Visiting Universal Studios Japan (USJ) with young children? You might be wondering which rides your child can enjoy, if there are age or height restrictions, and whether it’s worth going while your child is still under 4 years old.
In this guide, we’ll cover all the key rules—and insider tips—for families with toddlers and kids at USJ!
Breakdown of height restrictions by ride
Age-related rules, including who needs a ticket
- How height checks are done inside the park
Real advice from a local parent and theme park fan
Overview of Height & Age Restrictions at USJ
Summary Table: Height Limits at a Glance
| Height Requirement | Attractions | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 92cm and up | Yoshi’s Adventure™ Flight of the Hippogriff™ Minion Freeze Ray Sliders Flying Snoopy Elmo’s Bubble Bubble Elmo’s Go-Go Skateboard Moppy’s Balloon Trip | With adult supervision |
| 102cm and up | Despicable Me Minion Mayhem Space Fantasy – The Ride | With supervision if under 122cm |
| 107cm and up | Mario Kart: Koopa’s Challenge Mine Cart Madness™ Jurassic Park – The Ride | With supervision if under 122cm |
| 122cm and up | Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey™ | |
| 132cm and up | Hollywood Dream – The Ride Hollywood Dream – Backdrop The Flying Dinosaur | Max: 198cm(6’6″) for The Flying Dinosaur |
| No height restrictions | Elmo’s Little Drive (age 3–5 only) Sesame’s Big Drive Big Bird’s Big Top Circus Hello Kitty’s Cupcake Dream JAWS (must be able to sit upright alone) |
Key Height Categories to Know
USJ categorizes rides by minimum height:
- 92cm (3’0″)
- 102cm (3’4″)
- 107cm (3’6″)
- 122cm (4’0″)
- 132cm (4’4″)
Some rides require adult supervision even if the child meets the minimum height.
What About Age Restrictions?
Most attractions focus on height, but Elmo’s Little Drive is strictly for kids aged 3 to 5 (no adults allowed). Other rides may have recommended age ranges, especially in Universal Wonderland.
Full List of Kid-Friendly Rides by Height
92cm and Up (with Adult Supervision)
Yoshi’s Adventure™
Flight of the Hippogriff™
Minion Freeze Ray Sliders
Flying Snoopy
Elmo’s Bubble Bubble
Elmo’s Go-Go Skateboard
Moppy’s Balloon Trip
102cm and Up (with Supervision if under 122cm)
Despicable Me Minion Mayhem
Space Fantasy – The Ride
107cm and Up (with Supervision if under 122cm)
Mario Kart: Koopa’s Challenge
Mine Cart Madness™
Jurassic Park – The Ride
122cm and Up
Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey™
132cm and Up
Hollywood Dream – The Ride
Hollywood Dream – Backdrop
The Flying Dinosaur (max height: 198cm (6’6″))
Rides Without Height Restrictions
Elmo’s Little Drive (age 3–5 only)
Sesame’s Big Drive
Big Bird’s Big Top Circus
Hello Kitty’s Cupcake Dream
JAWS (must be able to sit upright alone)
Is It Worth Visiting with a Child Under 4?
Kids Under 4 Get In Free – And Ride Free, Too!
Children aged 0–3 enter USJ for free and don’t need an Express Pass if an adult companion has one. From age 4, both admission and ride passes become paid.
| Age | Park Ticket | Express Pass |
|---|---|---|
| 0–3 years | Free | Free (with adult’s pass) |
| 4+ years | Required | Required |
Can Toddlers Really Enjoy USJ?
The best time to visit USJ with children is after they reach 92cm (3’0″) in height—usually around age 3 to 4.
While there are some attractions at Universal Studios Japan that don’t have height restrictions, many of them are theater-style shows. If you’re hoping to enjoy ride-type attractions together with your child, it’s recommended to wait until they surpass 92cm.
At least 92 cm (3’0″), your child can enjoy more exciting rides like “Flight of the Hippogriff” and “Elmo’s Go-Go Skateboard,” which add a bit of thrill to their experience. These are the moments when you’ll truly feel that your child is able to enjoy what USJ has to offer!
(*Note: Children between 92cm and 122cm (3’0″–4’0″) must be accompanied by an adult for most rides.)
To unlock even more attractions, aim for a visit when your child reaches 107cm (3’6″)—typically around ages 5 to 6.
How Height Checks Work at USJ
Where Heights Are Measured
Height checks take place at the entrance of each attraction.
Children are carefully measured, and if they are at least 92cm or 122cm tall, they’ll receive a wristband or a stamp indicating their height category.
With this, they won’t need to be measured again for other rides with the same height requirement.
What If Your Child Barely Misses the Limit?
Measurements are strict. If your child just misses the mark, they may be denied access. If that happens, redirect to toddler-friendly rides and keep the day positive.
Stroller Rental at Universal Studios Japan
If you’re visiting USJ with a little one, renting a stroller is a convenient way to keep your child comfortable while exploring the park. The strollers provided are for use inside the park only, so you can enjoy rides and attractions freely without worrying about where to park or carry your stroller.
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