Universal Studios Japan (USJ) Halloween Horror Nights are famous for a very good reason – it’s one of the best Halloween celebrations in the world. Best of all, most of it is included in your entrance ticket!

We’ve just returned from Universal Studios Japan Halloween 2026. We made no pre-bookings and had nothing more than admission tickets for general access to the theme park. We still managed to do the three free Horror Houses, catch a show, ride a horror-overlay ride, shop the Halloween merchandise and check out the street zombies! In this guide, I’m going to tell you how we did it all without paying any extra!

If you’re a fan of the scary, spooky and downright frightening, then you’re going to love USJ Halloween Horror Nights!

All day USJ Halloween fun

Before 6pm at Universal Studios Japan during Halloween season, it’s still business as usual – but with some added Halloween fun!

There are four special horror house attractions which are open all day, however they are age restricted and secured inside large warehouses – so there’s no chance you can just stumble into them.

Two rides have Halloween themed overlays and one theatre features a Halloween show.

You can shop in the two dedicated horror merchandise stores, the street parade is Halloween themed, and some regular park characters are now wearing special Halloween costumes – like Hello Kitty and the Minions.

There’s a whole range of Halloween snacks and meals to try! Enjoy lunch at the Three Broomsticks restaurant in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter for a hearty Halloween themed meal, some very cute meals at the Studio Stars restaurant, Mexico’s Day of the Dead themed meals at the Jaws area Amity restaurant or grab a themed snack like a Resident Evil Churro or KATE PRESENTS Emotions dessert! Even more fun, why not be served some non-alcoholic Halloween themed drinks by Zombies at the Wharf Cafe (from 6pm)?

You can ride and play the day away without a scare in sight – there’s nothing frightening or confronting in the streets of USJ at all…that is, until 6pm!

Watch our USJ Halloween merchandise video on YouTube!

As the clock strikes 6pm, the Zombies emerge…

Halloween Horror Nights begins in earnest at 6pm. The street lights become darker, more shadowy. A host of scary howling, screaming zombies emerge (costumed actors wearing zombie makeup and outfits)! The zombies stagger amongst people in the streets with growls and yells, delighting the many park guests who surround them! They may even carry props such as a noisy chainsaw or walk on stilts!

ZOMBIE de DANCE

From 6:20pm, half-hourly – the staff will clear the street for the Zombies to launch into a dance routine – ZOMBIE de DANCE! It’s great fun to watch, and surprisingly the normally uncoordinated stumbling zombies can actually pull out some pretty slick dance moves – who knew?! They still scream every now and then, though!

Halloween Horror Nights Academy: 15 Years of Screams

From 6:20pm, hourly – This exciting outdoor theatre show at Gramercy Park is an electrifying stage musical featuring some very talented zombies! Halloween Horror Nights Academy: 15 Years of Screams is supported by huge video walls and multi-level platforms. Based around a zombie school storyline, this zombie academy is where lots of fun and scary zombies come out to show off their entertaining dance skills!

During the show, keep your eyes open for the HamiKuma scary‑cute zombie teddy bear mascots of USJ Halloween Horror Nights, as they also appear with their very own part to play!

Be sure to arrive early for a good viewpoint of this fantastic show – we rolled up right as the last show started and were way back in the crowd – the locals know that arriving early is the way to get a good spot! Luckily we could still view most of the stage from afar.

Watch our Halloween Horror Nights experience on YouTube!

Can the Zombies touch you?

Don’t panic! The Zombies won’t touch you. In both the special Horror attractions and on the street, the rule is – you can look but don’t touch the Zombies. Thankfully, the same rule goes for the Zombies! It’s a comforting thought which allows you to draw closer to watch the zombie antics – even if they do scream at you a little too closely sometimes!

How do I avoid the USJ Zombies?

Rest assured that if you retreat to the footpath, you’ll rarely find a zombie there. They mostly stick to their own special street areas and avoid the sidewalks. They also don’t populate Super Nintendo World or the Harry Potter area – but to leave these areas you may encounter them!

You can see a map to show you how to avoid Zombies completely here.

Because Zombies are usually surrounded by laughing, screaming people who are eager to see them close-up, they aren’t fussed with us scaredy-cats! If you want to avoid the Zombies completely then read all about the safety areas and route out of the park here.

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What Universal Studios Japan ticket do I need to enter during Halloween?

The great thing is, Halloween Horror Nights at USJ is included in your normal Universal Japan visit. As usual to enter Universal Studios Japan you’ll need to purchase Studio Passes online prior to your visit. You can’t buy USJ tickets at the gate. This year one paid Horror House attraction was added to the Halloween line-up, requiring an extra paid booking online.

