Universal Studios Japan Trip Report: Express Passes, Super Nintendo World and Getting There from Kyoto
Last summer my family and I traveled through Japan on an Adventures by Disney tour. Before the tour began, we carved out a full day for Universal Studios Japan in Osaka, and it turned out to be one of the highlights of the trip. Here's how we got there, where we stayed, and what I'd tell any client planning a USJ day.
Getting there: United Polaris from Newark to Osaka (KIX)
We flew United Polaris business class from Newark (EWR) to Osaka Kansai (KIX), with an overnight stop in San Francisco. I recommend building in a buffer night like this on long-haul trips: if weather or irregular operations disrupt the first leg, you don't lose the international flight or the first day of your vacation.
One thing to know: the EWR–SFO leg is sold as "United Business," not Polaris. You still get a lie-flat seat that's nearly identical to the long-haul Polaris product, plus United Club access, but not the Polaris lounge. (I carry the Chase United Club card, so I'd have gotten in either way.)
The overnight: Westin San Francisco Airport
We spent the layover at the Westin San Francisco Airport. It's a convenient, comfortable choice with a decent gym, but you can hear runway noise in the rooms through the night, so light sleepers should pack earplugs.
The view from our room at the Westin San Francisco Airport: not bad at all if you love aviation.
The next morning we took the hotel shuttle back to SFO and stopped into the Polaris lounge, which was excellent as always at SFO, if quite crowded.
On board, I chose the Japanese meal option for both dinner and the pre-arrival breakfast. Both were delicious, and they came with chopsticks, which set the mood for the trip and gave me some private practice in my pod where no one could watch me struggle.
The Japanese meal option in United Polaris business class, SFO to KIX.
A classic SFO side-by-side arrival on the parallel runways, spotted before our flight to Osaka.
Arriving in Japan: private transfer to Kyoto
We extended our stay through Adventures by Disney ahead of the tour, which included an airport transfer. Their team was waiting when we landed and walked us straight to our van, and about an hour and a half later we were checking in at the Hyatt Regency Kyoto.
The Hyatt Regency Kyoto, our home base before the tour.
The rooms were clean and well maintained, and the facilities were top notch. The gym was nearly empty across our four nights, we loved the Italian restaurant on our arrival evening, and breakfast (included once the tour began) was excellent, with a wide buffet plus à la carte dishes.
Booking Universal Studios Japan tickets and Express Passes
We devoted our second day entirely to Universal Studios Japan. I booked our park tickets and Express Passes through Klook, since I'd heard many travelers run into trouble paying with US credit cards on the official USJ site. It worked flawlessly: we simply scanned our QR codes at the gate, and again for our timed entry to Super Nintendo World and Mario Kart: Koopa's Challenge.
Getting from Kyoto to USJ by train
We took the train from Kyoto to Osaka. It was easy to figure out; the only real question was the fare for each leg, and because Japanese trains are so affordable we simply paid a little extra to be safe. A phone with data and Google Maps is all you need to navigate. From Universal City Station, it's a short walk through the park's version of CityWalk to the front gates.
The entrance to Universal Studios Japan in Osaka.
The rides: more intense than the US parks
The ride lineup at USJ is noticeably more intense than at Universal's US parks. My mom is prone to motion sickness, and nearly everything was a challenge for her, even with plenty of Dramamine and ginger candy. The happy exception was JAWS, the last version of the classic ride still operating anywhere. The boat skippers are fully committed to their roles, and we had a great time without understanding a word.
JAWS at Universal Studios Japan, the last version of the classic ride still operating.
The Flying Dinosaur was the most intense ride we tried. We skipped the Demon Slayer attraction, partly out of motion-sickness caution and partly because we weren't familiar with the series.
The Flying Dinosaur roller coaster at Universal Studios Japan.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
The Wizarding World was exactly what we expected, with a smaller footprint than Orlando's: USJ has Hogsmeade and Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, but no Diagon Alley or Hogwarts Express.
Hogwarts Castle in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Japan.
What was closed during our visit
The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man and Jurassic Park: The Ride were both closed when we visited. Spider-Man closed permanently in January 2024 after USJ's Marvel license ended, and Jurassic Park was down for routine refurbishment. I'm sad to see Spider-Man go; even as a twin of the Orlando ride, it was always a good time. In early 2026, USJ announced a major new Pokémon experience, and fans widely expect it to take over that space, though the location hasn't been confirmed.
Super Nintendo World and Mario Kart: Koopa's Challenge
We wrapped up the evening once our Super Nintendo World entry time arrived, and the whole group rode Mario Kart together.
Super Nintendo World looks fantastic, even at night.
The queue is beautifully themed. Even my parents, who know nothing about Nintendo, found plenty to enjoy during our short Express Pass wait.
The Bowser statue in the queue for Mario Kart: Koopa’s Challenge.
Is Universal Studios Japan worth it?
Absolutely. My one piece of advice: try to get your timed entries, especially Super Nintendo World, before 5 p.m. Our entry wasn't until 7 p.m., so we had a few hours to kill and it made for a very long day. We were nodding off on the train back to Kyoto and nearly missed our stop.
Advisor tips for your USJ day
Book park tickets and Express Passes in advance, through an authorized reseller such as Klook if you're paying with a US card.
Choose an Express Pass that includes Super Nintendo World, and aim for an entry time before 5 p.m.
If anyone in your group is prone to motion sickness, plan around JAWS, Hogsmeade and the Super Nintendo World area; Forbidden Journey and the coasters are rough.
Check USJ's refurbishment calendar before you go, since major rides close for maintenance regularly.
Staying in Kyoto? Allow about an hour each way by train, or consider a hotel near Universal City in Osaka.
Planning a trip to Japan, or adding Universal Studios Japan to a cruise or rail itinerary? Book a free private consultation and Star Class Journeys will handle the tickets, timing and transfers for you.
