Yadori Plan a trip

Universal Studios Japan and Super Nintendo World

What the Osaka park offers, which tickets to buy and in what order.

What to see 3 min read Updated 20 Oct 2026

Illuminated Osaka street at night, Japan

Universal Studios Japan, in Osaka, has Harry Potter, the Minions and, above all, Super Nintendo World, extended in December 2024 with Donkey Kong Country. Here is what it offers, what it costs and what is worth booking before you go: the park ticket, access to the Nintendo area and the Express Pass.

Universal Studios Japan (Osaka) and Super Nintendo World

Where: Osaka, in the bay area (Universal-City station, on the JR Yumesaki line).

Universal Studios Japan (USJ) is the big theme park event in western Japan, perfect to combine with a stay in Osaka. It has the zones you would expect from a Universal (Hollywood, Minions, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter) but its own hallmark in Japan is Super Nintendo World.

Super Nintendo World is a physical recreation of the world of Mario: pipes, coins, a wristband (Power-Up Band) that connects with the app to "play" around the zone, and the star ride of Mario Kart. In December 2024 it gained Donkey Kong Country, an expansion that enlarged the zone by around 70% and added the family minecart roller coaster (Mine Cart Madness). It is the world's first Donkey Kong area.

How to buy the ticket (and why the order matters)

There are two things to buy here, and it is best not to confuse them:

  • The park ticket: with a date. Buy it in advance, especially in high season.
  • Access to Super Nintendo World: on busy days, the zone controls capacity. It may require an Area Timed Entry (a free timed-slot entry, managed via the park app or included in certain passes) or be covered by a paid Express Pass.

Indicative price: the one-day Studio Pass for adults starts at around 8,900 ¥ (approx. 48 € at the current rate) and rises in high season, also with dynamic pricing by date. The Express Pass (fast access) is paid separately and its price varies a lot depending on the day and the rides it covers. Since 2025 USJ tickets are only sold online (there is no ticket window at the gate).

The Universal Express Pass is the paid system to skip queues (it includes versions that already guarantee entry to Super Nintendo World and Donkey Kong Country). It is one of the products that sells out the most, so if your visit depends on riding Mario Kart without endless queues, consider booking it well ahead. As always, confirm on the official USJ website or on the sales platform exactly what each pass includes before buying, because it changes by season.

Park ticket · Klook

Universal Studios Japan: 1-Day Studio Pass

The park ticket, with a date and digital voucher. Rated 4.8 out of 5 with more than 6 million bookings.

View the Studio Pass on Klook

Skip queues · Klook

Universal Studios Japan: Express Pass

Fast access to the most in-demand rides (including versions with Super Nintendo World). Rated 4.7 out of 5 with more than 3 million bookings.

View the Express Pass on Klook

Affiliate links: if you buy through them you pay nothing extra and you help keep this site running.

Arrive early. On peak days, the timed-slot entries for Super Nintendo World can sell out first thing even if you have your park ticket.
See alsoOsaka guide

Activities to book

Experiences related to this guide. Book ahead to secure your spot on your travel dates.

Save a full day for Osaka

The planner splits the nights between Osaka and the rest of your route according to your pace, so Universal gets its full day.

Plan my trip

Frequently asked questions

Where is Universal Studios Japan?

In Osaka, in the bay area, next to Universal-City station. It is the star plan for the Osaka days and is home to Super Nintendo World, which in December 2024 expanded with the new Donkey Kong Country area.

What is Super Nintendo World and where is it?

It is the theme zone of the Nintendo world (Mario, with the Mario Kart ride and an interactive wristband) inside Universal Studios Japan, in Osaka. On 11 December 2024 it expanded with Donkey Kong Country, the world's first area dedicated to Donkey Kong. On peak days it may require a free timed-slot entry managed by the app, or be covered by a paid Express Pass.