Universal Studios Japan with Babies, Toddlers, and Small Kids

This article has been a long time coming!

Now, after visiting Universal Studios Japan (USJ) countless times both with and without my daughter, I finally feel ready (and super excited) to share my ultimate guide to USJ with babies, toddlers, and small children.

 

 

 

 

 

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Universal Studios Japan is a popular theme park in Osaka, and perhaps the second most visited in Japan (with the two Disney parks taking first place).  Similar to Disney, they have seasonal events throughout the year such as Halloween, Christmas, and Easter, parades, and of course amazing food with super fun rides. USJ also has more affordable one-day passes than Disney and an entire zone dedicated just to kids, making it undeniably an excellent place to take little ones.

Best of all, they have a standard yearly pass (ユニバーサル・プライム年間パス・スタンダード), which I have bought twice so far, and children under the age of three are free. If you live in Kansai or visit often, I highly recommend investing in one. 

Tickets and Hours at Universal Studios Japan 

A 1 Day Studio Pass for adults (age 12 and up) ranges from 8600 yen to 10,400 yen depending on when you go (weekends are more expensive)  while for kids ages 4-11 is 5600 yen to 6800 yen. You can also get a 2-Day Studio Pass, which will save you about 300 yen. If you’re a Club Universal member, you can get discounted tickets for the month of your birthday and the following month as well.

You can either buy the pass online or at USJ.

As mentioned earlier, I am a fan of the yearly pass. At 20,000 yen, it pays for itself on your third visit! But of course this would only make sense if you lived nearby and traveled enough to USJ to make it worth it. Note that there are blackout dates for this pass, such as during Golden Week, but honestly, it’s probably best to avoid busy periods anyway! 

If you want to get the yearly pass, note that you cannot buy it online on the day you’re going, only in advance. However, you can get the one day pass and then change it to the yearly pass at Guest Services after you enter the park. The sooner you do this the better because Guest Services gets very crowded as it nears closing since it’s also the lost and found area.   

The hours of operation tend to vary so make sure you check USJ’s website before you go! 

Helpful Tips for Visiting Universal Studios Japan with Small Kids

• • Download the Universal Studios Japan app. This will allow you to get Area Time Entry Tickets to popular places such as Super Nintendo World and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter as well as Timed Entry eTickets (e整理券) for attractions (usually for adults, called アトラクション整理券) and rides for kids (よやくのり or Ride Reservation Ticket) .

    

    You can also see wait times for rides, times for parades and shows, access a map of the park as well as see other information such as restaurants.

 

• If you want to enter Super Nintendo World, arrive as soon as possible to USJ as the entry tickets are gone fast. When my daughter was younger, I didn’t want to take her on crowded trains so we didn’t arrive until around 10:00 AM and by then the tickets were all swooped up. However, I was able to get a ticket for 3:30 PM entry when I arrived at 8:30 AM. If you’re short on time and want to guarantee you get into this area and don’t have to wait in line for rides, you might want to splurge on the Universal Express Pass.

 

 

 

• I’ve also heard that the gates open 30 minutes before the official opening time. So if the website says USJ opens at 8:00 AM, you might be able to get in at 7:30 AM. I haven’t gone early enough to test this out, though.

 

 

 

• Speaking of going early, I highly recommend going around opening time because there are far fewer people and wait times are super short. It starts getting crowded at around 10:00 AM. 

 

 

 

• If your little one needs to go pee right after you enter the park, head to the universal washroom to the right of the entrance/exit. It has a tiny child-sized toilet seat that you can pull down right on top of the regular-sized one. It’s amazing! There are also other washrooms throughout the park that have this, although weirdly not in Universal Wonderland (the area for small kids). 

 

 

 

• For a family-friendly space to breastfeed, feed your baby, or change diapers, look for Family Services. There are two, one in Guest Services near the entrance/exit, and another inside Universal Wonderland. There is also a First Aid room near Guest Services where you can get some bandages or medical attention if your child gets injured. 

 

 

 

• You can rent a stroller for 1100 yen from Stroller/Wheelchair Rentals, which is also near the park entrance/exit. 

 

 

 

• If you’re visiting with another adult and both of you want to go on a ride but your child doesn’t meet and height restriction, you can use the Child Switch system. With this system, you both wait in the Single Rider line and then take turns going on the ride while the other waits in a designated space with your child. 

 

 

 

• Kids can get special stickers from the staff or crew, especially in the Universal Wonderland Area, so make sure you ask!

  

 

 

 

• If you visit on your child’s birthday (or your own), you can get a special birthday sticker badge and get lots of birthday greetings from the staff and crew throughout the park.

