lots are often a better choice than the official USJ lot.
The official parking lot opens 90 minutes before the scheduled park opening.
However, USJ sometimes opens more than 90 minutes before the scheduled time. The park may already be open by the time the official lot begins admitting cars.
Many nearby facilities, including Times parking lots, allow 24-hour entry and exit.
They are also often less expensive than official USJ parking.
See locations and prices here:
Recommended Items to Bring and Prohibited Items
Here are useful items to bring to USJ, along with items that may not be brought into the park.
Recommended Items
・Comfortable walking shoes
(Sneakers are ideal. You may walk more than 10,000 steps in one day.)
・A hat, to reduce the risk of heatstroke or help keep you warm
・One plastic bottle of up to 500 ml, or a reusable water bottle, to prevent heatstroke. Cans are not allowed.
・A phone charger or portable battery if you plan to take many photos. Rentals are also available.
・A handheld fan in summer
・A cooling towel in summer
・Disposable hand warmers in winter
・A thick picnic mat
(Hot pavement in summer and cold ground in winter can transfer heat or cold directly to you. Bring an insulated picnic mat or one small seat cushion per person.)
Families with young children can find a planned route for keeping kids comfortable and a packing list in the following article:
Items You Cannot Bring Into the Park
Guests sometimes unknowingly bring items such as:
・Drinks in cans or glass bottles
・Rice balls, convenience-store food, or other takeout food
・Selfie sticks
・Tripods
During bag inspection, they may then be unable to enter until they discard the item or store it in a coin locker.
After waiting a long time to reach security, being stopped for a prohibited item can be especially frustrating, so check carefully before leaving.
・Suitcases, trunks, other large bags of similar size, and carts used to transport items
・Food, including boxed lunches
*Baby food and snacks for small children are permitted.
・Beverages in glass bottles or cans, alcoholic drinks, and similar items
*Reusable water bottles and one plastic bottle of up to 500 ml per person are permitted.
・Camera monopods, tripods, and selfie sticks
Some guests buy McDonald’s before entering and then discover they cannot bring it in. Others are turned away with one- or two-liter bottles.
Please keep the rules in mind.
Summary: How to Get Around Universal Studios Japan
2. Install the official USJ app before your visit.
3. Eat lunch during a quieter time or make a reservation.
4. Shop for souvenirs during a quieter time.
Have an amazing day at Universal Studios Japan.
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USJ Touring App
This web app suggests a USJ schedule based on your preferences.
It is free and requires no registration.
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Theme park expert in Universal Studios Japan and Expo 2025 Osaka. CEO of Happyell Inc. and Editor-in-Chief of Theme Park Media Happyell. Visiting USJ for 25+ years, Crystal Rank member, sharing guides and crowd forecasts.
