Purchasing Studio Passes and Express Passes Online – 2015 Edition

So, it’s been a few months since my first guide came out. Clearly, USJ has updated their site not long after my guide was out. A lot of you are still sending me emails, so I’m guessing there are still people looking for a guide. So, I’ve finally found time to update the guide! Here you go!

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Sidenote: Do note that this guide is not complete: I’m missing what happens after the transaction is completed. If anyone would like to give me a hand in this, please do send me screenshots if you are able to! Just email them to bloodprincess@live.com. Please do not send me the QR codes – they are private and meant for you only.

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First, go to http://www.usj.co.jp/ticket/. Note that this guide is only telling you HOW to purchase. Please already be sure of which passes you wish to purchase. Information can be found on the English version of the USJ website on types of Express passes.

Also, a short disclaimer here – the passes tend to change from time to time, so at the time of writing the passes may cost differently / have a different package from when you are reading this. At this point in time, the express pass allows you to purchase advance reservations to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, as well as book a timeslot to take the ride. This cuts the queue down considerably, as when I went, the queue was 200 minutes long! No joke – the pass saved my life. Please read up on the different various passes before you decide which you want to purchase. If you’re confused, drop me a comment I’d try to help!

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PRE REQUISITE:
You will need the following:

• To know the date you are going (this date cannot be changed)
• To know which Express Pass you wish to purchase and if you wish to purchase Studio Pass as well (I would recommend to do so as it doesn’t cost much more and it saves the queue and hassle, especially if you can’t speak the language)
• Credit Card – this doesn’t have to be a Japanese Credit Card. I’ve heard a normal VISA/MASTERCARD will do. Not sure if Debit Card is accepted but I suppose it should be
• To know how many people are going with you, and if they will need passes as well (Express Passes only allow 1 person to enter per pass, so you cannot share passes. Buying passes at 2 different dates may result in different entry times for Wizarding World of Harry Potter).

Okay, now that you have all that information with you, we can start.\

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WHAT IS STUDIO PASS AND EXPRESS PASS

Studio Passes are basically your entry tickets – they do not cover anything besides the entrance fee. They can be purchased both online as well as in Japan, however if you are purchasing Express Passes online, I would recommend you to get the Studio Passes as well. The reason being that you save the queuing for purchase at USJ, and also you save the hassle figuring out where you can go to purchase, and if there will be a language barrier.

Express Passes are basically “jump queue” passes. There are various types of Express Passes, which gives you priority queuing in various types of rides. Each Express Pass is only valid for 1 use per ride stated, and is not tagged to anyone in particular. A staff will scan your QR code upon entry into the priority queue. Express Passes can also be bought at the park itself, but are usually pretty quick to sell out (I’ve heard Japanese queue way early in the morning to rush in for Express passes). The Express Pass can also save your queuing time, leaving you time to enjoy the other facilities. For example, a queue at HP Forbidden Journey ride took me less than 10 minutes (constant walking – the queue was not standstill at any point), while the normal queue was estimated at 200 minutes during my trip in April 2015.

Also, if you are into the Harry Potter area, take note that USJ does warn tourists that if the area is too packed, they may restrict entrance. So if that’s your highlight, Express Pass is your answer.

To find out more about Express Passes, you can read up on Express 3,5, 7 here (http://www.usj.co.jp/e/ticket/). Of course, there are more than just these options, but those are available in the Japanese version only. Most foreigners go with Express Pass 5 or 7, depending on the rides that you want to take.

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STEP 1:

This is the main page you’ll purchase from. On the right you’d see the box with a magnifying glass icon. Below it are 4 boxes. These 4 boxes allow you to (in respective order), purchase Studio Pass, Annual Pass, Express Pass and Others.

For simplicity sake, I am splitting this guide into 3 different parts – you will understand as you go along. But before we dive deep into the guide, first some simple explanations.

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GUIDES:

• Studio Pass & Express Pass Guide
• Express Pass ONLY Guide
• Payment Guide