What You’ll Learn
- When Mario Area Timed Entry eTickets run out in 2026 and distribution trends
- How distribution times differ on weekdays, weekends, and busy days
- Tips for entering before Timed Entry eTickets run out, plus ways to guarantee entry to SUPER NINTENDO WORLD
SUPER NINTENDO WORLD (Super Mario Land and Donkey Kong Country) requires an Area Timed Entry eTicket for entry.
(You do not need an Area Timed Entry eTicket if you already have an eligible Express Pass or an Area Entry Guarantee ticket.)
Once distribution ends, you can enter only if you win an Area Timed Entry eTicket lottery, so it is best to get an eTicket before they run out whenever possible.
Here is a summary of 2026 trends for when the fast-disappearing Mario Area Timed Entry eTickets run out.
• You can get one only after entering USJ
• You select an entry time when obtaining the eTicket
• Once Timed Entry eTickets run out, lottery ticket distribution begins
• The entry time is shown as a one-hour window
In the lottery, getting selected once in seven tries would be considered good odds.
(The odds vary somewhat depending on the day and whether your selected group size is larger or smaller.)
2026 USJ Mario Timed-Entry Tickets: App Steps, Lottery Tickets & Guaranteed Entry
Earn Rakuten Points when purchasing USJ tickets
USJ Mario: Free Entry Without a Timed Entry eTicket
After USJ opens, SUPER NINTENDO WORLD Area Timed Entry eTickets are not distributed for a while.
During that time, anyone can enter the area without a Timed Entry eTicket.
Since Donkey Kong Country opened and the area became 1.7 times larger, the period when guests can enter freely without an eTicket has become longer.
In 2026, on less crowded weekends, many days allow free entry until around 9:15-9:30 a.m.
When Timed Entry eTicket distribution begins, the checkpoint (barricade) located a little before JAWS is closed and guests can no longer proceed past it.
Get your Timed Entry eTicket through the app.
How to take the shortest route
Fastest Route to SUPER NINTENDO WORLD: Photo and Map Guide from the USJ Entrance to the Mario Area
Running is dangerous, and the distance is long enough that it is hard to keep running.
I also sometimes see people (almost every time?) frantically calling because someone got lost or the family became separated, so please do not run.
Limit yourself to a brisk walk.
On crowded days, USJ opens earlier than the official opening time listed on its website.
A baggage inspection area was also introduced in February 2025, and the screening can sometimes take time.
For guidance on what time to arrive, see the following article:
USJ Mario Timed Entry eTickets: When Do They Run Out? (Weekdays)
You might expect fewer people on weekdays and assume Timed Entry eTickets will not run out, but there are weekdays when eTickets are distributed.
Many overseas travelers visit on weekdays, and many also arrive early in the morning.
If you arrive in the afternoon, even when eTickets are still being distributed, only late entry times may remain.
USJ Mario Timed Entry eTickets: When They Run Out on Less Crowded Weekdays
Less crowded weekdays often have earlier park closing times, so Timed Entry eTicket distribution also tends to end earlier.
However, because these days are less crowded, there are also days when guests can enter without a Timed Entry eTicket at night.
In 2026, on many less crowded weekdays, there is little concern about Timed Entry eTickets running out.
There are also many days when eTickets are not distributed at all.
USJ Mario Timed Entry eTickets: When They Run Out on Busy Weekdays
In July and August 2026, due to extreme heat and the long period of Annual Pass blackout dates, there are many days during summer vacation when SUPER NINTENDO WORLD can be entered all day without a Timed Entry eTicket.
USJ Crowd Forecast for August 2026: Summer Vacation, Night Events, and Best Days to Visit
USJ Mario Timed Entry eTickets: When Do They Run Out? (Weekends)
There are fewer overseas travelers on weekends, and the park often closes later than on weekdays, increasing the number of guests who can enter the area.
As a result, when comparing a busy weekday with a less crowded weekend, Timed Entry eTickets are distributed later into the day on the less crowded weekend.
In July and August 2026, because of extreme heat, the long period of Annual Pass blackout dates, and a strong lineup of nighttime events, even on days when Timed Entry eTickets are distributed, guests can enter without one from the evening onward.
There is no need to worry about being unable to enter SUPER NINTENDO WORLD.
USJ Mario Timed Entry eTickets: When They Run Out on Busy Weekends
On busy weekends and holidays when the park closes at 10:00 p.m., distribution can end during the 11 a.m. hour.
When the park closes at 9:00 p.m. or 8:00 p.m., distribution can end during the 10 a.m. hour.
After 9:00 a.m., there are days when only Timed Entry eTickets for evening or later entry remain.
For families with children who plan to leave the park around 5:00 p.m., arriving before 8:00 a.m. may be just barely early enough.
Because entering the park in the morning can take about 20 to 30 minutes, even if you arrive at 8:00 a.m., it may be around 8:30 a.m. before you are inside and able to obtain an eTicket.
USJ Crowd Forecast for August 2026: Summer Vacation, Night Events, and Best Days to Visit
How to Guarantee Entry to SUPER NINTENDO WORLD
If you do not get many chances to visit USJ, you will probably want to make sure you can visit SUPER NINTENDO WORLD.
I have also heard stories of families who managed to enter, but then had to leave while their child was crying because they would otherwise miss their Shinkansen or flight home.
Make the most of your USJ visit and create happy memories.
Get It With a Hotel Plan That Includes an Area Entry Guarantee Ticket
There is a ticket called an “Area Entry Guarantee Ticket.”
With this ticket, you are guaranteed entry to SUPER NINTENDO WORLD.
You can get one by booking a stay at an official hotel through JTB.
Buy an Express Pass
If you purchase an Express Pass that includes Mario Kart or Yoshi’s Adventure, you are guaranteed entry at the designated time.
Arrive at the USJ Entrance Before the Park Opens
If you are visiting for the day or staying somewhere other than a USJ official hotel, or if an Express Pass is too expensive, head to USJ early in the morning.
For a smoother day, arriving at USJ by around 7:00 a.m. is recommended.
On crowded days, Timed Entry eTicket distribution can end by 9:30 a.m.
Near the end of distribution, the designated entry time will be late at night, so even if you enter the area, you may not be able to experience Mario Kart.
If you arrive later than 7:00 a.m. during the busy morning period, entering the park can take about 15 to 30 minutes.
Example: On a day when distribution ends at 9:30 a.m., if you do not arrive by 9:00 a.m., distribution may already be over by the time you enter the park.
For instructions on how to get a Timed Entry eTicket in the app, see the following article:
2026 USJ Mario Timed-Entry Tickets: App Steps, Lottery Tickets & Guaranteed Entry
For a guide to touring USJ and planning your schedule:
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