Universal Studios Japan Halloween 2026: Event Dates, Locations & Highlights

Universal Studios Japan Halloween 2026 is officially here! Celebrating its 15th anniversary, USJ's Halloween Horror Nights brings you a guide to event dates, Resident Evil: The Dive, Street Zombies, Zombie de Dance, limited-time haunted houses, and character events. Including tickets, transport, and essential tips, we've got everything you need to master the must-do experiences of Halloween in Osaka.

🎃 Universal Studios Japan Halloween 2026: Event Overview

Every autumn, one of the most anticipated events at Universal Studios Japan is "Universal Halloween". 2026 marks the 15th anniversary of "Halloween Horror Nights", and USJ is set to launch brand-new immersive horror experiences, the return of popular haunted houses, and limited-edition character events. From street zombie parades to seasonal attractions, it’s an unmissable nighttime entertainment experience for your trip to Osaka.

2026 Universal Studios Halloween Event Dates

✨ Must-Visit Halloween Events at Universal Studios Japan

🎭 Halloween Horror Nights 15th Anniversary at USJ Halloween

2026 marks the 15th anniversary of "Halloween Horror Nights", and USJ is taking the horror experience to the next level. By combining popular elements from previous years with new horror attractions and exclusive performances, they are creating an unprecedented Halloween event. Running from 11 September to 8 November 2026, the park will transform into a terrifying world filled with unknown dangers after dark.

• "Halloween Horror Nights" 15th Anniversary Special Event Launches
• Bringing together popular horror characters and stories from the years
• Launching all-new horror attractions and immersive experiences
• Evening event time: 18:00 until park close

🧬 Resident Evil: Requiem THE DIVE at USJ Halloween

One of the most anticipated new events for 2026 is "THE DIVE," an all-new horror attraction created through a collaboration between USJ and the survival horror game "Resident Evil: Requiem." Set against the backdrop of the game's abandoned "Lenwood Hotel" and sanatorium, the attraction offers an oppressive, immersive experience where visitors will face challenges from monsters attacking from all sides.

Event Period: 11 September 2026 – 27 December 2026

• Resident Evil: Requiem 30th Anniversary Collaboration Project
• All-new horror attraction "THE DIVE"
• Relive iconic scenes from the game
• An immersive experience blending storytelling with live interaction
• Location: STAGE 18

🧟‍♂️ Street Zombies POWER UP! at USJ Halloween

The most anticipated street zombie event every Halloween is returning in 2026 on an even larger scale. This year, the park will welcome the "most zombies in history" and incorporate a brand-new story that condenses 15 years of horror history, ensuring visitors feel the thrill of being surrounded by a terrifying atmosphere from the moment they step into the park.

• The most zombies in history arrive in 2026
• Horror street experiences taking place throughout the park (with the exception of some areas)
• Event time: 18:00 until park close
• Perfect for travellers who love interactive horror experiences

💀 Zombie Dance: 15th Anniversary Special Performance at USJ Halloween

The popular "Zombie Dance" event will return in 2026, featuring exclusive 15th-anniversary content. The event will showcase popular songs and tracks from previous collaborations, allowing guests to dance the night away with zombie characters—an unmissable highlight of Halloween Horror Nights.

• King Gnu's "SO BAD" features a brand-new performance
• Popular tracks like Ado's "Show" and Sandaime J SOUL BROTHERS' "Rat-tat-tat" are back!
• "Relive the Zombie Dance: Halloween Horror Night 15th Anniversary" Limited Grand Finale Performance
• Event time: 18:00 until park close

🎓 Halloween Horror Nights Academy – 15 Years of Screams at USJ Halloween

To celebrate the 15th anniversary of "Halloween Horror Nights", USJ is launching an exclusive stage show, "Halloween Horror Nights Academy ～15 Years of Screams～". This event brings together zombies and legendary horror characters from years past, condensing the most iconic horror elements from the last 15 years into a special, limited-time performance.

• Featuring horror characters from throughout the years of Halloween Horror Nights
• Looking back at 15 years of classic horror content
• 15th Anniversary Special Show
• Location: Gramercy Park

🏭 Fear Factory: A Journey of Despair at USJ Halloween

If you’re a fan of haunted house challenges, don’t miss the "Fear Factory". Visitors will step into a perilous zombie-manufacturing plant, navigating through cramped spaces and unknown threats to experience the ultimate terror with nowhere to hide.

