Universal Studios Japan Halloween 2026 Horror Nights and Events

Universal Studios Japan Halloween returns in 2026 with new horror attractions, street zombies, limited-time rides and family-friendly activities. Halloween Horror Nights will also celebrate its 15th anniversary. Here is everything Filipino travelers need to know, including event dates, attractions, tickets, transport and travel tips.

Universal Studios Japan Halloween 2026

Universal Studios Japan Halloween is one of the most popular seasonal events in Osaka. In 2026, visitors can expect new haunted attractions, returning horror characters, live performances and special versions of popular rides.

The main Universal Extreme Autumn event will run from September 10 to November 8, 2026. Halloween Horror Nights will take place from September 11 to November 8, 2026.

Most street zombie activities and nighttime shows will begin at 6:00 PM and continue until the park closes.

Universal Studios Japan Halloween 2026 Attractions

Halloween Horror Nights 15th Anniversary

Halloween Horror Nights celebrates its 15th anniversary in 2026. The event brings together popular horror characters, new attractions and special performances inspired by the event’s past 15 years.

After 6:00 PM, selected areas of Universal Studios Japan will turn into dark zombie zones. Visitors can explore haunted houses, watch live shows and experience Halloween versions of popular rides.

Event dates: September 11 to November 8, 2026

Event time: 6:00 PM until the park closes

The main Halloween Horror Nights areas are not recommended for very young children. Families should check the park map for safe routes and areas with fewer zombie performers.

Resident Evil Requiem: The Dive

Resident Evil Requiem: The Dive is one of the biggest new attractions at Universal Studios Japan Halloween 2026.

The attraction is inspired by the Resident Evil Requiem game. Visitors will enter the abandoned Wrenwood Hotel and face monsters appearing from different directions.

The experience combines detailed sets, live characters and surprise scares to make visitors feel like they have entered the game.

Event dates: September 11 to December 27, 2026

Location: Stage 18

Operating hours: 10:00 AM until the park closes

Age requirement: Guests aged 14 and below are not allowed

Entry requirement: A Timed Entry eTicket may be required

Visitors can normally get a Timed Entry eTicket through the official Universal Studios Japan app. Availability may run out during busy days, so check the app after entering the park.

Lights Out: Nightmare Isolation

Lights Out: Nightmare Isolation is one of the most intense horror experiences during the Halloween Horror Nights anniversary celebration.

Visitors enter a dark and isolated area with limited visibility. The attraction includes strong horror effects, frightening sounds and unexpected scares.

This is an R-18 attraction, so guests must meet the age requirement and agree to the attraction conditions before entering.

This experience may not be suitable for visitors who are uncomfortable with darkness, isolation or intense horror scenes.

Street Zombies

Street Zombies returns on a larger scale in 2026. Universal Studios Japan says the event will feature one of the biggest groups of zombies in its Halloween history.

After 6:00 PM, zombies will appear across selected areas of the park. Visitors can expect surprise scares, live performances and different zombie characters while walking between attractions.

Event dates: September 11 to November 8, 2026

Event time: 6:00 PM until the park closes

The park will provide zombie areas, safe areas and safe routes. Families with children should check the event map before walking around the park at night.

Zombie de Dance

Zombie de Dance is a live street performance where visitors can dance together with zombies.

The 2026 version will feature popular songs connected to previous Halloween Horror Nights events, including music by King Gnu, Ado and Sandaime J Soul Brothers.

The performance combines music, dancing and horror characters, making it less frightening than a traditional haunted house.

Event dates: September 11 to November 8, 2026

Event time: From 6:00 PM

Performance locations and times may change each day. Check the official USJ app during your visit.

Halloween Horror Nights Academy: 15 Years of Screams

Halloween Horror Nights Academy: 15 Years of Screams is a special anniversary show featuring zombies and horror characters from past events.

The show brings together popular performances and frightening characters from the event’s 15-year history. It will take place at Gramercy Park during the Halloween season.

