The USJ Express Pass (some people call it the USJ Fast Pass) is a paid add-on that lets you skip the regular line at a set list of rides at Universal Studios Japan.
However, it doesn’t include park admission, so you still need a Studio Pass, which is USJ’s name for the park admission ticket.
Which pass you buy matters more than how many rides it covers. So this KKday guide compares every 2026 pass, and you can buy the pass that covers your must-ride attractions and skip what you won’t use.
Quick Verdict: What You Need to Know First
- Check the name, not the number: The number (Express 4, 5, 7) only tells you how many rides you skip. For example, 2 passes with the same number can cover totally different rides.
- Look for “Area Timed Entry”: Only passes with this line guarantee Super Nintendo World and Donkey Kong Country when the park is busy, which matters most when the free app tickets run out soon after opening.
- No refunds or re-entry: Passes are locked to your date and ride times. In addition, USJ doesn’t let you leave the park and come back.
- 1 pass per person: Everyone needs their own Express Pass, including children, because passes can’t be shared.
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Does the USJ Express Pass include park admission?
No, the USJ Express Pass does not include park admission. Instead, it is an optional add-on that lets you skip the standby line at specific rides. So you also need to buy a Studio Pass to enter the park.
USJ Ticket Types Explained: Studio Pass vs Area Timed Entry vs Express Pass
These are 3 separate tickets, and each has a different job:
| Ticket type | What it does |
|---|---|
| Studio Pass (admission, required) | It gets you through the front gates, but it does not guarantee entry into Super Nintendo World on busy days. |
| Area Timed Entry Ticket (free, app only) | You get it from the official USJ app after you enter the park.
However, slots go fast in the morning, and a “Standby Entry” ticket does not guarantee you get in. USJ also says these tickets “may or may not be required depending on the conditions on the day”. |
| Express Pass with Area Timed Entry (paid add-on) | It gives you a guaranteed entry time for Super Nintendo World, including Donkey Kong Country, so you don’t compete for the free app slots. |
If you need admission and ride priority together, KKday sells Admission + Express Pass bundles from US$147 for adults and US$121 for children. Otherwise, you can book the USJ Studio Pass separately.
Is the USJ Express Pass Worth the Money?
Yes, the Express Pass is worth it if you visit on a weekend, a Japanese public holiday, a school break, or during a seasonal event. That is because standby waits for headline rides often pass 2 hours on those days. On a quiet Tuesday to Thursday, however, you can often skip the pass.
| Peak days | Quiet days |
|---|---|
| Peak days include weekends, Japanese holidays (Golden Week in late April to early May, Obon in mid-August, and New Year), and school breaks. Seasonal events such as Halloween Horror Nights and Christmas are also busy. | Quiet days are typically Tuesdays to Thursdays, for example in late November or mid-January. |
| Standby waits for major rides often go past 100 to 150 minutes. | Wait times are much shorter, so it’s easier to walk onto rides. |
| Buy the Express Pass, because families struggle to fit in more than 4 or 5 rides without it. | Save your cash. Instead, arrive before opening and use single-rider lines. |
Which USJ Express Pass should you buy?
First, pick the 1 ride you would be most upset to miss. Then choose the cheapest pass that covers it and also includes Super Nintendo World area entry.
For most first-timers, that is the Express Pass 7 Minecart & Selection, because it covers Mario Kart, Mine-Cart Madness, and Harry Potter.
A note on names: USJ’s pass names spell it “Minecart” or “Mine Cart”, but they all mean the same ride, Mine-Cart Madness in Donkey Kong Country.
