Universal Studios Japan Tickets Beginners Guide | Let’s go Mum

Are you confused by the different types of Universal Studios Japan tickets? Here’s your quick guide to USJ Studio, Express and VIP Passes

Universal Studios Japan is such a fun theme park to visit, but the ticketing system can be…well….confusing to say the least! Here’s my quick guide to help you buy the best tickets for your Universal Studios Japan (USJ) visit.

When can I buy my USJ tickets?

Theoretically, all USJ passes should become available for sale at the same time. The reality can be different. USJ ticket releases can vary from day to day and month to month. All we can do is read the official announcements, be ready to buy when they say – but don’t assume anything!
At the time of writing this article, tickets release one day at a time, two months prior to the date (one day before) at midnight Japan time.

The USJ Disability Access Pass (DAS Pass)

If you are looking for information on the USJ Disability Access Pass (DAS Pass), you can read this USJ DAS Pass beginner’s guide here.

There are three main kinds of Universal Studios Japan tickets and passes

1 – USJ Studio Passes

What are USJ Studio Passes?

Studio Passes are Universal Studios Japan entry tickets. These are compulsory tickets to enter USJ. You need to buy one of these even if you already have bought an Express Pass or a VIP Pass.

Studio Passes plus additional extras

There are some “extra” versions of Studio Passes. These can include a combination Studio Pass with an Express Pass and a combination Studio Pass with a Super Nintendo World Timed Entry. This is also known as a guaranteed Entry to Super Nintendo World.

Studio Passes plus Super Nintendo World guaranteed entry

Also known as the Studio Kansai Pass, the Studio Pass + SUPER NINTENDO WORLD + Have Fun In Kansai Pass is a popular USJ ticket as it guarantees entry into Super Nintendo World on your day of visit. You can read more about this Studio Pass with guaranteed entry to Super Nintendo World here.

Should I buy my Studio Pass first?

Not if you intend to buy an Express Pass, as you may move your dates to get an Express Pass. Studio Passes are usually much easier to buy later.

Can I buy my Studio Pass from a different seller?

Yes, you don’t have to buy your USJ Studio Passes and Express or VIP passes from the same seller. All passes are valid and work with each other.

Where should I buy USJ Studio Passes?

Recommended: Buy your USJ tickets through official sellers designed for international purchasers like Klook, KKDay and Trip. so you are issued with the correct date. There is a known error where some international orders receive a different date to the one they ordered.

No matter which official seller you buy them from, all USJ Studio Passes are the same. But where you buy them from can make all the difference.

Here are some recent examples…

There has been recurring incidences of people outside of Japan buying Studio Passes on the official USJ reseller website and then finding that they have been issued with wrong dated tickets. Because USJ tickets are all letter-rated, the result is that you are sometimes issued with an incompatible ticketing letter which doesn’t match the date you wanted. This doesn’t occur when purchasing Studio Passes from Klook, KKDay and Trip.

Don’t panic if this has happened to you – this can be fixed by emailing for a refund and re-purchase, or even possibly by going to Guest Services located outside of the USJ theme park gates on your day of visit.

There are numerous posts of this issue happening to members in our USJ Planning Facebook Group.

It’s best to avoid the possibility of this issue happening to you by buying your Studio Pass from the websites designed for international purchasers – Klook, KKDay and Trip.

When can I scan my Studio Passes into the USJ app?

Usually you need to wait a day after purchase before the system recognises them – it averages around 12-24hrs wait.

How do I scan a USJ Studio Pass into the App?

Watch my YouTube video to follow my step by step guide showing you how to scan your Universal Studios Japan theme park Studio Pass tickets into the official Tokyo Disney Resort App for the purposes of booking Super Nintendo World Timed Entry Passes. Read all about how to book Super Nintendo World Timed Entry in our guide here.

2 – USJ Express Passes

What are USJ Express Passes?

Universal Studios Japan Express Passes are sets of multiple ride queue fast passes which allow you to skip ride queues by accessing a fast lane at the entrance to each ride. There your QR Code will be scanned and you will walk past the long lines and arrive very close to the front of the queue. You will usually still need to wait some minimal time, but it’s often just a few minutes versus a couple of hours wait time.

Japan mobile phone internet data eSims

Buy an eSim so that you have data from the moment you land in Japan. Airalo eSIM is proven to work reliably in Universal Studios Japan and allows you to access the internet in Japan.

Express Passes usually come in the form of 4s and 7s and also special 5s and 8s. Express 4s include four different ride Express Passes, Express 7s include seven different ride Express Passes, and so on. There are often several different variations of each type of Express Pass to choose from.