Event dates: September 11 to November 8, 2026

Location: Gramercy Park

Performance times: Different each day

A special viewing area ticket may be available for visitors who want a closer view of the performance.

Factory of Fear

Factory of Fear is a haunted house set inside a zombie production factory.

Visitors must walk through dark and narrow areas while trying to escape the zombies. The attraction includes close-up scares, frightening sounds and disturbing factory scenes.

It is suitable for guests who enjoy traditional haunted houses and strong horror effects.

Event dates: September 11 to November 8, 2026

Location: Stage 22

Operating hours: 10:00 AM until the park closes

The queue may become long during weekends and busy October dates. Visit earlier in the day to reduce your waiting time.

Sadako’s Curse

Sadako’s Curse returns to Universal Studios Japan as a dark horror version of Space Fantasy: The Ride.

The indoor ride combines fast movement, darkness and frightening scenes inspired by Sadako. Visitors may experience sudden sounds, unexpected appearances and strong lighting effects.

It is a good choice for visitors who enjoy Japanese horror movies and thrilling rides.

Event dates: September 11, 2026 to January 4, 2027

Location: Space Fantasy: The Ride

Visitors who are uncomfortable with darkness, fast movements or sudden scares should check the attraction requirements before joining.

KATE Presents Witches of House 18

Japanese makeup brand KATE will work with Universal Studios Japan on an interactive Halloween attraction called Witches of House 18.

The experience focuses on emotions, storytelling and unusual visual effects. Visitors will explore a mysterious mansion while meeting witches and discovering different sides of themselves.

It is different from a traditional haunted house and may be suitable for visitors who prefer interactive storytelling instead of extreme scares.

Start date: September 11, 2026

Location: Stage 18

Operating hours: 9:00 AM until the park closes

Chainsaw Man Limited-Time Attractions

Chainsaw Man fans can enjoy limited-time experiences during the 2026 Halloween season.

Chainsaw Man: The Chaos 4-D brings visitors into a battle against dangerous devils using moving seats, sound, wind and screen effects.

Hollywood Dream: The Ride Backdrop will also feature “IRIS OUT” by Kenshi Yonezu, the theme song from Chainsaw Man: The Movie, Reze Arc.

These attractions will only be available for a limited period during autumn 2026.

Minion Halloween Greeting

Visitors who prefer a lighter Halloween experience can meet the Minions in special Halloween costumes.

The Minions will appear around the Hollywood area and near Minion Park. The greeting is suitable for families, children and visitors who want seasonal photos.

Location: Hollywood area and Minion Park

Event period: Autumn 2026

Appearance times may be different each day, so check the Universal Studios Japan app during your visit.

Trick or Treat

Children can join the Trick or Treat activity during the Halloween season.

Simply say “Trick or Treat” to participating park crew members to receive Halloween candy.

The activity is normally available during the daytime and may end when all candy has been distributed.

Event time: Park opening until 5:00 PM

The activity may not be available inside SUPER NINTENDO WORLD or The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

JAWS: Red Alert

JAWS: Red Alert is a nighttime Halloween version of the classic JAWS attraction.

After sunset, the boat ride becomes darker and more frightening. Visitors will travel through the water with limited visibility while waiting for the shark to appear.

Fog, darkness and frightening sound effects make the nighttime version more intense than the regular daytime ride.

Event dates: September 11, 2026 to January 31, 2027

Event time: After sunset until the park closes

Location: JAWS

Jurassic Park: The Ride in the Dark

Jurassic Park: The Ride will receive a special nighttime version during Halloween.

Visitors will travel through the dinosaur area in darkness, making the sounds and sudden movements feel more intense.

The attraction includes dark areas, dinosaurs, water effects and a sudden drop near the end.

Event dates: September 11 to November 8, 2026

Event time: After sunset until the park closes

Location: Jurassic Park: The Ride

Prepare to get wet during the ride, especially if you sit near the front.

Hogwarts Castle Walk

Harry Potter fans can explore the inside of Hogwarts Castle through the special Hogwarts Castle Walk.