| USJ Express Pass & Inclusions | Price |
|---|---|
| BEST OVERALL Express Pass 7, Minecart & Selection Area entry: Super Nintendo World included. Covers: Mario Kart, Yoshi’s Adventure, Mine-Cart Madness, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, Flight of the Hippogriff. You choose: The Flying Dinosaur or Minion Mayhem, plus JAWS or Jurassic Park. Best for: First-timers, because you get both Nintendo rides, Harry Potter, and a coaster in 1 pass. |
SEE TODAY’S PRICE |
| BEST ALL-ROUNDER Express Pass 5, Race & Minecart Special Area entry: Super Nintendo World included. Covers: Mario Kart, Mine-Cart Madness, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, Villain-Con Minion Blast, The Flying Dinosaur. Best for: Every headline ride for less, because it only drops Yoshi’s Adventure and Hippogriff. |
SEE TODAY’S PRICE |
| Universal Express Pass Premium Area entry: Super Nintendo World included. Covers: 15 to 16 attractions depending on the version, such as Mario Kart, Mine-Cart Madness, and Harry Potter. Best for: Peak dates on a high budget, because you don’t have to choose rides. |
SEE TODAY’S PRICE |
Cheaper USJ Express Pass 4 Options With Nintendo Entry
If you want to spend less, these 2 Express Pass 4 versions still include Super Nintendo World area entry.
| USJ Express Pass & Inclusions | Price |
|---|---|
| VALUE PICK Express Pass 4, Mine Cart & JAWS Area entry: Super Nintendo World included. Covers: Mario Kart, Mine-Cart Madness. You choose: Harry Potter or The Flying Dinosaur, plus Jurassic Park or JAWS. Best for: The cheapest way to get both Nintendo rides, but you get Harry Potter or the coaster, not both. |
SEE TODAY’S PRICE |
| Express Pass 4, Minions & Theater Area entry: Super Nintendo World included. Covers: Yoshi’s Adventure, Minion Mayhem, Villain-Con Minion Blast. You choose: JAWS or Detective Conan 4-D. Best for: Young children, because Yoshi’s Adventure takes riders from 92 cm (36 in) with an adult, and there are no coasters. |
SEE TODAY’S PRICE |
Lineups change by sales period, and prices are dynamic, so always check the inclusion list for your date before paying.
USJ Express Pass 4 vs 7: What Is the Difference?
Express Pass 4 skips the line at 4 attractions, while Express Pass 7 skips it at 7. In practice, Pass 4 gets you 6 to 7 rides in a day, and Pass 7 gets you 9 to 10. That is because you can still fit about 3 standby rides around your Express times.
These are estimates for a busy 9-hour day, so both numbers rise on a quiet weekday. Still, the bigger difference is coverage. For example, the Express Pass 7 covers Mario Kart, Mine-Cart Madness, Harry Potter, and a coaster together. By contrast, the best Express Pass 4 for Nintendo fans (Mine Cart & JAWS) makes you choose between Harry Potter and The Flying Dinosaur.
USJ Express Pass Decision Matrix
Use this decision matrix to find your fit:
| PASS & BEST FOR | WHEN TO SKIP IT |
|---|---|
| Express Pass 4 It suits you if you have 1 or 2 must-rides, or if you visit on a quiet weekday. |
Skip it if you want Mario Kart, Mine-Cart Madness, Harry Potter and a coaster, because no Pass 4 covers all 4. |
| Express Pass 5 It is the value middle, and the Race & Minecart Special also covers every headline ride. |
Skip the Adventure Special if Harry Potter matters, because it has no Harry Potter ride. |
| Express Pass 7 It is the first-visit default, so you can sample the whole park without planning every ride. |
Skip it if you only care about the 2 Nintendo rides, since the Pass 4 Mine Cart & JAWS covers both for less. |
| Express Pass 8 All 3 versions cover Super Nintendo World entry and everything in the Express Pass 7, as well as Villain-Con Minion Blast. |
Skip it on a quiet weekday, because a Pass 5 plus an early arrival gets you close for less. |
| Express Pass Premium It covers 15 to 16 attractions, and Super Nintendo World entry is also included. |
Skip it if your group is bigger than 2, because the total climbs fast. |
Does every USJ Express Pass include Super Nintendo World?
No. Only Express Passes that list “Area Timed Entry” for Super Nintendo World guarantee entry.
That entry also covers Donkey Kong Country, because it sits inside Super Nintendo World. However, area entry alone does not give you Express access to the rides. So check that Mario Kart: Koopa’s Challenge or Mine-Cart Madness is listed too.
