Universal Studios Japan Guide: Tips To Make The Most Out Of Rides & Attractions Without A USJ Express Pass

Universal Studios Japan guide for Malaysians

If you’ve been scrolling through the ‘gram, you would’ve seen at least a fellow Malaysian having the time of their lives in Japan. If it’s not for the blooming cherry blossoms, it’s for the remarkable attractions like Universal Studios Japan (USJ). 

That said, with great popularity comes the inevitable struggle of navigating through the sea of crowds and standing for hours in enduring long queues. While splurging on Express Tickets seems like the only way out of this on a visit to USJ, not everyone has the privilege to spend a fortune for a day at the sprawling amusement park.

But fret not. Experiencing the movie magic and captivating attractions in person at USJ on a budget is not entirely impossible. Here, we have a guide to Universal Studios Japan for Malaysians that dives deep into strategies and tips for a budget-savvy adventure in USJ that’ll keep both your heart and wallets happy.

– Before the day of visit –

With its cornucopia of exhilarating rides and immersive attractions themed after iconic movies – such as The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Super Nintendo World, and Jurassic Park – USJ is an entertainment mecca that shines with the essence of magic for every visitor.

For a smooth-sailing day of fun, some thorough pre-planning is vital. This may sound tedious, but the memories you’ll create and the joy of experiencing an out-of-the-world experience sans getting confused the day of will be well worth your efforts.

1. Buy your tickets ahead of your visit

While tickets can be purchased at the front counter on the day of your visit, that’ll be one extra  queue to endure. Instead, save some time and the hassle of last-minute preparation by booking your tickets to USJ in advance.

You can do this by purchasing them online via USJ’s official website or through an authorised ticketing partner such as Klook. Once purchased online, you simply have to scan the QR code on your e-ticket at the entrance gates on the day itself and enter the amusement park directly.

2. Plan to visit on days when crowds would be at a minimal

Image credit: Universal Studios Japan

Scheduling your USJ visit during off-peak seasons can help you avoid the worst of the crowds and consequently, the agony of hours-long queues. The park will see surges in attendance, particularly during the weekends, holidays, and special events, so you’ll want to avoid those days. Instead, plan your visit on a weekday, preferably mid-week.

This list of public holidays in Japan will come in handy for when you are deciding on the date of your visit.

3. Research on the types of Studio Passes or package deals that will be suitable for you

Image credit: Universal Studios Japan

The pricing structure for Universal Studios Japan studio passes offers a range of options that cater to different budgets and preferences – including the length of visit, age, and additional perks.

Regular USJ studio passes are priced as below:

• 1 Day Studio Pass: ¥8,600 (~RM269.87) for adults, ¥5,600 (~RM175.73) for children
• 1.5 Day Studio Pass: ¥13,100 (~RM411.09) for adults, ¥8,600 (~RM269.87) for children
• 2 Day Studio Pass: ¥16,300 (~RM511.50) for adults, ¥16,300 (~RM332.63) for children

Do note that the prices may vary depending on days and seasons.

Image credit: Klook Indonesia

USJ also offers two types of Express Passes that allow ticket holders to skip the queues of 4 or 7 attractions. But these do come at a rather hefty price. And being a world-class amusement park, its admission tickets aren’t inexpensive to begin with.

If you’re one who absolutely loathes waiting in lines and is willing to fork out more dosh to avoid them, then the Express Passes are definitely worthy investments. Otherwise, read on to see how you can still get the most out of your day at USJ without one.

Apart from these passes, keep your eyes peeled for package deals that could be extremely economical such as combo deals encapsulating hotel stays, transport and studio passes, or even birthday packages with additional perks.

4. Download the USJ app to make the most of your time at the park

Image credit: App Store

The Universal Studios Japan mobile application is an invaluable tool that will help enhance your experience at the park. The app offers up-to-date information on the park’s operation hours, show schedules, temporary ride closures, and many more.

It’s especially handy on busy days at the park, as you can use it to keep track of how long the queue is by providing you with wait times for each attraction. The app features an interactive map that tells you the location of rides, dining venues, restrooms, and other essential amenities, making it easy for visitors to navigate the park’s sprawling landscape.

You’ll also need the app to obtain the digital timed-entry ticket for certain attractions. Read on more information about this ticket at point 8.

For iOS users, download the app here. For Android users, get it here. 

5. Plan your routes according to which themed attractions you prioritise

Image credit: Jia-Ju

It is rather common to see visitors dash in a flurry towards certain attractions once they’re past the bag inspections and through the gates. You don’t have to join the sprinting race, but it is vital to know where you would like to head first, especially if you don’t have an express pass. 

It’s highly recommended to plan out a rough itinerary before the day of your visit according to the attractions you would like to explore or activities you want to indulge in.

If you’re a huge Potterhead, beeline to the The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and fulfil your Hogwarts fantasies without having to wait in agony for a glass of Butterbeer or to get your own wand. 

Thrillseekers who cannot get enough of adrenaline-pumping rides, familiarise yourself with the layout of certain rides at different attractions, and schedule your routes according to which ones you would like to take on first. 

