Have you missed out on Express Tickets or just want to know more about Universal Studios Japan Studio VIP Passes? Here’s an easy beginner’s guide!
What are Universal Studios Japan VIP Tours or Passes?
A Universal Studios Japan (USJ) VIP Pass is the next step up from the USJ Express Pass in both expense and features. It gives you the opportunity to have a very special experience at Universal Studios Japan!
Where should I buy USJ VIP Passes?
Use the website -NOT the app!
Whilst apps are useful during your visit, any VIP Tour or ticket purchase should be done on the sellers website (on either mobile phone or computer). The website version includes more details of what you are buying and is proven to be much faster to secure your passes!.
Recommended: Buy your Universal Studios Japan VIP tickets through official sellers designed for international purchasers like Klook, KKDay and Trip . These are the best websites for overseas purchasers to successfully book English Speaking VIP Tour Passes.
What do you get on a USJ VIP Tour?
Led by a dedicated USJ Tour guide, you, your small group or family get to enjoy special VIP privileges such as a separate VIP entry and lounge, access to restricted areas, special character meet-and-greets plus being led straight to the front of popular rides!
The Universal Studios Japan VIP Entrance
As a VIP Tour member you can enter Universal Studios Japan via the special VIP entrance and Reception. Once you have cleared the security queue you can skip the entrance gates queue by using the red carpet VIP entrance!
The VIP Lounge
VIP Tour Members also have access to the large and comfortable VIP Lounge. Here you can meet your tour guide, leave your shopping bags, get free ponchos, enjoy cool drinks and even take bottles of water from the lounge with you on your VIP Tour! If there is a member of your VIP Tour who just needs a break, they can use the VIP Lounge to wait in in comfort. It’s a great base for your day at Universal Studios Japan.
The Luminant VIP Restaurant
Included in the 5 and 8 hour VIP tours a meal is included at the special Luminant VIP Private Lounge and Dining restaurant. This exclusive VIP restaurant is only for VIP Tour members and overlooks the beautiful Universal Studios Japan Lake.
The varied fare includes a range of delicious food and even cute, themed selections! Lunch is a buffet selection and Dinner includes special à la carte selections.
What happens on a USJ VIP Tour?
On all VIP Tours you are led around USJ by your group’s very own Tour Guide! When you are with your tour guide you will completely skip the ride queues. You will get to see behind-the-scenes short cut passageways all the way to the front of the ride queue. You won’t have to wait in the Priority Queue like the Express Pass holders as you will be taken straight to the head of the queue!
You may also take part in games and special character meet-and-greets and activities. Your Tour Guide is there to help make your experience a wonderful one! They will tell you interesting facts as you walk around the theme park and even take family photos for you during the tour!
When can I buy my USJ VIP tickets?
USJ VIP ticket releases usually happen the same time as the general ticket release, which is 2 months prior at midnight Japan time – give or take a few days. The best way to work out your day of VIP Tour release is start watching the date releases on the selling websites and count them down.
Be warned that once they become available they can be snapped up very quickly!
What time do Universal Japan Tickets become available?
Currently, USJ tickets release one day at a time, two months prior to the ticket date (one day before) at midnight Japan time. Any updates to this process are always announced promptly in our Universal Studios Japan Holiday Planning Facebook Group here.
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Do USJ VIP Tour Guides only speak Japanese?
No, you can get USJ VIP Tour Guides who speak not only Japanese, but English and Chinese too! It’s possible to book all 3, 5 and 8 hour VIP Tours as English speaking Tours.
How do I book a USJ English Speaking VIP Tour?
Buy your Universal Studios Japan VIP tickets through trusted official sellers. KKDay, Klook and Trip are the best international websites for overseas purchasers to successfully book English Speaking VIP Tour Passes. KKDay offer the largest range of USJ VIP Tours.
Which VIP Tour booking company is the best?
- KKDay has a good personal process with excellent communication to secure English speaking VIP Tours of all lengths for a competitive price. They also sometimes offer a pre-booking option.
Use my KKDay promocode LETSGOMUM at checkout for a further discount! - Trip often offers some of the cheapest 3 hour VIP tours but the most expensive 5 and 8 hour tours. Subsequently these tours can often have more availability.