Other USJ Express Passes With Super Nintendo World Entry (2026 to 2027)
Besides the top picks above, these passes also include Super Nintendo World area entry. However, they differ on which headline rides skip the line. In this table, “Harry Potter” means Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey.
| Express Pass version | Ride coverage and best for |
|---|---|
| Express Pass 4, Race & JAWS | Included: Mario Kart, Harry Potter Not included: Mine-Cart Madness Best for: Mario Kart and Harry Potter fans who can also skip the Donkey Kong coaster. |
| Express Pass 4, Minecart & Jurassic Park | Included: Mine-Cart Madness, Yoshi’s Adventure Not included: Mario Kart, Harry Potter Best for: Budget travelers who care more about Donkey Kong and Yoshi than Mario Kart. |
| Express Pass 4, Minion & Hollywood Dream The Ride | Included: Mine-Cart Madness, Harry Potter, Minion Mayhem Not included: Mario Kart Best for: Donkey Kong and Harry Potter fans, and you also pick Hollywood Dream or JAWS. |
| Express Pass 5, Race & Minion Special | Included: Mario Kart, Harry Potter Not included: Mine-Cart Madness Best for: Families who want Mario Kart and Harry Potter, plus gentler Minion rides. |
| Express Pass 5, Adventure Special | Included: Mario Kart Not included: Mine-Cart Madness, Harry Potter Best for: Thrill seekers, but only if you can skip Harry Potter. |
USJ Express Passes Without Super Nintendo World Entry
Many visitors assume all Express Passes include Super Nintendo World, but they do not. For example, these 2026 passes do not get you into the Nintendo area:
Express Pass 4 versions:
- Classic & Show
- Thrill Max
- 4-D & Space Fantasy
- 4-D & Backdrop
- Flying Dinosaur & Space Fantasy
- Backdrop & The Flying Dinosaur
- All 3 Halloween Packages (horror attractions only, ages 15 and up)
So before you check out, look for the exact phrase “SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™ Area Timed Entry” in the inclusions.
KKDAY TIP
Super Nintendo World turns 5 this year. From September 10, 2026 to January 11, 2027, Green, Pink and Aqua Yoshi take turns at a limited Meet & Greet inside the area, with 1 Yoshi per session. Since you need area entry to see them, an Express Pass with area entry also covers it.
USJ Express Pass 4 Thrill Packages: Coasters & High-Intensity Rides
The Thrill packages suit adrenaline seekers because they focus on The Flying Dinosaur and Hollywood Dream. As a result, they usually skip the gentler themed rides. Also note that Hollywood Dream Backdrop is the same coaster ridden backward.
| Express Pass 4 version | Area entry and rides |
|---|---|
| Thrill Max | It has no Nintendo area entry, but it covers Hollywood Dream forward and Backdrop, The Flying Dinosaur, and then 1 extra ride on Jurassic Park, Hollywood Dream, or The Flying Dinosaur. |
| One More Race & The Flying Dinosaur | It includes Super Nintendo World entry, as well as Mario Kart 2 times, Harry Potter, Hollywood Dream, and The Flying Dinosaur. |
| Backdrop & The Flying Dinosaur | It has no Nintendo area entry, but it covers Harry Potter, Flight of the Hippogriff, Hollywood Dream Backdrop, and The Flying Dinosaur. |
USJ Express Pass 4 Family Packages: Super Nintendo World, Minions & Shows
The Family packages swap big coasters for themed rides, such as the Minions, 4-D theaters, and Mario Kart. So they suit younger children and anyone who dislikes big drops. The Minions & Theater pass is in the cheaper picks above, and these are the other family options.
| Express Pass 4 version | Area entry and rides |
|---|---|
| Theater & The Flying Dinosaur | It includes Super Nintendo World entry, as well as Mario Kart, Hollywood Dream Backdrop, Detective Conan 4-D, and then Harry Potter or The Flying Dinosaur. |
| Classic & Show | It has no Nintendo area entry, but it covers JAWS, WaterWorld, Universal Monsters Live, and then Harry Potter or Jurassic Park. |
| Race & Theater | It includes Super Nintendo World entry, as well as Mario Kart, Yoshi’s Adventure, Harry Potter, and then Minion Mayhem or Detective Conan 4-D. |
How Much Does the USJ Express Pass Cost, and Where Should You Buy It?
On KKday, USJ Express Passes start from about US$78 for an Express Pass 4 and go up to about US$285 for Premium. However, prices are dynamic, so the same pass costs more on weekends, school vacations, and event days.
