Universal Studios Japan Ride Closures 2023


While maintenance is essential to keeping attractions and shows in tip-top shape, arriving at the park only to find that your favourite ride is closed can certainly throw a spanner in the works, especially if it’s a popular attraction like Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey or Mario Kart: Koopa’s Challenge!

To help avoid disappointment, use our Universal Studios Japan Ride Closures calendar to ensure you don’t accidentally plan a trip on a day when an attraction or show is closed.

Mario Kart Koopas Challenge Bowser Statue Feature
Mario Kart: Koopa’s Challenge

Scheduled Maintenance

  • Jaws: February 22, 2023 – March 16, 2023
  • Moppy’s Balloon Trip: April 10, 2023 – April 23, 2023
  • SING on Tour: April 10, 2023 – April 23, 2023
  • The Flying Snoopy: April 24, 2023 – April 28, 2023
  • Elmo’s Bubble Bubble: May 8, 2023 – May 12, 2023
  • The Flying Dinosaur: May 8, 2023 – June 1, 2023
  • Jurassic Park – The Ride: June 6, 2023 – June 21, 2023
  • (Yes, again) Jurassic Park – The Ride: September 4, 2023, until sometime in 2025
  • Jaws: June 22, 2023 – July 14, 2023
  • Big Bird’s Big Top Circus: August 28, 2023 – September 1, 2023

Permanent Closures

Universal Studios Japan has announced the permanent closure of the following attractions.

  • The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man (January 22, 2024)
  • Monster Hunter World XR WALK (August 31, 2023)
  • Harry Potter Magical Creature Greetings (December 31, 2023)
  • Terminator 2: 3-D
  • Backdraft

Extended Closures

In addition to the scheduled maintenance closures noted above, many indoor theatre-style shows and ‘high contact’ children’s attractions have yet to return to service following their suspension in June 2020 due to Covid-19 pandemic restrictions. The below attractions are listed as being closed indefinitely.

  • Shrek’s 4-D Adventure
  • Sesame Street 4-D Movie Magic
  • Universal Spectacle Night Parade: The Best of Hollywood
  • Sesame’s Big Drive
  • Ernie’s Rubber Duckie Race
  • Abby’s Magical Tree
  • Abby’s Magical Party
  • Water Garden
  • Cookie Monster Slide
  • Grover’s Construction Company
  • Bert and Ernie’s Wonder
  • Big Bird’s Big Nest
  • Wand Studies

It’s always a good idea to double-check the information on the official Universal Studios Japan website. While we do our best to keep this list updated, things can always change at a moment’s notice!

Looking for Tokyo Disney Resort ride closures? We’ve got you sorted.

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.

GET YOUR GUIDEBOOK NOW

Book Your Flight

I use Google Flights & Momodo to find affordable flights. Another great way is to sign up for Scott’s Cheap Flights to get notifications of cheap fares, 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-renown 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 with 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 entrance to the Park. That’s not enough to stay connected and share your day with everyone back home to give them FOMO on Instagram. 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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