• Zombie Factory-themed haunted house
• A high-pressure, immersive horror experience
• Location: STAGE 22
• Event time: 10:00 until park close

📺 Sadako's Curse – Dark Horror Ride at USJ Halloween

The classic Japanese horror experience "Sadako's Curse" is set to return in 2026. Guests will board SPACE FANTASY THE RIDE to brave Sadako's curse in the darkness, enjoying a thrilling adventure that blends a rollercoaster with a spine-chilling horror story.

Event Period: 11 September 2026 – 4 January 2027

• The classic Sadako horror ride returns
• Dark environments paired with jump scares
• Location: SPACE FANTASY THE RIDE

🧙 KATE PRESENTS The Witch of No. 18 at USJ Halloween

Japanese cosmetics brand KATE has teamed up with USJ to launch an exclusive experience, "The Witch of 18th Street: A Mansion Where Emotions Play". Centred on the theme of "unleashing emotions", the event creates a brand-new sensory experience unlike traditional haunted houses, perfect for travellers who love taking photos and engaging with interactive storylines.

• KATE Limited Collaboration Event
• An all-new sensory horror experience
• Location: STAGE 18
• Event time: 9:00 until park close

⛓️ Chainsaw Man Limited 4-D & Roller Coaster at USJ Halloween

In 2026, USJ is also joining forces with the popular anime "Chainsaw Man" for an exclusive event. Visitors can step into the world of the series, experiencing thrilling scenes of confrontation with devils in the 4-D theatre, alongside a limited-time rollercoaster experience featuring the theme song from the theatrical film.

• "Chainsaw Man: The Chaos 4-D" Limited Experience
• The theme song from "Chainsaw Man: Reze Arc" is now featured on Hollywood Dream - The Ride
• Kenshi Yonezu's song "IRIS OUT" makes an exclusive appearance
• Zombie de Dance × Hollywood Dream - The Ride Collaboration Version

🍌 Minion Halloween Greeting at USJ Halloween

For those who prefer to skip the spooky activities during the day, there are plenty of fun, autumn-exclusive events to enjoy. The Minions will be dressed in their limited-edition Halloween costumes to welcome guests to the park—perfect for families looking to snap some photos and join in the fun.

• Limited-edition Halloween Minion costumes
• Location: Hollywood Area, in front of Minion Park
• Event times vary by date

🍬 Trick or Treat Event at USJ Halloween

During the Halloween period, the park is also hosting family-friendly activities; simply say "Trick or treat!" to the staff to receive some limited-edition sweets.

• Perfect for family travellers
• Event time: Park open until 17:00
• Excluding SUPER NINTENDO WORLD and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

🦈 JAWS ~Red Alert~ at USJ Halloween

In addition to the limited-time "Halloween Horror Nights" horror events, Universal Studios Japan is also adding exclusive Halloween elements to several classic attractions for 2026. Among them, the popular "Jaws" attraction will launch a night-only version, "Jaws: Red Alert"; once the sun sets, the familiar boat adventure transforms into a terrifying experience fraught with peril.

Visitors can hop on a boat in the dark and face sudden, startling scenes, experiencing a Jaws adventure that’s completely different from the daytime.

Event Highlights:

• The limited Halloween edition of JAWS, "Red Alert", has arrived
• Night-time exclusive horror boat ride experience
• Venue: Jaws
• Event Period: 11 September 2026 – 31 January 2027
• Event time: After sunset until park close

🦖 Jurassic Park: The Ride – In the Dark at USJ Halloween

For thrill-seekers, don't miss the Halloween-exclusive "Jurassic Park: The Ride ～In the Dark～". During the event, the classic Jurassic Park boat adventure switches to dark mode at night, allowing visitors to journey through the world of dinosaurs with limited visibility for an even more intense and exciting adventure.

Compared to the daytime version, the night-time dark experience adds an extra layer of mystery and immersion, making it the perfect challenge to schedule for a Halloween night.

Event Highlights:

• Jurassic Park: The Ride - Limited Dark Version
• Open for night-time only
• Location: Jurassic Park: The Ride
• Event Period: 11 September 2026 – 8 November 2026
• Event time: After sunset until park close

⚡ The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogwarts Castle Walk at USJ Halloween

Beyond the horror experiences, USJ has also prepared exclusive events for autumn 2026 that are perfect for fans of the Wizarding World. The "Hogwarts Castle Walk" will take visitors deep inside Hogwarts Castle, allowing them to explore magical scenes usually inaccessible to the public and enjoy an immersive journey unlike any ride.

