Here’s my quick guide to the new and most expensive Universal Studios Japan (USJ) Express fast pass – the Express Pass Premium.

What Universal Express Passes do I need?

Studio Pass -To gain entry to Universal Studios Japan to ride the rides and see the shows is the compulsory Studio Pass admission ticket.

Super Nintendo World timed entry – In addition as a crowd-control measure, you will need to obtain an extra Super Nintendo World timed entry to access any rides in that area.

Together, the above two passes will give you access to almost every ride and show inside Universal Studios Japan.

The problem with only buying a Studio Pass is that you have no way to skip the major ride queues. Universal Studios Japan ride wait times can exceed an hour or more. This means you day is going to be a lot more tedious with a lot less rides.

Therefore to maximise your time at USJ and lessen your time waiting around in queues most people also purchase a fast pass, known as an Express Pass or VIP Tour. Without a fast pass, your day may be a long and unproductive one at Universal Studios Japan.

What USJ fast passes are available?

In addition to the Studio Pass, USJ also offers a variety of different ride fast passes, including Express Passes and VIP Tours. You can learn more about all USJ ride pass types in my USJ pass beginner’s guide here.

What are Universal Express Passes?

Universal Studios Japan Express Passes are a popular separate ticket addition to Studio Passes. Many different variations are available, including the Express 4, Express 5, Express 7, Express 8 and Universal Express Pass Premium, all with different ride configurations.

How do Universal Studios Japan Express Passes work?

Express Passes can drastically shorten the time you spend waiting in busy USJ ride queues which can often exceed one and sometimes even 2 hours. USJ Express Passes offer a group of single ride fast passes. Each individual ride on the Express Pass usually has a set time frame to access them except for the Express Pass Premium.

How much time do Express Passes save?

Literally, hours. Express Pass holders use an Express Priority Lane which will help you to bypass most of the general queue. While you will still be required to wait in a queue, your queue and wait time will be much shorter than those in the normal standby ride queue. Express Pass holder wait times are usually around ten to twenty minutes, but on busy days or after ride breakdowns they can blow out to half and hour or more. Either way, they are still much shorter than the general ride queue.

If you would like to go straight to the front of the queue with unlimited ride access, you may like to read about Universal Studios Japan VIP Tours here.

Are Express Pass ride times strict?

Yes, standard Express Pass holders must access each ride within a certain nominated time frame or risk losing that ride’s Express Lane access. Whilst exceptions may be made, it’s never guaranteed and so best to be on the safe side and arrive in time.

How is Universal Express Pass Premium different?

Universal Express Pass Premium is different to standard Express Passes because in addition to offering the most rides and shows, it also offers the flexibility of no time restrictions when entering rides. So you can wander the park and use your Express Pass for each ride once at whatever time you like – with the exception of its Super Nintendo World entry & rides.

Which is best – the Express Pass or VIP?

On balance, Universal Studios Japan VIP Tours are the clear winner for the best day out at USJ. There are many more benefits to the Universal Studios Japan VIP Tours over Express Passes.

The main disadvantage to Express Passes is that you still have to queue – although you are in the Priority Lane you will still have to wait a certain amount of time to board rides. This can range from 10 minutes right up to an hour on a busy day. VIP Tour participants don’t. They are taken straight to the front of the ride. You can read all about Universal Studios Japan VIP Tours here.

Cheaper USJ VIP tickets

Use my exclusive discount promocode LETSGOMUM to save *USD $30 off (AUD $41) at checkout on any KKDay USJ VIP tours (and other Japan attractions, hotels etc. on KKDay). Please note this code will not discount USJ Express or Studio Passes:

*T&C: Booking Validity: 1 Jan 2026 – 31 Dec 2026. Travel Validity: 1 Jan 2026 – 31 Mar 2027.
Get 10% OFF capped at USD 30 – no minimum spend required. Each user can use 6 times. Product terms and conditions apply. KKday reserves the right to amend or vary the terms and conditions without prior notice.

Is Super Nintendo World included in Express Passes too?

Yes, provided they have Super Nintendo World (SNW) rides. The only exception to free-ranging ride times on the USJ Premium Express Tickets is that the Super Nintendo rides will be dependent upon your included SNW timed entry.

You can only enter Super Nintendo World once with your one timed entry with any Express Pass, and so those rides can only be accessed after that time – unless you acquire another Super Nintendo World timed entry.

Can I go back into Super Nintendo World after I have left?

Not with any Express Pass. Once exited, Super Nintendo World cannot normally be re-entered without another Super Nintendo World timed entry. You can learn about how to get an extra timed entry to Super Nintendo World here.

If you would like unlimited Super Nintendo World access you can read about Universal Studios Japan VIP Tours here.

When do Universal Express Pass Premium tickets come on sale?

At this time – May 2026 – tickets release one day at a time, two months prior to the date (should be one day before) at midnight Japan time. That’s approximately 60-62 days before the date you want.

I recommend you start checking the KKDay website at least a couple of days before the estimated release date to see how they are tracking.

Where should I buy my Universal Express Pass Premium tickets?

