Osaka Universal Studios Japan and Super Nintendo World Guide
I’m obsessed with Mario. I’ve played every version on every console since my friend Sabrina introduced me to Nintendo when we were little girls. Zach and I play Mario Kart every day. Naturally, on our visit to Osaka, Universal Studios Japan and Super Mario Land were top priorities.
It was Sakura Season, and everyone else was in Japan too. I expected Universal Studios to be busy, but I underestimated how much. I knew Super Nintendo World required timed entry, but I never imagined it would be so competitive.
Planning a trip to Universal Studios Japan in Osaka requires you to take care of a lot of things ahead of time. I’m going to cover purchasing your tickets, getting into Super Nintendo World, what a day at Universal Studios Japan is like and some tips to help your trip go smoothly.
Hi readers, if you buy something through a link on this site, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. This helps me run this site. If you want to know more, check out my affiliate disclosure. I appreciate your support
Purchasing Universal Studios Japan Tickets
The easiest way to purchase Universal Studios Japan tickets is on Klook. Klook is a popular booking platform for activities and tours in Japan. They have a bunch of different ticket options. Some include extras like Super Nintendo World, early entrance to the park, and express passes.
Once you pick a date, the tickets are non-refundable come rain or shine. I waited until the week before to purchase the tickets so I could see the weather forecast. This turned out to be the wrong move because the extras I wanted to add on were sold out.
Purchasing the Universal Studios Japan tickets gets you into the theme park, but doesn’t guarantee entry into Super Nintendo World
Using The Train To Get To Universal Studios Osaka Japan
Taking the train is the best option for getting to Universal Studios. There is a train stop 5 minutes walk from the gates at Universal Station. It’s a colourful walk full of themed stores and restaurants that set your expectations for the park.
Getting to Universal Studios Japan From Osaka
From Osaka, the easiest way to get to Universal Studios Japan is to take the JR Yumesaki Line from Nishikujō Station to Universal-City Station, the ride takes about 15 minutes.
Depending on where you are staying in Osaka, you may need to take the Osaka Loop Line or the Hanshin-Namba line to Nishikujō Station and then transfer to the Yumesaki line. From the Namba area, the whole trip is about 30 minutes,
Currently, because of the World Expo, there is a new express train called the Expo Liner that you can catch at Osaka Station that will deliver you to Universal Studios in 10 minutes.
Getting to Universal Studios Japan From Kyoto
From Kyoto, getting to Universal Studios Japan by train takes about an hour. Go to Kyoto Station and take the JR Tokaido-Sanyo Line toward Osaka Station.
Once there, transfer to the JR Osaka Loop Line and ride it until Nishikujō Station, where you transfer to the JR Yumesaki Line. Then get off at Universal-City Station.
Alternatively, from Kyoto, you could take JR Haruka or the JR Tokaido-Sanyo Line to Shin-Osaka Station and transfer to the new Expo Liner. Then get off at Universal-City Station
Getting to Universal Studios Japan From Nara
From Nara, it takes about an hour to get to Universal Studios Japan. Start by taking the JR Yamatoji Line to Tennoji Station. The Yamatoji Line is part of the Kansai Line, and your Google Maps may call it that.
From Tennoji Station, transfer to the JR Osaka Loop Line, heading toward Nishikujō Station. At Nishikujō, transfer to the JR Yumesaki Line and ride it to Universal-City Station.
Alternatively, you could take the Kinetetsu-Nara Line to the Osaka Loop Line or the JR Yumesaki Line.
Getting to Universal Studios Osaka Japan Tips
Changing trains sounds like a lot, but Japan’s train system is efficient, and the transfers are smooth. Give yourself plenty of time because the stations are large and busy, which can make finding the right train line difficult at times.
We got confused trying to find the correct entrance into Shinsaibashi Station and lost precious time. If in doubt you can always ask for directions at an information kiosk or ticket booth.
I suggest you use Google Maps or Navitime to find the best route from your location. They will also tell you which train station entrance to use and which train car to board, and which exit to use. Als,o look up from your phone and read the signs.
Entering Universal Studios Osaka Japan
When you get off the train, the signs will lead you to Universal City, which is an exciting strip of gimmicky restaurants and shops that lead to Universal Studios Japan’s gates. They have done their job of making the walk into Universal Studios Japan feel pretty magical.
If you have already purchased your ticket on Klook then you can go directly to the entry line at park gates. There your QR will be scanned and your bag will go though a security check.
How to Get Into Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Japan
Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Japan is a special area, and your park ticket doesn’t give you access to it.
If you want to visit Super Nintendo World there are 3 ways to get in.
