Universal Studios Japan Rainy Day Guide (2026): Essential Tips

You've planned your dream trip to Osaka, tickets to Universal Studios Japan are booked, and then... rain. Don't let a little (or a lot!) of rain dampen your spirits! I experienced a rainy day at USJ firsthand, and while it started with a heavy downpour, it taught me valuable lessons on how to still have an incredible time.

Thankfully, the rain wasn't constant; it came and went in heavy showers. But when it poured, it really poured, making it hard to do anything. Based on that experience, I'm sharing my best tips for making the most of Universal Studios Japan on a rainy day and ensuring your adventure isn't a washout.

✅ Tickets: Express Pass is a must (especially for Super Nintendo World entry)

✅ Footwear/Attire: Crocs can be slippery, so be cautious. Wear waterproof shoes or boots, plus a raincoat.

✅ Essentials: Only carry your card, phone, and a portable charger. Buy souvenirs just before leaving.

First things first, rain or shine, an Express Pass is practically essential when visiting Universal Studios Japan. While Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey no longer requires a timed entry pass, Super Nintendo World remains incredibly popular, attracting huge crowds even on rainy days.

Therefore, I highly recommend purchasing an Express Pass that includes guaranteed entry to Super Nintendo World.

1. USJ Rainy Day: Prepare the Right Shoes and Rain Gear

On our USJ visit, the rain was on-again, off-again. If your Universal Studios Japan day forecast predicts rain, your footwear choice is crucial.

Always wear shoes that can get wet.

Unless you're planning to wear rain boots, opt for shoes that you don't mind getting soaked.

If you're thinking of wearing Crocs, be careful! While they seem convenient for rain, the soles can be quite slippery on wet surfaces. If you do wear them, watch your step to avoid slips and falls.

When deciding between a raincoat or an umbrella, I personally found an umbrella more comfortable. However, I noticed many people at USJ on that rainy day opted for raincoats.

Raincoats definitely seem more practical for attractions, as umbrellas can be inconvenient to store. You can just wear a poncho on many rides. If it were raining all day, I'd probably choose a raincoat.

You can grab a cheap poncho from a dollar store like Daiso before you go, or splurge on a themed character poncho at a USJ souvenir shop (they're pricey, but fun!).

⚠️ Don't forget to pack a small sports towel! It's surprisingly useful for wiping off rain, drying yourself, or cleaning attraction seats. Trust me, it's a game-changer!

2. When it Pours, Seek Shelter in Restaurants or Indoor Attractions

Normally, I'm not a fan of long queues for food, especially at theme parks. I usually prefer grabbing street snacks on the go. But on that particularly heavy rainy day at USJ, waiting in line at a popular restaurant became a smart strategy to escape the downpour and enjoy a meal.

Our chosen spot was Three Broomsticks in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

It was surprisingly fortunate: the rain poured heavily while we waited, but by the time our food arrived, it had completely stopped! We got to eat comfortably and stay dry.

Using meal times to escape the rain proved to be an excellent strategy.

Alternatively, plan your day around attractions that offer indoor queues and rides. These are perfect for staying dry and having fun regardless of the weather:

✅ Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey

✅ Minion Mayhem

✅ Mario Kart: Koopa's Challenge

✅ Any 4D-type attractions

These are all indoor experiences, so you can enjoy them no matter the weather. Keep in mind that outdoor roller coasters like Hollywood Dream - The Ride or The Flying Dinosaur might close if the rain gets too heavy.

It's always a good idea to check the official USJ app frequently for real-time ride status updates, especially on a rainy day.

3. Pack Light

There's nothing more cumbersome than lugging around heavy, potentially wet bags at Universal Studios Japan on a rainy day. To keep things easy, minimize what you carry.

Only bring essentials like your credit card, phone, and a portable charger, ideally in a waterproof bag.

Instead of buying souvenirs throughout the day, wait until just before you leave. This way, you avoid carrying extra weight and keeping your purchases dry, making your day much more comfortable.

While a rainy day at USJ can be a bit inconvenient, there's a silver lining: fewer crowds! This means significantly shorter wait times for attractions compared to sunny days.

We actually rode Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey twice with almost no wait at all!

And surprisingly, a rainy Universal Studios Japan can also offer some unique and atmospheric photo opportunities.

Just remember, even on a rainy day, Super Nintendo World and the indoor Mario Kart: Koopa's Challenge attraction will likely still be very crowded, so an Express Pass is still highly recommended for these areas.