Official USJ Website vs KKday
You can buy from the official USJ website or from an authorized reseller such as KKday. The official online store takes Visa, Mastercard, JCB, Amex, Diners, Discover, and AEON cards in 1 payment only. But it does not accept UnionPay or Alipay+, and virtual cards with no physical card can fail.
| If this matters to you | What to do |
|---|---|
| Paying with a non-Japanese card | KKday takes credit and debit cards, as well as Apple Pay, Google Pay, LINE Pay, Alipay, AlipayHK and GrabPay. If you buy on the official site instead, use a physical card. |
| Choosing your ride times | On KKday, your preferred session is only a reference. Times are given by availability, so KKday cancels the order if your session is gone. |
Check USJ Express Pass prices for your date
How USJ Express Pass Time Slots Work
Most Express Passes come with fixed times for area entry and the busiest rides, such as Mario Kart or The Flying Dinosaur. USJ’s rule is simple. You can use rides without a set time whenever they are open, but rides with a fixed time only work at the time printed on your ticket.
The Golden Rules for USJ Time Slots
- You can’t pick the exact time: You choose a preferred time block, and then the system sets the actual times on your voucher.
- Book your group together: Buy every pass for your party in 1 order, because separate bookings almost always get different ride times.
- 1 use per ride: You can use the Express lane 1 time for each covered attraction. After that, join the standby line to ride again.
- No refunds or changes: After you pay, you can’t refund, exchange or change the pass, and the date and times stay locked.
- Don’t be late: If you miss a time, you lose that ride. So allow at least 30 minutes to walk between rides on opposite sides of the park.
- Closed attractions: If a covered attraction isn’t running, USJ lets you use the pass on other Express attractions instead, except rides with a fixed time.
- Show the whole ticket screen: Crew check the printed time as well as the QR code, so save or screenshot the full ticket.
What to Do If the USJ Express Pass Is Sold Out
A “sold out” label usually means 1 version is gone, but other passes for that day may still be on sale.
When do USJ Express Passes go on sale?
Dates open about 2 months (roughly 60 days) ahead, 1 day at a time. In other words, each date goes on sale on its own day, rather than a whole month at a time. So book as soon as your date opens if you are visiting on a weekend, a holiday, or during Halloween Horror Nights.
Backup Strategies for Sold-Out Dates
- Check other versions and channels: If your Express Pass 7 is gone, check the Express Pass 4, 5, or Premium versions, because they sell out at different rates. Also check another seller, because stock can show as sold out on 1 channel while another still has an allotment.
- Check again later: Stock sometimes returns when other shoppers’ carts expire, or their payments fail.
- Consider a Twilight Pass: This Studio Pass lets you in from 3:00 PM on eligible dates. Evening crowds are also usually lighter, so standby lines move faster.
- Use the free app: Finally, your last option for Nintendo access is the free Area Timed Entry Ticket. First, arrive at least 60 minutes before opening. Then enter the park and open the official USJ app right away. Our Super Nintendo World timed entry guide also walks you through it.
USJ Height Restrictions: What Families Must Know Before Buying
Measure your children before you buy. Passes are per person and non-refundable, so a pass for a child who is too short for its rides is wasted money.
| Attraction | Height rule |
|---|---|
| Mine-Cart Madness (Donkey Kong Country) | Riders need 107 cm (42 in) with an adult, or 122 cm (48 in) to ride alone. |
| Yoshi’s Adventure (Super Nintendo World) | Riders need 92 cm (36 in) with an adult, or 122 cm (48 in) to ride alone. |
| Mario Kart: Koopa’s Challenge (Super Nintendo World) | Riders need 107 cm (42 in) with an adult, or 122 cm (48 in) to ride alone. |
| Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey | Riders need to be 122 cm (48 in), even with an adult. |
| The Flying Dinosaur (Jurassic Park) | Riders need to be between 132 and 198 cm (52 to 78 in), even with an adult. |
If your child is under 107 cm (42 in), stick to Minion-focused passes or standard admission. Our Universal Studios Japan with kids guide also covers Child Switch, which is USJ’s rider swap where parents take turns riding while the other waits with the child.