- Area Timed Entry Ticket
- Standby Area Timed Entry Ticket
- Get Into Super Nintendo World Early
1. Area Timed Entry Ticket
An Area Timed Entry Ticket is a special ticket that lets you enter Super Nintendo World at a specific time. There are a few ways to get these timed tickets.
Option A: Purchase a combo pass on Klook when you are buying your Universal Studios Japan park ticket.
There are a few different combo passes on Klook. The best one includes your Universal Studios Japan park ticket + an area timed entry ticket to Super Nintendo World.
Another great combo is the one that includes entry to Universal Studios and Mario World, but adds on a Have Fun in Kansai Pass that will let you visit other attractions while you are in Osaka.
If you purchase an Express Ride Pass some of them include entry into Super Nintendo World too. Check out the full details of the Universal Studios Japan Combo Passes sold by Klook.
The combo pass has amazing value but unfortunately when I bought our tickets for Universal Studios it was sold out.
So were the timed entries to Super Nintendo World and the Ride Express Passes.
Waiting until the week before we were in Osaka to buy the Universal Studios passes really backfired. I’m grateful we still got park tickets.. If you want to guarantee entry to Super Nintendo World or get Ride Express Passes I recommend you buy well in advance.
Option B: Book the Area Timed Entry using the official Universal Studios Japan app
The official Universal Studios App is a must download for timed entries, maps, wait times, and park information.
You can purchase Super Nintendo World area timed entry tickets and express passes on the Universal Studios Japan app. Some of the express passes include timed entry. But they also sell out!
Option C. Get A Timed Entry Slot from a machine in the park
The Universal Studios website says you can try to grab a timed entry into Super Nintendo World on the day of your visit from a ticket machine inside the park.
I would not recommend waiting until you are in the park to grab timed entry tickets! The tickets were sold out 1 week in advance, so I would have zero faith in them being available on the day of.
2. Stand By Area Timed Entry Pass
If you didn’t secure an area timed entry ticket, you can get a standby ticket on the Universal Studios Japan app. With a standby ticket, you have the opportunity to try and get a timed entry once you enter the park.
A standby timed entry ticket to Super Nintendo World is how we got in. I found the process confusing and even needed a park worker to help me out. This is what we needed to do.
After you buy your Universal Studios Japan ticket on Klook, upload the QR code to the Universal Studios Japan app. You can do this one day after you buy it—this is the step I missed.
I got into the park by using the Klook QR code, but because I didn’t connect the QR code to the Universal Studios App, I couldn’t use my standby ticket for Super Nintendo World right away.
To keep things easy, upload your ticket to the app before you get to the park. That way, when you walk in, you’ll be able to join the standby line for Super Nintendo World right away.
My phone was struggling with internet connectivity as I tried to panic load the QR codes and I was getting frustrated.
Luckily, a worker on site stepped in to help and suggested we take a photo of the entry tickets on Zach’s phone and then upload the photo to my phone to link it to the standby Super Nintendo World tickets. With his hel,p we managed to get a timed entry for 2:40 – 3:40 pm.
Please note we entered the park at 8 am and the earliest time slot available for our standby ticket was 2:40 – 3:40 pm! These slots go quick!
Super Nintendo World Standby Area Timed Entry Key Points
- Buy your Universal Studios Japan ticket on Klook
- Wait 1 day and then load the QR code into the Universal Studios Japan app
- Sign up for a standby timed entry ticket on the Universal Studios Japan app
- On the day you get into the park, grab a Super Mario timed entry slot
3. Get Into Super Nintendo World Early
If you did not secure an area timed entry or standby entry into Super Nintendo World, don’t fret, there is another way to get your Mario Kart fix.
Since making it into Super Nintendo World was super important to me, I was alarmed about relying on a standby ticket and did some research on how else to get in.
It turns out that Universal Studios Japan opens earlier than the advertised time, by an hour or two!. The opening time changes daily, so you need to check ahead for your visit.
If you line up at Universal Studios Japan early and race when the park quietly opens before the official time, you have a chance at getting into Super Nintendo World before the timed entries start.
Rushing The Gates Didn’t Work Out For Us
On the day of our visit, Universal Studios Japan was supposed to open at 9 am, so we made plans to arrive at 7:30 am and get in line to run to Super Nintendo World when the gates opened.
Our plan was to rush the gates and hurry to Mario World, but we had trouble getting to Universal Studios Japan in the morning. We chose Shinsaibashi Station because it was closer to our hotel than Namba Station. We were less familiar with Shinsaibashi Station, and finding the correct entrance was a challenge we hadn’t expected. Eventuall,y we found our way to Universal Studios, but the delay was significant, we were at least 15 minutes behind schedule.
When we got to Universal Studios Japan there were about 800 people already in front of us. The gates were already open, and all we could do was to follow the sea of people inside.
Friends that were in Japan at the same time did successfully get into Super Nintendo World using the line up get there early method, so this is possible – even in Sakura season!
Get Into Super Nintendo World Early Steps
Before Your Visit:
- Double-check the official opening time of Universal Studios Japan on Google and the Universal Studios website. Then expect it to open at least 1 hour earlier than listed
- Map out your train route to Universal Studios Japan in advance
- Plan to arrive at least 1.5 hours early (e.g., arrive by 7:30 AM if the posted open time is 9:00 AM)
- On the day of, get to the Universal Studios Japan gates early to line up before the crowd
- As soon as the gates open, race the crowd to Super Nintendo World
- Enter Super Nintendo World before the first timed entries begin—you won’t need a timed ticket if you’re fast!
What Our Visit To Universal Studios Japan Was Like
The Universal Studios Japan App has a map of the grounds and displays ride wait times. Since we had half a day to wait before we could enter Mario World, we headed to Jurassic Park.
We intended on riding the flying dragon, a rollercoaster that hangs you face to the ground for the whole ride. We mixed up the lines and instead ended up in line for the Jurassic Park splash coaster first.
The splash roller coaster was fun and cinematic. The wait time was about an hour but during that time the wait times for the other park rides began to climb.
Universal Studios Japan Wait Times Soar
At this point, the wait for the Flying Dragon ride was 70 minutes.
We went straight to that line. The Flying dragon Jurassic park roller coaster was excellent. You hang upside down and it twists and turns at high speeds. Tons of fun, but so quick we barely knew what hit us.
Next, we went to Harry Potter World for the Forbidden Journey. 100 minute wait.
The Forbidden Journey was an amazing ride unlike anything I have experienced. The ride is 3D and takes you through some of the most exciting scenes of the movies. You are in the quidditch match, being chased by the fire breathing dragon. At another point dementors are chasing you. At another turn you are in the spider’s nest and water squirts you in the face.
The Forbidden Journey is wild and unique and I’m not upset about the long wait. The line for the ride takes you through Hogwarts Castle and that was pretty neat.
Slowly inching along in these long lines takes its toll on your body. My feet were sore and my legs were tired from standing in place for so long. A few geniuses have brought portable stools that are collapsible. I’m jealous.
Mel’s Beer and Finnegan’s Cocktails
Mel’s Diner, the American 50’s style diner, had a fun atmosphere and served beer and burgers. I’m not a huge fan of beer so we changed locations after one to Finnegan’s Bar and Grill, the Irish pub for cocktails and a colossal onion.
The wait times for rides were astronomical at this point in the day. Everything was over 120 minutes. I had heard that the single rider wait times would be shorter, but they are just as long.
We had less than an hour until our Mario World timed entry so we just drank and did some exploring of the grounds. I get some ribs that are alright from a stand.
Super Nintendo World Time
There is a small line to get scanned into Mario World, but it moves quickly. A stand is selling Mario World bracelets for ¥4800 yen a piece. With this bracelet you can hit the blocks around Mario World. All your favourite Mario characters have their own bracelets. We select Luigi and Princess Peach because they are my daughter’s favourites.
Going through the Mario World tube and hitting the blocks, we instantly become children ourselves. It’s great fun until we realize that hitting blocks is pointless, and these ride lines aren’t getting any shorter.
Donkey Kong 150 Minutes Line
We stop wasting time and head to the Donkey Kong Mine Cart. The wait time is 150 minutes!
The wait for Mario Kart is equally long, so we stick with Donkey Kong. Waiting for 2 1/2 hours was excruciating. It felt like it was even longer.
The Donkey Kong ride was short and jostled me around. I’m guessing they were attempting to simulate a real mine cart, but my body was so sore from waiting in line, I’m surprised I didn’t injure something on the ride.
Donkey Kong got me with a couple of surprises but overall it was too short, too jarring. Longest wait of the day for the worst ride of the day. I left feeling grumpier than Cranky Kong.
Kinopio’s Cafe
Hungry and thirsty again, we went to Kinopio’s Cafe, Kinopio is Toad’s name in Japan. I had high hopes, but the menu disappointed with its Western-style dishes. We got King Bowsers hamburg steak, and shared it because nothing looked appealing, and it was all so overpriced.
The whole day has passed at this point. It’s 6 pm and Mario Kart still has an 80 minute wait. It’s what we are here for, so we get into one last line, the park closes at 8 pm.
Mario Kart 80 Minute Line
Bowser’s Castle is pretty fun to walk through, not as good as Hogwarts, but it has its moments. We meet other Canadians in line, a father daughter duo, and I’m happy we end up in the same kart. Go team Canada!
Mario Kart is a great ride that puts a teamwork spin on the game and ends up being my 2nd favourite ride of the day. With only 20 minutes to kill until the park closes, we give up on the day and leave.
Super Nintendo World And Universal Studios Japan Tips for Your Visit
Tickets & Entry
- Buy your tickets early on Klook—timed entry, express passes, and combos do sell out.
- Don’t wait for the weather forecast—you may lose out on Super Nintendo World access or Express Passes.
- Upload your Klook ticket to the official Universal Studios Japan app at least one day before your visit.
- Use the Universal Studios Japan app for maps, wait times, timed entries, and real-time updates.
- Only some Express Passes include Super Nintendo World access—double-check before purchasing.
Getting There
- Use Google Maps or Navitime for accurate routes and transfer info (entrances, exits, platforms, etc.).
- Give yourself extra time—train stations can be confusing.
- Consider taking the new Expo Liner train from Osaka Station, it’s the fastest route now
Super Nintendo World
- Timed tickets and Express Passes sell out fast—plan weeks in advance.
- Even standby entries can have long waits (I entered at 8 AM and got a 2:40 PM slot).
- Upload ticket info to the app ahead of time—especially if you plan to use standby entry.
- The power-up bracelets are fun, at first. If you are not a super fan, you can skip getting this
- Universal Studios often opens up to 1–2 hours before the listed opening time, and the open time changes daily.
- Arrive at least 90 minutes early to have a shot at entering Mario World without a timed ticket.
- Map out your route and station exits ahead of time—subway delays or confusion can ruin the plan.
Universal Studios Japan Park Strategy
- Do your top rides early, wait times soar mid-morning.
- Expect 90–150 minute waits for popular rides like Mario Kart, Donkey Kong, and Forbidden Journey.
- Bring comfortable shoes and clothes, long lines will wear you down.
- Consider using single rider lines if the wait time is shorter.
- Use the app to track wait times and adjust ride plans based on wait times
General Advice
- Expect crowds, especially during Sakura season.
- Themed rides (like Harry Potter’s Forbidden Journey) are incredible, even with long waits.
- Bench seating in lines is non-existent, be ready to stand or bring a portable stool.
- You’ll probably only get on a few rides—pace yourself and prioritize the ones you are looking forward to,
- Visit the bathroom between rides, you will be in line for hours.
Is Universal Studios Japan Worth Visiting?
I have mixed feelings about our day at Universal Studios Japan. It started off pretty magical, and I was really excited to explore Hogwarts and Super Mario World. As it got later in the day the long lines slowly destroyed my enthusiasm. It was Sakura season, so that likely contributed to the overcrowding.
Bench seating for those waiting in Universal Studios Japan lines would go a long way to alleviating the problem. The Peach and Luigi bracelets made for fun souvenirs to bring home – or at least that’s what I have been telling myself to justify the spend.
Harry Potter’s Forbidden Journey was a fantastic ride, the best ride I have ever been on in my life. If you appreciate a well done ride and are a fan of the movies, this ride alone could be worth your entry ticket.
I loved Mario Kart too and it’s a blessing that it was the last ride I went on that day, better to end on a high note.
If I didn’t go to Universal Studios Japan and Super Nintendo World, I would have felt like I missed out. If you are a super fan of Mario or Harry Potter then Universal Studios Japan is worth it, and you should definitely check it out at least once.
I wouldn’t go back.
I like rides, and Universal Studios Japan is more suited to people who love themes. We spent 12 hours at Universal Studios Japan and only went on 5 rides. We ate overpriced and underwhelming food and left tired and sore. Universal Studios Japan is worth visiting, but I wouldn’t recommend it in the Sakura season.
I hope this helps plan your visit to Universal Studios Japan and Super Nintendo World! Have a fantastic trip and Live Self Happy!
Pin this post for later!
Want to know a great place to stay while you are in Osaka? Read my review of Hotel Hillarys and The APA Hotel and Resort Namba Ekimae
Hungry in Osaka? Sushizen offers Michelin Guide recommended sushi at great prices.
Japan Trip Planning Resources
My most used and favourite resources while I was in Japan
Accommodation
Check out my guide to booking accommodations in Japan
- Booking.com is my favourite platform for booking stays in Japan and anywhere else I travel. Safe, reliable, and pay in your currency. Love them!
- Rakuten Travel is the local favourite travel site and is worth checking out.
- Vrbo rents whole homes and is great for group travel to Japan
- Airbnb offers rooms and homes for rent with local hosts.
Flights
- Skyscanner to find the best deals and then book directly through the airline,
Japanese Rail Passes
- Klook has partnered with JR Rail to provide Japan-wide and regional train passes.
Tours and Excursions
- Klook dominates the tour and excursion scene in Japan, offering the best prices and reliability.
Reservations
- Tabelog is the most popular restaurant reservation system in Japan. Requires a Japanese phone number to use, but many of the listed restaurants will also accept reservations by email or phone.
Thank you for all of the details about Universal and Super Nintendo World in Japan. I have been planning a trip to Japan in 2026, and was considering going to Universal Studios while there. This post gives me great insight onto how to get there, and how to try to get in quickly! Thanks!
So glad to help!
This park looks so cool! I love Mario too, and was obsessed with playing my Super Nintendo! Definitely adding Universal Studios and Super Nintendo World to my Japan bucket list 🙂
Although I am not into any kind of anime stuff, I found this guide super useful and detailed! It will be wonderful for any would-be visitors to Universal Studios! I have not given Osaka much attention in the past, sadly, so I will be reading your other Osaka post next.
Osaka turned out to be our favourite city in Japan. There will be more Osaka posts in the future for sure!
Such a fun place to visit in Japan, to boost your adrenaline, I see you had a lot of fun to meet your favourite cartoon character.
This guide looks pretty much detailed. I think both locations are great, but it is definitely better to visit them during off-peak season.
This looks so fun – I remember when all of these characters started.
THey sure get us nostalgic value
It’s such an adventure to visit the Universal Studio with so many great tips,
I’m not fan of Super Mario but it’s a place fulled with fan
Thank you for this review, it is very helpful. Crazy how long you had to wait for some of the rides!
The waiting got rough but the Harry Potter ride was absolutely worth it.
I am finally going back to Japan later this year a plan to finally visit Osaka universal studios a this guide has helped me so much! literally answered all of my questions!
So glad to have helped. Hope you have a blast.
Universal Studios and Super Nintendo World in Japan is a fun and fascinating destination in Osaka – one that I missed during my stay in Kyoto. Your guide is super helpful with all the essential details, including tickets, what to experience, and accommodations. I know I will be at Mel’s Diner for some burgers and beer! 🙂
I hope you get to check it out on your next trip.
Gosh this is such helpful information. Sounds like this needs some serious planning to make the day a success!
You do need to have a master plan!
Super Nintendo World seems SO incredibly cool – I would love to see it in real life. Saving this guide!
Wow!! Many places in the US require timed entries, but I had no idea that it was this crowded in Japan. I would hate the long lines!!! But it does look interesting.
Maybe I’ll have to give it another go in the US version.
I love the honesty here and all of the tips! I hate theme parks, but I do really like Harry Potter AND Nintendo, so I’d probably suck it up to go just once. But, the crowds and wait times would have made me so cranky lol.
THe Harry Potter ride was amazing.
I have been toying with the idea of visiting Japan during Sakura this year, but of course I would want to visit Universal and Disney. After reading this, it sounds like I would enjoy them better if I take multiple trips outside the crazy busy season. Thank you for your honesty on if it’s worth it!
I used to have a season pass to Universal in Orlando and crowds can make or break the day. I had one glorious day of riding 17 rides in one day! It was awesome.
ah 17 rides in a day would have been amazing!
I love comparing parks in different countries..cool post!
Thanks! I hope to get to more Amusement parks too.
This is a very complete guide to getting to and enjoying the park. I’m sorry you had to stay in such long lines. Not my idea of fun, even though I used to do it at Disney World when my kids were young. you offer some great strategies for feeding the crowds.
Thanks and I would have had fomo if I hadn’t gone. I opted out of Disneyland on this trip because I couldn’t do another theme park with lines.
We’ve been twice to Universal Studios Japan, in August 2024 and August 2025. My son is a big Nintendo fan, so a must for him. We loved it. Although the wait lines are indeed long and it was so hot (especially in 2025, above 40 degrees Celsius).
I wonder if the lines are as long in summer as in Cherry blossom season? Standing there in 40 degrees Celsius would have been torture.
Looks so much fun, but the waiting times would be a bit too much for me!
They got to me too!
Hello! The place looks like fun. Would it be interesting to visit the park for couples or only for family with kids?
We went as a couple without the children!
What a great theme park, it looks very cool! I loved Mario too, and was obsessed with playing those games. If I ever travel to Japan, I’ll add this to my ‘must do’ list.
THe nostalgia factor is off the hook.