An honest review to answer the question: is the USJ Express Pass worth it?
A trip to Universal Studios Japan (USJ) is always a blast — we’ve gone there a couple of times over the years — but we can’t deny how the long queues bring down the experience a tiiiiny bit 🤏
Enter the Universal Studios Japan Express Pass — the theme park’s Golden Ticket where you can skip the line and get priority access to specific attractions.
Problem is, the USJ Express Pass isn’t that budget-friendly (the cheapest one right now goes for ~S$111) and honestly, it’s not easy understanding how it works.
So we’ve prepared a guide to help you decide once and for all: is the USJ Express Pass worth it?
What is the USJ Express Pass?
They close The Wizarding World of Harry Potter when there are too many people, but the Express Pass can guarantee you entry here.
The Universal Studios Japan (USJ) Express Pass is an optional add-on that allows visitors to skip the lines at certain attractions. It’s similar to other theme parks’ “fast pass” or “beat the queue” system, such as Tokyo Disney Resort’s Priority Pass.
The Express Pass is sold separately from the Entry Pass.
Additionally, you’ll also receive “timed-entry” tickets to one or two popular areas — Super Nintendo World and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter — depending on the type of Pass you get.
The Express guarantees access to those area/s at a timeslot which you’ll pick upon booking. You’ll also get a guaranteed spot to view the day parade.
USJ Express Pass 4 vs. Express Pass 7
Photo credit: Universal Studios Japan
There are two types of passes available — Express Pass 4 and Express Pass 7. Simply put, both let you skip the queues for four and seven rides and attractions respectively.
Multiple Types
The USJ Express Pass also has different “types” that determine which rides you can skip the queue for.
For example, the USJ Express Pass 4 has options like the Fun Variety Pass and the Fun & Thrills Pass:
| Fun Variety Pass (From ~S$178/pax) | Fun & Thrills Pass (From ~S$213/pax) |
| 1) Mario Kart: Koopa’s Challenge 2) Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey 3) Despicable Me Minion Mayhem 4) JAWS | 1) Mario Kart: Koopa’s Challenge 2) Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey 3) My Hero Academia: The Real 4-D 4) Choose between: Hollywood Dream – The Ride or JAWS |
You’ll be able to choose which Pass type to get when making your purchase.
But Express Passes are limited. So it’s possible that on the same day, the Fun Variety Pass is available but the Fun & Thrills Pass isn’t, because the former has run out of stock.
*Note: Inventory may be different between the official USJ website and Klook. So if a Pass type you want isn’t available on the USJ website, check out Klook if they still have stock for the same item and vice versa.
Differences
Here’s a comparison of how an Express Pass 4 differs from an Express Pass 7.
Note that some Express Pass 4 types only guarantee access to one of the timed-entry areas — either Super Nintendo World or The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
| Express Pass 4 (Backdrop) (From ~S$124/pax) | Express Pass 7 (Variety) (From ~S$178/pax) |
| 1) Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey 2) Flight of the Hippogriff 3) Hollywood Dream – The Ride: Backdrop 4) The Flying Dinosaur + Admission to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter (excludes Super Nintendo World) | 1) Mario Kart: Koopa’s Challenge 2) Yoshi’s Adventure 3) Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey 4) Flight of the Hippogriff 5) Despicable Me Minion Mayhem 6) My Hero Academia: The Real 4-D 7) Choose between: Hollywood Dream – The Ride or JAWS + Admission to Super Nintendo World and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter |
Not all Passes are priced the same. And much like the Entry Pass, the final price of your Express Pass also depends on the day you plan to visit.
Factors to consider before purchasing
Here are some things to keep in mind before purchasing the USJ Express Pass.
Length of Stay: For those visiting USJ for a day, get the Express Pass to save time on queueing and spend more time exploring the park in a leisurely pace. But if you’re buying the 1.5 or 2-day admission ticket, an Express Pass is most likely unnecessary.
Crowd Levels: An Express Pass would be helpful if you’re going during peak periods — the weekend, a public holiday, or during the holiday season. Use this tool to help you gauge how crowded USJ will be on your visit!
The Flying Dinosaur ride, covered by the Express Pass 4 Backdrop.
Priorities: If you plan to see the most popular attractions, the idea of potentially standing for hours turns you off, and/or you want to experience as many attractions as possible, the Express Pass may be for you.