Donkey Kong Country and Mine-Cart Madness
Donkey Kong Country sits behind Yoshi’s Snack Island, and it uses the same area entry as the rest of Super Nintendo World. Mine-Cart Madness lasts about 2 minutes, with 4 seats per cart, and its height rules are in the table above.
If your times allow, also take the standby line 1 time. That way, you see Cranky Kong’s animatronics and the Golden Temple details, which are hidden from the Express lane. Bring a portable charger too, because your Express Pass QR codes live on your phone.
What a Day With a USJ Express Pass 7 Looks Like
To fit in 9 to 10 rides, use standby early and late, and then save the middle of the day for your Express times, because lines peak between 11 AM and 4 PM.
- Night before: Register every Studio Pass in the USJ app, and also charge your phone and portable charger.
- Before opening: Head to a standby ride your pass doesn’t cover, because lines are shortest then.
- Mid-morning: Next, use your first Express time, usually for a Harry Potter or Minion ride.
- Late morning: Fit another standby ride into the gap, or eat an early lunch so you beat the 12:30 PM rush.
- Afternoon: Then enter Super Nintendo World and ride Mario Kart, Yoshi’s Adventure, and Mine-Cart Madness back to back.
- Late afternoon: Use your remaining Express times, usually for a coaster and a dark ride.
- Evening: Finally, watch the parade and take 1 last standby ride in the final hour, when waits drop.
USJ Events 2026 to 2027 and What They Mean for Your Express Pass
Universal Studios Japan’s 25th anniversary, Discover U!!!, runs until March 30, 2027. As a result, almost every date this year overlaps with a limited event. Here is what is on, and also whether an Express Pass helps.
Fall 2026 Events at USJ
| Event and dates | What it means for your Express Pass |
|---|---|
| Halloween Horror Nights 15th, September 11 to November 8, 2026 (Universal Extreme Autumn from September 10) | October evenings are the busiest of the year. So see the Halloween Packages below, and pair 1 with a Nintendo pass if Mario Kart matters. |
| Street Zombies, evenings from September 11 to November 8, 2026 | It is free with admission, so you don’t need a pass. However, zombies roam the streets after dark, so families with young children should plan Express times before evening. |
| Resident Evil Requiem: The Dive, until December 27, 2026 | It is covered by 2 of the 3 Halloween Packages, and it stays open even after Halloween Horror Nights ends. |
| Wicked: For Good Celebration, until December 27, 2026 | Elphaba and Glinda meet guests near the Hollywood Dream exit, so you don’t need a pass. |
Winter 2026 to Spring 2027 Events at USJ
| Event and dates | What it means for your Express Pass |
|---|---|
| Universal Holiday Wonders, November 13, 2026 to January 17, 2027 | December dates sell out, so book weeks ahead. The Christmas shows are covered below. |
| NO LIMIT! Countdown 2027, 7:00 PM on December 31, 2026 to 9:00 PM on January 1, 2027 (general sale from November 4, 2026) | It is a 26-hour event, and it needs its own ticket. However, USJ had not announced Express options for the night at the time of writing. |
| Sadako’s Curse: Dark Horror Ride, until January 4, 2027 | It is also covered by the Resident Evil Halloween Package. |
| Super Nintendo World 5th anniversary, NO LIMIT! Parade and Frieren, all until January 11, 2027 | The Frieren Story Walk needs a free timed entry ticket from the app, since it is not in the Express Pass lineup. However, the Frieren Story Ride on Hollywood Dream comes with admission. |
| JAWS: Red Alert, until January 31, 2027 | It is covered by the Factory of Fear Halloween Package, as well as by JAWS options in several regular passes. |
| Mid-January to March 30, 2027, when the 25th anniversary ends | This is the quietest and cheapest window left, except for Japanese school spring break in late March. So an Express Pass 4 is often enough on weekdays. |
USJ Halloween Horror Nights 2026: Express Pass Halloween Packages
3 Express Pass 4 Halloween Packages are on sale from US$74. However, none include Super Nintendo World. All 3 are also for ages 15 and up, because Resident Evil Requiem: The Dive and Factory of Fear are closed to children 14 and under.
- Resident Evil Requiem: The Dive package: It covers Resident Evil Requiem: The Dive, Hollywood Dream, Sadako’s Curse, and Jurassic Park: The Ride In the Dark.
