So, you're planning a trip to Japan and want to visit Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Japan? Good decision! I recently came back from there and can definitely recommend it as a day out on your travels when you are in Osaka. Booking your entry tickets can be a little confusing, so I'm going to put all the info you need in this blog post to make the whole booking process as easy as possible for you.

Universal Studios Japan (USJ) is one of 5 'Universal' parks in the world and was the first one to be opened outside of the United States. They are known for having themed attractions based on various movies, shows, games, etc. For example, Harry Potter features in four of the five parks (known as The Wizarding World of Harry Potter). Along with Harry Potter and Super Nintendo World, USJ also offers Spiderman and Minions!

After years of planning and construction, Super Nintendo World was opened within USJ in 2021 and came in at a total cost of 890 million AUD (580 million USD).

So, how do you get access to this amazing world so you too can meet Mario and his friends? Is it included in a normal general access ticket for USJ? Before we answer those questions, we need to understand some terminology that USJ uses with their tickets.

Terminology

Studio Pass - This is the ticket you must have to get access to USJ. It is their way of saying 'standard ticket' or 'general admission ticket'. These come in 1 day or 2 day passes, or even 1.5 days (which just means you enter after 3pm on the first day).

Area Timed Entry Ticket - If you want guaranteed access to Super Nintendo World, then you need this. It grants you entry at a certain time to an area within USJ like Nintendo World. You can purchase this in advance (recommended) or at the park if there are any left on the day. This is often included in an Express Pass (see below).

Universal Express Pass - This pass allows you to reduce the time you spend waiting in lines for the really popular rides. Some Express Passes include an Area Timed Ticket as well. Most people view these as essential to enjoy your day. I would never go to this park without one. They sell out quick, so be ready to get yours when they become available the month before you are planning to be there. There are a number of different types which I’ll explain below.

Should you book in advance?

This is a very big yes and the more in advance the better. If you plan to buy your tickets on the day at the park, there is a very big chance that you will be disappointed and not able to get in. It just isn’t worth the risk. This park is way busier than most other parks in the world, especially since the opening of Super Nintendo World.

Where to book

Now that we know that we need to book in advance and what tickets we need to book, we need to know where to book them.

There are two options.

The USJ website or app, which is not my recommendation, or the only other authorised way and that is through the Klook website or app. This is definitely my recommendation and what I did on my last trip to Japan. If you haven’t heard or used Klook before, it is a very popular app amongst travellers for booking attractions, tours and transport. So along with being authorised to sell USJ tickets, it is also the app you will use to book all your Shinkansen trips (aka bullet trains) while in Japan as well.

Express Passes

As Express Pass with Area Timed Entry is your best choice if Super Nintendo World is important to you. But as you will see, there are a few different types. What are the differences and which one should you get?

Express Pass 4 - These passes allow express access for 4 rides and depending on which one you choose, include an Area Timed Entry pass into Super Nintendo World and/or The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

Express Pass 7 - These passes allow express access for 7 rides and include an Area Timed Entry pass into Super Nintendo World and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

I won't list all the options available under each one as they do change names and content a lot, but to give you an idea of what they look like, below is an Express Pass 4 I ordered on my recent trip to USJ.

Universal Express Pass 4 - Fun & Thrills

Admission to: Mario Kart: Koopa's Challenge
Admission to: Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
Admission to: My Hero Academia: The Real 4-D
Admission to: Choose one - Hollywood Dream The Ride or Jaws
Area Timed Entry Ticket: Super Nintendo World and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Gaining access without an Area Timed Ticket

The idea behind the Area Timed Ticket is that it allows the very popular and busy areas to be enjoyed by as many guests as possible throughout the day, without being too crowded at any one time (but it will still be crowded!). During peak times, access to these areas is only granted to people who have an Area Timed Ticket and only at the time on the ticket (which you do get to choose when booking).

If the area is not overly busy, it is possible that they will leave the area 'open' for people to walk in without an Area Timed Ticket. However, you don't know if or when that may happen. So you are taking a big risk. This is pretty common with the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, which doesn't always hit the numbers required to restrict access. Super Nintendo World on the other hand almost always hits restricted numbers.

So can you get in without one? Yes, but I would not recommend risking it as your chance of missing out is extremely high.

If you get to USJ when the gates open, you can run straight to Super Nintendo World and see if they are allowing people in without an Area Timed Ticket. It's rare (so when I say run, I mean run!), but it can happen.

Tip. If you want to have a chance of entering twice, you can always purchase an Area Timed Ticket for later in the day and then still get there early and see if you can walk in (I mean, run!) before numbers are restricted. This means you can have a look around, book your lunch/dinner spot and maybe even do a ride or two before crowds get insane and then come back later with your Timed Ticket and get in again (and if you purchased your Timed Ticket with an Express Pass, get quicker access to the rides on your ticket).

What is there to do at Super Nintendo World?

When you enter, you instantly feel like you have been transported inside a game. The money we talked about before? Yeah, that was well spent. It truly is an immersive awesome experience that is like nothing you have done before.

The world itself is pretty small (although a new Donkey Kong section is opening in one week), but it is packed with things to eat, do and see. There are a number of rides and activities to do as well as a number of challenges for you to complete with the help of your power up band - see below.

Rides at Super Nintendo World

There are two main rides. Mario Kart: Koopa's Challenge and Yoshi's Adventure. In one week, the new Donkey Kong Country will finally open, which will bring with it a new ride called Mine Cart Madness. I’m very much looking forward to trying this new ride the next time I am there.

Fun fact: Koopa is actually the name that Bowser is known as in Japan. There is a story behind why, but just know that those two names refer to the same character, so the ride could also be known as Bowser's Challenge if that is easier for your brain.

What are these power up bands I have heard about?

Power up bands are a slap band that allow you to participate in a number of activities throughout Super Nintendo World. Once you leave, they can be kept for your next visit, or just kept as a souvenir. They are used to collect coins around the park - hit those question marks just like in the game and when you hear the universally known 'ding' sound, you will know you have collected your coin.

The bands can be purchased at a number of outlets in the park, including a small cart just outside the entrance to Super Nintendo World. They are a little on the pricey side, but they do allow you to participate in more of the fun. You can choose from a number of characters (as you can see below, I chose Mario).

You can enter the world without one if the idea of collecting coins and doing small challenges (collecting keys) so you can fight Bowser at the end doesn't interest you, but it does add a bit of fun to the day.

Photos with characters

Like any character based park, you are able to take photos of characters you see walking around with your own camera or phone. If you want to get a professional photo, this is also possible for a cost. They are also ok with you taking photos next to the professional photographer while they are taking their shot as long as you don’t get in their way. You can then either just have the one you took or still pay to purchase the photo they took. Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach and Toad were all walking around the day I was there.

Should I go?

Yes! Like so many things in Japan, this world is something that you need to experience at least once. Super Nintendo World is definitely worth a visit, but due to its popularity, it should be booked in advance via an Express Pass to avoid any disappointment.

Buying tickets for Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Japan