How to Get to Universal Studios Japan from Tokyo

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A common question for visitors to Japan is how to get to Universal Studios Japan from Tokyo. This article will assist you in better understanding the options for travelling from Tokyo to USJ.

How to Purchase Universal Studios Japan Tickets and Express Passes

We have a detailed article to help you plan your visit to USJ, including how to purchase your tickets and skip the queue Express Passes.

How to Get to Universal Studios Japan from Tokyo

I have put together a step-by-step guide on how to catch the train from Tokyo to Universal Studios Japan.

Tokyo Station to Shin-Osaka Station

In Tokyo, the bullet train departure points are from Tokyo Station, Shinagawa Station or Shin-Yokohama Station to Shin-Osaka Station. The shinkansen will take approximately 2.45 – 3 hrs.

Make sure you allow extra time to visit the food hall at Tokyo Station to purchase some delicious ekiben snacks to eat on the train.

I suggest you try to get a seat allocation on the right hand side so that you can have the chance to see Mt Fuji as you pass.

Shin-Osaka Station to Universal City Station

After you arrive at Shin-Osaka Station, you will need to transfer to the local trains to Universal City Station, the dedicated station for Universal Studios Japan. There are two different local line options you can choose from.

Depart from Shin-Osaka Station, follow the signs to the Tokaido-Sanyo Line, and catch this train to Osaka Station, a journey of 4 minutes. The walk to the Osaka Loop Line and catch this train to Nishikujo Station, a journey of 5 minutes. Then do a final transfer to the JR Yumesaki Line to Universal City Station, a journey of 5 minutes. Sometimes the final two trains are the same train and you will not need to change trains at Nishikujo Station.

Yes, you have to catch three separate trains to get there, but they are all short rides with quick transfers. There is good signage for Universal Studios Japan to help you walk in the right direction.

From Universal City station you will then walk 200m to get to the entrance to USJ – passing by the many hotels, eateries and shops which are located outside the entrance.

Ensure you plan your USJ visit by reading our detailed article on how to visit USJ. Also plan to purchase your USJ Entry Pass and skip the queue Express Passes in advance. The current options are detailed below.

The current Express Pass options are shown below. Note that Express Pass inclusions regularly change, so carefully read the options before booking. Ensure you book your Express Passes early, as they regularly sell out in advance.

When you purchase an Express Pass through Klook, you will be able to select your preferred timeslots for each of the timed rides, as well as your timed entry to Super Mario World. You select your times after you have added the Express Passes to your shopping cart.

  • Studio Entry: Your Studio Pass is your entry ticket to USJ, which has dynamic pricing depending on which day you plan to visit. You can choose from 1, 1.5 and 2 day passes. There are also entry passes, which include timed entry to Super Nintendo World, plus a VIP tour option, which is amazing to get a guided tour and skip the queues. You can either purchase your Studio Entry pass and skip-the-queue Express passes separately or as a package. Click here to check out and book through Klook.
  • Express Pass 7: The Express Pass 7 enables you to skip the queue on 7 rides in USJ. Click here to check out and book through Klook.
  • Express Pass 4: The Express Pass 4 enables you to skip the queue on 4 rides in USJ. Click here to check out and book through Klook.
  • Other Express Passes: There are also Express Pass 8, 5, 1 options, plus special event Express Passes for events like Halloween, Christmas and Cool Japan. When you click through to Klook you will see the currently available passes as they change over time. Click here to check out and book through Klook.
The Entrance to the Hotel Keihan Universal Towers Hotel on the right hand side
The walk from Universal City Station to the USJ entrance

Bus from Tokyo to Universal Studios Japan

A cheaper option from Tokyo to Universal Studios Japan is to catch the bus. There are both day and overnight buses which will drop you off to various locations in Osaka, and you can then catch the train to USJ. Trip time is approximately 8.5 – 10.5 hours, with departures from Shinjuku Station, Ikebukuro, Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo City.

The easiest option to find and book your bus trip is through 12go.asia – they show all of the options to help you find the best option for your visit. Note that you must book ahead to ensure you will get a seat.

Click Here to check out overnight and day bus options through 12go.asia

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