This is where the park map on the USJ app will come in handy, as well as the Shows & Attractions Timetable which you can download from their official website here.

– On the day of visit –

6. Arrive at the gates before the park’s official opening hours

Image credit: @ybmoment via Instagram

Like any immensely popular place or event, there’ll be throngs of people waiting at the location hours before opening time – and that’s what you’ll be advised to do for USJ. 

The posted official opening hours for the park is 8am, but aim to arrive at the park at least an hour before. This not only gives you a head start, but also allows room for any unexpected delays.

As a cheaper option and to avoid traffic and parking delays, do utilise public transportation as the Universal-City Station can be conveniently reached by train or bus from USJ. Do research the routes beforehand. It’ll be good to familiarise yourself with train lines to use and stations to alight at for transfer so that you don’t get lost on the way.

Consider booking to stay at a hotel near USJ if you have to, as this will help minimise travel time.

7. Fill yourself up with some light meals or snacks in the morning

Image credit: Jia-Ju

Sure, USJ’s snacks and adorable desserts are irresistible and part of the enchanting experience of enjoying the theme park.

However, food and meals at the park are rather pricey.And with a full day of intense exhilaration, screaming and walking, park-goers may get famished rather quickly. The last thing you’ll want is to spend a bomb on multiple meals. 

Loading your bags up with light meals into the park may be the genius move here but sadly, food and drinks from outside the park aren’t allowed to be brought in.

Image credit: Universal Studios Japan

Our advice – fill yourself up substantially with convenience store food that you can get on your way to USJ, then spend the rest of the day snacking on light amusement park treats. 

Once you’re done with your day in the park, head out to Universal City Walk where you’ll find a plethora of restaurants to dine at for dinner. This is a more economical option than dining at the pricier restaurants within USJ, and again, having to wait in line for your food.

Do bring along an empty water bottle as there are several water fountains strategically located in the park where you can refill your water.

8. Get the free timed-entry tickets as soon as you arrive at the gates

To explain it simply, timed-entry tickets are passes that lets you reserve a specific time slot for an attraction. So anyone who has purchased a valid studio pass to USJ will get to use the timed-entry ticket once on the same date of entry.

Image credit: USJ App

Once you have entered the park gates, these tickets can be redeemed via a ticket kiosk within the park or through the USJ app.

All you have to do is register your ticket by clicking on the ‘Register Admission Tickets’ tab on the app. Then, locate ‘Timed Entry eTickets’, select the attraction and preferred time, and take a screenshot of the QR code displayed once you have confirmed your selection. Visitors will be assured of an entry time to the selected themed zone at a designated time.

If you do arrive early, you can almost always get entry into certain attractions even without a timed-entry ticket. Nevertheless, these passes are life-saviours especially during peak hours and seasons.

9. Make use of the single-rider lanes

Unless you’re visiting the theme park with a large party and would like to stick close to your group of family or friends, queue at the single-rider lanes which tend to be shorter and move faster.

If you’re there solo or in groups of two or three, let the ride attendant know that you’re a single rider and you’ll be placed in a lane that has a significantly shorter waiting time. You may not be sitting with your friends on the ride itself, but that seems like a fairly good trade-off for not having to wait for hours in line.

10. Buy a poncho beforehand

Some rides will drench you so to avoid having to spend more money on dry clothes, make sure you are well-equipped with some rain ponchos. You can easily get a super convenient compact one at any convenience store in Japan.

11. Take your time to explore the sprawling amusement park

Image credit: Universal Studios Japan

Now that you’ve paid for your tickets to USJ, you’ll want to make your time spent there worth every single yen. You can do that by taking your time to explore the palette of dreams that is Universal Studios Japan.

Apart from the allure of riveting rides, there is also magnificent architecture that pays tribute in staggering detail to iconic places in beloved movies, as well as vibrant parades and performances that will embed joy in you.

Or you could stroll down the bustling avenues and take in the symphonious buzz of excitement, thrilling screams, and tantalising scent of street food. The universe of USJ really is your oyster.

12. Make sure to get a tax refund on the souvenirs before leaving USJ

Image credit: Maiku Daily

When your inner child is done marvelling at everything USJ has to offer and your body is ready for bed, there’s one last thing you need to do before leaving the park – that is to obtain a tax refund on your USJ loot.

The tax refund counter is located inside the park on your left, right before the exit gates. As the counter only opens at 2pm, do your shopping before then if you would prefer to be there early to avoid the queue.

Image credit: @ai_nyaro via Instagram

It is crucial to have your passport with you as you’ll need to present it at the tax refund counter. Be sure to keep the original receipts and the purchased goods unopened until you depart from Japan. Officials may request to inspect the items during your departure at the airport customs.

Universal Studios Japan budget tips

Universal Studios Japan and its diverse range of entertainment options is an irresistible magnet for tourists from all over the world. 

However, the prospect of exorbitant ticket prices, long queues, and costly bites can very easily dampen one’s excitement, especially those of budget-conscious visitors. So if you’re planning to visit USJ, bookmark this guide to discover the thrills and revel in the wonders of USJ without having to put a strain on your wallets.

Cover image adapted from: Universal Studios Japan & TheSmartLocal Singapore