I recommend using Klook to buy USJ Studio Passes, as they are an official USJ ticket seller. Klook issue the correct entry dates and readily accept major international credit cards. Buy your official Studio Passes from Klook here.

Halloween Horror Nights extra features

As if Universal Studios Japan didn’t have enough attractions, there are even more during the Halloween season! Plan extra time to enjoy these spooky fun activities!

What USJ rides have a Halloween overlay?

During the Halloween Horror Nights period, the following rides will receive a Halloween update!

Hollywood Dream Coaster Halloween soundtrack

Running all day, from September 11th to November 8th – the Hollywood Dream roller coaster has both forward and backwards (Backdrop) versions. Normally riders have a standard pop music menu to choose from which then plays directly from the speakers in your head rest during the ride. During the Halloween Horror Nights season the Hollywood Dream roller coaster music menu changes to Japanese Halloween music.

Jurassic Park The Ride in the Dark

From 6pm, from September 11th to November 8th – Jurassic Park the Ride is already terrifying, but for this Autumn event update the story goes that there is a power failure, and so the ride is plunged into complete darkness – scream if you dare!

Space Fantasy – The Ride becomes Sadako’s Curse

Running all day, from September 11th to January the 4th 2027 – Space Fantasy the ride is a permanent USJ roller coaster which is rarely run in its standard form. An indoor dark ride, Space Fantasy the ride is commonly overlayed with different themes. During Halloween Horror Nights it is overlayed with the new SADAKO’S CURSE: DARK HORROR RIDE from the movie The Ring. Parental supervision is recommended for this horror ride. In addition to spinning and rolling, the ride is almost pitch black throughout most of it and features frightening lights, video screens and sound.

Jaws changes to Jaws Red Alert after 6pm

From 6pm, from September 11th to January 31st 2027 -As the night closes in, the water surrounding your Jaws boat ride becomes foggy – the ride gets darker, particularly inside the shed. The water turns an eerie shade of red as the Jaws shark heads towards your boat…Jaws becomes an even scarier experience than usual after dark!

Cinema 4D Theatre features a Halloween Show

From 6pm – From September 11th to November 8th Chainsaw Man: The Chaos 4-D is being performed in the Cinema 4D Theatre. Smiley the Pumpkin features in this scary, zombie-themed show. Note that there may be blood spatter during the performance – Guests ages 12 or under require parental consent to see this show.

Smiley the Pumpkin Happy Halloween Meet and Greet

Right outside of the Cinema 4-D Theatre you might be able to run into Smiley the Pumpkin like we did! We were thrilled to be able to grab a quick photo with him on the street!

USJ Halloween Horror Nights Horror Houses

This year there are four USJ horror attractions, or horror houses. Each one is very different, with different restrictions and ways to get in to experience them. Two horror houses offer free timed entry, one a free standby queue and one is advance paid entry only. To enter at least two of them you need to get booking from the moment you enter the park or you may miss out.

It’s important to note that even with timed entry tickets, USJ horror attractions have lengthy queues. To skip the queues, you may be able to buy a special horror express pass to access the priority laneways – it’s wise to do this well in advance of your park day.

Lights Out: Nightmare Isolation (a.k.a. Afterimage)

Running all day, from September 11th to November 8th -This paid reservation only horror house is restricted to 18 years and over due to its R rating. It also requires a signed waiver. Located at Stage 18, this popular USJ Horror House sold out for the entire season soon after release, and so when we visited in early October we were already too late to secure tickets. Here’s hoping we learn from that mistake for USJ Horror Nights in 2027!

Resident Evil Requiem: The Dive (a.k.a. Biohazard Requiem)

Running all day, from September 11th to December 27th – Located at Stage 18, The Resident Evil Requiem hit game comes to life in person – you become the stalked! We had a lot of fun going through this jump-scare horror house, and we especially enjoyed the live action performance at the end where you were allowed to take photos and video!

You must book a free timed entry ticket using the USJ app or hold an Express Pass for admission to this horror attraction. You can see how we booked our timed entry in our Halloween at USJ video on YouTube. Must be 15 years or older to enter.

Factory of Fear: Zombie Tour

Running all day, from September 11th to November 8th – Located at Stage 22, The Factory of Fear is a Horror House maze where you are surrounded by jump-scaring zombies! There are interactive hand scanners inside where you can control the zombie’s decisions. Prepare for lots of screaming, laughing guests trying to escape the maze with you – it’s all in good, scary fun!

We were able to standby queue to enter on the day we attended which took about 30 minutes, however on busy days you may need to get a Timed Entry ticket using the USJ app. Must be 15 years or older to enter.