I partner with several ticket sellers however as a first option I would recommend KKDay. KKDay are an official seller recommended by Universal Studios Japan, accept all major credit cards and are trustworthy and reliable.

To ensure you secure the dates you want you should buy your tickets in the following order…

What rides are included in the Express Pass Premium?

There are 14 different Universal Studios Japan attractions included in the Universal Express Pass Premium. They currently include the following rides and attractions, but can be dependent upon the date, ride maintenance, current features on offer and other changes.

The Express Pass Premium ride list

Donkey Kong’s Minecart Madness
Mario Kart: Koopa’s Challenge
Yoshi’s Adventure
Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
Flight of the Hippogriff (youth ride – smaller seats)
The Flying Dinosaur
Space Fantasy the Ride Club Zedd Remix
Villain-Con Minion Blast
Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem
Hollywood Dream the Ride Backdrop (same coaster track, different train and seat orientation)
Hollywood Dream the Ride
Detective Conan 4-D Live Show
Jurassic Park The Ride

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What are the ride height restrictions for each ride?

Donkey Kong’s Minecart Madness
Height limit: 107cm (accompanied)
Mario Kart: Koopa’s Challenge
Height limit: 107cm (accompanied)
Yoshi’s Adventure
Height limit: 92cm (accompanied)
Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
Height limit: 122 cm
Flight of the Hippogriff
Height limit: 92cm (accompanied) and 195cm
or less
The Flying Dinosaur
Height limit: 132 cm and 198 cm or less
Space Fantasy the Ride Club Zedd Remix
Height limit: 102cm (accompanied)
Villain-Con Minion Blast
Height limit: No minimum or maximum – moving walkway
Those under 122cm tall must be accompanied and you cannot carry children on the ride.
Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem
Height limit: 102cm (accompanied)
Hollywood Dream the Ride Backdrop (same coaster track, different train and seat orientation)
Height limit: 132 cm
Hollywood Dream the Ride
Height limit: 132 cm
Detective Conan 4-D Live Show (babies required to sit on own seats)
Jurassic Park The Ride
Height limit: 107cm (accompanied)

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 April 2026 – always check with the source website for the most recent prices.

The post Universal Studios Japan Express Pass Premium Guide appeared first on Let's go Mum.

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 do USJ tickets go on sale?

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 this time – May 2026 – tickets release one day at a time, two months prior to the date (should be one day before) at midnight Japan time. That’s approximately 60-62 days before the date you want.

I recommend you start checking at least a couple of days before the estimated release date to see how they are tracking.

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.

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Take advantage of our free Wise travel money card offer to save the AUD$10 card fee here.

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

1 – Studio Passes

2 – Express Passes

3 – VIP 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 (click to read in the Facebook Group)

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 Universal Studios Japan 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 priority lane at the entrance to each ride. There your QR Code will be scanned and you will walk past the long lines and arrive close to the front of the queue. You will usually still need to wait some minimal time (around 10-20 minutes), but it’s much less than the couple of hours wait time of the general queue. To go straight to the front of the queue with no waiting, skip to read about VIP Passes here.

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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

Express Passes usually come in the form of 4s and 7s and also special 5s and 8s plus Premium. Express 4s include four different ride Express Passes, Express 7s include seven different ride Express Passes, and so on.

What is the USJ Express Premium pass?

USJ Express Premium passes offer 14 rides and attractions with no set time slots and one Super Nintendo World timed entry, and are the most expensive Express Pass you can currently buy – even more than some VIP Tours.

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.

What happens if I miss my time slot?

Some ride Express Passes have a time period to use them. If you arrive early you will need to wait before being allowed to enter the priority queue. If you arrive late you risk not being admitted. Our USJ Facebook group members write:

Important buying tips for USJ Express Passes:

Express 7s and 8s usually sell out fast upon release – Some Express 4s can be available for longer periods.
Express 7s and 8s 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:

Historical. Cancellation risk is very low.

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.

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 all your English Speaking VIP Tour Passes from KKDay and use our discount code LETSGOMUM at checkout for $30USD off! (learn how to turn any VIP into English in our guide here). (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!

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 April 2026 – always check with the source website for the most recent prices.

The post Universal Studios Japan Tickets Beginners Guide appeared first on Let's go Mum.

There are often miscommunication issues for tourists trying to book tickets at Universal Studios Japan. And there’s complete radio silence when it comes to Disability Access Pass (DAS) passes – online, or otherwise!

It’s important to know that Universal Studios Japan accessibility DAS passes, also known as Guest Services Passes, are available to all eligible visitors.

After months of overseas visitor frustration and generically answered emails following the end of ticket sales at the gate earlier this year, it was time to get the Universal Studios Japan DAS pass update straight “from the horse’s mouth”.

I phoned Universal Studios Japan to get this information

I phoned USJ customer services directly this week (September 2025) to find out exactly what Disability and Carer ticket purchasing options were available to international visitors. The following information was also fact-checked and verified by their supervisor during the phone call.

Most recently in May 2026 I confirmed this system is still in place and bought disability tickets in person at USJ Guest Services in Japan.

