Is Universal Studios Japan Worth Visiting in Summer?
Last Updated on July 24, 2025 by Kay
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Let’s face it — Japan during summer is hot and humid, and one of the last things people might want to do on hot days is be outside all day at an amusement park like Universal Studios Japan (USJ).
However, that doesn’t mean summer at USJ is all bad. Many attractions at Universal Studios Japan (USJ) are outside. However, there are fans in queues, as well as some shade, to help keep visitors cool.
I go to Universal Studios Japan throughout the year, including during summer, so I thought I would share my thoughts and tips about what everyone should know about visiting during this season.
Table of Contents
What to Know When Visiting USJ in Summer
Despite the heat, summer can be very busy at Universal Studios Japan due to summer vacations for students worldwide. This means you can expect lots of families at the park and possibly long wait times.
If you don’t want to wait in long lines and guarantee entry to areas such as Super Nintendo World, make sure to arrive at least 45 minutes before the park opens or buy an Express Pass.
It can also rain sometimes very suddenly (the weather has been kind of crazy lately), so make sure to bring a poncho and a parasol that can double as an umbrella. Rides will stop if there is lightning or the rain is very heavy.
Kay’s Tip: You can get free salt tablets from USJ cast members, which help with preventing heatstroke.
These are distributed between 10 AM to 3 PM — just find a cast member wearing a bag with the text “Salt Tablet” and ask!
(We didn’t even have to ask — we were offered these tablets by one of the cast members!)
Indoor Attractions at Universal Studios Japan
If you’re looking for the best indoor attractions at USJ that won’t have you waiting in the heat, here’s where to go:
- Mario Kart: Koopa’s Challenge
- Mine Cart Madness (the latter half of the waiting area is indoors)
- Yoshi’s Adventure (depending on the line, you may need to wait outside for a short period)
- Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem
- Doraemon 4-D Art Adventure (a show in Japanese only)
- Detective Conan 4-D (a live show in Japanese only)
- Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
- SPYxFAMILY XR Ride
- Universal Wonderland (There is an indoor area for small children to play, as well as a water garden near Moppy’s Balloon Ride where they can play with water fountains)
Seasonal Summer Events at Universal Studios Japan
Universal Studios Japan holds several events during the summer.
No LIMIT! Summer Splash Parade
A special water parade, cast members and characters soak the audience using water guns. The best part is that you can spray them, too, if you purchase one of the special USJ water guns.
You can find these for sale at souvenir shops along Hollywood Boulevard. There’s a water filling station near the Hollywood Dream roller coaster.
Note that you cannot bring your own water gun, you can only use the ones issued by Universal Studios Japan.
You will get soaked during this parade, so I recommend bringing a change of clothes or wearing a poncho.
You can find more information about where this parade takes place on the official USJ website. You can also use the official USJ app and select “Shows” under “Wait Times Show Schedule”.
Cool Splash Time
Another event, although quick, is called Cool Splash Time. This takes place twice a day in three locations:
- Gramery Park
- Hollywood Boulevard
- In front of Space Fantasy
This event is only 3 minutes long and basically is like a sudden downpour of rain.
You will get soaked, so if you want to just take a look, keep your distance. I watched from the Hello Kitty store in Hollywood Boulevard.
NO LIMIT! SUMMER DANCE NIGHTS with HYBE JAPAN
There’s also an event called NO LIMIT! SUMMER DANCE NIGHTS with HYBE JAPAN in the evening where you can see cast members dance on stage to popular songs by bands like BTS.
We wanted to go to this, but it was cancelled because of rain.
What to Eat During Summer at Universal Studios Japan
There are lots of summer-limited food items at Universal Studios Japan.
Notably, there are carts selling frozen fruit on a stick such as pineapple and mango:
If you want to sit down and have a summer-themed meal, consider the following:
- Crunchy Taco Burger at Mel’s Drive-in
- Garlic Shrimp Pizza at Louie’s Pizza
- Shaved Ice at SAIDO
There’s also an Apothecary Diaries event currently running at Universal Studios Japan where you can enjoy Maomao’s cold sudachi noodles. It was delicious but even better was Jinshi’s Citrus Drink with Lychee — I liked it so much I got two!
What to Bring to Universal Studios Japan in Summer
Here are my must-bring items when visiting USJ during the summer.
- Portable fan
- Portable charger (for fan or mobile phone)
- A small towel to wipe away sweat
- Water bottle (because water from vending machines at USJ is 300 yen, which is twice the average cost)
- Poncho, if you want to ride Jurassic Park
- Parasol and hat
- Sunscreen
- Change of clothes (if you want to get soaked at parades early on)
Souvenir stores will sell some cooling items as well if you need them, such as towels and fans.
We bought this Hello Kitty one last year, which is cute, but my only complaint is that the batteries run out quickly.
If it rains suddenly, you can purchase a poncho. Notably, the kids ones have Mario on them.
I bought this Super Mario umbrella, because I loved the design and thought it was pretty affordable. (Unfortunately, it can’t double as a parasol.)
So, Is Universal Studios Japan Worth Visiting in Summer?
If you prepare properly and take precautions, you can absolutely enjoy your time at Universal Studios Japan.
But is summer the best season to visit the park? I don’t think so, especially if you have young children. To get the most out of your visit, I recommend visiting during winter because the weather is great and not that crowded.
If you’re traveling with kids, make sure to read my article about Universal Studios Japan with children.