KATE PRESENTS – Witches of House 18: Bewitching Mansion of Emotion

Running all day, from September 11th to November 8th – Located at Stage 18, KATE PRESENTS – Witches of House 18: Bewitching Mansion of Emotion is a dark and spooky mansion of mirrors.

With its creepy prologue by a hooded guide, this less-scary attraction is actually an opportunity to explore emotions with a matching make up session at the end!

Now in it’s second year at Horror Nights at USJ, this popular attraction is well worth a visit, especially if you love makeup! There was even a free little lipstick sample included at the end, plus you can purchase the same Kate brand makeup from the horror gift stores in the park.

You can book a free timed entry ticket using the USJ app for admission to this horror house. You can see how we booked our timed entry in our Halloween at USJ video on YouTube. Strictly 12 years and under are not permitted inside.

USJ Horror Nights FAQs

When is the USJ Halloween period?

USJ Halloween Horror Nights in 2026 mainly runs from the 11th of September to the 8th of November 2026, however some attractions continue for another couple of months.

What are the USJ Halloween 2027 dates?

USJ Halloween Horror Nights in 2027 won’t be announced until mid-2027. Watch this space!

Is there a zombie safety escape route?

Yes there is, you can read all about it and see the zombie map here.

Can children go to USJ Halloween Horror Nights?

Yes, children are welcome at Halloween Horror Nights, however it’s not recommended for children under 5. Kids aged 12 and under should have parental supervision during Halloween Horror Nights. All the Horror Houses are also age-restricted.

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.

Buy an Airalo eSim

Universal Studios Japan Planning Facebook Group

Love all things Universal Studios Japan, or just have more questions? Join our 80k+ 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!

Check Jetstar’s cheap Japan flights here

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

This page may contain affiliate links. If you book a stay, product or an attraction through one of them, I may receive a commission which will not affect the price you pay. Thank you for your support! Any prices are correct as of October-November 2026 – always check with the source websites for the most recent prices.

The post USJ HALLOWEEN HORROR NIGHTS Ultimate Guide appeared first on Let's go Mum.

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!

Universal Studios VIP Tour sellers

Both Klook and Trip are official USJ VIP ticket sellers.

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, shows important information form links and is proven to be much faster to secure your passes!

Officially recommended by USJ: Any partner purchase links in this feature are the official sellers for Universal Studios Japan for overseas tourists. Always be sure to buy your Universal Studios Japan VIP tickets through official sellers designed for international purchases. (The Universal Studios Japan Japanese website is only for Japanese residents – see the rule on their website)

Watch an Instagram reel of our five hour VIP day!

Which website should I buy my VIP Tour from?

Klook is currently the best website to purchase English language VIP tours.

Buy 3hr, 5hr & 8hr VIP Passes on Klook

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!

How does a VIP Tour pass save me time?

A USJ planning group member recently reviewed their 5 hour VIP Tour and here is what they had to say:

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 in addition to the buffet selections Drinks including alcohol choices of wine, Jim Beam and Japanese beers are included. You get about an hour and a half to eat your meal. If you finish your meal early you can go and do another ride!

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!

Read my 5 Hour USJ VIP Tour POV experience

Read a minute by minute breakdown of my own USJ 5 hour VIP Tour here.

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, and once sold they do not reappear – even if cancelled.

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. Tours often start appearing around the 2am mark.

Any changes 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 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 such as Klook, the best international website for overseas purchasers to successfully book English Speaking VIP Tour Passes. Klook usually offer the most English speaking tours.

Which VIP Tour booking company is the best?

1 – Klook offer all English speaking USJ VIP Tours. This is a reliable purchase choice and the best site to try first.

2 – Trip offers English speaking tours. Trip VIP Tours can often have more availability but may also be more expensive.

My recommendation is to try Klook first for USJ VIP Tours

Changing USJ VIP Tours to English speaking tours

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. It’s not guaranteed, so if their English tour guide allocation has been exhausted, tour guides will need to use a translation tool. (A group member was recently notified that they were unsuccessful getting an English speaking to guide)

To get an English speaking VIP Tour guide, the process is that you fill in the Form sent to you immediately after payment and specify that you would like an English speaking Tour Guide on it.

Use the Klook website instead of the app

More information (and sometimes a cheaper price!) is visible during the booking process when using the Klook website (which may not be visible on the app).

I can’t find the form in the VIP Tours application

If the application asks if you have filled in the pre information Traveler Form when applying and you missed it, the booking service will contact you with the form link, plus support chat can also provide you with the form link.

