Have fun at Japan’s two largest theme parks, USJ and Disneyland! The complete guide

Among the many tourist attractions, Universal Studios Japan (USJ) and Tokyo Disney Resort are the two major theme parks representing Japanese entertainment.

However, those who visit them for the first time may have many questions, from how to arrange tickets to how to enjoy them effectively.

In this article, we will give you detailed tips on how to have the best experience if you are thinking of visiting USJ or Disneyland on your trip to Japan!

The ultimate choice: USJ or Disneyland, which one is better for you?

1-1. explore the attractions: discover the personalities of the two great parks

USJ and Tokyo Disney Resort are two of Japan’s top theme parks. Both offer great experiences, but their attractions are different.

Choosing the park that best suits your tastes and travel goals is the first step toward satisfaction.

1-2. Clarification by comparison: what are the strengths of each?

USJ features thrilling rides that recreate the world of Hollywood movies and frenetic seasonal events. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter offers an immersive experience as if you were a character in the movie, while Super Nintendo World lets you dive into a world of adventure with Mario.

Tokyo Disney Resort, meanwhile, consists of two parks: Tokyo Disneyland, a realm of dreams and magic, and Tokyo DisneySea, a sea of adventure and imagination, with heartwarming stories, beautifully detailed landscapes and entertainment that will make anyone smile. It has a universal appeal that can be enjoyed by three generations, from young children to adults.

1-3. our suggestion for you: choose according to your style of travel

If you’re an active person looking for thrills and the latest in entertainment, USJ is the place for you. Movie buffs and game fans, in particular, will find the experience irresistible.

On the other hand, if you want to immerse yourself in a dream world and create fond memories, and for families with young children, Tokyo Disney Resort is the perfect choice.

Both parks will leave you with unforgettable impressions.

Essential advance preparation: how and when do I get my ticket?

2-1. The importance of advance preparation: to get in without a hitch

If you try to buy tickets for the most popular theme parks at the ticket offices on the day of your visit, you may end up in long lines or, in the worst case, not be able to enter the park because the tickets are sold out. Advance purchase is a must, especially on peak season days.

2-2. advantages of advance purchase: why buy in advance?

It is recommended that you purchase your USJ and Tokyo Disney Resort tickets as far in advance as possible. Generally, USJ Studio Passes (admission tickets) go on sale 3 months before the admission date at the official website, partner hotels and travel agencies. (During Expo 2025 Osaka/Kansai (~13 October), the sale will be extended to 3 months in advance).

Tickets for Tokyo Disney Resort parks will also go on sale on the official website from 2:00 pm on the same day, 2 months in advance of the visit. Acting early is key, as tickets can sell out quickly once sales begin, especially on popular days and during events.

2-3. specific steps on how to buy: to guarantee availability

The most reliable way is to purchase online at each park’s official website. The website is available in both English and Japanese, and you can pay by credit card.

If you print out your e-ticket in advance or have it ready to show on your smartphone, you will be able to walk smoothly through the entrance gate on the day of your visit. You will also be able to purchase tickets at some official hotels and partner hotels as a special offer for guests.

You can also ask your travel agency to take care of this when you book a tour package through them. For example, if you want to enter the park on July 15, 2025, you will need to start preparing to purchase tickets for both the USJ and Disney Resort as of May 15, 2025.

who controls the weather, controls the park! How to enjoy the most popular attractions effectively

3-1. time-saving secret: attacking wait times

Wait times at attractions are a major determinant of satisfaction at theme parks. Understand and use the system to efficiently enjoy popular attractions without long waits.

3-2. explanation of each park’s system: understand names and mechanisms

The priority entry system, formerly known as “FASTPASS,” has evolved in each park in its own way. At Tokyo Disney Resort, there is the free Priority Pass, which allows guests to reserve a specific time to enjoy certain attractions, and Disney Premier Access, which allows guests to access attractions with shorter wait times for a fee.

USJ, meanwhile, offers the fee-based Universal Express Pass, which allows guests to shorten wait times at attractions.

These passes are powerful tools for efficiently enjoying the most popular attractions.

3-3. smart use: specific acquisition methods and times

Priority Pass at Tokyo Disney Resort can be obtained through the Tokyo Disney Resort App after entering the park. Popular attractions close early, so check the app as soon as you enter the park.

The Universal Express Pass at USJ can be purchased in advance through the official website, at the parks and at partner hotels. Advance purchase is recommended, especially on days when crowds are expected.

Strategic planning is effective: for example, enter the park first thing in the morning and immediately get a Priority Pass for a popular attraction, then buy a Disney Premier Access for another popular attraction, and visit in between for attractions eligible for Express Passes.

Don’t worry if you have small children. Tickets and fun by age

4-1. the key to family travel: keep the kids smiling

When traveling with young children, keeping them entertained is paramount, and both USJ and Disney Resorts have a wide range of kid-friendly areas and attractions for the whole family to enjoy.

4-2. Age category details: ticket prices and target ages

First, let’s look at the age categories for tickets. At Tokyo Disney Resort, children under 3 years old get in for free; children ages 4 to 11 (elementary school students) pay the “Child” rate; children ages 12 to 17 (junior high and high school students) pay the “Middle” rate; and children over 18 pay the “Adult” rate.

In contrast, at USJ, children under the age of 3 get in free; children ages 4 to 11 (which may include elementary school-age children and under 122 cm tall) are classified as “Child fare”; and those over 12 (junior high and high school students and up) are basically classified as “Adult fare.” However, the fee structure at the USJ may change depending on the event or time of year, so be sure to check the official website in advance.

4-3. use of children’s amenities: an enjoyable park experience

Both parks offer a range of services tailored to young children, such as stroller rentals (for a fee), baby centers (where you can breastfeed and change diapers) and lost child centers, etc. The USJ has a toddler area called Universal Wonderland, which houses popular characters such as Sesame Street, Hello Kitty and Snoopy. Kitty, Snoopy and other popular characters.

Tokyo Disneyland has a variety of areas for children, such as Toontown and Fantasyland at Tokyo Disneyland and Mermaid Lagoon at Tokyo DisneySea. It is important to check the height restrictions of the attractions in advance and plan accordingly.

For those looking for a higher level experience: special times and spaces

5-1. looking for special experiences: for a greater sense of satisfaction

You may want your trip to Japan and your theme park experience to be even more special, and USJ and Disney Resorts offer special services to meet such demands.

5-2. Introducing the VIP Experience: A luxurious way to spend your time

USJ offers an exclusive guided tour called the Universal VIP Experience. By participating in this tour, you can enjoy the parks in a truly VIP way, with priority access to the most popular attractions, as well as special areas and priority viewing areas for shows. Some plans also include special offers for limited-edition dining and merchandise.

Tokyo Disney Resort also offers “guided tours” (some tours may be suspended, please inquire) where you can tour the parks with your own personal guide, and vacation packages where you can enjoy the shows from special seats.

5-3. booking and preparation: how to get your special experience

These VIP Experiences and special offers are limited in number and extremely popular, so it is important to book as early as possible. Check each park’s official website for more information and don’t miss reservation start dates.

For example, it is not uncommon for the USJ VIP Experience to be booked months in advance. It is highly recommended that you take this into account early in your trip planning and rush to make reservations. The special time you spend in luxurious surroundings will make your trip even more memorable.

Create the best memories

Now, which park do you prefer to experience Japanese entertainment at, USJ or Disneyland? Use this article to plan ahead and get the necessary tickets and passes as soon as possible.

Then, on the day of your visit, enjoy yourself to the fullest and create many wonderful memories of your trip to Japan. We sincerely hope your trip will be full of smiles and excitement!