USJ Accessibility – Disability Support Passes are available

Since all of the Universal Studios Japan ticket booths closed on May 6th of 2025 it has presented a problem for overseas visitors attempting to buy the lower-priced Disability entrance tickets (also known as the Disability Support Pass or SPs). It was widely publicised that no tickets of any kind would be available for purchase at the gate. Where once visitors were able to buy all tickets including disabled passes at the gates, it appeared that this was no longer possible. However, this is incorrect!

USJ discounted Disability Passes can be purchased at the gate

You can still purchase Universal Studios Japan Disability Support Pass admission tickets at the gate. The cheaper Disability Support Passes can be purchased directly from the USJ Customer Service office located on site, past security and just outside the theme park gates.

There are some Disability Pass purchasing rule changes

Buying USJ Disability Admission Tickets on the day

You can only buy Disability tickets including Carer/Companion tickets on the day of your visit.

and

You can only buy Disability tickets – not standard Studio Passes, Express Passes or VIP Passes. Buy these online in advance from KKDay here.

Universal Port Hotel sells disability admission tickets

Update January 2026 – a group member has reported that you can also now buy disability admission tickets from the Universal Port Hotel.

Do Disability tickets work the same as Studio Passes?

Yes, Universal Japan Disabled Tickets work exactly the same as USJ Studio Passes, including the ability to scan them into the Universal Studios App to book Super Nintendo World Timed Entry.

Where is USJ Customer Service outside the theme park?

Universal Studios Japan Disability tickets are available from the Customer Service Office. This office is now located after you go through Security on the right-hand side.

Will my Disabled Pass get me into Super Nintendo World?

No, your Disability ticket will not get you into Super Nintendo World – it will work on Super Nintendo World rides.

Where can I buy USJ DAS passes online?

The only place any USJ park visitors can purchase DAS passes online is the USJ official Japanese site. The problem with this solution is that the USJ websites often reject overseas credit cards which don’t work with Japan 3D Security.

Which credit cards work on the Universal Studios Japan website?

International credit cards such as Visa and Mastercard which don’t support the exclusive Japanese 3D security system are rejected by the USJ website. Credit Cards which frequently work on the USJ websites (both English and Japanese) are Amex and the Wise Travel Money pre-paid debit card (my readers can get a free Wise Card here)

Get your free Wise travel money card!

Take advantage of our free Wise travel money card offer to save the AUD$10 card fee here.

Get your free Wise Card

What benefits are available in the USJ Accessibility System?

Accessibility benefits available at Universal Studios include Disability Support Passes to enter the park, and also free timed-entry return Disability Cards to avoid standing and waiting in the general queue. Both require you to prove that you have an acceptable disability via documentation.

Universal Studios Japan Disability Support Passes enable disabled theme park visitors and one companion to access the park with a reduced-price disability passes. Can be purchased online or bought at the gate.

Universal Studios Japan Disability Ride Access Cards enable disabled theme park visitors and up to five companions to wait for their ride wait time elsewhere than the general queue and then access the ride via a priority route. Can be obtained at Customer Service inside the park.

What is the disability time-return ride system?

The time-return ride system requires you to first register for a card to use at the ride to use to avoid queuing to ride. You will receive a return time equal to the queue wait time on your card. You will still be required to wait out the normal ride queuing time before returning to access the ride at the return time via a priority laneway.

How do I get disability access to skip the ride queue?

You will need to get your Disability Ride Pass Card at any ride inside Universal Studios Japan after you have scanned into the park. You will again need to prove that you have an acceptable disability via documentation. See our detailed DAS Pass guide here.

Do I need to have a Disability Support entrance pass to get a disability ride card?

No, you can access the park using a standard Studio Pass and still obtain a disability ride card provided you have the necessary disability paperwork.

How does disability ride time-return work?

First, take your time card to your desired ride with all members of your family who wish to ride with you (maximum number of six people). Approach the ride attendant. Your card will be filled in with a return time which will be a time gap equal to the wait time of that particular ride.

For example, if you arrive at the ride at 2pm and the ride queue time is 2 hours, your time to return will be 4pm. You return to the ride at 4pm and you will then be given access directly to the ride via the priority queue or expedited disability access. You will have a low wait time to board the ride.

The USJ Disability Access Pass (DAS Pass) Guide

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

Where should I buy my other family member’s USJ Studio Passes?

Recommended: Buy your standard USJ tickets through sellers designed for international purchasers like Klook, KKDay or Trip so you are issued with the correct date as problems on the USJ official website are common when booking overseas.
Buy your Studio Pass from the websites designed for international purchasers – Klook, KKDay or Trip.

How do I scan a USJ Disability Ticket into the App?

Universal Studios Disability Tickets work the same as any USJ Studio Pass. Watch my YouTube video to follow my step-by-step guide showing you how to scan your Universal Studios Japan theme park Disability and Companion Studio Pass tickets into the official Tokyo Disney Resort App to book Super Nintendo World Timed Entry Passes. Read all about how to book Super Nintendo World Timed Entry in our guide 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.

Buy an Airalo eSim

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!

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 September 2025 – always check with the source website for the most recent prices.

The post How to get the Universal Studios Japan Disability DAS Pass appeared first on Let's go Mum.