- Klook usually only offer 3 hour USJ VIP Tours but sometimes have others available.
KKDay offer English Speaking USJ VIP Tours
KKDay VIP Tours often look like they default offer only Japanese language tour guides, however there are English language speaking tour guides available. Here’s how to request an English speaking tour guide on KKDay.
The KKDay Traveler Info Form
To get an English speaking VIP Tour guide on KKDay, the process is that you fill in a Traveler Info Form request and specify that you would like an English speaking Tour Guide on it.
Use the KKDay website instead of the app
The Traveler Info Form button is visible on your KKDay VIP Tour purchase order form during the booking process when using the KKDay website (and not the app).
I can’t find the KK Day form in the VIP Tours application
Even though the KK Day application asks if you have filled in the pre information form when applying, don’t worry if you can’t see it – you will be given the opportunity to fill it out with your desired VIP Tour Guide language after you have paid and lodged your information. KKDay booking service will contact you with the form link, plus support chat can also provide you with the form link.
What should I expect to happen after I have paid for my KKDay VIP Tour?
After you pay you will receive a confirmation of payment only. If you haven’t filled out a pre-information form, KKDay booking staff with contact you to arrange for the form to be filled in. You don’t have your VIP Tour yet!
After KKDay have received your payment and language preference, they will then personally contact USJ with your English language guide request. They will attempt to arrange for an English language guide for your VIP Tour.
They will then contact you to officially to either confirm, discuss (or cancel) your VIP Tour. When your VIP Tour is confirmed, you will receive an email of VIP Tour confirmation. You will also receive your VIP Tour voucher/s.
How long does it take to confirm a USJ VIP Tour after I have paid?
The official confirmation waiting period is 3 working days. It can be almost immediate, but usually it is a (working) day or two.
What happens if an English Tour Guide isn’t available?
Should an English tour guide not be available, you can still choose to go along on a Japanese speaking VIP Tour. USJ Japanese speaking guides can usually speak limited English. So even if you don’t speak Japanese, you can get by with their limited English and their translation tool to communicate with you. You will miss understanding a lot of chatter during the tour, however.
What happens if my USJ VIP Tour is cancelled?
If for any reason your VIP Tour application is cancelled by the seller, your money will be refunded, usually very promptly.
How long are USJ VIP Tours?
VIP Tours include 3, 5 and 8 hour tours, and are often limited in availability. Tours can start in the morning or afternoon.
What is the difference between Private and Group VIP Tours?
There are two main types of Universal Studios Japan VIP tours – group and private
Group USJ VIP Tours – currently these are only all of the 3hr VIP Tours- where groups of 10 mixed people or families (unknown to each other) book and do the tour together. These tours are priced per person.
Private USJ VIP tours – these are the 5 hour and 8 hour VIP Tours. These are only private tours. These tours are priced from a minimum collective price of four VIP Tour participants (you must pay the price of four, even if you are only one, two or three people). You will receive one voucher for four people.
Are less than four people allowed on a private VIP Tour?
Yes, you can be any number under four people but must still pay the minimum price of four people.
Can I add extra people on to our private tour?
Yes, you can pay by person to add extra people to your tour for the same per person price.
If you buy for more than four people you will get extra vouchers for each individual person. So, 1 voucher covers the first 4 people and then you get 1 for 1 extra person, 2 for 2 extra people and so on. You can book up to a total of 10 people on USJ VIP Tours.
The most expensive USJ Private VIP Tour can be found on KKDay here.
How much does a USJ VIP Tour cost?
Universal Studios Japan VIP Tours pricing varies upon the type of VIP and also the date booked.VIP Passes are priced higher than Express Passes but are regarded as much better value. For both Express Passes and VIP Tours you will also need to purchase Studio Pass entrance tickets to USJ.
As a rough guide, these are the cheapest VIP Tour prices for February 2026 in AUD:
3hr VIP Tours $352.69 per person (Trip) $389.91 (KKDay – use my promocode for further discount LETSGOMUM at checkout with link from this page) $389.75 (Klook)
5hr VIP Tours $2,423 for 4 people (KKDay – use my promocode for further discount LETSGOMUM at checkout with link from this page) Extra person: $606 per person. (tour includes 1 meal)
8hr VIP Tours $3,400 for 4 people (KKDay – use my promocode for further discount LETSGOMUM at checkout with link from this page) Extra person: $850 per person (tour includes 2 meals)
The 3 hour USJ Super Nintendo VIP Tour
What does a 3 hour USJ VIP Tour include?
