Tips for UNIVERSAL STUDIOS JAPAN 2024 🎢✨ Tickets, Express Passes, Wait Times (USJ Osaka)

[@diamonddoom1538]

I'm going to USJ in a few hours and your well detailed video makes me feel confident in enjoying my day there. I loved the words you use, it's cool to hear different terms from other countries. Have a good Wednesday! Keep up the great work you provide for those of us who are in need of tourist information!

[@cakeswithfaces]

Aww thanks so much, that's my mission accomplished then! Have an amazing day at USJ! ✨

[@diamonddoom1538]

@@cakeswithfaces I got lucky because today they started a wet parade where the crowd gets sprayed with water guns and it was PERFECT for the humidity Osaka is going through

[@cakeswithfaces]

@@diamonddoom1538 Perfect! That's lucky timing!!

[@canciana]

Great timing, I’m in Japan right now and someone we’re visiting sprung the idea of going to USJ on us so I was a bit nervous about it. Thanks for your videos, they’ve been really helping us to decide what to prioritise while we’re here ❤

[@cakeswithfaces]

Thanks so much! Hope you're having an amazing time! Have a Fanta Grape for me! 🍇

[@marcovanderhorst2235]

This video helped a lot. We are going in August. Really excited for Nintendo World. Definitely gonna get an express pass for that, don’t wanna miss anything at Nintendo world!

[@cakeswithfaces]

Thanks so much! Enjoy Super Nintendo World and take lots of pics!

[@dipeshshrestha5843]

How much for express pass?

[@cakeswithfaces]

@@dipeshshrestha5843 Prices are in the video at: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iYKkg6ppn7xpjtEsi=piVPMbXx6OsdCO-S&t=1103 The cost varies depending on the date.

[@Nemuimori]

The shade at San Francisco was so unexpected I had to go back and double check I heard that right 😂 hurts cause it's true, one of the things I love about Japan is how safe it is whereas in the US I carry pepper spray just walking around my neighborhood

[@cakeswithfaces]

It's part of what makes Japan such a pleasant place to be! San Francisco's a cool place but I wouldn't want to walk around there at night! 😅

[@Omni0404]

12:25 I cannot stop laughing at the background music playing while you're trying to explain everything I'm' surprised this didn't get a copyright strike! 18:54 I'm sorry I feel dense... but when it says you can use it once at 7 different attractions, does that mean you can use it one time at ALL 7? Or can you only pick 1 out of the 7 to use it on?

[@cakeswithfaces]

Thank goodness I didn't get a copyright strike! 😅 The music really adds to the atmosphere there. You can use the pass once on each of the 7 attractions. For a couple of them you pick one of two (eg Hollywood Dream or Jaws). Some are timed and some you can go on whenever you want.

[@Gotta_Keep_Moving_On]

Awesome! Back here in a couple of weeks. Excited to get back on the JAWS ride again as a huge JAWS fan. Have a 1.5 day pass from Klook so need to make the most of it :) Solo traveller which helps with the lines.

[@cakeswithfaces]

I loved the whole Jaws area - you'll have to have a Jaws roll cake for me! Have a great time!

[@Gotta_Keep_Moving_On]

@@cakeswithfaces Done :) They are lovely! Getting myself a JAWS watch from the store. The lines are huge, I visited in November 2019...so much easier. Oh well :)

[@cakeswithfaces]

@@Gotta_Keep_Moving_On That'll be a great souvenir! 🦈🦈🦈

[@mcconicokeelross63]

Have you done a video on all the vegetarian places at Universal Park and both of the Disney parks? Going this year and trying to figure out what we can expect to eat there

[@cakeswithfaces]

My Tokyo Disney vlogs are several years old now; I know there are one or two new places since I filmed them. Unfortunately veggie options are very limited at both Disney and USJ! There are only a few options, so be prepared - thankfully they list them on their websites: - Disney: www.tokyodisneyresort.jp/en/tdr/bfree/food.html - USJ: www.usj.co.jp/web/en/us/service-guide/barrier-free/dietary-restriction/plant-based-menu As well as these proper meals, there are of course also things like fries at quick service places, and all the sweet snacks and popcorn around the parks. Basically, don't expect too much!! 🙃

[@mcconicokeelross63]

@@cakeswithfaces thank you!

[@Paolo_DLR]

Oh nice timing. We'll be at USJ in July!

[@cakeswithfaces]

Have a wonderful time!!