Visitors can see the hall of talking portraits, detailed castle rooms and other areas inside Hogwarts without joining the regular ride.

This experience is suitable for visitors who want to explore the castle at a slower pace.

Event dates: September 1, 2026 to January 17, 2027

Operating hours: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Location: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

SUPER NINTENDO WORLD 5th Anniversary

SUPER NINTENDO WORLD will celebrate its fifth anniversary with limited-time characters and activities.

Visitors may see Mario, Donkey Kong, pink Yoshi and light-blue Yoshi during the celebration.

Bowser Jr. Final Battle will also receive special fifth-anniversary content.

Event dates: September 10, 2026 to January 11, 2027

Location: SUPER NINTENDO WORLD

A Timed Entry eTicket may be required to enter SUPER NINTENDO WORLD during crowded periods.

Halloween Horror Nights Academy Viewing Ticket

Visitors who want a closer view of the 15th-anniversary limited-time show can purchase a special viewing area ticket for Halloween Horror Nights Academy: 15 Years of Screams.

The dedicated viewing area lets guests enjoy the stage performance from a better position. The show brings together popular horror characters and memorable elements from past Halloween Horror Nights events.

Show: Halloween Horror Nights Academy: 15 Years of Screams

Viewing location: Gramercy Park

Ticket sales: From around 12:00 PM on July 14, 2026

Ticket price: From ¥2,100, depending on the visit date

Where to buy: Universal Studios Japan official website

Is a Universal Express Pass Worth Buying?

Halloween is one of the busiest seasons at Universal Studios Japan. Popular rides and limited-time horror attractions can have long queues, especially during weekends and throughout October.

A Universal Express Pass may be useful if you want to experience several popular attractions in one day.

However, each Express Pass includes a different group of rides. Check whether your preferred Halloween attractions are included before purchasing.

The Express Pass is separate from the regular Studio Pass and does not include park admission.

How to Get to Universal Studios Japan

Universal Studios Japan is in Osaka’s Konohana Ward. The nearest train station is Universal City Station, which is about a five-minute walk from the park entrance.

From Kansai International Airport

The recommended JR route is:

Kansai Airport Station
→ Take a JR train toward Osaka
→ Transfer at Osaka Station
→ Take the JR Osaka Loop Line to Nishikujo Station
→ Transfer to the JR Yumesaki Line
→ Get off at Universal City Station

From Osaka to Universal Studios Japan

Train fares and travel times may change depending on the route and connection.

What to Prepare Before Visiting

• Japan eSIM or pocket Wi-Fi: You will need internet access to check maps, attraction wait times, show schedules and Timed Entry eTickets.
• Portable charger: Taking photos and using the USJ app throughout the day can quickly drain your phone battery.
• Comfortable shoes: Universal Studios Japan is large, and visitors may need to walk or stand in queues for several hours.
• Light jacket: Osaka evenings can become cooler from September to November, especially during nighttime Halloween activities.
• USJ ticket and Express Pass: Book your park ticket early. An Express Pass may help reduce waiting times for selected attractions.
• Japanese yen: Most stores accept cards or electronic payments, but carrying a small amount of cash is still useful.
• Small towel or raincoat: Some rides, including Jurassic Park: The Ride, may leave you wet.
• Simple costume accessories: Visitors may wear Halloween costumes, but they should check the official USJ costume rules before entering.

Universal Studios Japan Halloween Tips

• Arrive early so you can experience regular rides before Halloween Horror Nights begins.
• Use the morning to visit popular areas such as SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Minion Park.
• Check the USJ app for attraction wait times, show schedules and Timed Entry eTickets.
• Eat before the evening Halloween activities begin because restaurants may become crowded after 6:00 PM.
• Check the zombie map when visiting with children or guests who do not enjoy strong scares.
• Visit haunted houses earlier when possible because queues may become longer at night.
• Book your park ticket, Express Pass, flights and hotel before your travel dates.