The 3 hour USJ VIP Tour is a public tour, and so run differently to the 5 and 8 hour VIP Tours.
You can enter Universal Studios Japan from opening time or later.
You can use the VIP Entrance to skip the entrance queue. You will receive four ride Express Passes for use before or after the tour. These Express Passes are good for one ride use. They give you access to the Priority Lane of each USJ ride which allows you to skip most of the standard queue.
You will get access to the USJ VIP Lounge 20 minutes prior to your VIP Tour where you can enjoy complimentary drinks. There you will meet your Tour Guide.
You will receive a free ride poncho.
You will receive a 10% off discount voucher to dine at park restaurants – including Kinopio’s Café in Super Nintendo World.
During your tour you will do four rides once each with your tour guide. The tour guide will take you to the head of each ride queue, bypassing Express Pass holders. You will also get some free time from the tour to look around and shop.
With some higher-priced Kinopio Priority Access 3hr VIPs you will be taken to the ordering counter of Kinopio’s Cafe in Super Nintendo World at the end of your tour.
3 hour USJ VIP Tour FAQs
Do you get unlimited rides on a 3hr VIP Tour?
No, you only get unlimited rides on a 5 or 8 hour Universal Studios Japan VIP Tour.
How many rides do you get on a 3hr Tour?
There are 4 rides on the tour plus another 4 rides accessible via the Priority Lane before or after the tour. So 8 expedited rides are included.
Why does Klook 3 hour VIP only offer 3 Express Passes?
Klook may state they offer 3 Express ride passes instead of 4 Express ride passes when you book, however most group members who booked through Klook reported that you do receive 4 Express Passes on the day. Klook will tell you 3, so there doesn’t seem to be a firm answer on this yet.
What rides are on a USJ 3hr VIP Tour?
A Super Nintendo World 3 hour VIP Tour currently includes one ride on each of the following rides:
- Jaws
- Donkey Kong Mine Cart Madness
- Mario Kart: Koopa’s Challenge
- Yoshi’s Adventure
What rides can I use my extra Express Passes on?
You can use your 4 additional Express Ride passes on almost any of the rides located outside of Super Nintendo World (because you will do all three Super Nintendo rides during the 3hr Tour Guide led tour). The rides you can choose from include, but are not necessarily limited to:
- Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast (possibly)
- Detective Conan 4-D Live Show: Jewel Under the Starry Sky (possibly)
- Space Fantasy – The Ride
- Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
- Flight of the Hippogriff
- Hollywood Dream – The Ride
- Despicable Me Minion Mayhem
- The Flying Dinosaur
- JAWS
- Jurassic Park – The Ride
The above list is correct as of February 2026 – it can slightly change seasonally
Can I use my 3hr VIP Tour Ride Express Passes before the tour starts?
Yes you can! You can pick up your 4 Express Passes as soon as you arrive and use them to access rides via the Priority Lane before or after your VIP Tour.
Do I get VIP access to Kinopio’s Cafe on my 3hr VIP Tour?
If you buy the higher-priced Kinopio Priority Access 3hr VIP Tour your VIP Tour will conclude inside Super Nintendo World and your tour guide will escort you to the service counter of the famous mushroom shaped Kinopio’s Cafe at the end of your VIP Tour.
Do I get unlimited entry into Super Nintendo World with a 3hr VIP?
No, you don’t get unlimited entry into Super Nintendo World. Once you leave Super Nintendo World you’ll need another SNW timed entry to get back in. You only get unlimited entry to Super Nintendo World with a 5 or 8hr VIP Tour.
You can see a Super Nintendo World 3 hour VIP Tour on KKDay here.
The 5 & 8 hour USJ VIP Private Tours
What does a USJ VIP Private Tour include?
You can enter Universal Studios Japan from opening time or later using the VIP Entrance after security to skip the entrance queue.
You will have access to the USJ VIP Lounge all day which includes complimentary drinks.
You will have your lunch and/or dinner in the exclusive USJ VIP Restaurant.
You will receive a VIP wristband to wear which gives you unlimited access to USJ rides and many shows all day.