[@shancock28]

Thanks Amy, really useful information. I am heading to Japan, solo, for the first time in October - very excited! Your videos have been so so helpful. I am not sure whether to go to USJ, however I am a HUGE Disney fan. So I am planning to go to DisneySea. Any tips for this one?? 🥰

[@cakeswithfaces]

USJ had never been top of my list either, so that's why I only just went for my first time there! But I love the Disney parks too, so I've been going to them since my first trip to Japan back in 2010! Disney Sea is absolutely beautiful - the detail in the theming is on another level. I can't wait to visit Fantasy Springs - I just saw some preview videos and it looks beautiful. But it's going to be busy once that opens, because everyone wants to go, so plan carefully and check what's required for timed entry, etc. Apart from that, enjoy all the different flavours of popcorn and the exclusive rides. I love Journey to the Centre of the Earth, and Pooh's Hunny Hunt in Disney Land is so much fun!

[@shancock28]

@@cakeswithfaces Awesome, thanks!

[@sandrito]

This video was super helpful! Thanks a lot.

[@cakeswithfaces]

Thanks so much!

[@yinkayasmin3567]

I'll be going in 2 days! Thanks for the handy tips. Also do you know if they allow the thermal drink bottles, the re-usable ones so i can bring and refill my own water?

[@cakeswithfaces]

Ooh exciting!! They allow refillable bottles up to 500ml: www.usj.co.jp/web/en/us/service-guide/rules-manners#prohibited-items:~:text=Thermoses%20and%20plastic%20bottles%20may%20be%20brought%20into%20the%20park.%20However%2C%20these%20are%20limited%20to%20one%20500%20ml%20container%20per%20person. Have a great time!!

[@MarkayWaibune]

Did you have to buy the studio pass and the express pass or only the express pass will do?

[@mk098a]

@@MarkayWaibune According to the website you apparently still need an entry ticket to get in alongside the express pass

[@aaronboggs730]

The universal express pass 7 gets you into Nintendo world? Thank you for your video, it was really helpful!

[@cakeswithfaces]

Yes, that's the one I got!

[@omegafire6253]

If already got express pass. When and how do you get the time entry's for them. We can't seem to figure out if we can just use them when ever or they won't let us.

[@cakeswithfaces]

On the express pass, if there's a time specified on the pass, you have to go on the ride (or enter the area, eg Super Nintendo World) during that time. For other rides, if there isn't a time, you can use it whenever you want. Once you've bought the pass, you don't need to do anything extra, just show the QR card at the ride. You can print it out or show it on your phone.

[@cassieNzach]

was there fireworks after and is it worth staying late for? travelling with a child. thanks for the vid. very helpful.

[@cakeswithfaces]

Thanks! I had to leave early (I had a shinkansen to catch) but I don't think they had any fireworks at USJ at the time.

[@GodAtum]

went on 28th May. Unfortunately most rides closed because of heavy rain. Entrance queue was about 20 mins. Made straight for Jaws, no queue. Mario Strawberry shortcake was delicious. Super Nintendo World - 15 mins queue. Mario Kart - 30 mins queue even with express pass. Yoshi - about 10 mins queue. Cafe - 40 mins queue. Food, especially dessert was decent for a theme park. Waterworld show cancelled all day. Hippogriff closed. Forbidden Journey was fun but got motion sick (20 mins queue). Tried butter beer and macaroni cheese after queuing at Three Broomsticks for 30 mins. Beer was very maple syrupy. Problem with restaurant there was no seats. So had to wait while my food was getting cold to get a seat. Got a wand.

[@cakeswithfaces]

Forbidden Journey gives me motion sickness too, it's the only ride that does! Did you have an express pass for all those rides? It's unfortunate when you have to book in advance, before you know the weather forecast, but you have to make the best of it!

[@GodAtum]

@@cakeswithfaces yes i had the top tier express pass for all those rides. Best bit was the Mario Strawberry shortcake!

[@muhammadfirdaus634]

Im going to Universal Studios in Nov. What do u reckon? Should i get the Express passes or not? Thanks in advance.

[@cakeswithfaces]

The queues are long pretty much all year round. When I filmed this, it was the off-season and it was still busy. The Express Passes are very expensive, but I don't think I would have been able to get on all the rides I wanted to do in one day without them - unless I'd been able to get there before opening time and be very strategic. So really it comes down to your budget - if you can afford the express passes, you'll spend more of the day on rides and less standing in queues. The cost was painful though, I wasn't happy about how expensive they are!

[@Buzpud]

How far in advance can you buy tickets? Going in February but not sure when is best to buy. Thank you for this really useful video. I think we are also going to to the express passes though it annoys me that it’s necessary to enjoy properly and not everyone has the budget.

