Universal CityWalk Osaka Osaka
A vibrant entertainment hub adjacent to Universal Studios Japan, offering diverse dining, shopping, and attractions.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better ride access
Universal CityWalk Osaka Osaka
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better ride access
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant entertainment hub adjacent to Universal Studios Japan, offering diverse dining, shopping, and attractions.
"A must-visit for foodies and shoppers before or after your Universal Studios adventure!"
🎯 Arrive Before Opening
Gates often open early. Be there an hour before to maximize your day and secure entry to popular areas.
🎟️ Book Express Pass Early
These sell out fast! Essential for minimizing wait times, especially for popular rides.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Super Nintendo World
Themed Land
Immerse yourself in the vibrant world of Mario and friends. Interactive rides and themed dining await!
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
Themed Land
Step into Hogsmeade and experience the magic of Harry Potter with thrilling rides and themed shops.
Minion Park
Themed Land
Join Gru's mischievous yellow companions for fun-filled attractions and entertainment.
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds: Arrive Early!
Express Pass: Worth the Investment?
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive Before Opening
Gates often open early. Be there an hour before to maximize your day and secure entry to popular areas.
🎟️ Book Express Pass Early
These sell out fast! Essential for minimizing wait times, especially for popular rides. +1
📱 Download the App
Check wait times, show schedules, and park maps. Crucial for planning your day efficiently.
🍽️ Eat During Off-Peak Hours
Avoid lunch crowds by eating between 9-11 AM or after 3 PM. Ride wait times drop during lunch.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Before Opening
Gates often open early. Be there an hour before to maximize your day and secure entry to popular areas.
🎟️ Book Express Pass Early
These sell out fast! Essential for minimizing wait times, especially for popular rides. +1
📱 Download the App
Check wait times, show schedules, and park maps. Crucial for planning your day efficiently.
🍽️ Eat During Off-Peak Hours
Avoid lunch crowds by eating between 9-11 AM or after 3 PM. Ride wait times drop during lunch.
🎁 Collect Free Stickers
Politely ask staff 'Sutekka ga arimasu ka?' for unique stickers from different themed areas.
🚶♀️ Single Rider Queues
If you don't mind splitting up, single rider lines can significantly cut down wait times.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Universal Studios Japan for its immersive themed lands, particularly Super Nintendo World and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. The park offers a high level of detail and engaging attractions. However, many note that the park can be extremely crowded, leading to long wait times, and recommend purchasing an Express Pass well in advance.
"Doesn't need a definition for what it is. A nice big complex across the road from Universal studios. Got lots of shops selling stuffed toys and restaurants with tasty cuisines from all corners of the world.
You may not get time to visit Universal Citywalk after an entire day at Universal Studios. The place is more appealing during the night and if you're a tourist in Osaka, a smarter way to do it would be to visit Osaka aquarium in the late afternoon and take the 6 pm ferry from Kaiyukan to Universal Citywalk which is only 10 mins and arrive just in time for how visually delightful it is after darkness kicks in spend a couple of hours and call it a day"
Eber Shibin
"A pretty fun city walk with a lot of shops and restaurants. It’s not really crowded on a weekday afternoon. You can enjoy food and shopping here even without going to universal studios. Easy to access from the train station. A good place to go with the whole family."
M
"It’s nice to have this mall before entering & after leaving USJ so you have many choices to buy gifts & souvenirs and also lot of food stores & restaurants. They also have heater stand to keep you warm during cold days/winter season."
Lakwatsera Lhine
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most common way is by train. Take the JR Yumesaki Line to Universal City Station, which is just a short walk from the park entrance. If you're coming from further afield, like Tokyo, the Shinkansen bullet train to Shin-Osaka Station is your best bet, followed by a transfer to the JR Yumesaki Line.
Yes, Universal Studios Japan has a large parking lot. However, it can get very busy, especially on weekends and holidays. It's recommended to arrive early if you plan to drive.
Taxis are available and can be a convenient option, especially if you're traveling in a group or have a lot of luggage. However, they are more expensive than public transport. Some Reddit users have mentioned using taxis for speed from areas like Dotonbori.
If you're staying in Kyoto, the most efficient way is to take the JR Special Rapid Service train to Osaka Station, then transfer to the JR Yumesaki Line to Universal City Station. Allow ample travel time.
While direct shuttle buses from all areas might not be common, many hotels in Osaka offer shuttle services to Universal Studios Japan. It's worth checking with your accommodation.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
You can purchase tickets directly from the official Universal Studios Japan website, authorized travel agencies like Klook, or at the park entrance. Booking online in advance is highly recommended, especially for Express Passes, as they sell out quickly. +1
While not mandatory, an Express Pass is highly recommended to significantly reduce wait times for popular rides. Many visitors find it essential for a stress-free experience, especially for Super Nintendo World and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. +1
It's advised to buy Express Passes as far in advance as possible, ideally months ahead of your visit, as they are known to sell out quickly, especially for popular dates. +1
It's possible but not guaranteed. Express Passes often sell out before the park opens, especially for the most popular types. It's best to secure yours online well in advance.
