Buzz
Note that children under 4 years old get free admission, so you've already saved some bucks!
Best time to visit:
- Explore on weekdays for a more relaxed experience
- Check in advance the park's anticipated busy days to choose a time with lower expected attendance or a chance of waiting less than 2 hours for popular rides.
Please note that once you leave the park, re-entry is not allowed.
2. Getting to Universal Studios Japan
If you plan to use public transportation, the nearest train station to Universal Studios Japan is JR Universal City. You can take the JR train with an ICOCA card or a Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass)
Ensure a hassle-free landing at Kansai International Airport by placing your ICOCA card on Klook. The ICOCA card comes pre-loaded with a value of 1500 JPY for immediate use without the need for top-up.
If you plan to stay near the park, Universal City Walk offers plenty of hotel options. While it may be a bit pricier than in the city, it's well worth it. These hotels include:
- Hotel Keihan Universal City
- The Park Front Hotel at Universal Studios Japan
- Hotel Kintetsu Universal City
3. Universal Express Pass
The best and most valuable investment is the Universal Express Pass. These cards allow you to bypass the notorious long queues at the park and ensure you can still access popular areas like Harry Potter's Wizarding World even during peak times when admission is restricted.
There are various types of Express passes – refer to the guide below to find the one that suits your needs. Klook suggests you purchase the Universal Express 4 card, as it provides priority access to standout activities:
- A: Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey™ in 4K3D
- B: Despicable Me Minion Mayhem
- C: The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man – The Ride 4K3D OR Hollywood Dream – The Ride (starting from 01/19/2018, applicable rides will be The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man – The Ride 4K3D OR Jurassic Park – The Ride)
- D: JAWS® OR Terminator 2: 3-D® OR Backdraft®
P.S. The Harry Potter Ride and Minion Ride are both incredibly popular, and on crowded days, the wait for each ride can extend up to 2 hours. Both A and B are timed rides, so you'll need to plan your day in the park accordingly.
Note that each day will have a limited number of cards, so you should reserve your card as early as possible. Express cards do not include entrance tickets; you'll need to purchase entrance tickets separately.
4. Single Riders Queue
The Single Riders queue is suitable if you don't mind participating in rides alone or sitting next to strangers. This queue is usually faster, but you may be separated from your family or friends even if you're queuing together.
5. Child Switch Queue
Child Switch allows parents to ride together with a child who doesn't meet the height requirements or simply doesn't want to ride alone. Parent A rides first while Parent B waits in the room with the child, and they only need to switch afterward. There's no separate queue for Child Switch – you'll still need to queue in the regular line, and when you reach the waiting point, there will be a Child Switch room inside.
6. Ride
You definitely don't want to wait in line for a game that your child can't participate in. Take note of the height requirements for the following rides:
92: at least 122 cm if unaccompanied, at least 92 cm if accompanied by a supervising companion
102: at least 122 cm if unaccompanied, at least 102 cm if accompanied by a supervising companion
107: at least 122 cm if unaccompanied, at least 107 cm if accompanied by a supervising companion
122: at least 122 cm if unaccompanied or with a supervising companion
132: at least 132 cm if unaccompanied or with a supervising companion
132-198: participants must be between 132cm and 198cm
7. Food and Beverages
You're not allowed to bring outside food into the park, so we recommend bringing your own bottle or flask to refill with water at the free water fountains. There are plenty of stations offering free water throughout the park. You can purchase food for babies aged 7-12 months at Snoopy Backlot Cafe or the Studio Stars restaurant.
Don't miss out on the enticing and visually appealing dishes, a must-have for your virtual life adventures. Check out more at this link.
P.S. A frozen butterbeer is the perfect remedy for the hot summer weather!
8. Facilities
Medical Center
There's a first aid center located inside the park near the right entrance, where healthcare is provided by a healthcare professional.
Child Care
There are designated areas for breastfeeding, feeding, and diaper changing near the guest service center and inside Universal Wonderland. These rooms are equipped with hot and cold water facilities as well as microwaves, so be sure to prepare baby food or formula.
Lost Child Center
A meeting point for all children under 12 who lose their parents at the Guest Service Center at the entrance.
Stroller Rental
You can rent a stroller from the stroller rental center on the right at the entrance. Each stroller is priced at 1000 JPY and is for children under 3 years old.
Locker
There are lockers available both inside and outside the park. Large lockers (357 × 453 × 802) are only available outside the park and cost 700 JPY. Inside the park, you'll find small to medium-sized lockers.
9. Parades and Shows
Parades and shows are definitely something you don't want to miss, especially if your child is too young or too scared to participate in many rides. Seasonal shows are often held at the Illumination Theater. Combining pop tunes with beloved movie characters, you might even meet one of these stars during the show.
The Universal Night Parade is a unique spectacle at Universal Studios Japan! Featuring Hollywood blockbusters like Transformers, Jurassic Park, Harry Potter, and Minions, arrive early to secure a seat for the best view of the parade. Prime seating can be found along Hollywood outside the entrance to Hollywood Ride.
10. Cartoon Character Greetings
For you, they might just be regular people in mascot costumes, but for your little ones, these characters are super-special! From characters like Minions, Woody Woodpecker, and the cast of Sesame Street, your child will undoubtedly be delighted to meet their favorite characters in real life, for hugs and photos.
Other Attractions for Family Travel in Osaka
If you're looking for other fun places suitable for the whole family, don't miss out on:
- Experience the fantastic Lego playground at Legoland Osaka
- Closer to nature, through the combination of an aquarium, zoo, and museum at Nifrel Interactive Zoo
