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 fan-favourite like Mario Kart: Koopa’s Challenge or Donkey Kong Country‘s Mine Cart Madness.
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.
Pro Tip: Planning a visit to Tokyo Disney Resort? Check out our guide to Tokyo Disneyland & DisneySea ride maintenance and closures to stay informed!
Scheduled Maintenance
| Show / Attraction | Temporary Closure Period |
|---|---|
| JAWS | March 7, 2026 – March 29, 2026 |
| Hollywood Dream – The Ride: Backdrop | January 23, 2026 – March 20, 2026 |
| Meet the Hogsmeade Magical Creatures | January 13, 2026 – March 19, 2026 |
| Hippogriff Magical Lesson | January 13, 2026 – March 19, 2026 |
| Universal Monsters Live: Rock and Roll Show | May 15, 2026 – May 28, 2026 |
| The Flying Dinosaur | May 7, 2026 – May 31, 2026 |
Permanent Closures
Universal Studios Japan is going through a transitional phase. In addition to the scheduled maintenance closures above, a number of attractions and experiences have permanently closed in recent years.
The most recent significant closure was The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man, which permanently ceased operations in 2024. Rumours have circulated for years that a Pokémon-themed attraction could take over the space, and recent news that Universal Destinations & Experiences is developing a major project with The Pokémon Company has only added fuel to the speculation.
Extended Closures
A number of indoor theatre-style shows and ‘high contact’ children’s attractions closed during the Covid-19 pandemic and quietly never re-opened. The attractions listed below are closed indefinitely.
- Abby’s Magical Party
- Abby’s Magical Tree
- Bert and Ernie’s Wonder
- Big Bird’s Big Nest
- Cookie Monster Slide
- Ernie’s Rubber Duckie Race
- Grover’s Construction Company
- Sesame Street 4-D Movie Magic
- Sesame’s Big Drive
- Shrek’s 4-D Adventure
- Snoopy’s Sound Stage Adventure
- Wand Studies
- Water Garden
Sesame Street 4-D Movie Magic and Shrek’s 4-D Adventure are closed during special events like Cool Japan, as the theatre is used for limited-time shows like Jujutsu Kaisen.
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.
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
- JR Pass for All of Japan
- Klook Pass Greater Tokyo
- Asakusa Kimono Rental & Photo Shoot (Kimono Rental Ange)
- Mt. Fuji Private Customizable One Day Trip from Tokyo
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.
Some links may be affiliate links to services I recommend. Buying services through these links at no extra cost to you help support TDR Explorer. Please read our full disclosure for more details.