[@cakeswithfaces]

Tickets go on sale 2 months in advance. You don't need to buy them early, especially for February as it's still the off-season. Bt the earlier you buy them, the wider choice of express pass times you have, before they start selling out, so I'd buy them early if you know when you want to go. I agree - it's annoying about the express passes, but those lines are LONG - I couldn't believe it. 😅

[@diego_SanSalvador]

great video! I have a question - I'm going in a few weeks and I think i've bought the same Express Pass 7 that you used with timed entries, and it says on it 'Hollywood Dream' or 'Jaws' (not for timed entry for those) - does that mean I can use the express queue on only one of those? I assume that's what it means Thanks!

[@cakeswithfaces]

That sounds like the same pass I got! Yes, you can use it for either Hollywood Dream or Jaws, whichever you choose.

[@AlanVByrnes]

I want to go!! Thank for this always helpful video you two!! 😎😎😎

[@cakeswithfaces]

Thanks! Japanese trains are the best!

[@AlanVByrnes]

@@cakeswithfaces you said it always are from what I can see and tell also 🙌🙌🙌

[@AlanVByrnes]

@@cakeswithfaces 🚂🚝🚄🚅🚈💨💨💨💨💨💨💨💨💨💨

[@craigj4979]

did you find you needed cash or was paying by card for food trains ect ok?

[@cakeswithfaces]

At Universal everywhere takes cards (apart from the vending machines), but in Japan generally you do need some cash as not everywhere takes cards.

[@jp0908]

Hi, does each ride allow u to place small bags on shelves besides the ride?

[@cakeswithfaces]

The bigger rides have lockers (free of charge) to put your bag in, and others you take your bag on with you.

[@jp0908]

@cakeswithfaces oh great. Only for the ride lockers, are foc yeah?

[@cakeswithfaces]

@@jp0908 Yes, you pay for the standard lockers, but the ones for use while you're on a ride are free.

[@jp0908]

@cakeswithfaces Thanks for sharing this. It will be very useful for me, as I will be going on solo. Having someone to look after my belongings will be hard and I don't want to spend money on locker as well (not going to be cheap).

[@mustang1969uk]

Yep, I said that the photos of Super Nintendo World don’t do it justice. And looks like you had great weather for it too, just a little cold 🥶 we went last year and the rain was torrential, the grey stairs there were really slippy, but was really cool to see everyone with their Mario branded umbrellas and ponchos!

[@cakeswithfaces]

It's good that the umbrellas matched the theming! It was the nicest weather of the trip, but this year spring was a lot colder than the same time last year when it was t-shirt weather!

[@AlexiaKH]

Is it true that the Studio passes allow you to access the park for one day in a 90-day validity range? As long as you comply with the price range you paid for. In my case, I bought two Type B 1Day Studio Pass to be able to visit the park on Sept. 18, but possibly we can change to and go on the 19th? (It is still a type B day).

[@cakeswithfaces]

Tbh I don't know - I've only been on the date I booked. On my pass, it says "Valid for 1 day on the date specified", but it also has an approx. 3 month date range for the "Date of Entry". It also has instructions for "When you come on a different priced date", which suggests that might be possible. However, I'd be very careful and check with an official source. When you book the pass, you have to specify a single date. It'd be terrible to not be allowed in if you turn up on a different day.

[@NiccoloMachiavelli777]

Good work - straight to the point guide

[@cakeswithfaces]

Thanks! Always try & make my videos as useful as I can!

[@muhammadfirdaus634]

I have a question. I got the express pass 4. There’s 4 QR codes on every corner right? How do i know which rides represent each QR code? Another question i have, does the Nintendo world have an hour time limit because it stated on the email that i have 1 hour at the Nintendo world. Does that mean i cant stay beyond an hour? Thanks

[@cakeswithfaces]

The QR codes on the Express Pass are all the same, for some reason they duplicate them (maybe in case one gets damaged on a printed version, or to make it quicker to locate one?). So it doesn't matter which one you show. :-) Nintendo World is just timed entry, so you have to enter during that time period, but then you can stay as long as you like. You could stay there for the whole rest of the day if you wanted to. :-) But once you leave, you can't go back in.

[@muhammadfirdaus634]

@ I think im clear on that. Thanks. Your channel has been a great help. Cheers

[@cakeswithfaces]

@@muhammadfirdaus634 That's great to hear, thank you! 🙂

[@hashimalsannaa2584]

When I go there, can I select the ride I want and pay for express pass for that ride only via the application?

[@cakeswithfaces]

I don't think it works like that for USJ. There's a choice of Express Passes that each include combinations of multiple rides, rather than buying passes for rides individually.

