Looking for the best way to get to USJ? This guide has you covered!
Here are the options for getting there by train, plane, and car.
■Which station should you use for Universal Studios Japan?
Here is a guide to the station you should use when traveling to USJ by train, Shinkansen, or plane.
It also compares fares and travel times from farther away, including Tokyo, Yokohama, Nagoya, Hiroshima, and Hakata.
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■What is the nearest station to USJ?
The closest station to USJ isUniversal City Station on the JR Yumesaki Line.
Osaka has many private railways, including Hanshin, Hankyu, Nankai, Kintetsu, and Keihan, as well as the Osaka Metro, but only a JR station is within walking distance of USJ.
JR Sakurajima Station, where LIBER HOTEL is located, is not far from Universal City Station, so you can walk. However, taking the JR train is easier and faster.
Exit the station gates to the left, and you will see Universal CityWalk Osaka, a shopping area filled with restaurants and souvenir shops.
Continue toward the back of the photo and turn left to reach the USJ entrance.
Walk a little farther and look back to see Universal City Station and The Singulari Hotel, an official hotel directly connected to the station.
The building on the right side of the photo is also an official hotel, Hotel Keihan Universal Tower.
■How to get there from Osaka Station
At JR Osaka Station, board from Track 1 on the inner loop of the Osaka Loop Line.
When transferring from another line, take the escalator up and use the passageway connecting the platforms. This is the shortest and easiest route.
Some routes become complicated if you go down before transferring, so transferring via the upper passage is recommended.
Every train departing from Track 1 stops at Nishikujo Station.
Direct trains toward Universal City run in the morning and evening, but usually not during the daytime.
For the smoothest trip, simply take the first train that arrives.
When it is not a direct service, transfer at Nishikujo Station to a train bound for Universal City.
At JR Nishikujo Station, one track can be boarded from both the Osaka-bound and Tennoji-bound platforms.
In most cases, a train waiting on this track will go to Universal City Station.
However, in the afternoon, a train on this track may be headed toward Osaka, and occasionally a train for Universal City may stop at Track 4, which can be boarded only from the Tennoji-bound platform.Always check the destination display before boarding.
Also,on the return trip, if you get off through the doors that open first at Nishikujo Station, you will arrive on the platform for Tennoji-bound trains.
For Osaka or Shin-Osaka, get off through the doors that open afterward.
How to pay less than the JR fare
Travelers coming from Kyoto should use the Hankyu Railway.
Hankyu: Kyoto-kawaramachi Station to Universal City Station: US$3.63 (1 hour 7 minutes)
Keihan Railway: Gion-shijo Station to Universal City Station: US$3.81 (1 hour 11 minutes)
JR: Kyoto Station to Universal City Station: US$5.06 (51 minutes)
Note: Travel times are examples.
Kyoto Station is far enough from Kyoto-kawaramachi and Gion-shijo that you need to travel by subway or local bus.
Travelers coming from Kobe, Akashi, or Himeji should use the Hanshin Railway from Sannomiya.
The trip takes about 15 minutes longer but costs US$1.44 less.
JR Himeji Station to Sannomiya Station to Hanshin Kobe-sannomiya Station to Nishikujo Station to Universal City Station: US$9.13 (1 hour 43 minutes)
Sanyo Railway: Sanyo Himeji Station to Amagasaki on the Hanshin Line to Universal City Station: US$9.06 (1 hour 56 minutes)
JR Himeji Station to Universal City Station: US$10.56 (1 hour 28 minutes)
Please note that these options take longer than traveling entirely by JR.
Which Shinkansen station should you use?
The nearest Tokaido Shinkansen station is Shin-Osaka Station.
From eastern Japan, including Tokyo, Yokohama, and Nagoya, take a train bound for Shin-Osaka, Okayama, Hiroshima, or Hakata.
From western Japan, take a Shinkansen terminating at Shin-Osaka or one bound for Tokyo.