 

 

 

• You can reserve seats for certain restaurants online, which is a lifesaver if you don’t want to wait in line to eat and have small kids. (More on where to eat further in the article.)

 

 

 

• If your phone is low on batteries, you can rent a charger at seven different locations throughout the park
  • Inside the lockers near the park entrance/exit
  • In front of the washroom next to Kinopio’s Cafe
  • Next to the washroom near Louie’s N.Y. Pizza Parlor
  • Next to the washroom near Elmo’s Go-Go Skateboard
  • In front of the men’s washroom in front of the Jaws ride
  • In front of the washroom inside of Amity Village 

 

Baby, Toddler, and Kid-Friendly Rides at Universal Studios Japan

Here are areas and their rides that I think are great for little ones:

Universal Wonderland Area

The best place to find rides that are great for all ages is Universal Wonderland, which is Sanrio, Peanuts, and Sesame Street-themed. There are also two indoor play areas with rides and activities, Snoopy’s Sound Adventure and Imagination Playland, making it a perfect place for kids if it’s raining, too hot, or too cold outside. My daughter gets very cranky when it’s hot so she loves spending hours in the indoor areas! 

The Flying Snoopy

This is one of the few rides my daughter hasn’t gone on because she’s scared of it. But I think it’s gentle enough for small children and there’s always a line! 

You can use the よやくのり (Yoyakunori or Ride Reservation) ticket for this ride, which will give you a scheduled time to ride and cut the wait time significantly. 

For children who are 92 cm or taller when accompanied by an adult. Children 122 cm or taller can ride alone. 

Parent and Toddler Fun Factor: N/A, haven’t been on it yet! 

Snoopy’s Sound Adventure

My daughter loves this indoor area as there is so much to do! Kids can play in a small playground called Spike’s Corral or do many interactive activities such as push buttons or pull levers to make things move or answer questions on after watching short Peanuts videos.

Note that this area will be closed from November 13th, 2023 for renovations.

Parent Fun Factor: ★★★☆☆

2 YO Toddler Fun Factor: ★★★☆☆

3 YO Toddler Fun Factor: ★★★★☆

4 YO Toddler Fun Factor: ★★★★★

☔ Recommended if it’s raining

Hello Kitty’s Cupcake Dream

My daughter adores this ride, which is Hello Kitty-themed spinning teacups (but colorful sprinkled cupcakes instead of teacups). The line moves fairly quickly so the wait time tends to be short (unless someone drops popcorn, as I have unfortunately witnessed).

Children need to be at least 122 cm tall to ride alone but there is no height restriction if they are accompanied by an adult.

Parent Fun Factor: ★★★★★

2 YO Toddler Fun Factor: ★★★☆☆

3 YO Toddler Fun Factor: ★★★★☆

4 YO Toddler Fun Factor: ★★★★★

Hello Kitty’s Ribbon Collection

Unfortunately, my daughter and I have not had the chance to go here yet as it was either closed or the line was too long!

From what I can tell, it’s a little “shop” where you can take tons of cute photos, including with Hello Kitty!

Recommended for children ages 3 to 6, although this hasn’t stopped only adults from going in!

Parent and Toddler Fun Factor: N/A, haven’t been inside yet! 

☔ Recommended if it’s raining

Big Bird’s Big Top Circus

This is a merry-go-round that kids of all ages can ride (they even have bench seats for parents with babies!). My daughter adores this ride and it helps that the wait time isn’t very long at all! 

Children need to be at least 122 cm tall to ride alone. If you are riding with your child, you cannot stand next to them (unlike at Tokyo Disney) and need to sit down instead. I suggest using one of the benches if your child cannot sit up by themselves. For smaller children, use the shorter animals located on the inside of the ride.

Parent Fun Factor: ★★★★★

2 YO Toddler Fun Factor: ★★★☆☆

3 YO Toddler Fun Factor: ★★★★☆

4 YO Toddler Fun Factor: ★★★★★

Elmo’s Go-Go Skateboard

My daughter hasn’t ridden this yet as it seems a little too scary for her and she refuses. It’s basically a much smaller version of those viking boat rides at amusement parks. 

It’s best to get a よやくのり (Yoyakunori or Ride Reservation) ticket for this, which will give you a scheduled time to ride and cut the wait time significantly. You can get this through the app or at the machine near Moppy’s Balloon Trip. Note that if you have one Yoyakunori ticket, you cannot get another one until after you have gone on the ride your ticket is for.

