Universal Studios Japan Raising Prices

Universal Studios Japan will raise admission prices next year, not once but twice, according to Japan’s premier financial daily, the Nikkei.

Photo: momopy

Part of the reason for the increase is the government’s planned consumption tax hike from 5 to 8 percent.

USJ thinks the price increase won’t hurt admission since the number of visitors to the Osaka theme park has continued to rise over the past year.

On Jan. 27, a day pass will go up to 6,790 yen ($66.40) for adults, 4,750 yen for children and 61,000 for seniors.

After the consumption tax increase kicks in April 1, tickets will go up to 6,980 yen, 4,880 yen and 6,270 yen, respectively.

The boost will pay for improvements in attractions and events that the park has carried out in recent years, including a roller coaster that features a backward fall, and a completely refurbished Spider-Man ride that opened last July.

During the April-September period, attendance rose by 3.6 percent over the same period in 2012 to 5.06 million.

The operators think total admissions for the fiscal year will break 10 million for the first time.