USJ Halloween 2026: Should You Buy Express Pass with Tickets?
Planning your USJ Halloween 2026 trip? Discover if you need an Express Pass, compare ticket options, and find booking tips for Universal Studios Japan's thrilling event.
Quick answer
- USJ Halloween Horror Nights 2026 runs from 09/11 to 11/08.
- Admission Tickets are required for park entry; Express Passes reduce wait times for popular rides.
- An Express Pass cannot be used for park entry without a separate Admission Ticket.
- USJ 1-Day Admission Tickets start from ~$57.
- Express Pass 7 or 8 starts from ~$152.

When autumn rolls around, many places start gearing up for Halloween, but Japan takes it to a whole new level, especially at its theme parks! If you're planning an Osaka trip, Universal Studios Japan (USJ) is an absolute must-visit. This year, with the thrilling Halloween event, it's essential to understand your ticket options in advance.
Japan's theme parks truly go all out for Halloween! In 2026, the Halloween Horror Nights are celebrating their 15th anniversary, running from 09/11/2026 to 11/08/2026. Get ready for an unforgettable experience!
📍 Universal Studios Japan
2-chōme-1-33 Sakurajima, Konohana Ward, Osaka, 554-0031 Japan
1) Halloween Thrills
This year's USJ Halloween promises an entirely different vibe, featuring everything from Biohazard (Resident Evil) scares to terrifying Street Zombies and heart-pounding horror attractions. With the largest scale of zombies ever announced for this year, a fall visit will undoubtedly be a uniquely special experience.
If you're planning to visit during the Halloween season, it's wise to book your admission tickets and Express Passes together well in advance, rather than waiting until the day of your visit. If you're planning a trip to Japan this fall, aligning your visit with this special event will be far more exciting than a typical amusement park day! Especially if USJ Halloween is your main objective, be sure to check ticket availability early, as weekends and popular dates tend to get extremely crowded.

2) Choosing Your Tickets
The first thing you'll need is a USJ Admission Ticket. This is your basic entry ticket to the park, and you'll need to secure a Studio Pass for your chosen visit date.
Many visitors get confused between the Admission Ticket and the Express Pass. Purchasing a USJ Admission Ticket doesn't automatically grant you fast access to all attractions.
The Admission Ticket, as the name suggests, is simply for entering the park. The Express Pass, on the other hand, is a separate add-on designed to reduce your wait times for popular attractions. You cannot enter the park with just an Express Pass, so a separate Admission Ticket is absolutely essential.
Based on MyRealTrip products I've checked, you can categorize them as follows:
Product | Price (from) | Recommended for |
USJ 1-Day Admission Ticket🎟️ | ~$57 | Those who want to enjoy USJ all day, from opening to closing |
Express Pass 7 or 8🎟️ | ~$152 | Those who want to minimize wait times for popular attractions |
Twilight + Nintendo World Timed Entry + Joy Pass🎟️ | ~$62 | Those who want to enter in the afternoon and efficiently enjoy Super Nintendo World |
👉 Check Admission Ticket Prices for Your Visit Date
🎟️ If you want to enjoy USJ all day, check USJ 1-Day Admission Ticket prices
3) Booking Tips
The USJ Express Pass is a separate product that helps reduce wait times for popular attractions. If you have a short itinerary or primarily want to focus on popular areas like Super Nintendo World, comparing these options is definitely worthwhile.
It's important to choose the ticket that best fits your schedule, rather than simply buying the most expensive one.
If you have a full day and don't mind waiting, a basic admission ticket is sufficient. However, if you want to experience as many popular attractions as possible, the combination of an admission ticket and an Express Pass is ideal. Conversely, if you plan to visit in the afternoon and are keen on seeing Super Nintendo World, the Twilight Pass is a great choice. This product allows entry from 3:00 PM, includes a timed entry ticket for Nintendo World, and a Kansai Joy Pass. However, please note that it does NOT include an Express Pass.


⚡ If you want to cut down on wait times, check out USJ Express 7 or 8
🍄 If you're aiming for afternoon entry + Nintendo World, check the Twilight + Nintendo World product
4) Discount Benefits
One reason I recommend checking MyRealTrip for various products is that they are listed as an official Korean partner of Universal Studios Japan. Their 1-Day tickets offer instant confirmation after payment and allow direct entry via QR scan, making ticket management incredibly convenient.
Plus, you can snag additional benefits depending on your payment method!
Payment Method | Benefit |
Naver Pay | 0.2% point accumulation on payment amount |
Toss Pay | Up to ~$4 instant discount upon meeting conditions |
Hyundai Card | ~$112 or more payment: 5% M-Point usage, up to ~$7 M-Points |
Quick Bank Transfer | 1% instant discount on payment amount, up to ~$15 |
Payco | 1% instant discount when paying with points |
Kakao Pay | Up to ~$89 instant discount when using Kakao Pay Money, Samsung Card, or KB Kookmin Card |
If you're visiting with family or a partner and purchasing multiple admission and Express Passes, the total payment amount can be substantial, so these benefits are definitely worth taking advantage of! Keep in mind that minimum payment amounts, limits, and first-come-first-served conditions may vary by payment method, so it's always a good idea to double-check right before you complete your purchase.
💰 Go to MyRealTrip USJ Discount Page
In conclusion, if you plan to explore Universal Studios Japan leisurely throughout the day, a basic admission ticket is sufficient. However, during crowded times like the Halloween season, if you want to fully enjoy popular attractions, it's definitely worth comparing Express Pass prices.
👉 Check Tickets & Express Passes for Your Travel Dates
If you're planning a free and easy trip to Osaka this fall, it's the perfect time to enjoy USJ's unique Halloween atmosphere. Once your travel dates are set, be sure to check ticket prices in advance! Enjoy a distinctly different USJ experience this Halloween season by planning your itinerary and tickets ahead of time.
Share this article
Related Travel Stories

Universal Studios Japan Tickets 2026: USJ Express Pass Guide
Planning a trip to Universal Studios Japan? Don't get lost in ticket options! We break down all USJ ticket types and share our best tips for using an Express Pass to beat the crowds.

Osaka Castle Tickets 2026: Hours & Amazing Pass Guide
Discover everything you need to know about visiting Osaka Castle in 2026, from ticket prices and opening hours to money-saving Osaka Amazing Pass tips.

Karaksa Hotel Osaka Namba Review 2026: Family Stay
Looking for the perfect family-friendly hotel in Osaka? Here is our honest review of Karaksa Hotel Osaka Namba, a budget-friendly gem near Dotonbori.

USJ Osaka Tickets 2026: Guide to Passes & Rides
Navigating Universal Studios Japan in Osaka can be overwhelming. Here is your ultimate guide to USJ tickets, Express Passes, and top attractions for 2026.

Oriental Hotel Universal City Review 2026: USJ Stay
Beat the massive morning crowds at Universal Studios Japan! Stay at Oriental Hotel Universal City for under $85 and master your USJ open run strategy.

Candeo Hotels Osaka Review 2026: Best Umeda Stay
Planning an Osaka getaway with family or friends? Check out our 2026 review of Candeo Hotels Osaka The Tower, a quiet luxury oasis near Umeda Station.


[1-Day Ticket] Universal Studios Japan Admission Ticket, Osaka
[Time-Designated/Instant Confirmation] Universal Studios Japan Express 7, 8
Universal Studios Japan Twilight Pass + Super Nintendo World™ Timed Entry Ticket + Kansai Joy Pass
Travel Your Way - MyRealTrip