Universal Studios Japan will welcome 2027 with 26 hours of non-stop excitement as part of its 25th anniversary celebrations. The park has announced NO LIMIT! Countdown 2027 ~Discover U!!!~, a special New Year’s Eve event that will allow guests to celebrate the new year with extended park access.
The countdown celebration will run from 7:00 PM on December 31, 2026, through to 9:00 PM on January 1, 2027, giving guests up to 26 hours to enjoy the park.
NO LIMIT! Countdown 2027 Discover U!!! will bring together a year’s worth of excitement at Universal Studios Japan, giving guests the opportunity to enjoy the park’s attractions and festivities as they welcome the new year.
Countdown Special Stage
The Countdown Special Stage at Gramercy Park will bring together entertainment from Universal Studios Japan’s 25th anniversary year for a special one-night-only celebration. The stage will feature performers and entertainment from the 25th Anniversary Parade, street shows featuring the Blues Brothers and Sesame Street, summer festivals, Halloween and other special events held throughout 2026.
A DJ show featuring music by Zedd will also be part of the celebration. Zedd’s music previously featured at Space Fantasy Ride from January through August 2026. Sesame Street, Snoopy, Hello Kitty and illuminated Minions will also join the festivities.
The Countdown Special Stage will run from 7:05 PM on December 31, 2026, through to 12:20 AM on January 1, 2027, at Gramercy Park.
New Years Countdown
The countdown will culminate in the Countdown Moment, featuring approximately 5,000 fireworks lighting up the sky above Universal Studios Japan. Taking place around the park, including Gramercy Park and the lagoon, the display will combine fireworks, lighting and music as guests celebrate the arrival of 2027.
The Countdown Moment is scheduled for 11:50 PM on December 31, 2026, through to 12:05 AM on January 1, 2027.
26 hours of Unlimited Rides
One of the biggest features of the event is the 26-Hour Unlimited Play experience. From 7:00 PM on December 31, 2026, until 9:00 PM on January 1, 2027, guests with a Party Pass can enjoy unlimited rides on attractions at the park, including Mine Cart Madness and Mario Kart: Koopa’s Challenge at Super Nintendo World, and “The Flying Dinosaur” from “Jurassic Park.”
- This includes the opportunity to enter and exit the park as many times as they like during the Party Pass validity period.
- Some areas and attractions may be temporarily unavailable due to maintenance.
- The park will close from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM on December 31, before the countdown event begins.
Character Greetings
After the Countdown Moment, guests can welcome the new year with special New Year’s Greetings featuring park characters dressed in traditional Japanese attire. The greetings will take place throughout the park after the countdown celebration on January 1, 2027.
One-Night-Only Music Festival Celebrates USJ’s History
Universal Studios Japan will also host its first New Year’s Eve singing contest, USJ Grand Music Revival ~USJ Masterpiece Revival Festival~. Taking place at the Universal Monsters Live Rock ‘n’ Roll Show, the show brings together popular park entertainers, singers, dancers and characters for a celebration of memorable music from Universal Studios Japan’s 25-year history.
Reika Ayanokoji, Deacon, Beetlejuice and Woody Woodpecker will be among those appearing at the event.The one-night only event will feature nostalgic songs, special performances and a third performance coinciding with the countdown. It is important to note that a separate ticket is required to attend the show.
The music festival is scheduled for 11:45 PM on December 31, 2026, through to 12:30 AM on January 1, 2027, at Universal Monsters Live Rock ‘n’ Roll Show.
NO LIMIT! Countdown 2027 Party Passes
Admission to NO LIMIT! Countdown 2027 requires a special Party Pass, with tickets starting from ¥16,900 including tax. The Party Pass will allow guests to enter and exit Universal Studios Japan from 7:00 PM on December 31, 2026, until 9:00 PM on January 1, 2027. Additional ticket options will include Special Viewing Area Admission Tickets, Universal Express Passes and packages that include dining.
Tickets will be released in stages, beginning with a limited pre-sale for Universal Prime Annual Pass Grand Royal members.
