Today is usually the most expensive day of the trip, but also one of the most memorable.
Universal Studios Japan (USJ) attracts millions of visitors every year, and arriving early can save hours of waiting time.
Day 3 Summary
Main Attraction:
- Universal Studios Japan
Estimated Spending:
- Entry Ticket: RM250–350
- Express Pass (Optional): RM300–700
- Food & Drinks: RM80–150
- Transport: RM20–30
- Souvenirs: Optional
Total Budget:
RM450–1,200
6:00 AM – Wake Up and Prepare
USJ can become extremely crowded.
Recommended:
- Buy tickets before travelling to Japan
- Download USJ App
- Bring power bank
- Bring water bottle
Do not wait until arrival to buy tickets.
6:45 AM – Depart Hotel
Assuming hotel is near Namba.
Route:
Namba → Nishikujo → Universal City Station
Travel Time:
Approximately 30–40 minutes
Transport Cost:
¥400–500 (≈ RM12–15)
7:30 AM – Arrive at Universal Studios Japan
Official opening time varies.
Many days the park opens earlier than advertised.
Recommended arrival:
7:30 AM
Many visitors arrive after 8:30 AM and spend significantly longer in queues.
8:00 AM – Enter USJ
First Priority:
Super Nintendo World
This area is often fully booked shortly after opening.
Popular Attractions:
- Mario Kart: Koopa’s Challenge
- Yoshi’s Adventure
- Character Meet & Greets
Waiting Time:
15–120 minutes depending on arrival time.
10:30 AM – The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
Highlights:
- Hogwarts Castle
- Hogsmeade Village
- Butterbeer
Must Ride:
Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
Average Wait:
30–90 minutes
Budget:
Butterbeer ¥800 (≈ RM24)
12:00 PM – Lunch
Recommended:
Three Broomsticks
Budget:
¥2,000–3,000 (≈ RM60–90)
Alternative:
- Minion-themed meals
- Mario-themed meals
Budget:
¥1,500–2,500 (≈ RM45–75)
1:30 PM – Jurassic Park Area
Must Ride:
Flying Dinosaur
Many visitors consider this the best roller coaster in Japan.
Average Wait:
60–150 minutes
Express Pass highly recommended.
3:00 PM – Minion Park
Highlights:
- Minion Mayhem
- Character photos
- Snacks and desserts
Recommended Snack:
Minion Cookie Sandwich
Budget:
¥600–1,000 (≈ RM18–30)
4:00 PM – JAWS & Amity Village
Average Wait:
20–60 minutes
Suitable for:
- Families
- First-time visitors
Good area for photographs.
5:00 PM – Shopping
Popular Souvenirs:
Nintendo
- Mario Hats
- Character Keychains
- Plush Toys
Budget:
¥1,500–10,000 (≈ RM45–300)
Harry Potter
- Wands
- Scarves
- House Merchandise
Budget:
¥3,000–8,000 (≈ RM90–240)
6:00 PM – Dinner
Inside USJ:
Budget:
¥2,000–3,500 (≈ RM60–105)
Outside USJ at Universal CityWalk:
Budget:
¥1,200–2,500 (≈ RM36–75)
Generally better value outside the park.
7:00 PM – Night Attractions
Crowds usually decrease after sunset.
Good time to revisit:
- Mario Kart
- Harry Potter
- JAWS
Queue times often become shorter.
8:00 PM – Return to Hotel
Travel Cost:
¥400–500 (≈ RM12–15)
Many visitors are exhausted after walking more than 15,000–25,000 steps.
Day 3 Budget Summary
| Item | Cost (JPY) | Cost (RM) |
|---|---|---|
| Transport | ¥1,000 | RM30 |
| USJ Ticket | ¥8,600–12,000 | RM258–360 |
| Lunch | ¥2,500 | RM75 |
| Snacks | ¥1,000 | RM30 |
| Dinner | ¥2,500 | RM75 |
| Souvenirs | ¥0–10,000 | RM0–300 |
Without Express Pass
Estimated Total:
¥15,000–20,000 (≈ RM450–600)
With Express Pass
Estimated Total:
¥25,000–40,000 (≈ RM750–1,200)
Common Mistakes First-Timers Make
❌ Arriving after 9:00 AM
❌ Not downloading the USJ app
❌ Skipping Super Nintendo World early
❌ Buying tickets on the same day
❌ Not bringing a power bank
Tomorrow: Day 4 Kyoto Day Trip
Highlights:
- Fushimi Inari Shrine
- Kiyomizu-dera Temple
- Ninenzaka
- Sannenzaka
- Gion District
- Traditional Kyoto Streets
Estimated Budget:
RM180–350
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