Budget: The cheapest USJ Express Pass — Express Pass 4: Backdrop — stands at ~S$61. For comparison, that’s almost how much the Entry Pass is. So for travellers on a budget, we recommend forgoing the Pass.
| Pros | Cons |
| Time-saving: Queues for popular rides can go up to 180 minutes, so the Express Pass will help you maximise your visit. | Cost: The cheapest Express Pass (from ~S$61) is almost the same price as a 1-Day Entry Pass (from ~S$72). |
| Guaranteed entry to popular areas: During peak seasons, there may be limited access to the two timed-entry areas… unless you have an Express Pass. | Time-restriction: You’ll have to adjust your day around the timeslots you booked for the Express Pass attractions. |
| Limited coverage: Not all attractions that you want to try are covered by the Express Pass. |
Should I buy the USJ Express Pass?
So now that we’ve gone through what it is and all the pros and cons… is the USJ Express Pass worth it? Our answer is: it depends!
I’ve personally gotten fast passes in crowded theme parks before, and it really adds a lot to the experience. I felt like a VIP bypassing hour-long queues and experiencing all the rides I wanted to in a day… without rushing.
The catch is, there was always someone else paying for my Express Pass.
On my recent solo trip to Osaka, I couldn’t justify the cost of the Express Pass on top of the USJ Entry Pass since I wanted to save money for other activities beyond the park.
So in the end, it all boils down to what your priorities are in your trip to Japan. After all, there are multiple ways to beat the crowds without resorting to an Express Pass, as we’ve outlined in our USJ guide 😉
If you still need a little nudge towards a yes or a no, maybe this will help:
| Buy an Express Pass if… | Don’t buy an Express Pass if… |
| 1) You’re going during peak season, like the holidays 2) You’re only visiting for a short time 3) The attractions included in the Pass are your top priorities 4) You really want to visit Super Nintendo World and/or the Wizarding World of Harry Potter | 1) You’re not visiting during peak season 2) You’re a budget traveller who wants to explore the rest of Osaka and Japan, and USJ is just one stop out of many 3) You’re not a huuuuge fan of the characters and works of Universal Studios 4) You’re getting a 2-Day Pass |
Where to buy the USJ Express Pass (Official Website vs. Klook vs. Onsite)
Purchase the USJ Express Pass via the official website, authorised online travel agency (OTA) platforms like Klook, or at the park.
1) Official website: They have an English version of the website to make buying Entry and Express Passes easier, although we’ve heard that their stock is inaccurate sometimes. This means the English website will say a certain Pass is sold out, but it’s actually still available through the Japanese website.
However, keep in mind that they might reject purchases made with non-Japanese credit cards.
*Pro-tip: If your credit card doesn’t work, try sending an e-mail to [email protected] so they can allow your payment to come through. Based on online forums, it has worked for a couple of people!
2) Klook: Our preferred method to book USJ tickets and Express Passes for a number of reasons. They offer promos now and then (like a B1G1 USJ Pass in their previous Birthday Sale), discounts and loyalty perks, plus you don’t have to go through the hassle of booking via the official website.
Similar to purchasing from the official website, you just have to present your Express Pass QR Code at the attraction entrance.
3) At the park: The least preferable method because Express Passes are limited per day, and they do run out. Buy them at the ticket counter at the entrance.
You might also run out of timeslots that you want for time-designated areas since many Express Pass users have already booked theirs in advance.
How to use the USJ Express Pass
1) Buy an Entry Pass: Secure your entry to USJ first before booking your Express Pass. Book either through the official website or via Klook.
2) Purchase an Express Pass: If your answer to the question of “is the USJ Express Pass worth it” is yes, proceed with booking! Choose among the different types of Express Passes available on your park date.
a) Via the official website: You will be redirected to the Express Pass purchase page once you’re done adding Entry Passes to your cart.
b) Via Klook: Purchase an Express Pass here.
3) Choose your timeslots: Once you’ve chosen your preferred type of Express Pass, you will be asked to pick timeslots for attractions and timed-entry areas from a list.
4) Checkout: If booking is successful, you will receive an e-mail with a QR code that will serve as your Express Pass.
5) Show your QR code at the park: When you’re in USJ, simply present your Express Pass QR code at the entrances for designated attractions. Make sure to follow the timeslots you chose!
How to maximise your stay at USJ without an Express Pass
The USJ Express Pass is a useful thing to have, especially if budget isn’t a huge concern, or you really really love all things Universal Studios.
But is it essential? Err, I wouldn’t say so! It feels good being given the VIP treatment for your trip, but you’ll survive without it especially if you plan wisely.
Read our Universal Studios Japan guide as we’ve outlined tips to help you maximise your USJ trip without resorting to an Express Pass. I’m sure it will also help you further decide whether or not the purchase is worth it.
After reading our guide, is the USJ Express Pass worth it to you? Weigh in the comments below!