For children who are 92 cm or taller when accompanied by an adult. Children 122 cm or taller can ride alone. 

Parent and Toddler Fun Factor: N/A, haven’t been on it yet! 

Moppy’s Balloon Trip

This is something my daughter was hesitant about riding at first when she was two, refused to ride when she was three, and then was suddenly okay with at four. 

This ride is basically like taking a mini trip on a hot air balloon that goes in a circle. Kids can see the entire park from way up high, which delights my daughter (it helps to point out things like Hogwarts Castle and the Super Nintendo Area if they’re feeling a bit scared).

It’s best to get a よやくのり (Yoyakunori or Ride Reservation) ticket for this as well, which will give you a scheduled time to ride and cut the wait time significantly. You can get this through the app or at one of the machines located in an area to the left of this ride. Note that if you have one Yoyakunori ticket, you cannot get another one until after you have gone on the ride your ticket is for.

For children who are 92 cm or taller. Children 122 cm or taller can ride alone. 

Parent Fun Factor: ★★★★★

2 YO Toddler Fun Factor: N/A

3 YO Toddler Fun Factor: ★★★☆☆

4 YO Toddler Fun Factor: ★★★★☆

Elmo’s Little Drive

This is a cute (and very picture-worthy) ride where kids can ride on Sesame Street cars along a small course. If your kid has trouble getting a hang of how to drive, the staff will help them. (Parents are not allowed on the ride, not that they would fit anyway!)

My daughter had some trouble when she rode the car at age three and for some reason despite wanting to ride similar go-karts at festivals, she so far doesn’t want to ride on this one again, which is a shame because I think it’s great and want to ride this myself!

Recommended for children ages 3 to 5.  

Parent Fun Factor: N/A

2 YO Toddler Fun Factor: N/A

3 YO Toddler Fun Factor: ★★★☆☆

4 YO Toddler Fun Factor: N/A

Attractions Inside Imagination Playland

Moppy’s Lucky Dance Party

This is a small theatre where Moppy and another cast member perform songs and dances for little ones, and kids can participate as well! The area is still fun to visit when there’s no show, especially with the heart and star-shaped lights throughout the theatre.

Parent Fun Factor: ★★★★☆

2 YO Toddler Fun Factor: ★★★★☆

3 YO Toddler Fun Factor: ★★★★☆

4 YO Toddler Fun Factor: ★★★★★

☔ Recommended if it’s raining

Abby’s Magical Party

This is one of my daughter’s favorite places to play. Kids can climb up the different star shapes and play with the giant orange balloon-like balls.

It’s good to supervise your child just in case because accidents happen and you don’t want them to get hurt (or unintentionally hurt others). 

Recommended for children ages 3 to 6.

Parent Fun Factor: N/A

2 YO Toddler Fun Factor: ★★★☆☆

3 YO Toddler Fun Factor: ★★★★★

4 YO Toddler Fun Factor: ★★★★★

☔ Recommended if it’s raining

Bert and Ernie’s Wonder: The Sea

This is a simple attraction where kids go down a short slide straight into a ball pit. They can continue to play with the balls once down or climb up and slide back down again.

Try to make sure your kid doesn’t cut in front of others or step on hands when they’re climbing up! (I noticed a few kids doing this to my daughter and unfortunately, the staff didn’t say anything.)

Recommended for children ages 3 to 6.

Parent Fun Factor: N/A

2 YO Toddler Fun Factor: N/A (it was closed due to the pandemic and reopened in mid-2023)

3 YO Toddler Fun Factor: N/A (it was closed due to the pandemic and reopened in mid-2023)

4 YO Toddler Fun Factor: ★★★★☆

☔ Recommended if it’s raining

Big Bird’s Big Nest 

Another simple attraction, kids can climb up and down the ropes or go through the surrounding structures.

Recommended for children ages 5 to 12, although I have definitely seen younger kids on it.

Parent Fun Factor: N/A

2 YO Toddler Fun Factor: N/A (it was closed due to the pandemic and reopened in mid-2023)

3 YO Toddler Fun Factor: N/A (it was closed due to the pandemic and reopened in mid-2023)

4 YO Toddler Fun Factor: ★★★☆☆

☔ Recommended if it’s raining

Elmo’s Bubble Bubble

This is another one of my daughter’s favorites. It’s a leisurely and short boat ride that ends with a small incline and a little bit of a splash (you’re unlikely to get wet).  Note that only two people can ride on one boat at a time.