Express Passes give you a set time range to use the pass at a particular ride. Some Express Pass sellers assign your Express Pass times automatically upon confirmation, some allow you to choose sets of times available. Usually one or two of the lesser Express Pass rides like Jaws can be used (once) at any time during the day.

Should I buy Express Passes first?

Yes, you should buy your Express Passes prior to buying your Studio Passes, which are usually much easier to get.

Can I buy as many USJ Express Passes as I want?

You are limited to purchasing 4 tickets in one sale from the USJ reseller website.
You are not limited to 4 Express Tickets when purchasing off the other reseller websites. You can purchase up to 10 Express Passes in one sale.

Can I buy Express Passes separately?

Yes, you can buy as many Express Passes as you like separately, but if you want to ride together as a group or family you must buy the same Express Passes together in one purchase or you will be assigned different times and so be visiting rides separately. It can be almost impossible to sync up the times of separately purchased Express Passes. Don’t attempt it to avoid disappointment!

Are Express Passes Unlimited?

No, USJ Express Passes aren’t unlimited. They can only be used once per ride. Unlimited passes are available with certain VIP Passes.

Important tips for USJ Express Passes:

Express 7s usually sell out fast upon release – Some Express 4s can be available for longer periods.
Express 7s which offer Super Nintendo World rides are the most popular, and can sell out in minutes.

Where should I buy USJ Express Passes?

Recommended:  If you are seeking USJ Express Passes buy them anywhere you can get them! Options include the USJ reseller website, Klook, Trip.com and KKDay. and it makes little difference where you buy them as it’s all the same ticket. You may, however encounter some purchasing issues.

USJ official website purchasing issues:

The USJ website only allows the purchase of 4 Express Passes in one sale.
USJ sometimes crashes if demand for tickets is large.
There is a persistent problem with the USJ website accepting overseas credit cards due to their exclusive Japanese 3D security screening. Some international credit cards are accepted but many are not. Amex or Wise pre-loaded travel money cards work best for the USJ websites. Get your free Wise card here and save the $10 card fee.

Klook and KKDay purchasing issues:

None recently, however six months ago cancellations were sometimes issued when their system was under high demand and tickets were over-sold. Money was usually refunded promptly despite the 14 day notice. If you have received your Klook confirmation email with the QR Code your purchase is complete and will not be cancelled.

3 – USJ VIP Passes

What is a USJ VIP Pass?

Universal Studios Japan VIP Passes are widely regarded as the best USJ theme park experience pass, but of course they are also more expensive. Surprisingly, the shorter VIP Tour Passes aren’t all that more expensive than an Express Pass. Therefore if you have the budget, USJ VIP Passes can represent better value for money, given the benefits.

USJ VIP Passes include a private tour guide with extra benefits during the tour, plus extra Express Pass ride passes for before and/or afterwards.

What kind of VIP Tours are available?

You can buy a group or private VIP Tour Pass where the pricing encompasses a minimum number of people for a private tour. The most expensive USJ VIP Tour can be found on KKDay here.

VIP Passes are available for 3 hour tours (includes 4 rides plus come with an extra 3 or 4 individual ride Express Passes) or 5 hour tours and 8 hour tours (both include unlimited ride passes). KKDay sometimes offer a VIP Pass which includes transport to and from the park.

What do USJ VIP Passes include?

All USJ VIP Passes include a special entrance to USJ to avoid waiting in the general queue and access to the VIP lounge 30 mins prior to their tour start time. They all include a tour guide – A Chinese, Japanese or English speaking tour guide is pre-assigned to each tour.

During your VIP Tour, a tour guide will take you on a USJ guided tour including right to the front of the ride queues via behind the scenes entrances. Particular length tours include lunch and/or dinner, some in the private VIP restaurant. Others include restaurant discount vouchers.

Where can I buy USJ VIP Passes?

Recommended: Buy your English Speaking VIP Tour Passes from Klook promptly as these are in the most demand and so the fastest selling. More English Speaking VIP Tours are also available on Trip and KKDay – check for the tour guide language stated. (Japanese VIP Tours are available on USJ Japan website for residents within Japan)

You can learn more about USJ VIP Tours and see an itinerary in our beginner’s guide here.

Universal Studios Japan Planning Facebook Group

Love all things Universal Studios Japan, or just have more questions? Join our 70k+ member Universal Studios Japan Holiday Planning Facebook Group here!

What’s the cheapest airline to get from Australia to Japan?

We partnered with Jetstar Australia to fly from Australia to Japan. Jetstar Australia offer cheap fares to Japan every day – check their website for their low Tokyo and Osaka fares and frequent sales!

Have a question? Drop a comment below! I’d also love to hear about your own USJ planning experiences!

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