You may think Shin-Kobe Station is closer when traveling from western Japan, but transferring to the JR Kobe Line or Hanshin Railway takes time.
Depending on the timing, the transfer can take almost as long as continuing to Shin-Osaka, so get off at Shin-Osaka Station.
Take a JR Kyoto Line train toward Osaka or Kobe.
Use a local train on Track 7 or a rapid or special rapid train on Track 8.Every Kobe-bound train stops at Osaka Station.
The trip is one stop and takes four minutes on any train.
Note: Platform numbers changed in 2018. Tracks 15 and 16 used to serve Osaka-bound trains, but those numbers are no longer used.
Osaka-bound trains now depart from Tracks 7 and 8.
Note: Google Maps and Ekitan may show the line as the Tokaido-Sanyo Main Line, but that name is not used on station signs or announcements.
It is called the JR Kyoto Line on the Kyoto side of Osaka Station and the JR Kobe Line on the Kobe side.
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■Which station should you use on the Hanshin Railway?
Nishikujo Station is the nearest station on the Hanshin Railway.
JR Nishikujo Station is connected within the same building, making the transfer to JR easy.
Take a JR Yumesaki Line train bound for Sakurajima via Universal City.
From the Namba area, travel to USJ on the Hanshin Railway.
From Kobe or Nishinomiya on the Hanshin Railway, do not take a train bound for Umeda. Take one toward Namba or Nara.
Even if you board an Umeda-bound train, you can transfer at Amagasaki Station to a Namba-bound service.
Which station should you use on the Nankai Railway?
Get off at Shin-Imamiya Station and take the JR Osaka Loop Line toward Nishikujo.
Which station should you use on the Kintetsu Railway?
Get off at Tsuruhashi Station, or travel via Osaka-Namba and get off at Hanshin Nishikujo Station.
Tsuruhashi Station route:
Take the JR Osaka Loop Line toward Osaka Station via Kyobashi.
Transfer at Nishikujo Station to a train bound for Universal City.
Note: This route is cheaper than transferring at Hanshin Nishikujo.
Hanshin Nishikujo Station route:
The Kintetsu and Hanshin lines connect at Namba Station.
Direct Hanshin trains run to Kobe-sannomiya, so stay on the train and get off at Hanshin Nishikujo.
Then take the JR Yumesaki Line toward Universal City.
Note: This route has more frequent service than the Tsuruhashi transfer and is often faster.
■Which airport is closest to USJ?
The Kansai region has three airports.
When flying ANA or JAL, the usual choice is to travel to USJ from Osaka International Airport, also known as Osaka Itami Airport.
When using a low-cost carrier, Kansai International Airport or Kobe Airport may also be convenient.
How to get to USJ from Osaka Itami Airport
From Osaka Itami Airport, ride the Osaka Monorail one stop, transfer to the Hankyu Railway at Hotarugaike, and then transfer to JR at Osaka Station.
The fare is US$3.81, and the trip takes about 50 minutes.
The highway limousine bus costs US$5.88 and takes about 40 minutes.
How to get to USJ from Kansai International Airport
By train, take the Kansai Airport Rapid Service bound for Kyobashi. It goes directly to Nishikujo Station without a transfer.
At Nishikujo, transfer to a train bound for Universal City.
The fare is US$7.56, and the trip takes 1 hour 21 minutes.
The Haruka limited express can save about 17 minutes in some cases, but the fare is US$11.69.
The Nankai Rapi:t limited express is another option at US$10.19 and 1 hour 13 minutes, but
it saves only eight minutes, requires one additional transfer, and costs more, so it is not generally recommended.
However, if you are getting off once to stay near Tennoji, riding the stylish Nankai limited express may be a memorable experience.
You can also take a limousine bus from Kansai International Airport.
The fare is US$10.00, and the trip takes 1 hour 10 minutes.