[@DutchWeebChronicle]

As I dont want to buy the express pass (they aren't even available anymore 2 months in advance), is it possible to get into Mario World? Because that would be the only reason I want to Visit USJ

[@cakeswithfaces]

There's a lottery for free timed entry passes that you can enter when you get to the park (check details of how to get one). I've also heard of lots of people who've got there early and walked straight in (but you do need to get there very early, as it often opens before the official opening time).

[@Joanna-dl7me]

Can you get into the Harry Potter World and Nintendo World without an express pass?

[@cakeswithfaces]

When I was there, yes - it says you need timed entry (which I think you can apply for if you don't have a pass) but when I was there it was just open, they weren't enforcing it. I heard that's often the case. The express pass included the rides there too; without it, the queues are very long.

[@QueenKupo]

What time do the tickets go live in the UK? I can’t find the answer anywhere 😢 Im looking to go on the 8th October

[@cakeswithfaces]

I don't know what time of day they go on sale; I'd guess maybe midnight Japan time, but you could check by going through the booking process and seeing when dates become available. I don't think USJ tickets sell out immediately so it's not one of the tickets you need to be online the moment they go on sale, like some other tickets! ☺️

[@PoojaKudva]

We got ours on Klook for 9-Oct. Booked for 2 adults 2 weeks ago. If you're looking for the Express passes, they may have run out.

[@QueenKupo]

@@PoojaKudva Thanks. I did manage to get express passes in the end thanks to Klook 🙂

[@iandegeyter8086]

Hi, i want to buy the express pass 7 but the website states that every express pass for the coming months is out of stock and that the stock will be announced in the near future. Does that mean that I also need to wait to buy the entry tickets because I'm a little anxious on missing out. Since our group really want to get into Nintendo world, we don't really know how to be sure we will get the chance to buy the pass. Thanks in advance!

[@cakeswithfaces]

It was a similar situation last month - I had a few comments from people who wanted to buy an express pass but they were unavailable for a while. I'm guessing they're making some changes/calculations about capacity because of new/changed attractions or events? (Just my guess!). I'd keep an eye on it and keep checking back for when they become available again. I haven't tried it myself, as I bought the park ticket and express pass together, but going through the process on the ticket site, it seems possible to purchase just an express pass at a later date by clicking "next step" without selecting a park ticket. I didn't check it all the way through to payment though so I'm not 100% sure! I'd keep an eye on ticket availability for your dates to see if they're likely to sell out, and hopefully express passes will become available again.

[@iandegeyter8086]

@@cakeswithfacesthank you so much! I’ll keep looking everyday

[@Trixie0831]

As always a very informative video. But was it a mastercard that u used to pay on the usj site or a uk bank card x

[@cakeswithfaces]

Thanks! It was a UK credit card that requires payments to be approved with an app. Not sure if that's what means it's accepted but they generally seem to be ok on Japanese sites!

[@Trixie0831]

@cakeswithfaces OK I'll have to see how I get on we are goin in Oct an that's the last bit we need to book but can't till August. What time here did u book the tickets an was it on the day they came available x

[@cakeswithfaces]

@@Trixie0831 I booked about a month before we went, as I hadn't originally planned to go but we decided to go for it as we had that day free. USJ isn't somewhere you need to book the minute it goes on sale - for example, today you can still book tickets for tomorrow. But if you book earlier you have a wider choice of express passes before they sell out. And if you know you definitely want to go, you might as well get them booked. 🙂

[@Trixie0831]

@cakeswithfaces it's the express passes that I wanna make sure that we get the times we want as we r goin for 2 days in the park x

[@cakeswithfaces]

@@Trixie0831 There's certainly a huge choice of times to choose from!

[@AndrewAbroadTravel]

30,000 yen for 1 day. That really seems expensive. Do they check for selfie sticks? How long did it take you to get into USJ at 1030 am?

[@cakeswithfaces]

The park admission ticket's pretty reasonable, but yes, when you add on the cost of the express pass, it does make it an expensive day. The sign says selfie sticks aren't allowed, so I think if you used one, the staff would ask you to put it away. 10:30 is quite late to get there, so it didn't take long to get in at all. It looks like there are a lot of people at the gates, but it's made up of a row of queues and moved along pretty quickly.

[@TheDelikizzz]

What happens if a ride on your fast pass ends up being out of service? Do they replace it with another ride?

[@cakeswithfaces]

I didn't try it myself, but it says here that you can use the express pass for another ride (this isn't the official site though so I can't say if it's accurate): www.headout.com/universal-studios-japan-tickets/combo-universal-express-pass-4-variety-choice-universal-studios-japan-tickets-e-19686/#:~:text=the%20Express%20Pass%20can%20be%20used%20once%20for%20another%20attraction%20that%20is%20not%20included%20in%20the%20Express%20Pass.

