USJ Express Pass (2026): Is It Worth It, Which One to Buy, and Super Nintendo World Entry

You're going to Universal Studios Japan and wondering whether the Express Pass is worth paying for, on top of a ticket that is already expensive. It comes down to two things: whether Super Nintendo World is a must, and how much a fixed plan for the big rides is worth to you.

Two things to know before you buy. The Express Pass does not get you into the park: you need a Studio Pass as well. And only the versions with an area entry guarantee make sure you get into Super Nintendo World.

Your date nearly sold out on the official store? Agencies also sell Express Passes. Compare the ride list and the price for your date before you pay.

USJ Express Pass on Klook ↗

By How to Book Japan Editorial TeamLast checked Nov 7, 2026

Some links on this page are affiliate links. We show the official store first; compare the price and the ride list for your date before you buy.

The short version

What it does

Shorter lines on a set list of rides, some at a time slot you pick when you buy

Park entry

Not included. You also need a Studio Pass for the same day.

Super Nintendo World

Guaranteed only with an area entry guarantee, which comes with certain Express Passes (USJ also lists select travel agencies). Otherwise, on busy days, you need the free area timed entry ticket from the official app on the day.

Types

Named by the number of rides: 4, 5, 7 and 8, plus Premium (every Express ride) and seasonal sets. The ride list changes by pass and by date.

Price

Changes with the date and stock, same price for all ages. On USJ's ticket page: Express 4 from ¥6,800, Premium from ¥27,600.

When to buy

As soon as your date is fixed. Sales open about 2 months before the visit date, and numbers are limited.

Verdict

Worth it if Nintendo World is the reason you're going (buy a pass with the area entry guarantee) or if you want set times on the big rides

Is the USJ Express Pass worth it?

It is a trade of money for time. Whether it pays off depends on the day and on what you want to ride.

Worth it

Super Nintendo World is the point

A pass with an area entry guarantee removes the risk of the timed entry tickets running out.

Worth it

You want a fixed plan

Rides with a fixed time have their slot chosen when you buy, so you know those times before you arrive.

Think first

A tight budget

The pass comes on top of the Studio Pass, from ¥6,800 for Express 4. Without one, be at the gate before opening and get the area timed entry in the app as soon as you're in.

Think first

Small children

Height limits rule out some Express rides: for example 122 cm for Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, 132 cm for The Flying Dinosaur. Compare the ride list with your children's heights first.

Which Express Pass should you buy?

The number in the name is the number of rides it covers, but two passes with the same number can cover different rides. The list also changes by date. So don't pick by number: pick by the rides you care about.

Does it include an area entry guarantee for Super Nintendo World? If Nintendo World matters, this is the first thing to check.
Does it cover the rides you actually want (for example Mario Kart, Harry Potter, the coasters)?
Which rides have a fixed time, and does that fit your day?
Height limits for children. Each ride has its own, from 92 cm (Yoshi's Adventure) to 132 cm (The Flying Dinosaur, Hollywood Dream), listed on USJ's Express Pass page.

How to buy on the official store

Buy or pick your Studio Pass date first. The Express Pass is for one day and needs a park ticket for the same day. How to buy the Studio Pass →
Open the Express Pass list for that date. Which passes you can buy depends on the date and on stock.
Read the ride list and the timed rides. Rides with a fixed time have their time slot chosen as you buy, so plan your day before you pay.
Pay and save the QR code. Show the ticket screen to the crew at each ride's Express entrance, one ticket per person.
On the day you'll use the official app for times and area entry. A Japan eSIM keeps you online all day.
Compare Japan eSIMs on Klook ↗

What we could check on Nov 7, 2026

Checked on Nov 7, 2026

USJ's official Express Pass page says park entry needs a Studio Pass, such as the 1-Day Studio Pass or an annual pass, on top of the Express Pass.

The same page says guaranteed entry to popular areas comes only with an Express Pass that includes an entry guarantee ticket.

Lawson Ticket's USJ page says the Super Nintendo World numbered (timed entry) tickets can run out early. USJ's Super Nintendo World page says those tickets, and the lottery tickets, have come only from the official app since Jan 5, 2026.

USJ's Express Pass list says passes go on sale about 2 months ahead in limited numbers, that timed rides are chosen at purchase, and that prices change with stock. USJ's ticket guide says Express Passes can't be moved to another date. The official store itself sent us to a Queue-it waiting room, so we have not seen its checkout screens.

Official store, Klook or KKday?

The official store is the park's own price. Agencies sell Express Passes too, and are worth checking when the official store's waiting room is long or your date looks sold out there. Compare the same pass for the same date.

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Official online store

The park's price and the full list of passes for your date.

USJ official site

When the official store is full or slow

Express Pass from an agency

Price for your date on the product pageRead the cancellation terms before payingNeeds a Studio Pass too

Check on the product page which pass it is, whether you choose the timed rides' slots yourself, and the ride list before you pay.

Check dates on Klook ↗Compare on KKday ↗

Affiliate links

No Express Pass? How to do USJ without one

Be at the gate before opening. Check the opening time for your date on USJ's park hours page.
Get the Super Nintendo World timed entry first. Open the official app as soon as you're through the gate: the tickets are issued only inside the park, and once the set number has been issued you can't get one.