It’s best to get a よやくのり (Yoyakunori or Ride Reservation) ticket for this, which will give you a scheduled time to ride and cut the wait time significantly. You can get this through the app or at the machine to the right of the ride near Grover’s Construction Company. Note that if you have one Yoyakunori ticket, you cannot get another one until after you have gone on the ride your ticket is for.

For children who are 92 cm or taller when accompanied by an adult. Children 122 cm or taller can ride alone. 

Parent Fun Factor: ★★★★★

2 YO Toddler Fun Factor: N/A

3 YO Toddler Fun Factor: ★★★★★

4 YO Toddler Fun Factor: ★★★★★

☔ Recommended if it’s raining

Grover’s Construction Company 

This is another attraction that had been closed during the pandemic and only recently re-opened. Kids can play with big foam blocks and tubes and use them to build forts or other creations. My daughter is a fan and can easily spend an hour here. 

Recommended for children ages 3 to 9.

Parent Fun Factor: N/A

2 YO Toddler Fun Factor: N/A (it was closed due to the pandemic and reopened in mid-2023)

3 YO Toddler Fun Factor: N/A (it was closed due to the pandemic and reopened in mid-2023)

4 YO Toddler Fun Factor: ★★★★☆

☔ Recommended if it’s raining

Minion Park

Freezing Ray Sliders

My daughter adores this ride and can’t stop laughing whenever she’s on it (I wrote that and later found out that USJ wrote the same thing for the ride’s description, so it’s very true!). It’s fun for even adults to sit in a car that spins and slides as if you’re on ice. 

For children who are 92 cm or taller when accompanied by an adult. Children 122 cm or taller can ride alone.

Parent Fun Factor: ★★★★★

2 YO Toddler Fun Factor: N/A

3 YO Toddler Fun Factor: N/A

4 YO Toddler Fun Factor: ★★★★★

Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem

My daughter hasn’t been on this ride yet and I can’t see her liking it (she is not a fan of rides that involve sitting in a theatre in a moving seat). But it’s always an option for other kids, especially if it’s raining since it’s indoors! 

For children who are 102 cm or taller when accompanied by an adult. Children 122 cm or taller can ride alone.

Fun Factor: N/A, haven’t been on it yet!

☔ Recommended if it’s raining

Amity Village

Jaws

This is a ride I haven’t taken my daughter on yet because I feel like she will likely get very scared since the boat goes into a warehouse and it’s quite dark.

But I’m mentioning this ride anyway because as long as a child is accompanied by an adult, there is no height restriction. (Children must be at least 122 cm tall to ride alone.)

Parent Fun Factor: ★★★☆☆

Toddler Fun Factor: N/A, hasn’t been on it yet!

Super Nintendo World

Yoshi’s Adventure

My daughter was finally tall enough to ride this around the time she turned four (she had a huge growth spurt suddenly, so it was a pleasant surprise — except for my wallet since I needed to buy new clothes!).

This is a leisurely and fun ride where you tap different colored eggs depending on the color you see throughout the journey. Everything is so cute and even the waiting area is adorably decorated, making you feel like you’re in the game. There are some spots in the waiting area where you can tap your Power-Up Band or punch blocks, which my daughter loved doing. It definitely helped the time go by faster!

For children who are 92 cm or taller when accompanied by an adult. Children 122 cm or taller can ride alone. 

Parent Fun Factor: ★★★★★

2 YO Toddler Fun Factor: N/A

3 YO Toddler Fun Factor: N/A

4 YO Toddler Fun Factor: ★★★★★

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Flight of the Hippogriff

This is another ride my daughter hasn’t gone on yet as I think it’s too fast for her (and she has zero interest). But it’s an option if your child likes thrills and is a fan of Harry Potter!

For children who are 92 cm or taller when accompanied by an adult. Children 122 cm or taller can ride alone. 

Parent and Toddler Fun Factor: N/A

Baby, Toddler, and Kid-Friendly Shows at Universal Studios Japan                             

WaterWorld

This isn’t exactly something my daughter would be interested in as it’s definitely not “cute”, which is why we haven’t gone. But if your child likes action and explosions, then it might be worth taking them.

Parades at Universal Studios Japan

Make sure you don’t miss the NO LIMIT! Parade, which is daily starting from 1:00 PM. It starts at the Hollywood Area and ends in New York. Here’s a map of the parade route.

This is a really fun parade for kids and a lot of popular characters show up from Mario and Pokemon. There’s also a little dance party in the middle of the parade where kids can join in the fun. My daughter always has a blast, especially when she can start dancing too so I try not to miss it. 

