A TASTE OF OSAKA'S UNIVERSAL STUDIOS

Location: Japan, 〒554-0031 Osaka Prefecture, Osaka, Konohana Ward, Sakurajima, 2 Chome−１−３３

Source: Japan Guide.com


Universal Studios Osaka

Universal Studios Osaka is accessible by train. From the train station, one will have already a taste of what to see before you finally enter its main gate.

Taken from the main gate facing outside

Universal Studios Japan (USJ) was the first theme park under the Universal Studios brand to be built in Asia. Opened in March 2001 in the Osaka Bay Area, the theme park occupies an area of 39 hectares and is the most visited amusement park in Japan after Tokyo Disney Resort.

While at the Hard Rock Cafe (Model: Beng Sia)

Universal Studios Japan currently has eight sections: Hollywood, New York, San Francisco, Jurassic Park, Waterworld, Amity Village, Universal Wonderland and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Visitors are able to enjoy many amusement rides, ranging from child-friendly carousels to thrilling roller coasters and simulators based on popular movies such as Spiderman, Back to the Future, Terminator 2 and Jurassic Park.

While at the Universal City Walk Osaka Shopping Mall

In addition to rides, the theme park offers many opportunities to take pictures with popular characters' mascots such as Snoopy, Hello Kitty and the puppets of Sesame Street. There are also various shows put on every day, including a night parade featuring illuminated floats that are paraded through the streets.

Approaching the Main Gate

Just outside the park's gates is Universal Citywalk Osaka, a shopping mall with multiple official Universal hotels and many restaurants and shops, including stores selling Universal Studios merchandise and Osaka souvenirs. Furthermore, the Osaka Takoyaki Museum, which is essentially a collection of several popular vendors of the local dish gathered under one roof, is located on the mall's fourth floor.

The iconic Main Gate

Universal Studios would really be attractive to kids most particularly its exciting rides and popular mascots where kids would like to have pictures with. The park's rates is shown below as I captured it in my camera.

The park's rates and fees

There is so much space in the park where one can rest on

The iconic Universal Studios globe

Just before the ticket gate

Our group did not actually had any ride. We strolled on areas around the park still accessible to guests who have no tickets for entry. We stayed longer at the park and we took our lunch at a nearby McDonalds outside with a burger meal with fries and soda drink at 700 yen.

TRANSPORTATION ACCESS

BY TRAIN

The entrance gate of the Universal Studios Japan is located a five minute walk from Universal City Station on the JR Yumesaki Line (also referred to as JR Sakurajima Line). From Osaka Station, there are several direct trains per hour (15 minutes, 180 yen) and many more connections that require an easy transfer at Nishikujo Station. From Kansai Airport, take a JR airport rapid to Nishikujo Station and transfer to the JR Yumesaki Line to Universal City Station (75 minutes, 1190 yen).

BY BUS

Universal Studios Japan is connected by bus to Kansai Airport (35-75 minutes, 1550 yen, about 1 bus/hour) and Itami Airport (45 minutes, 930 yen, about 1 bus/hour). Some overnight buses from other cities across Japan also stop at the Universal Studios Japan.

BY FERRY

A ferry service named "Captain Line" connects the Universal Studios Japan with the Osaka Aquarium (10 minutes, 700 yen one way, 1300 yen roundtrip, 1-2 ferries per hour). A combination ticket for the aquarium and the ferry ride can be purchased for 2700 yen (one way) or 3300 yen (roundtrip).

HOURS AND FEES

HOURS

Varying hours, typically at least 9:00 to 19:00. Refer to the park's official website.

CLOSED

No closing days

ADMISSION

7,600 yen (12-64 years old)
5,100 yen (4-11 years old)
6,830 yen (65 years or older)
Passes include unlimited rides and can be bought at the park gates, JR ticket counters, partner hotels, selected convenience stores and travel agencies and through Voyagin.

Express Passes, that allow holders to skip lines for selected rides, are available for four rides (between 4,500 and 8,100 yen depending on the day) or seven rides (between 6,900 and 13,200 yen depending on the day) on the day of the visit at the entrance gate and inside the park. Express Passes may sell out on busy days.

HOW TO GET TO AND AROUND OSAKA