September marks the beginning of the Halloween season at Universal Studios Japan (USJ). On September 4, the park features the “Ha Ha Ha! Halloween Party.” September 5 marks the start of the popular “Halloween Horror Nights” event. If you’re planning to visit USJ in September 2025, this guide will help you avoid the crowds and make the most of your trip.
Key Factors Affecting September 2025 Crowds
Here’s what’s influencing the crowd levels this month:
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| 🎃 Halloween Events | “Ha Ha Ha! Halloween Party” is held on Sep 4, while “Halloween Horror Nights” begins on Sep 5. |
| 📅 Holidays & Weekends | Silver Week from Sep 13–23, including multiple holidays |
| 🚫 Annual Pass Blockouts | Sep 13–15, Sep 20–23, Sep 27–29 are pass exclusion days |
| 🎫 Ticket Prices | Highest prices (¥11,900) on Sep 14, 15, 22, 26; lowest (¥8,900) on Sep 2 |
| 🌡 Weather | Early September is still very hot and humid in Japan |
September 2025 Calendar Overview
Week-by-Week Breakdown
September 1–7 (Light – Moderate Crowd)
The quietest days in September are the first three days of the month. However, September 2 might be slightly busier since ticket prices are lower that day. Because Halloween Horror Nights is a popular event, there will be fewer quiet days once the Halloween season begins. September 6 and 7 are the only weekend days in September that are not annual pass blockout days.
September 8–14 (Moderate Crowd)
The entire week is expected to be moderately crowded. Since ticket prices are lower on weekdays from the 9th onward compared to the 8th, September 8 tends to be relatively less crowded.
September 15–21 (Moderate Crowd)
Silver Week holidays (Sep 13–15 and Sep 20–23) create steady crowds.
September 22–28 (Moderate Crowd)
September 24 to 26 are not part of the annual pass blockout periods themselves, but since they fall between blockout periods, these days tend to be crowded with many annual pass holders visiting the park. In particular, September 26 is expected to be especially crowded.
September 29-30 (Light – Moderate Crowd)
The crowd level is usually moderate. Recent trends show that Tuesdays tend to be busier than Mondays, even though ticket prices are higher on Mondays.
Ticket Price Trends & Dates
| Ticket Price (JPY) | Approx. Price (USD) | Dates in September | Number of Days |
|---|---|---|---|
| ¥8,900~ | $61 | 2 | 1 day |
| ¥9,400~ | $65 | 1 | 1 day |
| ¥9,900~ | $68 | 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, 12, 16, 17, 18, 19, 24, 25 | 12 days |
| ¥10,900~ | $75 | 5, 6, 7, 8, 13, 20, 21, 23, 27, 28, 29, 30 | 12 days |
| ¥11,900~ | $82 | 14, 15, 22, 26 | 4 days |
Note: USJ uses dynamic pricing. Typically, higher prices correspond with bigger crowds, but some lower-priced days can also be unexpectedly busy.
Best Days to Visit in September 2025
| ✅ Recommended Dates | Reason |
|---|---|
| September 1–3 | Quiet days before Halloween events, perfect for a relaxed visit. |
| September 8 | Mondays are often less crowded despite higher ticket prices. |
| September 29 | Tickets are expensive, but it may be slightly less crowded. |
Worst Days to Visit in September 2025
| ⚠️ Crowded Dates | Why |
|---|---|
| September 5–7 | The first weekend after the event starts tends to be crowded. |
| September 13–15 | Silver Week holiday weekend, heavy crowd expected despite annual pass exclusions. |
| September 20–23 | Silver Week holidays continue, maintaining high crowd levels. |
| September 26 | Many annual pass holders visit the park right before the next blockout period, making it more crowded. |
Crowd Trends at Universal Studios Japan in September
Halloween events often cause the park to get more crowded from the evening onward.
Due to the lingering heat, indoor queues tend to get crowded during the day.
Attractions like Mine Cart Madness (Donkey Kong) and Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge tend to have longer wait times, especially in the morning.
Show and parade times are great opportunities to enjoy shorter wait times.
Wait times often slightly decrease between around 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM.
To make the most of your visit and avoid long waits, check out our detailed guides on how to use the USJ Express Pass and how to enter Super Nintendo World smoothly.
Explore USJ Express Pass options and prices →
Learn how to enter Super Nintendo World: Tickets, timed entry, and Express Pass tips →
Final Tips for Visiting Universal Studios Japan in September 2025
The weather in Osaka this September will be hotter than usual, especially in the first week when both temperature and humidity will be quite high.
Typically, September remains hot, but toward the end of the month, the average temperature tends to drop by about 3°C, with mornings and evenings cooling down below 25°C.
Staying hydrated and taking frequent breaks are essential. Be sure to bring sunscreen, a hat, and cooling towels during your stay.
For crowd forecasts of other months, check our full USJ Crowd Calendar here.
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