Kid-Friendly Food at Universal Studios Japan

There is so much cute kid-friendly food at USJ! Here are a couple of places that I recommend. Also note that restaurants get very busy between 11-13:00, so the earlier you eat, the better. 

Studio Stars Restaurant (Hollywood Area)

This place usually has kids’ meals that are themed according to the current special (and limited) event, such as Pokemon meals or Doraemon. The food is not only cute and plentiful, it also tastes good, too! 

Kinopio’s Cafe (Super Nintendo)

The inside of this cafe is a must-see as it’s really well-decorated and even adults will be excited to dine here. 

They offer two kids’ meals, a curry set and a hamburger one. My daughter always goes for the hamburger as it is topped with a Mario figure and the dessert in a question block is super cute as well! I also love how there’s so much for kids to eat on the plate, such as fried shrimp (ebi fry), a star nugget, and a little omelet (I kind of wish there were more veggies though!).

Another great thing about this restaurant is that the staff will take a photo of you with your phone at the table, which is really nice.

Snoopy’s Backlot Cafe (Universal Wonderland)

Since this is located in Universal Wonderland, it’s the perfect place for kids to eat. Their kids’ set has a ham and egg sandwich but I feel like the other items on their menu would work for kids as well, like spaghetti bolognese or burgers. They also sell baby food as well.

Lost World Restaurant (Jurassic Park Area)

My daughter hasn’t had the kids’ meal here yet as it’s quite big, but I know she would love the corn, fries, and potato chips. The BBQ beef sandwich looks really good too, maybe we will get it and share it next time if she wants it!

Discovery Restaurant (Jurassic Park Area)

I’ve been eying the Junior Expedition Set, which has such a cute box with a pterodactyl on it and contains what looks like a cookie with a dino footprint, fried chicken, fries, an egg, and rice. The inside of the restaurant has lots of pictures of dinos as well, which is fun for kids to look at. However, I will note that I have dined here and the Volcano Cake is… not good.

HAPPINESS Cafe (San Fransisco Area)

If your child likes the Minions, they might enjoy their curry set for kids (although they could have done a better job making it look more Minions).

Amity Landing Restaurant (Amity Village)

I think the Jaws-themed kids set with fried chicken and fries is adorable, especially the pancake with the shark on it and the blue jelly dessert.

Other Restaurants at Universal Studios Japan with Kids’ Meal Sets 

Here are some other restaurants that have kids’ set meals but perhaps aren’t as cute or themed as the ones above.

• Finnegan’s Bar and Grill (New York Area)
  
  This is like an Irish pub so it’s a nice place to have a beer and snacks or something more hearty while your kid has their meal, which is two sliders, corn and fries. I like the booth seating as well so sometimes my daughter naps while I relax with a glass of wine. It helps that you can reserve seats online as well.

• Mel’s Drive-in (Hollywood Area)
  As this diner specializes in cheeseburgers, perhaps it’s no surprise that their kids’ meal is hamburger and fries with cookies. 

• Park Side Grille (New York Area)
  Chicken and egg sandwiches with fries and dessert that include fresh fruit, one of the healthiest options at the park. The restaurant also offers special afternoon teas like Christmas (2-5 PM) and fancy meal options for adults. I haven’t been yet but I want to go soon! You can reserve seats online, too.

• Azzurra di Capri (New York Area)
  This Italian restaurant serves a kids’ set featuring ragu spaghetti, chicken sandwich, veggie tomato stew, scrambled eggs, fries, and dessert. You can also reserve seats online. 

• Lombard’s Landing (San Fransisco Area)
  This is another fancy restaurant so food for adults is a little experience. The kids’ meal features omelet rice (omurice), hamburg steak, fries, fried shrimp, veggies, and dessert.

• Three Broomsticks (Harry Potter Area)
  Mac and cheese with veggies and the cheapest kids set at the park. They have really fun and magical desserts so it might be worth visiting for that as well! 
  

I like to grab pizza from Louie’s N.Y. Pizza Parlor in the New York area sometimes as well depending on how busy it is.

There are also tons to eat from carts around the park, like hot dogs, sandwiches, and steamed buns (some with Pikachu butts, near the Hollywood Dream roller coaster, but it sells out fast).

Overall Impression of Universal Studios Japan with Small Kids

Needless to say, considering I’ve been to USJ multiple times with my daughter, I am a huge fan, especially when it comes to going there with kids, even babies. The park grounds aren’t as huge as Disney’s so you don’t get as tired and with the yearly pass it’s very affordable.

Even if you don’t live in Kansai, I highly recommend visiting at least once with your little one! In fact, now I really want to go again having written this article, so you might see me there!