Because the route passes through areas prone to congestion in the morning and evening, delays can be substantial.
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■Best transportation, fares, and travel times from Tokyo to USJ
There are three main ways to reach USJ from the Tokyo and Yokohama areas.
The most popular option is the Tokaido Shinkansen.
It is fast and comfortable.
Flying is often a good choice for saving money, and some flights can be inexpensive.
For the lowest fares, an overnight highway bus is another option.
Leave at night and arrive near USJ in the morning.
Traveling by Shinkansen
The main advantage of the Shinkansen is its very frequent service.
On a Nozomi train, you can board at Tokyo, Shinagawa, or Shin-Yokohama, stop at Nagoya and Kyoto, and arrive at Shin-Osaka without many intermediate stops.
Getting to USJ from Shin-Osaka on local JR lines is also fairly straightforward.
If you live within Tokyo’s 23 wards, you can usually catch a Shinkansen shortly after 9:00 p.m. and still get home by train, allowing you to enjoy USJ until late on your departure day.
Tokyo Station to Universal City Station
US$92.00
Travel time: about 2 hours 50 minutes to 3 hours 3 minutes
Take the first train from Tokyo at 6:00 a.m. and you can arrive at Universal City Station at 8:51 a.m.
Note: Fares vary by season, and travel times vary slightly depending on the departure time.
Shin-Yokohama Station to Universal City Station
US$89.94
Travel time: about 2 hours 30 minutes to 2 hours 47 minutes
Note: Fares vary by season, and travel times vary slightly depending on the departure time.
Nagoya Station to Universal City Station
US$41.75
1 hour 20 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes
Note: Fares vary by season, and travel times vary slightly depending on the departure time.
Save with the Platt Kodama plan
JR Tokai Tours offers a discounted Shinkansen travel plan using Kodama trains.
During less busy periods, the Tokyo to Shin-Osaka fare is US$67.50 for adults and US$46.25 for children.
A drink voucher is also included.
However, the Tokyo to Shin-Osaka trip takes 3 hours 54 minutes.
The fastest Nozomi takes 2 hours 24 minutes, so the Kodama takes 1 hour 30 minutes longer but saves about US$25.00.
One drawback is that you cannot change the train or seat selected at booking.
You also cannot board a different Shinkansen using an unreserved seat.
Traveling by plane
Flying is a quick option that also breaks up the journey instead of keeping you on one vehicle the entire time.
The flight from Haneda Airport to Osaka Itami Airport takes 1 hour 10 minutes.
About 15 minutes before landing, the route often offers close-up views of central Osaka and Osaka Castle, adding to the travel experience.
It would be even better to earn enough miles to fly for free♪
The following article explains how to earn airline miles.
Traveling by highway bus
A highway bus is the budget option.
Buses leave late at night and arrive in the morning.
A highway bus is recommended when you want to reach USJ first thing in the morning.
■Best transportation, fares, and travel times from Nagoya to USJ
The Shinkansen is the most recommended way to travel from Nagoya to USJ.
Here are several lower-cost routes and options.
From Kintetsu-Nagoya Station
Take the Urban Liner from Kintetsu-Nagoya Station.
Kintetsu-Nagoya Station to Osaka-Namba Station on the Hanshin Railway to Nishikujo Station to Universal City Station: US$29.44 (3 hours 4 minutes)
By Shinkansen from Nagoya Station
This is the fastest option.
Nagoya Station by Shinkansen to Shin-Osaka Station to JR Osaka to Universal City Station: US$39.19 (1 hour 36 minutes)
By local JR trains
This is the least expensive rail option.
Service is less frequent, but special rapid and rapid trains can get you there in about the same time as Kintetsu.
JR Nagoya Station to Ogaki to Maibara to Osaka to Universal City: US$21.31 (3 hours 7 minutes)
There are two tight transfers along the way, so you will not be able to sleep soundly for the entire trip.