You will receive a free ride poncho.
Note: There may be some special paid event shows which may not be included in your VIP tour and so should be pre-discussed at the booking stage.
How do we get to do what we want on the VIP Tour?
The VIP lounge is where you will meet your Tour Guide at your booked tour time. Together you will sit down to plan your perfect VIP tour itinerary! You will discuss what you would like to do during your tour so that your tour will be fully customised and personally tailored to suit your group’s wishes.
If you haven’t already picked them up, you will each be given a VIP ride wrist band and poncho.
If not already arranged during booking, you can also discuss when you would like your lunch or dinner Your meals times will usually be before/after your allotted time for your tour itinerary. Your tour guide won’t be with you for meal times.
This sit down planning session with your Tour Guide will be included in your VIP Tour time.
What can I choose to do during my Private VIP Tour?
You can choose to do almost any attraction and experiences within the theme park. Your private VIP tour will be designed around the rides/experiences/character meets your group would like to do!
Some examples might include activities like VIP seats at shows like Waterworld, private character meet and greets or perhaps a Harry Potter Olivander’s wand show where one of your tour members will have a wand carefully selected for them!
Will my VIP lunch or dinner be included in my tour time?
No, your meal time will usually be outside of your VIP Tour time. 5 hour private VIP tours include lunch or dinner. 8 hour private VIP tours include both lunch and dinner.
What happens on the 5hr and 8hr VIP Tours?
During your private VIP Tour your tour guide will take you right to the front of each ride queue you would like to ride so that you can board almost immediately. If you wish to, you can even repeat favourite rides multiple times!
Perhaps you want to spend time some time shopping – your Tour Guide can look after your shopping for you while you look around the store and then help you to skip the store’s checkout queue when you’re ready to buy your merchandise.
Your Tour Guide will follow your pre-planned itinerary throughout your VIP Tour to help you to do what you love and make your day the best USJ day ever!
5 & 8 hour USJ VIP Tour FAQs
Do you get unlimited rides on a 5hr or 8hr VIP Tour?
Yes, you do get unlimited rides on a 5 hour and 8 hour Universal Studios Japan VIP Tour.
Can I use my Unlimited Ride wrist band before the tour starts?
Yes you can! You can pick up your unlimited ride wristband as soon as you arrive at USJ. You can use it before or after your VIP Tour to access the Priority Lane of each USJ ride, allowing you to skip most of the standard queue. It can take approximately 5-10 minutes to board a ride using the Priority Queue. The Donkey Kong Minekart can sometimes take longer. You can use the ride Priority Lanes as many times as you like with your VIP wristband.
Is my meal included in the VIP Tour price?
Yes, any stated VIP Tour meal at the VIP restaurant is included in the price of your VIP Tour.
Do I get unlimited access to Super Nintendo World with a 5hr or 8hr VIP Tour?
Yes, your 5 or 8hr VIP bracelet will give you unlimited entry into Super Nintendo World.
Do I get VIP access to Kinopio’s Cafe on my 5hr or 8hr VIP Tour?
Yes, you can ask your tour guide for a Kinopio’s visit to be factored into your VIP tour when you sit down to plan your tour together. Your tour guide can escort you right to the service counter of Kinopio’s Cafe.
One group member’s 8 hour experience
Here is detailed group member recap of their 8 hour VIP Tour
You can see the most expensive USJ VIP Tour on KKDay here.
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.
Universal Studios Japan VIP Pass General FAQs
Do I need to buy a Studio Pass if I have a VIP Pass?
Yes, you still need to buy a Studio Pass entrance ticket even if you have bought a VIP Pass.
Should I use the VIP sellers app or website?
Whilst apps are useful during your visit, any VIP Tour or ticket purchase should be done on the sellers website (on either mobile phone or computer). The website version includes more details of what you are buying and is proven to be much faster to secure your passes!.
What order should I buy my USJ tickets in?
As you may have difficulty buying the exact USJ VIP Pass date you want, it is wise to wait to buy your park entrance Studio Passes. Once you have confirmed your VIP Tour, then it’s time to buy your Studio Pass tickets from the same seller.
Are USJ VIP Tours refundable?
No, USJ VIP Tours are not refundable.
