Universal Studios Japan

The very first Universal Studios theme park to be opened in Asia was Universal studios Japan (USJ). This park opened in March of 2001 near the Osaka Bay Area. Universal Studios Japan encompasses 39 hectares and is one of the country’s most visited amusement parks, right after Tokyo’s Disney Resort.

About Universal Studios Japan:

Currently, the Universal Studios Japan location is split into eight sections: San Francisco, New York, Hollywood, Amity Village, Universal Wonderland, Waterworld, Lagoon and Jurassic Park. Visitors will enjoy a wide array of amusement rides that range from stimulating roller coasters to simulators that have been based on movies such as Jurassic Park, Terminator 2, Spiderman and Back to the Future. You will also find lots of child-friendly rides like carousels. A Harry Potter attraction is scheduled to open in 2014.

Universal Studios Japan offers visitors many photo-taking opportunities, as you will have the opportunity to meet characters like Hello Kitty, Sesame Street or Snoopy. There are a number of live shows put on daily, and even a night-time parade filled with illuminated floats that parade down the streets.

Directly outside of the theme park gates is Universal Citywalk, Osaka. This is a shopping mall that features lots of restaurants, hotels and other shops that sell Osaka souvenirs and Universal Studios merchandise. Moreover, the Osaka Museum is also located on the fourth floor of the mall. This museum is home to an extensive collection of local dish vendors.

Park Hours:

The hours of the park usually range from 10:00 until 17:00 during the low season. However, during peak season the park stays open from 9:00 until 21:00. There are no days the park closes. For more specific hours you can check out the park’s official website.

Admission Fees:

If you are looking to visit Universal Studios Japan, the prices are as follows:

1-Day Pass:

o 4 to 11 year olds cost 4,300 yen
o 12 to 64 year olds cost 6,200 yen
o 65 years and older cost 5,700 yen

2-Day Pass:

o 4 to 11 year olds cost 7,400 yen
o 12 years and older cost 10,900 yen

Express Pass:

This pass allows riders to skip lines to selected rides. You can get these passes to last through four rides for 3,200 yen or for seven rides at a price of 4,900 yen. These can be purchased at the gate or inside the park. Just beware that Express passes are subject to selling out on busy days.

All 1-day and 2-day passes include unlimited use of rides, and can be purchased at the gate or at a Lawson convenience store, JR ticket counter, partner hotels and select travel agencies.

* Please check the official website for up to date pricing.

Attractions at Universal Studios Japan:

The following attractions are spread out among the eight park areas:

Hollywood:

Hollywood Dream – The Ride
The Live Rock and Roll Show put on by Universal Monsters
Animation Celebration
Shrek’s 4-D Adventure
E.T. Adventure
4-D Movie Magic with Sesame Street