By highway bus
Direct buses from Nagoya, including Sakae and Nagoya Station, to USJ can be the least expensive option.
With an early-booking weekday fare, a one-way trip may cost as little as US$12.00.
The trip takes about 3 hours 30 minutes to 4 hours, but there are no transfers, so you can relax and sleep after boarding.
Morning departures arrive at USJ after 10:00 a.m., while some overnight buses leaving late the previous night arrive around 6:30 to 7:00 a.m.
Fares often appear to be about US$14.38 to US$20.63, although they may reach around US$31.25 on some dates.
■Which highway bus stop should you use?
Universal Studios Japan has a highway bus stop.
Many highway buses heading toward Osaka stop at USJ, so choose a route that serves the park.
■Which expressway exit is closest to USJ?
Exit the Hanshin Expressway at Universal City, continue straight, and after passing one traffic light you will see the entrance to the official USJ parking lot.
Which service areas and parking areas are near USJ?
There are no service areas or parking areas immediately near USJ on the inbound trip.
Toward Kobe:
Return trip: Nakajima Parking Area (a few minutes after entering Route 5 Bayshore Line from the Universal City interchange)
Inbound trip: Kyobashi Parking Area (about 30 minutes from USJ on Route 3 Kobe Line)
Toward Kyoto and Nagoya:
Inbound and return trips: Suita Service Area on the Meishin Expressway
When planning to arrive near USJ early in the morning, consider stopping at the convenience store with a large parking lot just past the official USJ parking entrance, then resting nearby,
or park in one of the less expensive lots in the area.
Where can you find inexpensive parking near USJ?
There are many parking lots within a 10- to 15-minute walk of USJ.
Some may cost about US$6.25 to US$15.63 less than the official parking lot.
The parking lots around Ajikawaguchi Station, one stop before Universal City, are recommended.
They are inexpensive, and the driver can ride the train one stop, about two minutes, to easily reunite with family or friends.
■How early should you arrive at USJ?
For SUPER NINTENDO WORLD or a limited-time attraction, arrive before the park actually opens.
The park often opens five minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes earlier than the published opening time, and on some days the timed-entry tickets for the Mario area may already be gone by the scheduled opening time.
Use the opening-time forecast below as a reference when deciding when to arrive.
■Recommended hotels
Many official hotels near USJ extend the park atmosphere into the hotel experience, making them a good choice when they fit your budget.
For a less expensive stay, hotels around Osaka Station are convenient and recommended.
Benefits of staying at an official hotel
・Walk back to your hotel
（LIBER HOTEL is a slightly longer walk or one train stop away）
・Some hotels and rooms offer park views
・Easy to get to the park early
・Enjoy the park atmosphere and a similar level of service
JR trains become extremely crowded around park closing time.
On especially busy days, entry to the station may be restricted, and boarding can take extra time.
Official hotels are only a short walk away, so you can avoid the fatigue of the crowds.
Benefits of staying near Osaka Station
The Osaka and Umeda area, one of the largest entertainment districts in Kansai, has an enormous number of restaurants.
There are about 3,000 within 500 meters of the station.
It is a great place to enjoy Osaka cuisine.
The area also has bar districts and nightlife venues that stay open late, so you do not need to worry that everything will be closed after the park shuts.
When planning to eat dinner in central Osaka, staying near Osaka Station is a convenient choice.
The Osaka Station area has more than 100 hotels, ranging from late-check-in options under US$18.75 per person to high-rise and luxury hotels.
See this article for a curated selection of luxury and stylish hotels.
USJ map
See this article for directions inside USJ.
It also shows where to find less crowded restrooms.
USJ Map 2026: Latest Attractions and Restrooms Guide
USJ trip costs
The following article explains how much a USJ trip costs, including hotel and transportation expenses.
Exchange rate used: US$1 = ¥160.
Make the latest USJ and Kansai event updates
easier to find on Google.
