Nobody likes getting up early on vacation, but there are some big advantages to arriving at Universal Studios Japan early.
But exactly how early – is early enough? Or what if you want to miss out on queuing to get in altogether? I’ve been studying the queueing movements of USJ for a few years now, so let me share with you exactly how the USJ queueing system works!
Why should I go early to Universal Japan?
The most popular reason for arriving early at USJ is getting into Super Nintendo World without a Timed Entry. Super Nintendo World normally requires a Timed Entry to get inside, however right after early opening time it has free entry for around 20 minutes. So you can walk there quickly to enter without a pass to get in. Even if you don’t make it in time there are always free Timed Entries available to book on the app first thing in the morning, even on the busiest day.
If you decide to avoid the Super Nintendo World crowds and head to other areas in the park you can benefit from very short queues in the first half hour or so – because everyone is rushing to Super Nintendo World! The Flying Dinosaur, Minions Land and Harry Potter areas are all much less busy than they will be just an hour or two later.
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Either way, because you’ve arrived at USJ early you’ll get much more out of your day because you can fit so much more in.
First things first…
What Universal Studios Japan ticket do I need?
To get into Universal Studios Japan, everyone needs a Studio Pass entrance ticket. You need to buy your USJ Studio Passes online before you arrive as you can’t buy tickets at the gate. KKDay is an official USJ ticket seller who get your dates right and easily accept most foreign credit cards. Buy your official Studio Passes from KKDay here.
What time does Universal Studios Japan open?
Universal Studios Japan (USJ) official opening time is between 8am-9am as you will see on the official opening hours website page. But official or not, the actual opening time can be very different to the published opening time!
Does Universal Japan open early?
Yes, USJ almost always opens significantly earlier than the advertised opening hours. This catches many visiting tourists out.
How do I find out what time USJ really opens?
There is no way to know the exact opening time of USJ. Even if you know the previous day’s opening time. Even if you ask Guest Services. They are just as clueless as everyone else – the timing appears to be random from an outsider’s perspective.
How early does USJ open?
Chances are, USJ opens around half an hour earlier than the official opening time. It can be as early as 45 minutes or as late as 10 minutes before. One thing is for sure – by the official opening time Universal Studios Osaka is already open and operating. So, if you arrive on time – you’re already late!
How does the USJ theme park queue work?
There are two queues to navigate to enter Universal Japan. First the security gates line, and then the main entrance gates queueing area.
Until Security opens and start to process people, the first queue will start to form at the security gates early – from around 6:30am, slowly extending back towards Universal City. After Security opens, people are processed through security and are then sent along a path to the second queue at the main entrance gate, a short walk away.
What is the earliest time I should arrive at USJ?
If you want to rope drop, or be close to the front of the gates at USJ opening time the best thing to do is arrive at least before 7am. This is when most early rising locals start to arrive and begin to form a queue at the USJ Security entrance. If you are attending on a very busy day such as a weekend or Golden Week you should arrive perhaps another half hour earlier.
How can I get to Universal Studios Osaka early?
Trains to the Universal City Station via Nishikujo are your cheapest option. Taxis are the most convenient form of transport to USJ, however the best strategy is to stay in one of the Universal City hotels. That way you can just stroll up to the queue with very little effort, because you’re already right near the gates. If you book a park view room at the Park Front Hotel or Kintetsu Hotel you can even watch how quickly the queue is forming from your hotel window!
What time do the USJ Security Gates open?
Security opens early, roughly around 30-45 minutes before the park opens. This allows people to be processed through Security and then move down to the main entrance gates to queue again. If you have a VIP Tour booked it’s at this point you can go to the VIP entrance.
What happens at Security?
Everyone going to USJ must pass through the security check gates. It’s a very similar process to an airport, with bag scans and searches, and personal body scanners.
Can I take food into Universal Japan?
You can carry water bottles out of your bag and through security with you. Strictly speaking food is only allowed to be brought in to USJ for babies or for special dietary needs. That said, often little interest is shown in finding and confiscating food in bags. It’s the luck of the draw.
Are tripods or selfie sticks allowed in USJ?
If security locate any photographic items such as a tripod or selfie stick you will be asked not to use or extend them, but you will be allowed to keep them with you. Professional type SLR or mirrorless cameras are also permitted in Japanese theme parks.
After you pass through Security you can walk along to the entrance gates queue.
Where is the USJ VIP entrance?
The Universal Studios Japan VIP entrance is located past the main entrance gates. It really stands out with its staff standing at the door and a red carpet leading up to it! You must pass through Security first, before going to the VIP entrance.
Do VIPs get earlier entry than everyone else?
No, VIPs gain access to the theme park at the same time the main gates open to all the other guests. If you queue early for USJ, you will also be waiting in a short queue at the VIP entrance until the gates open.
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Can I skip the security queue if I have a VIP Tour?
No, not without extenuating circumstances. If you are running late for your VIP Tour you can approach staff to ask them to expedite your Security processing. Under normal circumstances VIP Tour participants are expected to queue for Security with the other park guests. You can however skip the main entrance queue in the morning by using the special VIP Entrance area after Security.
Will there be pushing and shoving in the queue?
Whilst the Security area queues are formed lines, the queues at the entrance gates to Universal Studios Osaka are often more of a large group mass. Although people are stood close together Japanese queues rarely push or shove and respect personal space. Staff also monitor and help to direct the queue distribution areas to prevent overcrowding.
When the gates open you may find yourself shoulder to shoulder with other guests as you shuffle towards the gates for your ticket to be scanned, but it’s nothing to worry about. It’s just the general excitement and eagerness to get into the park and go have fun!
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Can I enter late to skip the queue into Universal Japan?
Yes, if you enter USJ later you will miss most of the opening time queue. There is almost always some amount of queueing to get into Universal Studios Japan, however if you enter around half an hour to an hour after opening time the queues for both Security and the entrance gates will be much reduced, possibly even gone altogether.
Are weekends busy at Universal Studios Osaka?
Yes, it’s almost always busy at USJ, but the weekends are especially so, as Japanese locals enjoy spending their time off at theme parks.
The size of the USJ queue all depends on how busy the day is. Rule of thumb is if you are visiting on a weekend or public holiday, it’s going to be very busy so prepare for at least a five to ten minute wait even if you enter well after opening time.
I hope this guide has helped you to understand how the Universal Studios Japan entrance queues work. Please let me know if you have any questions in the comments below!
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Have a question? Drop a comment below! I’d also love to hear about your own USJ planning experiences!
