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Universal Studio Osaka
Long before traveling to Japan I already knew I was going to visit Osaka and one of the best attractions for movie junkies like us – Universal Studios Osaka! Universal Studios Japan ranked Japan’s best theme park two years in a row, for a good reason. Universal Studio opened its doors to the public in 2001 and was the first Universal theme park to operate within the Asian region.
Universal Studios Osaka is not the typical cultural experience in Japan but after 20 days of traveling around the country and visiting more than 30 temples and shrines, it was time for something new! Universal Studio is an American themed park but having in mind it is operating in Osaka, it will be no surprise that everything that’s happening inside the park will be in Japanese and not in English. So, don’t worry, you won’t forget the fact you are in Japan!
How to get to it:
Universal Studios Japan is very easily accessible from Osaka city center. For example, if you are traveling from Namba Station it will take about 20 minutes and 2 lines (Hanshin-Namba Line & Sakurajima Line or Sen-Nichimae Line & Osaka Loop Line). Get out at Universal City Station and from here you will just have to follow the crowd for 5 minutes in order to get to the entrance gates of Universal Studios Japan.
Studio Pass
There are three different Studio Passes for Universal Studios Osaka: “1 Day Studio Pass”, “2 Day Studio Pass” and “1.5 Day Studio Pass”. No matter which one you want to buy, just buy your tickets online in advance unless you enjoy queuing to enter the park! Especially on weekends and holidays, tickets are often sold out at the park so buying the tickets online is still the best option! You can buy tickets online at the official Universal Studios Osaka ticket website or at websites like Klook or Viator.
“1 Day Studio Pass” allows visiting the park for one day and costs about 7.400 Yen (62 €) for adults and 5.100 Yen (42 €) for children (4-11). But remember – once you have exited the park you cannot re-enter it!
“2 Day Studio Pass” allows visiting the park for two days and costs about 13.400 Yen (110 €) for adults, 9.000 Yen (75 €) for children (4-11). Again – once you have exited the park you cannot re-enter it on the same day.
“1.5 Day Studio Pass” allows visiting the park after 3 pm on day 1 and the whole day on day 2. The “1.5 Day Studio Pass” costs about 10.900 Yen (90 €) for adults. Again – once you have exited the park you cannot re-enter it on the same day.
Universal Express Pass
“Universal Express Pass” is the option for those who don’t want to queue for attractions and are willing to pay more. We visited Universal Studios Japan during a weekday in June, which is both not the peak time to visit the park and that’s why we decided not to buy the “Universal Express Pass”. But on weekends and during holidays it is no exception to see 320-minute waiting time for the most popular rides such as “Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey”, “The Flying Dinosaur” or “Hollywood Dream”. An Express pass allows you to use the Express Lane of an attraction once. You can buy “Universal Express Pass” online at the official Universal Studios Japan ticket website or at websites like Klook or Viator.. Prices start at 4.200 Yen (35 €) and may vary depending on the day and season. Also good to know is that “Universal Express Passes” are limited and can be sold out very fast!
These are the most common types of Express passes:
“Express Pass 3”: Allows you to use Express Lanes for 3 rides
“Express Pass 4”: Allows you to use Express Lanes for 4 rides, incl. “Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey”
“Express Pass 6”: Allows you to use Express Lanes for 6 rides, incl “Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey”
“Express Pass 7”: Allows you to use Express Lanes for 7 rides, incl. “Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey”, and “The Flying Dinosaur” or “Backdrop”
Park Overview and Attractions
Universal Studios Osaka consists of various themed zones and the first one you will pass after entering is Hollywood! Some other themed zones are New York, Minion Park, Jurassic Park, San Francisco, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Amity Village, and Universal Wonderland.
Attractions: incl. Rides
Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, Flight of the Hippogriff, The Flying Dinosaur, Hollywood Dream, Hollywood Dream Backdrop, Space Fantasy, Minions Mayhem, The Amazing Adventures of Spiderman, Jurassic World, Jaws, Snoopy and Hello Kitty, Universal Wonderland incl. Sesame Street, Minions Park, etc.
Attractions: Shows
Sing on Tour, The Night Parade, Water World, Terminator, Backdraft, Universal Monsters, Shrek, Sesame Street, etc.
Tips for visiting Universal Studios Japan
- Buy your tickets online and in advance unless you enjoy queuing to enter the park!
- Download the Universal Studios Osaka app. The app includes a map with GPS that shows your location in the park as well as how long you will have to wait for the park.
- Check park opening times online because they vary even within a week.
- Arrive as early as possible in order to get faster inside the park and to get the most out of your day!
- Bring some water and something to eat! Universal Studios Japan has many food options but they are really expensive.
- See at least one show!
- The best time to visit Universal Studios Japan is in the early morning or late afternoon during a non-holiday weekday. Avoid Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, and Holidays!
- If you visit the park on a weekend or public holiday, get an express pass for the popular rides!
- Try to do the rides “Flying Dinosaur”, “Hollywood Dream”, and “Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey” after entering the park. The waiting time could get longer than 300 minutes during peak times.
- Take advantage of the Single Rider lines: Space Fantasy, The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man, Hollywood Dream, Harry Potter, and the Forbidden Journey, The Flying Dinosaur, Jurassic Park.
