Japan is Nippon 日本語
A fishing boat and seaside village buildings in the Amity Village area of Universal Studios Japan
Photo: Jun Maegawa, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Osaka · theme park

Universal Studios Japan

ユニバーサル・スタジオ・ジャパン

The first Universal Studios park outside the USA, home to Super Nintendo World and its recreation of Mario's world. It turned 25 in 2026.

Visitors walking past brick buildings styled like an old American city street at Universal Studios Japan
Photo: Jun Maegawa, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Universal Studios Japan entrance area with a roller coaster track rising behind the buildings
Photo: Terence Ong, CC BY 2.5, via Wikimedia Commons

Osaka's theme park turns 25

Universal Studios Japan (USJ) is a theme park in Konohana Ward, Osaka. It opened on 31 March 2001 as the world's third Universal Studios park and the first outside the United States. It is run by USJ LLC, a group company of the American NBCUniversal (part of Comcast).

2026 is the park's 25th anniversary year, and special events are being held under the theme "Discover U!!!". In January 2026 a project to create a new experience with Pokémon was also announced (details and timing to be announced).

The worlds of Mario and Donkey Kong

The biggest draw is Super Nintendo World, which opened in March 2021. It was the world's first area recreating the worlds of Nintendo's games, with attractions such as a Mario Kart ride. On 11 December 2024 the area was expanded with Donkey Kong Country, which added a mine-cart-style roller coaster and more.

Harry Potter, Minions and plenty more

Areas with very different themes sit side by side, including The Wizarding World of Harry Potter (opened 2014), Minion Park (opened 2017) and Universal Wonderland.

Admission prices vary from day to day. Check the official website or official app for prices and the operating status of attractions.

Getting there and area entry rules

It is about a 5-minute walk from Universal City Station on the JR Yumesaki Line (Sakurajima Line).

Some areas, such as Super Nintendo World, may require a free Area Timed Entry Ticket or Area Timed Entry Lottery Ticket to get in. Since 5 January 2026 these have been issued only through the official app. If you want guaranteed entry, you can buy a Universal Express Pass that includes a guaranteed area entry ticket in advance.

Tips

  • Install the official app on your smartphone before you go. Area timed entry tickets and lottery tickets are available only through the app, and on the day they can run out early.
  • If you want to be sure of getting into Super Nintendo World, buying a ticket product that includes guaranteed area entry in advance gives you peace of mind.
  • Admission prices change depending on the date. Once you know when you are going, check the official website early.

Sources

Updated 28 September 2026. Opening hours and prices change, so check the official site before you go.

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