If your VIP Tour is confirmed, you will receive an email of VIP Tour confirmation with your VIP Tour QR Code. You will also receive a tour preferences form to fill out.

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.

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. There is currently a higher priced Kinopios Cafe version available too.

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 QR Code 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, but the way to do it keeps changing so it will be one of two ways…

Yes, you can pay by the person to add extra people to your tour for the same per person price.
If you buy for more than four people and are able to add extras during your order then you will receive extra QR Codes for each individual person. So, 1 QR Code 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.

How do I add extra people to our VIP Tour?

Most recently the way to add extra people to the 5hr and 8hr VIP Tours has changed.

You will now either need to add all participants at the time of booking, or any extra VIP Tour participants using the information form sent to you AFTER paying for the initial 4 people set. You then pay for the extra people upon arrival at the VIP Reception entrance. Either way will work fine.

You will need to pay for the additional people not already paid for at VIP after arrival at Universal Studios Japan.

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.

You can see our USJ Price Comparison Graph here

VIP Passes are usually 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.

Is the USJ Express Pass cheaper than a VIP Tour?

Yes, most of the time. Check out our USJ Comparison Graph to see the price differences between Express Passes and VIP Tours side-by-side.

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) $389.75 (Klook)
5hr VIP Tours $2,423 for 4 people (Klook/KKDay) Extra person: $606 per person. (tour includes 1 meal)
8hr VIP Tours $3,400 for 4 people (Klook/KKDay) 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 purchase places on a 3hr VIP Tour individually.
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.

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.

Can anyone use the Express Passes?

Yes, the VIP3 Express Passes are flexible. You can share the express passes amongst your group and the eligible rides, as. They are not attached to any particular ride (only rides as listed above) or person.

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. One group member asked to be left there on a standard 3hr VIP and was successful so it may be worth a try!

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.

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 Super Nintendo World 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-requested on the information forms at the booking stage.

How do we get to do what we want on the VIP Tour?

A detailed questionnaire form will be sent to you once your VIP Tour has been confirmed. There you can select or request the USJ activities and rides of most interest to you. Here are some screenshots from the form.

On the day of your USJ VIP Tour you will meet your Tour Guide at the VIP Lounge at your booked tour time. Together you will sit down to further 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.
Your meals times will usually be arranged before your tour and are usually outside of your tour time 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, shopping, 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?

Your meal time will usually be outside of your 5 hr VIP Tour time. 8 hour private VIP tours include both lunch and dinner, and usually one meal will be outside of the tour time.

What happens on the 5hr and 8hr VIP Tours?

You may like to read my detailed 5hr VIP Tour review here.

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. The same goes for food queues – straight to the front!

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

How can I meet characters for a photo?

On the five hour VIP tour you will be allowed to skip the line for the Nintendo pipes photo at the entrance to super Nintendo world and also the jaws shark photo Queue. You’ll need to pay for your character photos from these and any other characters that you must line up for.

On the 8 hour VIP tour you will have free rein to visit and skip the queue of every character in the Park with the exception of Donkey Kong and a package of photos will also be included.

Are Power-Up Bands included in 5 and 8hr VIPs?

If they wish to, VIP tourers are allowed to purchase Power-Up bands from the main USJ gift store cash registers near the park’s main front entrance. Proof of VIP must be shown. Power-Up bands are also readily available to purchas inside of Super Nintendo World.

Are there included snacks and vouchers?

Not officially. Many VIP Tour participants have reported receiving free snacks during their tour such as Butter Beer and popcorn. No specifics are listed anywhere about vouchers – it seems to be the luck of the draw!

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?

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. You can’t swap the value of one of your VIP meals, so you would need to pay extra for your Kinopios meal.

One group member’s 8 hour experience

Here is detailed group member recap of their 8 hour VIP Tour

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.

Buy an Airalo eSim

Universal Studios Japan VIP Pass General FAQs

Do I need to buy a Studio Pass if I have a VIP Pass?

Yes, all VIP Tour participants still need to buy a Studio Pass entrance ticket even if they 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, links to forms 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. It is always advisable to purchase Travel insurance before you start making trip bookings.

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!

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 on the information form.

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. It’s always best to plan to arrive with enough time to pass through security prior to your VIP Tour.

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.

Can I buy the USJ Japanese website VIP Tours?

No. Overseas purchasers are not allowed to book any VIP Tours on the Japanese USJ website. These are available to Japanese residents only.

Are there Chinese speaking USJ VIP Tours?

Yes you can sometimes 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!

Universal Studios Japan Planning Facebook Group

Love all things Universal Studios Japan, or just have more questions? Join our 80k+ 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!

Check Jetstar’s cheap Japan flights here

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

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