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Confused about Universal Studios Japan Express Passes? This guide breaks down USJ Express 4, 5, 7, and 8 options, including Super Nintendo World access, to help you pick the perfect pass for your Osaka adventure!
When I was planning my trip to Osaka, the single most confusing thing was definitely the
Universal Studios Japan Express Pass.
From the differences between Express 4 and Express 5, to which rides are included in each type,
and ultimately which option is the absolute best to choose—it was seriously overwhelming.
Even within the same Express 4 category, the included attractions vary completely,
and whether Super Nintendo World entry is included also differs by package.
So in this post, I'm going to break down and compare the Osaka Universal Express 4/5/7/8 options at a glance,
and even recommend which combinations offer the absolute best value.
Plus, at the very end of this post, I'll share an
Osaka Universal Express ticket 5% discount coupon
so you can save on your booking!
The Differences Between Osaka Universal Express Tickets
🎫 Express 4
* Access to 4 popular attractions
* Options with Super Nintendo World entry available
* Highly recommended for those who want to cherry-pick the main rides
Depending on the pass combination, prices range from ~$70 to ~$128.
🎫 Express 5/7/8
* Access to 5, 7, or 8 popular attractions
* Super Nintendo World entry included
* Offers the widest variety of combinations
* Perfect for those who want to maximize their single day at the park
Depending on the combination,
you can get the Express 5 for ~$109 to ~$154,
and the Express 7/8 for ~$160 to ~$237.
Which Express Pass Should You Choose?
1. If Time is Your Most Valuable Asset 👉 Go for Express 7 or 8
If your budget allows,
I highly recommend going with Express 7 or 8.
While the price of Express 7/8 is definitely on the higher side,
speaking from experience having stood in those brutal lines at USJ,
it honestly felt like buying time itself.
Waiting for over 2 hours per ride
left my feet absolutely throbbing...
Specifically, being able to fast-track major headliners like Mario Kart, Donkey Kong's Mine-Cart Madness, Yoshi's Adventure,
Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, and The Flying Dinosaur
makes for an incredibly satisfying day with next to no waiting.
Who is this for?
* ❤️ Couples who absolutely hate waiting in line
* 👨👩👧👦 Families traveling with older kids or teens
* ✈️ Travelers who only have one day to spend at USJ
However, since the price is quite steep, if you're keeping an eye on your budget,
going for Express 4 or 5 is also a fantastic alternative.
2. If You're Traveling as a Couple 👉 Express 5 or Thrill-focused Express 4
For couples, I'd suggest going with Express 4 or Express 5
which are packed with high-thrill rides.
If you love roller coasters, you're going to absolutely love this choice.
Just a quick heads-up on the Thrill Express 4 options:
Thrill Max does NOT include Super Nintendo World
One More Race & Ride Selection / Race & Jaws DO include Super Nintendo World!
However, keep in mind that these tickets usually only include either Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
OR The Flying Dinosaur,
meaning you might have to stand in the regular standby line for the other.
Even so, when you consider the price, it's easily the most balanced and value-packed option.
3. If you're traveling with family 👉 Focus on Mario & Donkey Kong / Highly recommend Mario Lover & Donkey Kong Express 4
If you're visiting with kids,
I highly recommend combining the Express 4 (which includes Mario Kart + Donkey Kong)
with the Family Express 4.
This lets you easily enjoy the most popular attractions in Nintendo World,
which is always a massive hit with the little ones!
* For younger kids: Tram Car & Jurassic Park / Family Favorite Combo
* For older kids: Tram Car & JAWS combo
Even just choosing these will guarantee an incredibly fun day.
Where is the best place to buy Osaka Universal Studios tickets?
To be honest, the Osaka Universal Express Pass
isn't exactly cheap.
Especially since the Express 7 or 8 passes
can go up to ~$128 - ~$192,
I figured it’s super important to find even the slightest discount for the exact same ticket.
So, I did a head-to-head price comparison between Klook and MyRealTrip.
| Express Pass Ticket | Link |
Klook | ~$169 > ~$161 (with 5% discount, until 12/31) | |
MyRealTrip | ~$162 |
# Based on Express 7 - Minion Tram Car purchase in August
When comparing the two, looking strictly at the base price,
MyRealTrip was slightly cheaper.
However, if you apply the
5% discount coupon on Klook (valid until December 31, 2026),
Klook actually ends up being the cheaper option!
You can apply the 5% discount code by clicking the image above
or by registering the discount coupon via the link below.
🔗 Register Osaka Universal Studios Discount Coupon
☑️ Promo Code: 일본어트랙션5%
| Studio Pass (Admission Ticket) | Link |
Klook | ~$52 | |
MyRealTrip | ~$58 |
# Based on Osaka Universal Studios Admission Ticket purchased in August
Comparing the USJ admission tickets as well,
Klook was hands-down the cheapest.
So, if you plan on buying both
the Studio Pass and the Express Pass together,
I highly recommend booking them both on Klook.
Not only is the pricing highly competitive,
but keeping all your reservations in one place
makes your trip planning so much easier!
The Verdict
During peak seasons at USJ, waiting for just one popular ride
can easily take 2 to 3 hours or more.
If you only have one day to spend there,
an Express Pass will completely upgrade your entire experience.
Grab your Express Pass at a discount,
skip the long lines, and make unforgettable memories at Universal Studios Japan!
Not all Express Pass 4 options include entry to Super Nintendo World. The Thrills & Max pass does not include entry, while passes like the One More Race & Ride Selection or Race & Jaws do. Please check carefully before purchasing.
The prices for Express Pass 7 and 8 range from ~$160 to ~$237, depending on the attraction combination you choose. They are ideal for visitors looking to save time, as they allow quick access to popular rides with wait times of over two hours, such as Mario Kart and Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey.
For families, we recommend an Express Pass 4 combination that includes popular Super Nintendo World attractions like Mario Kart and Donkey Kong. If you are with younger children, a combination with the Tram Car and Jurassic Park is ideal, while for older children, a combination with the Tram Car and Jaws is a better choice.
The base price of the Express Pass is cheaper on MyRealTrip, but if you apply the discount code '일본어트랙션5%' (JapanAttraction5%) on Klook, the final price is cheaper on Klook. The USJ basic admission ticket is also cheaper on Klook, so it is advantageous to purchase both tickets together from the same platform.
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