If you’re planning a trip to Universal Studios Japan, you’ll want to buy your tickets before you arrive. The Osaka-based theme park is making a major change to its ticketing system, eliminating onsite ticket sales in favor of an all-online model.
That means no more last-minute purchases at the gate—guests will need to secure their tickets in advance through the official website.
The End of Walk-Up Ticket Sales
Theme park tickets have evolved dramatically in recent years. Gone are the days when you could just roll up to the park and grab a ticket at the window. Now, dynamic pricing, advance reservations, and digital-only sales have become the norm. Since COVID-19, parks have doubled down on crowd control strategies, requiring guests to book in advance to manage capacity and boost efficiency.
That’s exactly what Universal Studios Japan is doing. According to Yomiuri, the park has decided to shutter its ticket booths and move all sales online, with the change expected to take effect by spring 2024. Reportedly, on-site ticket sales have been declining, making the shift to digital an easy call for park operators.
Universal Follows Disney’s Lead
Universal Studios Japan isn’t the first major park to make this move. Tokyo Disney Resort, its biggest competitor in Japan, no longer sells tickets at its entrance either. Over in Europe, Disneyland Paris has also phased out walk-up ticket sales, pushing guests toward advance online purchases instead.
While this switch streamlines entry and reduces congestion at the gates, it also eliminates the option for last-minute visitors to snag a ticket on arrival. For those used to the flexibility of buying on the spot, advance planning is now a must.
Big Changes at Universal Studios Japan
The ticketing shift isn’t the only change Universal Studios Japan has made lately. Earlier this year, the park updated its security procedures, and in late 2024, it debuted an entirely new land within SUPER NINTENDO WORLD—Donkey Kong Country.
The expansion features Mine-Cart Madness, a high-speed coaster that mimics the jumps and twists of Donkey Kong’s classic video game levels. If that sounds familiar, it’s because the same ride will also be part of Universal Orlando’s Epic Universe when it opens in May.
Beyond its Nintendo-themed attractions, Universal Studios Japan boasts a Wizarding World of Harry Potter, plus lands inspired by Jurassic Park, Minions, and Jaws. Classic-themed areas include Hollywood, New York City, and San Francisco, while Universal Wonderland is home to fan-favorite Snoopy Studios, Hello Kitty’s Fashion Avenue, and Sesame Street Fun Zone.
What This Means for Visiting Universal Studios Japan
If you’re heading to Universal Studios Japan, booking in advance is now essential—there’s no fallback option for in-person ticket purchases anymore. While this helps reduce long entry lines and control crowds, it also means guests need to plan their trips well ahead of time.
How do you feel about Universal Studios Japan moving to online-only ticket sales?