• Step inside Hogwarts Castle to explore
• Perfect for Harry Potter fans and family travellers
• Location: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
• Event Period: 1 September 2026 – 17 January 2027
• Event time: 10:00–18:00

⭐ SUPER NINTENDO WORLD 5th Anniversary at USJ Halloween

In 2026, SUPER NINTENDO WORLD celebrates its 5th anniversary with a special autumn-exclusive event. During this time, brand-new character interactions will be unveiled, including the debut of Pink Yoshi and Light Blue Yoshi, adding even more surprises to the world of Mario.

In addition to the character meet-and-greets, a special 5th Anniversary edition of "Bowser Jr. Shadow Showdown" will also be launched, offering players an even richer interactive experience.

• SUPER NINTENDO WORLD 5th Anniversary Limited Project
• Mario, Donkey Kong, and limited-edition Yoshi characters make their debut
• Pink Yoshi and Light Blue Yoshi make their debut
• "Bowser Jr.'s Final Battle" 5th Anniversary Edition released
• Event Period: 10 September 2026 – 11 January 2027
• Location: SUPER NINTENDO WORLD

🎟️ Halloween Horror Nights Academy Special Viewing Area Ticket

For travellers who want to see the 15th-anniversary limited-time show up close, you can purchase a special viewing area ticket for "Halloween Horror Nights Academy ～15 Years of Screams～". With a seat in the designated viewing area, you can enjoy this limited-time stage performance, which brings together iconic horror elements from years past, from an even closer perspective.

• Enjoy the 15th Anniversary Special Show from an exclusive viewing area
• Get up close to "Halloween Horror Nights Academy ～15 Years of Screams～"
• Viewing Location: Gramercy Park
• On sale from: around 12:00 on 14 July 2026
• Ticket price: from ¥2,100 (~£10, depending on date)
• Available for purchase on the official USJ website

🚆 How to Get to Universal Studios Japan for Halloween

Universal Studios Japan (USJ) is located in the Konohana Ward of Osaka and enjoys convenient transport links from both Osaka city centre and Kansai International Airport. During the Halloween season, evening events often run until park closing, so we recommend planning your return journey in advance to avoid missing the last train. Below, we have compiled the transport options for getting to Universal Studios Japan from the airport, as well as from Osaka city centre.

How to get to Universal Studios Japan from Kansai Airport

Recommended ways to travel by JR train

The best way to get to USJ from Kansai Airport is by JR:

Kansai Airport Station
→ Take the JR Kansai Airport Rapid Service/Limited Express train towards Osaka
→ Transfer to the JR Loop Line at Osaka Station
→ Transfer to the JR Yumesaki Line at Nishikujo Station
→ Get off at Universal City Station

Upon arrival, it’s just a 5-minute walk to the entrance of Universal Studios Japan.

🚆 How to Get to Universal Studios Japan from Osaka City Centre

🎒 Practical Tips Before Visiting Universal Studios Japan for Halloween

Before attending the 2026 Universal Studios Halloween event, we recommend preparing the following items in advance to ensure your daytime park visit and nighttime Halloween Horror Nights experience go as smoothly as possible.

• Japan SIM card: Prepare an eSIM or Wi-Fi router in advance so you can easily use the official USJ App to check maps, attraction wait times, event information, and digital tickets.
• Halloween Costumes: Why not prepare some simple accessories like a pumpkin hat, a character outfit, or some spooky hair clips? It’ll make your photos with the park’s limited-time activities feel even more atmospheric.
• Power bank: We recommend bringing a high-capacity power bank, as taking photos, recording videos, and using the USJ App inside the park will drain your phone battery quickly.
• Comfortable shoes: The USJ park is huge, and with the long queues often expected during the Halloween season, we recommend wearing comfortable footwear.
• Light jacket/windbreaker: Temperatures in Osaka drop in the evenings from September to November. If you're planning to attend the Halloween Horror Nights after 18:00, we recommend bringing a jacket along.
• Water and snacks: The park gets quite busy during the event, and you might find yourself queuing for restaurants and food stalls, so it’s a good idea to pack some simple refreshments.
• Tickets and Express Passes: Halloween-exclusive events are incredibly popular, so we recommend booking your USJ tickets in advance. If you're looking to save time on queuing, consider adding an Express Pass.
• Cash and credit cards: While credit cards or digital payments are accepted for some purchases within the park, it’s a good idea to carry a small amount of Japanese Yen in cash just in case.
• Itinerary planning: We recommend scheduling general attractions and character activities during the day, and setting aside time after dusk to join the Halloween Horror Nights festivities.

🏨 Where to Stay in Osaka for the Universal Studios Halloween Events

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