This article provides a very clear guide on how to get to Universal Studios Japan (USJ) from various starting points like Namba Station, Kansai International Airport, Osaka Station, Umeda Station, or Kyoto.
I’ll show you 3 main transportation options: train, airport bus, and private car charter, and help you choose the best one based on where you’re starting your journey.
The aim is to ensure a hassle-free trip to USJ. Let’s start to check it out now! 😊
How to Get to Universal Studios Japan from Namba
To get to Universal Studios Japan, take the Hanshin-Namba Line from Osaka-Namba Station to Nishikujo Station. Then switch to the JR Yumesaki Line and continue to Universal City Station. The journey takes around 27 minutes, costs 390 yen. From Universal City Station, it’s a short 5-minute walk to the entrance of USJ.
Just in case you weren’t aware, Namba is a popular place for travelers to visit and stay, mainly because of the famous Dotonbori and Shinsaibashi areas nearby.
Important Tip:
Book your Universal Studios Japan tickets online in advance to enter the park easily with your phone’s e-ticket. This avoids long queues at the ticket counters and saves time.
Kansai International Airport to Universal Studios Japan
1. By Limousine Bus
The airport limousine bus provides a direct transfer from Kansai Airport to Universal Studios Japan. You can catch the bus at Platform No.3 on the first floor of the arrival hall in Kansai Airport Terminal 1. The one-way trip takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes, with a bus fare of 1,600 yen.
Bus ticket machines are available near the bus stops for ticket purchase. Alternatively, you can conveniently reserve your bus tickets online here for a hassle-free trip.
What are the first and last bus departure times?
The first bus begins service from Kansai Airport to USJ at 9:50 AM, and the final bus departs at 5:10 PM. Buses depart approximately every 30 to 60 minutes. For more detailed information, please refer to the bus timetable available here.
Why you should choose the limousine bus?
Taking the Kansai Airport limousine bus to USJ is convenient as it’s a direct service that avoids transfers and carrying heavy luggage.
The bus also has ample storage and a clean restroom.
Downside of riding the bus to USJ
The first bus leaves at 9:50 AM, arriving at the park by 11:00 AM. Since Universal Studios Japan opens at 9:00 AM, you’ll miss about 2 hours in the park.
Alternatively, consider a private airport transfer, which is explained below.
2. Private Airport Transfer
If you want to visit Universal Studios Japan as soon as it opens, then you can consider booking the private airport car transfer here.
This service will take you directly from Kansai Airport to the theme park at your preferred time, but it is necessary to make an online reservation in advance.
The private airport transfer option is particularly advantageous for groups with multiple luggage or for individuals traveling with kids and senior citizens.
3. By Train
Start at Kansai Airport’s second floor in Terminal 1 and catch the JR Kansaikuko Line (Kansai Airport Rapid Service) to Nishikujo Station. Then, hop on the JR Yumesaki Line to Universal City Station. From there, it’s only a 5-minute walk to Universal Studios Japan!
The overall journey takes around 1 hour and 22 minutes, and the train fare amounts to 1210 yen.
Kansai-Airport Station is conveniently linked to the 2nd floor of the Terminal 1 Building.
Departure times for the first and last trains:
- Monday to Friday: 5:50 AM (Initial Train) and 11:09 PM (Final Train)
- Saturday and Sunday: 5:54 AM (Initial Train) and 11:09 PM (Final Train)
Getting from Osaka Station or Umeda Station to Universal Studios Japan
To go to Universal Studios Japan, first, take the JR Osaka Loop Line at Osaka Station and head towards Nishikujo Station. Then, transfer to the JR Yumesaki Line and head to Universal City Station. Once you arrive, you can easily walk to USJ.
The total travel time is around 19 minutes, with a train fare of 190 yen and the train lines are accepted on the JR Pass.
Tip: If you’re at Umeda Station, it’s just a 2-minute walk to Osaka Station, where you can catch a train to Universal Studios Japan.
Shin-Osaka Station to USJ
Board the JR Kobe Line from Shin-Osaka Station to Osaka Station. From there, transfer to the JR Osaka Loop Line and proceed to Nishikujo Station. At Nishikujo, change to the JR Yumesaki Line and travel to Universal City Station. The duration of the single trip is approximately 23 minutes, with a cost of 230 yen.
Kyoto to USJ
From Kyoto Station, take the JR Kyoto Line Special Rapid (Tokaido-Sanyo Line) to Osaka Station. Then, transfer to the JR Osaka Loop Line to Nishikujo Station, and switch to the JR Yumesaki Line for Universal City Station.
Universal Studios Japan is a 5-minute walk from there. The whole trip takes about 55 minutes and costs 820 yen.
How to Walk from Universal City Station to USJ
Below are 6 simple steps that will guide you in walking from Universal City Station to Universal Studios Japan.
Step 1: After alighting from the JR Yumesaki Line train at Universal City Station, make your way up using the escalator.
Step 2: Simply follow the crowd and make your way towards the exit gate.
Step 3: After exiting through the gate of the station, turn left and continue straight ahead.
Step 4: Continue walking straight, and you will come across the Universal Studios Store along the way.
Step 5: Keep walking straight until you reach the end, where you will find the entrance of Universal Studios Japan.
Step 6: This is the entrance to USJ.
Why You Should Buy Universal Studios Japan Tickets Online
Universal Studios Japan in Osaka is a popular theme park visited by many travelers every year.
To avoid long lines at the ticket counter, it’s best to buy Universal Studios Japan tickets online here in advance.
This way, you can use the QR code on your phone for entry, which is extremely convenient and time-saving.