Where should I buy my Studio Passes?
The easiest way is by using the same website you bought your VIP Passes on. You already have an account and know it will accept your number of tickets – and your credit card!
What is the difference between Express Passes and VIP Tours?
Check out our USJ Comparison Graph to see the differences between Express Passes and VIP Tours side-by-side.
What are early-purchase Pre-Sale USJ VIP tours?
You’ll find my beginner’s guide to USJ pre-sale VIP Tours here.
Can I arrive at USJ before my VIP Tour?
Yes, you can access USJ earlier than your VIP Tour providing it is during normal opening hours. You will be given and able to use the bonus passes/wrist band according to your VIP Tour Package.
Are children allowed on a VIP tour?
Yes, children are welcome on USJ VIP Tours. Children cost the same price as adults. Children under the age of four are free. As per usual, children can only ride according to individual ride height or age ride restrictions. Children aged 12 and under must be accompanied by a paying adult on a USJ VIP Tour. Although you don’t pay for an under-4yrs child, it’s a good idea to let them know you will have an extra family member along with you.
Can parent ride swap be used on VIP Tours?
To use the parent ride child swap facility during a 3 hour VIP Tour, the ride vouchers for the second parent’s ride may be arranged to be given for use after the tour (so as not to hold up the 3 hour VIP group tour). A private VIP Tour will be necessary to use parent swap for both parent’s rides during the tour.
Do you get unlimited rides on a VIP Tour?
You do get an unlimited ride pass for use all day after or before your 5 or 8 hour USJ VIP Tour, however you don’t get an unlimited ride pass with 3 hour VIP Tours – you get one ride each on four rides during the tour and are given four individual one-use Express Passes for outside the tour on the same day.
Does a VIP Pass give you early entry to Universal Studios Japan?
No, a USJ VIP Pass does not give you early entry to Universal Studios Japan. You do get to enter the theme park through a special VIP entry instead of having to wait in the general queue after the first security queue.
What do I do if I’m running late for my VIP Tour?
If you are running late for your USJ VIP Tour, group members have had success with asking staff to take them to the front of the security queue to make their VIP Tour on time.
Can I go on a Japanese speaking USJ VIP Tour?
Yes, if you only speak English you can still join a Japanese speaking VIP Tour. Be aware that even if some tour guides speak basic English there is constant dialogue in Japanese, so you will miss a lot. Please note that you are not allowed to book a VIP Tour on the Japanese USJ website unless you are a Japanese resident.
Are there Chinese speaking USJ VIP Tours?
Yes you can often find Chinese Tour Guide VIP Tours for sale on Klook here.
Should I tip my VIP Tour Guide?
No, Universal Studios Japan Staff are not allowed to receive tips or gifts, however there is a way to thank them – with “Fan Mail”.
Staff Fan Mail
You can thank a USJ employee by writing a thank you note to them praising their service. This can be on a postcard or note which you then take to the Customer Service office inside the theme park, or the one located between Security and the main entrance. They will give you a short form to fill out so you can put the staff members name and date of your VIP Tour (or wherever the general USJ staff member helped you). They will attach the two documents together for you to “post” in a box. Fan Mail also helps the Staff member be recognised as a good employee by USJ!
Check USJ VIP Tour availability 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!
Hii Barbara. Thank you so much for sharing your insights on the USJ VIP experience, it’s been incredibly helpful as we plan our trip! 
We’re planning to visit USJ end of March, and we’ve noticed that the VIP tour slots are currently sold out for the dates we’re in Japan.
We wanted to ask:
– Do you think there’s a chance that new VIP tour availability might open up later, perhaps due to cancellations or additional releases?
– Or once those dates sell out, is it unlikely that any new slots will become available?
Thank you again for your helpful info, we really appreciate any insight you can share☺️
Hi, I think the VIPs are unfortunately sold out. That said I never say never and would keep checking periodically!
Hello Barbara, thank you very much for the detailed report on the VIP tour. We are considering booking this for the summer. However, I have one question about the VIP tour, namely regarding the size of the group. Will we (a couple) have the tour guide to ourselves, or will there be others in our group? I hope you can help us. Best regards from Germany, Marcus
Hi, the 3hr will be with others, the 5 and 8 are private – just you! You do pay for 4 but 2 is fine