Are you excited to finally visit Super Nintendo World in Osaka, but confused about how to actually get tickets?
Trust me, you’re definitely not alone. Ever since Universal Studios Japan opened Super Nintendo World, countless travelers have reached out to ask how to secure their spot. And I totally get it—there’s something about stepping into a real-life Mario game that gets your inner child (or your actual kids) jumping for joy. But navigating the ticket-buying process can feel a little overwhelming.
Let’s break it down in simple terms first. You’ll need a standard Universal Studios Japan Studio Pass to enter the theme park itself. But here’s the kicker: Just having a Studio Pass won’t automatically grant you access to Super Nintendo World. Due to its popularity, the park requires visitors to secure a separate timed entry ticket to enter this special area.
One big question travelers often have is whether there’s an additional fee for the timed entry ticket. Good news: there isn’t. Your Studio Pass already covers the cost—but you do need to reserve your time slot early, especially during peak seasons like holidays or weekends. I've heard plenty of stories from visitors who missed out because they underestimated just how quickly these reservations fill up.
Get your ticket to Universal Studios Japan for a day filled with thrilling rides, magical shows, and unforgettable movie-themed experiences.
Here’s what I usually recommend to travelers: as soon as you’ve secured your park tickets, jump right into booking your timed entry. You have a few options for this:
Official Universal Studios Japan App – This is honestly your best friend when it comes to convenience. You can reserve your slot the same day you visit, but availability is strictly limited. A helpful YouTube video I often share with travelers clearly demonstrates how to get timed entry tickets through the official universal studios app.
Physical Kiosks Inside the Park – If you’re the type who prefers doing things in person (no judgment here—I totally get it), there are kiosks scattered throughout Universal Studios Japan where you can secure your timed entry ticket. However, be warned: these kiosks can have long lines, especially in the morning.
Express Pass – If avoiding lines sounds appealing (and let’s be real, it does), buying an Express Pass guarantees entry into Super Nintendo World at a specific time without any additional steps. This pass isn't cheap, but from the stories travelers have shared with me, it's worth every penny for a stress-free experience.
If you’re feeling uncertain about using the app or kiosks, my team at Trip To Japan regularly assists travelers with this exact issue. We've streamlined the process to ensure you won't miss out—feel free to give us a call, and we’ll sort out everything from tickets to transportation.
One question I frequently hear from customers is, "When exactly do Mario tickets go on sale?" The simple answer: as soon as you know your travel dates, snag your tickets immediately. Super Nintendo World tickets are incredibly popular, and waiting until the last minute rarely ends well.
I’ve found that securing tickets about a month or two in advance gives travelers the best combination of flexibility and availability. If you wait too long, you might find yourself struggling with limited time slots or, worse, entirely sold-out days. So don’t procrastinate—trust me on this.
Now, getting inside is just half the battle—making your experience memorable is another story. Once you’ve locked in your tickets, start considering some other activities to make your trip even better. Since you're clearly into gaming adventures, I recommend checking out this article we recently published about experiencing Mario Kart in Tokyo. It pairs perfectly with your Nintendo-themed itinerary.
And if you're bringing along little ones, you might want to glance at our family-friendly guide about Tokyo with kids. Families tell me all the time that pairing Universal Studios Japan with other kid-friendly adventures in Tokyo really amps up their vacation.
Experience an exhilarating one-hour street go-kart adventure through Osaka's vibrant neighborhoods, guided by a professional.
This is probably one of the most common discussions travelers have online. From what my customers have shared with me, the Express Pass is a lifesaver. Sure, it’s pricier, but if your vacation time is limited, waiting in line just isn’t fun.
A customer recently mentioned to me how grateful they were to have bought the Express Pass. They said it made their visit hassle-free, especially with young children. But if you’re traveling on a tight budget, don’t feel pressured. Just get to the park early, be strategic about your kiosk or app timing, and you'll still have a fantastic day.