A timed entry ticket grants you access to Super Nintendo World during a specific time slot. These can be obtained via the official USJ app or sometimes through Express Passes. Arriving early is also a strategy to secure entry. +1
🎫 ✨ Onsite Experience
Top attractions include Super Nintendo World, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Minion Park, and Hollywood Dream – The Ride. The specific 'must-sees' can depend on your interests, but these are consistently popular. +1
Yes, for many fans, Super Nintendo World is a highlight. It offers an immersive experience with interactive elements and themed rides. However, it's extremely popular and can have long waits or require timed entry.
No, once you leave Super Nintendo World, you generally cannot re-enter. Plan your visit to the land to ensure you experience everything you want before exiting.
Yes, you can collect free stickers by politely asking park staff. The phrase to use is 'Sutekka ga arimasu ka?' (Do you have stickers?). Different themed areas offer unique designs.
The single rider queue allows individuals to ride alone, filling empty seats on rides. This can significantly reduce your wait time compared to the regular queue, though you may not ride with your group.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
CityWalk offers a wide variety of Western-style restaurants, fast food, and cafes, catering to diverse tastes. It's a great place to eat before or after your park visit.
Yes, USJ has several themed restaurants, including those in Super Nintendo World (Kinopio's Cafe) and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter (Three Broomsticks). These offer unique culinary experiences.
To save time, eat during off-peak hours, such as between 9-11 AM or after 3 PM. This strategy also allows you to ride attractions when crowds are typically eating.
Outside food and drinks are generally not permitted inside the park, with some exceptions for baby food or specific dietary needs. It's best to check the official USJ policy.
While options can vary, many restaurants offer some vegetarian choices. It's advisable to check menus online or ask staff upon arrival for the most up-to-date information on dietary accommodations.
📸 📸 Photography
Iconic spots include the Hogwarts Castle in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, the vibrant Mushroom Kingdom in Super Nintendo World, and the colorful Minion Park. The park's themed areas offer endless photo opportunities.
Super Nintendo World is incredibly photogenic, but it can also be very crowded. Be patient and look for moments between groups. Using a wide-angle lens can help capture the immersive environment.
Generally, photography is allowed for personal use. However, flash photography might be restricted on certain rides or shows for safety and to avoid disturbing others. Always be mindful of your surroundings.
Early morning or late afternoon/early evening often provide the best lighting and fewer crowds for photography. Golden hour can create magical shots, especially with the park's themed architecture.
Selfie sticks and tripods are generally not permitted on rides or in crowded areas for safety reasons. It's best to check the official USJ guidelines for the most current regulations.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
To make the most of your family visit, consider purchasing an Express Pass to minimize wait times, as little ones can get restless. Arriving early is also crucial to beat the initial rush. Look for family-friendly dining options and be sure to check the height requirements for rides in advance to manage expectations.
💰 Budget Travelers
Focus on rides with shorter wait times or utilize single rider queues if your group doesn't mind splitting up. Pack snacks and water (check park policy) to save on in-park purchases. Collecting free stickers is a fun, cost-free souvenir.
couples
Consider a timed entry for Super Nintendo World to share the fun of interactive games and themed areas. Even without an Express Pass, couples can enjoy the park's atmosphere, shows, and themed dining. Enjoying a meal at one of the many restaurants at Universal CityWalk Osaka before or after your park visit can also be a lovely way to cap off the day.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Super Nintendo World
Once inside, the land is packed with interactive elements. You can use a 'Power-Up Band' (sold separately) to enhance your experience by collecting virtual coins and interacting with various attractions. Popular attractions include Mario Kart: Koopa's Challenge and Yoshi's Adventure. Remember that once you leave Super Nintendo World, re-entry is typically not permitted, so plan your visit accordingly.
Dining in Super Nintendo World is also a themed experience, with Kinopio's Cafe offering Mario-themed dishes. Be prepared for queues for both rides and food, or consider eating during off-peak hours to maximize your time in this highly sought-after area.
The Value of the Express Pass
There are various types of Express Passes available, offering access to different combinations of rides. It's crucial to research which pass best suits your interests and to purchase it well in advance of your visit. Passes often sell out weeks or even months ahead of time, especially for peak seasons. Trying to buy one on the day of your visit is often not an option.
For those on a tighter budget, some visitors suggest that if you arrive very early (an hour or more before opening) and prioritize, you might be able to experience many attractions without an Express Pass, though it will require more strategic planning and potentially longer waits. However, for a more relaxed and comprehensive experience, the Express Pass is widely considered a worthwhile investment.
Maximizing Your Visit Without an Express Pass
Utilizing the park's official app is essential for monitoring wait times in real-time. This allows you to make informed decisions about which rides to prioritize. Additionally, consider using single rider queues where available; while you won't ride with your party, it can drastically cut down your waiting time.
Strategic timing for meals is also key. Eating during off-peak hours, like between 9-11 AM or after 3 PM, not only helps you avoid crowded dining areas but also allows you to ride attractions when others are occupied with lunch. By combining an early arrival, smart app usage, and strategic timing, you can still have a fantastic day at USJ even without an Express Pass.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit