Heading to Osaka? Then Universal Studios Japan (USJ) is likely at the top of your list. But be warned: without a strategy, you’ll spend more time in line than on rides. If you want to know how to enter USJ like a local and avoid the 120-minute wait for Mario Kart, you’ve come to the right place.
Step 1: Download the App (Your Secret Weapon)
The Must-Have Tool: The USJ Official App
I know, I know—everyone has apps for everything these days. But at USJ, the official app is your lifeline. You’ll need it to:
- Snag Area Timed Entry Tickets (essential for Super Nintendo World).
- Book restaurant reservations.
- Check real-time wait times.
Why? Without it, you might not even get into the Nintendo area at all!
Pro Tip: Download and set it up before you arrive at the park gates!
The Reality Check: Opening Times vs. “Actual” Opening Times
The Battle Begins Early: Why 8:00 AM is Already Late
Official schedules might say the park opens at 8:30 or 9:00 AM, but here’s the “local secret”: USJ almost always opens 30 to 60 minutes early. By the time the official clock hits 8:30, the popular rides like Mario Kart or the new Donkey Kong Mine Cart Madness already have 120-minute wait times. To beat the rush, you need to be in line before the gates even move. Here is my tried-and-true morning routine.
6:00 AM – The First Hurdle: The Security Check
I usually arrive at the park around 6:00 AM. Even then, I’m often 2nd or 3rd in line! Most visitors arrive by train at Universal City Station, and every time a new train pulls in, the crowd grows exponentially. By 7:00 AM, it’s a sea of people.
The security gates usually open around 7:30 AM. This is your first test of patience!
7:30 AM – The Security Sprint: Don’t Get Held Up!
Speed Through Security Like a Ninja
This is the most critical moment of your morning. You could wait for hours at the front of the line, but if you fumble at the security gate, hundreds of people will fly past you. Speed is everything here. If your bag check takes too long, you lose your head start. Here is exactly how to pass USJ security in record time:
- Prep Your Trays: As you approach, take everything out of your pockets. Your smartphone or coins must go inside the tray/box to go through the scanner.
- The “Bottle Rule” (Crucial!): Do NOT put your water bottle through the X-ray scanner. Hold it in your hand and walk through the metal detector with it raised.
- The Sip Test: Security staff will likely ask you to open your bottle. Be ready to show the contents or even take a small sip to prove it’s just a drink.
Pro Tip: If you see someone with a stroller or a massive suitcase, pick a different lane. Every second counts if you want to be the first one in the park!
8:30 AM – The Grand Opening: The “Nintendo Dash”
It’s Go Time! But Watch Your Step
When those gates finally click open, the atmosphere is electric! Characters are there to wave you in, but as much as you want a selfie with Woody Woodpecker, don’t stop. You’ll see a phenomenon I call the “Nintendo Dash.” Hundreds of people sprinting toward the back of the park for Super Nintendo World. It’s a long run, and you’ll be exhausted, but the reward is worth it. (Note: Officially, running is not allowed, so “power-walk” at your own risk!)
Why the Rush? Donkey Kong & Kinopio’s Cafe
Zero Wait Time = Pure Joy
The main goal for everyone right now is the new Donkey Kong Country: Mine Cart Madness or Mario Kart: Koopa’s Challenge. * No Ticket Needed: If you are fast enough, you can enter the Nintendo area without a timed entry ticket for the first 30–60 minutes of the day.
- Kinopio’s Cafe: This popular spot fills up its reservations almost instantly. If you want a Mario-themed lunch, head there first!
Once you’ve conquered your favorite rides, it’s time to refuel! Take a well-deserved break and dive into the amazing world of USJ food. Trust me, the snacks here are just as exciting as the rollercoasters!
Check out my full guide to the best eats below:
Between Nintendo and Harry Potter, there’s a Tender Tasty Steak Waiting Just for You at USJ!
Make the Most of Your Magical Day
When I visit USJ with my family, our “secret sauce” is always this early morning routine. Yes, waking up that early can be a struggle, but seeing the kids’ faces when they walk into Super Nintendo World without the crowds makes it all worth it!
By midday, after we’ve conquered the biggest attractions, we usually feel a bit wiped out. That’s our cue to head to a restaurant, sit down, and just breathe. There is nothing quite like recharging your tired body with a delicious, themed meal—it’s the best feeling in the world!
USJ is a marathon, not a sprint. Follow this guide, take your breaks, and you’ll have an unforgettable time in Osaka.
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