A Visitor’s Guide to Entering Super Nintendo World at USJ

Hello, everyone! This is Fumin, a savvy saver from Japan.

I recently took a trip to Osaka with my wife, and it was incredible. During our visit, we went to Universal Studios Japan (USJ), and of course, we had to check out Super Nintendo World.

However, the entry rules for the Nintendo area were confusing! So, I decided to write this guide as a reminder for myself and to help other travelers, especially those visiting from Hokkaido like me. I’ll focus on the costs of each option.

There are three main ways to get into Super Nintendo World:

Getting a Timed Entry Ticket
Buying a Guaranteed Entry Ticket
Using the “Early Bird” method

Let’s break down each option, including the costs and likelihood of success. Here’s a quick summary table.

Method	Cost	Probability
Timed Entry Ticket	Free	Depends on luck (approx. 50-70%)
Guaranteed Entry Ticket	Starts from ¥8,500	100%
Early Bird Method	Free	Depends on your dedication

Method 1: The Free Timed Entry Ticket

This is the most common way to enter the area, and it’s free. A Timed Entry Ticket is a reservation you get through the official USJ app that gives you a specific one-hour window to enter Super Nintendo World.

Here’s how it works:

Buy your USJ admission ticket in advance.
Register your ticket on the official USJ app before you arrive.
Enter the park.
Once inside, use the app to get a Timed Entry Ticket for your preferred time slot.

It’s a “first-come, first-served” system. Once all the Timed Entry Tickets are gone, they switch to a lottery system for a standby ticket. The catch? You can only get one of these after you’ve entered the park, so there’s no guarantee you’ll get the time you want.

Park opening times are often earlier than the official schedule. On the day we visited, November 10, 2024, the park opened around 7:45 a.m., which was 45 minutes before the official 8:30 a.m. opening.

We entered the park around 8:30 a.m. and immediately secured a Timed Entry Ticket. The earliest we could get was for a 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. slot. To maximize your chances, I highly recommend registering your ticket on the app before you even arrive.

Method 2: The Guaranteed Entry Ticket

If you want to be sure you get in, this is the way to go. These tickets guarantee your entry at a specific time without having to get a Timed Entry Ticket on the day of your visit. There are three types of guaranteed tickets, and I have a favorite.

Universal Express Pass
Travel Package with a hotel stay (My recommendation!)
Travel Package with JR train fare

Universal Express Pass (Most Expensive)

Cost: Varies, from roughly ¥20,000 to ¥40,000 or more.

This pass gives you guaranteed entry to Super Nintendo World, plus shortened wait times for popular attractions. It’s expensive, with prices fluctuating based on the day. On the Sunday we went, the Express Pass alone was ¥40,000 per person.

For two people, that would be:

Admission: ¥10,400 x 2 = ¥20,800
Express Pass: ¥40,000 x 2 = ¥80,000
Total: ¥100,800

I couldn’t justify spending over ¥100,000 just for park entry, especially since we might have gotten in for free. But if you have the budget and want to minimize wait times, this is a great option.

Travel Package with a Hotel Stay (My Recommendation!)

Cost: Around ¥8,500 extra (on top of lodging and admission)

This is a plan that bundles a hotel stay, USJ park admission, and a guaranteed entry ticket to Super Nintendo World. Unlike the Express Pass, it does not include priority access to other rides.

We booked a package through a travel company that included our stay at Hotel Universal Port, breakfast, park admission, and guaranteed entry. The total cost was ¥37,100 per person.

Breaking it down:

Admission: ¥10,400
Hotel Stay: approx. ¥15,000
The rest: approx. ¥8,700 (This is the cost for guaranteed entry)

Spending an extra ¥8,700 to guarantee our entry was worth it for us, as getting into Super Nintendo World was the main goal of our trip. We were able to choose our entry time when we booked, and we just had to show a printout at the gate to get in. It was a huge relief.

Travel Package with JR Train Fare

This package includes round-trip JR train tickets, park admission, and a guaranteed entry ticket. It’s a great option for those living in the western part of Japan who plan on traveling by JR. Since I’m from Hokkaido, this wasn’t for me, but it offers excellent value.

Method 3: The “Early Bird” Method (The Exception)

Cost: Free

Probability: Depends on your determination

This is what I call the “early bird” method. When USJ first opens for the day, there are no timed-entry restrictions for Super Nintendo World for a short period. Once a certain number of guests have entered the area, the gates close and you’ll need a Timed Entry Ticket to get in.

Since the park often opens earlier than the announced time, you’ll see dedicated locals and experienced tourists lining up hours before opening to be among the first to get in. While you can’t run inside the park, being one of the first visitors gives you a chance to walk directly into Super Nintendo World without a timed ticket.

This method has its risks. If you don’t make it in time, you’ll still have to get a Timed Entry Ticket through the app, which may only have late-day slots left. But if you’re determined to save money and get in first, this is an option to consider.

Summary

To sum it all up, here are my recommendations:

For free entry with flexible timing: Get a free Timed Entry Ticket via the app right after entering the park.
For a premium, guaranteed experience: Buy a Universal Express Pass for priority access to rides and Super Nintendo World.
For the best value guaranteed entry: Book a travel package with a USJ-affiliated hotel.
For a high-risk, high-reward free option: Arrive very early and try the “early bird” method.