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Where to Stay in Osaka
As you would expect from a major Japanese city, Osaka has no shortage of options when it comes to accommodation. As always, I’d suggest you stay somewhere central, to make accessing all the attractions as easy as possible.
The best places to stay in Osaka are Namba and Umeda. However, my suggestion would be to stay near Namba Station. from Namba station it is an easy 5-minute walk to Dotonbori Arcade, plenty of shops, cafes, restaurants and street food options.
Luxury Accommodation Recommendations in Osaka:
- The St. Regis Osaka: Experience luxury at its finest at The St. Regis Osaka. Located in the heart of the city, this prestigious hotel offers spacious rooms and suites with elegant décor and stunning city views. Indulge in exceptional dining experiences, unwind at the spa and fitness center, or simply relax in the comfort of your luxurious accommodation. The St. Regis Osaka sets the standard for opulence and sophistication.
- InterContinental Osaka: Situated in the vibrant Umeda district, InterContinental Osaka combines modern elegance with impeccable service. The hotel features stylish rooms and suites adorned with contemporary Japanese design elements. Guests can enjoy a range of amenities, including fine dining options, a rooftop bar with panoramic views, and a luxurious spa. With its prime location and luxurious offerings, InterContinental Osaka is a top choice for discerning travelers.
- The Ritz-Carlton, Osaka: Experience unmatched luxury and legendary service at The Ritz-Carlton, Osaka. This iconic hotel showcases refined accommodations, lavish amenities, and a sophisticated ambiance. From spacious rooms and suites to exquisite dining options and a tranquil spa, every aspect of The Ritz-Carlton exudes elegance and indulgence. Immerse yourself in the ultimate luxury experience in the heart of Osaka.
Mid-Range Accommodation Recommendations in Osaka:
- Hotel Monterey Grasmere Osaka: Nestled in the Namba district, Hotel Monterey Grasmere Osaka offers a blend of European charm and Japanese hospitality. The hotel features tastefully decorated rooms with modern amenities, including a fitness center and multiple dining options. Its convenient location allows easy access to popular attractions and shopping districts. Hotel Monterey Grasmere Osaka provides comfortable accommodation with a touch of elegance.
- Cross Hotel Osaka: Located in the bustling Shinsaibashi area, Cross Hotel Osaka combines contemporary design with a vibrant atmosphere. The rooms are stylishly decorated and equipped with modern comforts. Guests can enjoy the trendy rooftop bar, a variety of dining options, and the convenient location near shopping and entertainment venues. Cross Hotel Osaka offers a trendy and affordable option for travelers seeking a memorable stay.
- Hotel Nikko Osaka: Conveniently situated near Osaka Station, Hotel Nikko Osaka offers comfortable rooms and a range of amenities. The hotel features multiple dining options, including a revolving restaurant with panoramic city views. Guests can also enjoy the indoor pool, fitness center, and convenient access to transportation. Hotel Nikko Osaka provides a pleasant mid-range stay in a central location.
Hostel Recommendations in Osaka:
- J-Hoppers Osaka Guesthouse: Perfect for budget travelers, J-Hoppers Osaka Guesthouse offers affordable accommodation with a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. The hostel provides dormitory-style rooms and private rooms, as well as communal areas for socializing and meeting fellow travelers. Conveniently located near major attractions, J-Hoppers Osaka Guesthouse is an ideal choice for backpackers and those seeking a budget-friendly option.
Begin your search for the perfect accommodation now while the excitement is still fresh in your mind. Discover stylish and affordable options, and find the best accommodations at the lowest prices:
Explore a wide range of hotels in Japan here (Booking.com)
Explore a wide range of hotels in Japan here (Tripadvisor)
Explore a wide range of hotels in Japan here (Agoda)
Discover affordable hostels in Japan here (Hostelworld)
Easily compare prices and book hotels in Japan here (Hotellook)
Planning a trip to Japan?
Japan Accommodation
Begin your search for the perfect accommodation now while the excitement is still fresh in your mind. Discover stylish and affordable options, and find the best accommodations at the lowest prices:
- Explore a wide range of hotels in Japan by clicking here (Booking.com)
- Explore a wide range of hotels in Japan by clicking here (Tripadvisor)
- Explore a wide range of hotels in Japan by clicking here (Agoda)
- Discover affordable hostels in Japan by clicking here (Hostelworld)
- Easily compare prices and book hotels in Japan by clicking here (Hotellook).
Explore Asia
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Japan Flights
Make the most of your trip by finding the most affordable flights. We highly recommend using Kiwi.com, a reliable flight comparison site. Click here to compare and book cheap flights to Japan.
Private Airport Transfers
Kiwitaxi is a popular online platform that specializes in providing private airport transfers and transportation services worldwide. It offers convenient and reliable door-to-door transfers between airports, hotels, and other destinations. With Kiwitaxi, you can pre-book private taxis or minivans with professional drivers, ensuring a comfortable and hassle-free journey.
Rental Car in Japan
Looking to rent a car in Japan? Rentalcars.com has you covered! We search through all the major car rental companies in Japan to find you the best price possible.
Japan Tours
If you enjoy guided tours, here you ca
Travel Insurance
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Enjoy the day!
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