[@kerri-annkumar5752]

How did you manage to purchase direct? I’m guessing you prepared your credit card somehow?

[@cakeswithfaces]

Japanese websites are very specific about security requirements. The card I used was a UK card that has an app to approve payments. Amex often works too.

[@yllanesartscrafts5287]

Can I bring tripod there?

[@cakeswithfaces]

Sorry, the sign at the entrance says no tripods allowed.

[@yllanesartscrafts5287]

@@cakeswithfaces what can you recommend to bring? I'm a solo traveler, I wanna capture whole body photos. How about those compact tripods? Small only. What do you think?

[@mk098a]

@@yllanesartscrafts5287 It says no tripods so no tripods regardless of the size, you'll just have to not have any full-body shots while at USJ

[@smyth339]

Hey :) thanks for helpful video! Just wanted to check I went onto klook to book the express pass 7 as well but it said dont at the end that i needed to purchase a universal entry ticket as well as this express pass ticket. Is this correct? When i go onto the offical ticket site it says "disabled" when i try buy tickets

[@cakeswithfaces]

Yes, you need to purchase an entry ticket and an express pass. If it says "disabled" on the official site, it's probably because there's a ticket already in your basket.

[@smyth339]

Thanks :) the only thing is when i go to buy the entry ticket and have that in my basket then the express passes it says i cant because there is already one in my cart...im so confused! How can i buy an entry ticket and express pass if it only allows one ticket in the basket?

[@cakeswithfaces]

@@smyth339 I'd empty everything out of your basket, make sure it's empty then start again! The website can be a bit picky.

[@smyth339]

@cakeswithfaces i think I'm just confused because if I'm meant to buy an entry admission ticket and an express pass can't i do that at the same time?

[@cakeswithfaces]

@@smyth339 Yes, you can buy them in the same transaction. Just start again, empty everything out of your basket. The entry ticket and express pass have to be for the same day, or it won't let you buy it.

[@av110386]

7:00 dang San Francisco taking shots

[@cakeswithfaces]

I loved the city but wouldn't walk around there on my own!

[@AJ-ly8si]

I'm going to universal studios Japan in 2 weeks and I am going on flying dinosaur and I am so fucking scared. Any advice for a scardey cat who isn't great with rollercoasters?

[@cakeswithfaces]

It's an intense ride! Try not to get too freaked out by the build-up when you have to go through the metal detectors and checks for loose items (it feels like you're about to enter a dinosaur pen!). It can help to tense your stomach muscles when there are drops. Good luck and try and enjoy it!

[@AJ-ly8si]

@@cakeswithfaces the main part I am scared of is the pretzel loop. How bad is it? Thanks!

[@cakeswithfaces]

@@AJ-ly8si Honestly there are so many twists and turns you won't know which bit is which! The bit I found most scary was at the start when you're going up slowly (the anticipation!).

[@MzuMzu-nx1em]

1:36 ! My hallo kitty grenades are ok ! Can't live without 😆🤣🤣😂🤣🤣😆🤣😂🤣

[@cakeswithfaces]

😂😂

[@MrSamuraispirit]

Although I'm Japanese, I've never been to USJ and Disneyland😂

[@cakeswithfaces]

It's always the way with tourist attractions in your own country!! 😂

[@jaypeve]

So now you just need to go to Universal Studios in Beijing and the one at Singapore

[@cakeswithfaces]

Collect them all! The Disney Parks in Hong Kong and China too....

[@MzuMzu-nx1em]

The oriental hotel let me speechless as original idea . 😆😂🤣🤣🤣😂😆😂🤣🤣

[@cakeswithfaces]

👍

[@MzuMzu-nx1em]

@@cakeswithfaces I am happy for you having so much fun 😁

[@RealNTAF]

As an American the dig at San Francisco hurt😢....but not wrong 😂unfortunately

[@cakeswithfaces]

Haha, I've been to San Francisco twice now and loved it there, but I wouldn't walk around on my own at night ..!

[@RealNTAF]

@@cakeswithfaces I wouldn't recommend anyone walk around any big cities in America at night anymore. And that's really sad to say because there are some cool cities here.

[@karladlington3112]

Showing your what?

[@cakeswithfaces]

??

[@AlanVByrnes]

😃👍

[@AlanVByrnes]

🇯🇵🇯🇵🇯🇵🇯🇵🇯🇵🇯🇵🇯🇵🇯🇵