Universal Studios Japan is turning up the heat this summer with a bold, festival-style food and entertainment line-up to celebrate its 25th anniversary. Running alongside the brand-new night entertainment offering, USJ is introducing a playful reinvention of classic street food, neon-inspired snacks, and refreshing summer treats designed for long days and energetic nights in the park.
Universal Studios Japan’s Universal Summer Matsuri Night ~Neon Glow Up~ summer event takes place from July 1 to August 26, 2026, with festivities running from 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm on most nights alongside extended park hours. The summer food lineup will be available from Monday, June 29, 2026.
Classic Festival Food Gets a Neon Makeover
This year’s theme takes traditional Japanese summer festival food and gives it a surprising twist, resulting in some unexpected park-exclusive snacks yet. Highlights include the eye-catching Summer Festival Goldfish Lemon Cider, a fizzy drink featuring goldfish-shaped jelly floating in bright lemon soda. It is served in a glowing neon cup designed for nighttime visuals.
Available at: Happiness Wagon inside Universal Market
Available at: Happiness Wagon inside Universal Market
Available at: Trolley Treats inside Universal Market
Available at: Hot dog cart inside Universal Market
Available at: Beverly Hills Boulangerie
Summer Dining at Park Restaurants
Beyond the festival stalls, several restaurants across the park are introducing limited-time summer menus. At the park’s only Japanese restaurant, SAIDO, guests will find a colour-changing seasonal dessert inspired by a hydrangea garden. Meanwhile, Parkside Grill is serving a refreshing cold lobster pasta topped with an Americaine granita-style sauce, designed for hot summer afternoons.
Available at: SAIDO
Available at: Parkside Grill from opening until 3:00 PM.
Available at: Louis’s NY Pizza Parlor
Available at: Louise’s NY Pizza Parlor. *Sales begin at 4:00 PM.
Summer Drinks and Desserts
A range of character-inspired frozen treats and chilled drinks will be available across the park, featuring favourites like My Melody, Kuromi, and the Minions in playful summer desserts and icy frappés. Villain-themed frozen sodas also add a dramatic twist to the mix.
Available at: Food cart next to the entrance of the Illumination Theater, etc.
Available at: Food cart next to the entrance of the Illumination Theater.
Available at: Evil Eats
Available at: Delicious Me! The Cookie Kitchen
Images provided by Universal Studios Japan
HARRY POTTER and all related characters and elements © & ™ Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Publishing Rights © JK Rowling.
MINIONS TM & © 2026 Universal Studios.
© Nintendo.
TM and © 2026 Sesame Workshop.
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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
- 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.
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