After you’ve had your fill of Mario and Luigi, don’t forget that Universal Studios Japan itself is packed with other awesome experiences. If you're a big theme park fan, we’ve detailed how you can fully enjoy a visit to Tokyo DisneySea. It’s another highly popular attraction among American families.
For something different but still very much in line with your gaming interests, you should definitely consider spending a day exploring Akihabara’s electric town. It's Tokyo's ultimate destination for all things gaming, anime, and electronics.
Now, let's talk about another ticket type that a lot of travelers ask me about—the Universal Express Pass. If your schedule in Osaka is tight, or you simply don't love waiting in long lines, you'll want to seriously consider picking up one of these.
The Express Passes offer entry through a separate, faster line for select rides and attractions, including popular rides in Super Nintendo World. But keep in mind—these passes sell out quickly, sometimes weeks or months in advance.
Experience more at Universal Studios Japan with an Express Pass.
I often recommend visitors decide early whether the express pass is worth the extra cost. Prices can vary a lot depending on the date and the pass type. Recently, one family I helped book tickets told me it was absolutely worth paying extra for the Express Pass. They managed to skip a two-hour wait on Mario Kart: Koopa’s Challenge, giving them more time to explore other parts of the park. Sounds like a win to me!
Ticket prices for Super Nintendo World are actually just the regular entry tickets to Universal Studios Japan—they don't cost extra, but the Express Passes do. A standard one-day ticket usually ranges from about $55 to $70 USD for adults, depending on the exchange rate and the time of year you visit. Children’s tickets are a bit cheaper, usually around $35 to $50 USD. Of course, if you're traveling from the U.S., checking currency conversions before you buy can help avoid surprises.
Express Passes are an additional cost, typically ranging from $45 to over $100 USD per person. The exact price varies based on demand, the number of attractions covered, and your chosen date.
You absolutely can visit Super Nintendo World without buying an Express Pass. But—and it's a big one—you'll need a bit more patience. Several customers I've talked to found themselves waiting in line up to 90 minutes or even longer on busy weekends or holiday periods.
If your priority is simply to explore the area and take pictures, you might not need an Express Pass. However, if rides are your top priority, an Express Pass is your friend.
Aside from tickets, here’s what I often recommend to travelers who want the best possible experience at Super Nintendo World:
Arrive early! Try to get to the park before opening time. Universal Studios Japan often opens its gates earlier than advertised, and this can give you a significant head start.
Use the Universal Studios Japan app. This app provides real-time wait times and allows you to grab timed entry tickets. I recently saw a helpful video guide on YouTube that explains how to get timed entry tickets through the official Universal Studios app, which could save you a ton of hassle.
Bring a portable charger. Trust me on this—your phone battery will thank you later. Between snapping photos and checking wait times on the app, you'll be glad you packed one.
Sure, you could handle all the bookings yourself, but as someone who’s spent years helping travelers make their way around Japan, I can confidently say that having everything arranged beforehand is a huge relief. Through our platform, you can easily secure tickets, book hotels, arrange transportation, and even rent portable Wi-Fi devices—all in one place, without hidden fees.
One family recently told me how relieved they felt after I arranged their Super Nintendo World tickets alongside accommodations in Osaka and transportation from Tokyo. They said it saved them countless hours, especially since they had young children. That kind of peace of mind is exactly why I do what I do.
Visiting Super Nintendo World is definitely a highlight for many travelers coming to Japan. From the immersive rides to the colorful atmosphere, it's a must-see attraction whether you're a lifelong Nintendo fan or just looking for an unforgettable experience.
Once your tickets are secured, consider extending your trip to explore more of Japan. Check out our guide to shopping in Tokyo, or perhaps add an exciting experience like experiencing Mario Kart in Tokyo. These adventures perfectly complement the thrill of Super Nintendo World and give your trip a nice balance of excitement and exploration.
If you have any more questions about your visit or need help organizing the perfect itinerary, don't hesitate to give me and my team a call. We're always here to make your Japan travels stress-free and memorable!