- Chainsaw Man: The Chaos 4-D package: It covers Chainsaw Man: The Chaos 4-D, Hollywood Dream, Jurassic Park: The Ride In the Dark and Factory of Fear.
- Factory of Fear: Zombie Tour package: It covers Factory of Fear, Resident Evil Requiem: The Dive, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, and JAWS: Red Alert.
Lights Out: Nightmare Isolation, the park’s first R18 horror attraction, is not in these packages. Instead, it needs its own paid show ticket and a signed waiver. If you want Lights Out too, USJ also sells an Express Pass 3+1 Halloween Set & Lights Out, which combines 3 Express rides with guaranteed entry to Lights Out.
USJ Christmas 2026: Universal Holiday Wonders
The Universal Food Festival runs across the park for all of Universal Holiday Wonders. Meanwhile, the 2 nighttime shows at Gramercy Park run November 25 to January 11, except on December 31:
- Light Up the Night: Christmas Celebration: Elmo and park friends appear in winter costumes, and the first shows start around 5:30 PM and 7:30 PM.
- Joy of Lights: This light-and-music message show returns for the first time in 9 years, with shows around 6:00 PM and 8:00 PM.
- Hogwarts Magical Nights: Winter Magic: This winter show is projected onto Hogwarts Castle after dark.
Show times change by day, so check the schedule, which USJ posts about 1 week ahead. Because evening shows keep crowds in the park late, Express times after 5 PM are worth more in December.
Mistakes to Avoid When Buying a USJ Express Pass
- Buying by the number: For example, Express Pass 5 Adventure Special has no Harry Potter, while the Pass 4 Race & JAWS covers both Mario Kart and Harry Potter.
- Assuming area entry is standard: In fact, 6 Express Pass 4 versions and all 3 Halloween Packages have no Super Nintendo World entry. This is the most expensive mistake on this page.
- Packing lunch: Outside food, including packed meals, is not allowed inside the park.
Universal Studios Japan Express Pass FAQs
Is a USJ fast pass the same as an Express Pass?
Yes. “Fast pass” is a common name for the Universal Express Pass, because USJ does not sell a separate fast pass product.
How far in advance should I buy a USJ Express Pass?
Buy as soon as your date opens, about 2 months (roughly 60 days) ahead. Popular dates such as Golden Week and Halloween also sell out weeks in advance.
Does the USJ Express Pass include Donkey Kong Country?
Only if it includes Super Nintendo World area entry, which also covers Donkey Kong Country. However, to skip the line on Mine-Cart Madness, the pass must also list that ride.
Can I leave the park and come back?
No. USJ does not allow re-entry, so after you leave the gates, your day is over.
Can I buy an Express Pass at USJ on the day?
Rarely. So don’t plan around on-site stock, because the Super Nintendo World versions sell out first.
What happens if I miss my Express Pass time?
You lose that ride. That is because rides with a fixed time only accept your pass during the printed time, and there is no refund.
Can I use a Universal Studios Japan Express Pass attraction 2 times?
No. Each covered attraction is 1 use through the Express lane. However, you can ride again through the standby line.
Can I hold 2 different USJ Express Passes for the same day?
Yes, but the times are set separately and may overlap. If they clash, you lose 1 ride, and you won’t get a refund.
Do I need to print my USJ Express Pass?
No. Instead, show the full ticket screen on your phone, including the QR code and printed time.
Is the Universal Studios Japan Express Pass cheaper on weekdays?
Usually yes, because pricing is dynamic. Weekends and school vacations also carry the highest prices.
How do I get to Universal Studios Japan?
First, take the JR Osaka Loop Line to Nishikujo. Then take the JR Yumesaki (Sakurajima) Line 1 stop to Universal City Station, and the park entrance is a short walk away.
Keep Planning Your Osaka Trip
- Super Nintendo World timed entry tickets, the free app route if you skip the Express Pass.
- Universal Studios Japan 2026 guide, for rides, tickets and VIP tours.
- Universal Studios Japan with kids, for height limits and Child Switch.
Explore Universal Studios Japan on KKday
Package names and inclusions were checked on September 26, 2026. Sources include the KKday product page, Universal Studios Japan’s Express Pass and FAQ pages, and USJ news releases of September 9, 2026.