Here’s the announced sales schedule:
| Sales category | Ticket sales period | Sales outlet |
|---|---|---|
| Universal Prime Annual Pass Grand Royal limited pre-sale | October 7, 2026, at around 9:00 PM to October 9, 2026, at 11:59 PM | Universal Studios Japan official website |
| Lawson Ticket pre-orders | October 7, 2026, at around 9:00 PM to October 9, 2026, at 11:59 PM | Lawson Ticket website |
| General sale | November 4, 2026, at around 9:00 PM | Universal Studios Japan official website, Lawson Ticket website, Loppi terminals at Lawson stores and selected partner hotels |
The Grand Royal annual pass limited pre-sale requires guests to have purchased a Universal Prime Annual Pass Grand Royal by September 30, 2026. Lawson Ticket pre-orders will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Guests holding a valid Studio Pass for December 31, 2026, including annual passes that are not eligible for the countdown event, will need to leave the park by 5:00 PM. The park will then close from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM before the countdown event begins.
Guests holding a Studio Pass valid for January 1, 2027,
Additional conditions and ticket details are available on the official Universal Studios Japan website.
HARRY POTTER and all related characters and elements © & ™ Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Publishing Rights © J.K. Rowling.
MINIONS TM & © 2026 Universal Studios.
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TM & © Universal Studios & Amblin Entertainment
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More on Universal Studios Japan
Universal Studios Japan Guidebook
Are you planning a trip to Universal Studios Japan? If so, you need our digital guidebook! Our guidebook is the most comprehensive resource available, covering everything you need to know about the park, including Super Nintendo World, Express Pass, hotels, restaurants, attractions, shows, seasonal events, and more! With our guidebook, you’ll be an expert on Universal Studios Japan before you even set foot in the park. You’ll know what to expect, where to go, and what to do. You’ll also be able to avoid the crowds and make the most of your time at the park.
Stress-Free Japan: Book with Klook
Make the most of your trip to Japan with these exclusive offerings from our trusted affiliate partner, Klook. From making bullet train reservations with ease to fully private tours, you can save time and money on your trip. I’ve used Klook since 2016, and it is my go-to booking platform for anything in Japan!
- Japan Shinkansen & Train Tickets
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Book Your Flight
I use Google Flights & Momodo to find affordable flights. Another great way is to sign up for Going to get notifications of cheap airfares, which happens often in Japan. You’ll sometimes stumble on cheap flights to Kansai International Airport.
Buy Your Shinkansen Tickets (Bullet Train)
Getting around Japan by the world-renowned bullet train, known as the Shinkansen, is incredibly fast, reliable, and affordable for visitors. You can travel from Tokyo to Osaka in just over 2 hours. Get the JR Rail Pass to save a ton of money on the bullet train for your trip.
Book Your Hotel
Universal Studios Japan has affordable accommodations that are steps away from the park and have easy access to Osaka. I recommend checking prices through Booking.com followed by the hotels directly. Sometimes, you’re able to score some incredible deals. Here’s a short list of hotels at Universal Studios Japan I recommend.
- The Park Front Hotel at Universal Studios Japan – You’re directly in front of the Park gates and have instant access to Universal CityWalk Osaka. The rooms are gorgeous, with restaurants and even a Lawson (Japanese convenience store).
- The Singulari HOTEL & SKYSPA – Attached to the train station is a fantastic hotel for those who want a comfortable, clean, and stylish place to sleep. After a long day at Universal Studios Japan, the rooftop sento (public bath) is excellent for unwinding and relaxing.
- Hotel Universal Port – This is an excellent hotel for the Minion fan in your family, only a 5-minute walk from Universal Studios Japan. It also boasts the largest breakfast buffet in Japan, a must during your visit.
Buy Your Tickets & Express Pass
In advance, save time and stress by buying your tickets and Express Pass for Universal Studios Japan.
Stay Connected
Universal Studios Japan only offers free Wi-Fi at the park’s entrance. That’s not enough to stay connected and share your day with everyone back home on Instagram to give them FOMO. Here’s how you can stay connected while travelling in Japan.
- Pocket Wi-Fi – If you’re travelling with a group or have multiple devices, this is your best and most affordable way to stay connected to the internet. Pick up and drop off at the airport. Easy.
- Japan SIM Card – If you have an unlocked phone and need a Japanese phone number, this is the best and easiest way.
Get Yourself Travel Insurance
While travelling aboard, having travel insurance protects you against injury, cancellations, illness, and other things you can never predict. Whenever I travel, I always budget for travel insurance to protect myself. I’ve used it, and I’m so glad I had it. My recommended companies are SafteyWing and World Nomads for travel insurance.
Learn More about Universal Studios Japan
Don’t forget to study our in-depth destination guide on Universal Studios Japan for more information on this beautiful park in Osaka.
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