Universal Studios Japan Halloween 2026

Universal Studios Japan Halloween 2026 is back with its most intense Halloween season yet. This year is especially significant as Halloween Horror Nights celebrates its 15th anniversary, while Universal Studios Japan celebrates its 25th anniversary with the year-long theme “Discover U!!!”

From September, the park transforms after dark into a terrifying world filled with massive numbers of zombies, horror attractions, special shows, and limited-time rides. During the daytime, visitors can enjoy a much more family-friendly Halloween atmosphere with costumed characters, Minion greetings, and Trick or Treat activities.

The 2026 Halloween season runs from 10 September to 8 November 2026, with Halloween Horror Nights taking place from 11 September to 8 November.

If you are planning to visit USJ during Halloween, here is everything you need to know about the 2026 events, attractions, dates, and tips.

*Please note that this article contains affiliate links.

Universal Studios Japan Halloween 2026 at a Glance

When Is Halloween at Universal Studios Japan in 2026?

The overall autumn event, Universal Extreme Autumn — Discover U!!!, runs from 10 September through 8 November 2026.

The main Halloween Horror Nights event starts one day later, on 11 September, and continues through 8 November .

During the daytime, USJ has a cheerful Halloween atmosphere with character greetings and Trick or Treat activities. From around 6:00 PM, the atmosphere changes dramatically as Halloween Horror Nights begins and zombies take over parts of the park.

This makes an afternoon-to-night visit particularly exciting: you can enjoy the family-friendly Halloween events during the day before experiencing the horror atmosphere after dark.

Halloween Horror Nights 2026: 15th Anniversary

The biggest attraction of USJ Halloween 2026 is Halloween Horror Nights, which celebrates its 15th anniversary.

The event promises an especially intense experience, with a record number of zombies appearing throughout the park and a lineup of horror attractions ranging from Japanese horror to video-game and anime collaborations.

Street Zombies

The streets of USJ become a massive zombie zone after dark.

From 6:00 PM until park closing, large numbers of zombies appear throughout the park, creating a chaotic Halloween atmosphere.

For 2026, Street Zombies has been powered up with the largest number of zombies ever, making this one of the main experiences to look forward to during Halloween Horror Nights.

If you prefer a less frightening experience, this is also the part of the event to be aware of when planning your evening, as the atmosphere becomes considerably more intense after sunset.

Zombie de Dance

One of USJ’s most popular Halloween traditions returns in 2026.

During Zombie de Dance, guests and zombies come together for a huge nighttime dance party.

The 2026 edition celebrates 15 years of Halloween Horror Nights and includes a special Playback Zombie de Dance performance during the final show of the night on participating days.

The special finale brings back songs from previous editions of the event, making it particularly appealing to longtime USJ Halloween fans.

Halloween Horror Night Academy — 15 Years of Screams

A new special show, Halloween Horror Night Academy — 15 Years of Screams, brings together horror legends from the event’s 15-year history.

Held at Gramercy Park, the show celebrates the history of Halloween Horror Nights through music, dancing, and appearances by past zombie and horror characters.

A Special Viewing Area Ticket is available for guests who want a closer view of the performance.

Lights Out: Nightmare Isolation

One of the biggest changes for Halloween Horror Nights 2026 is Lights Out: Nightmare Isolation, the first R-18 attraction in Halloween Horror Nights history.

The attraction takes guests into a facility dedicated to researching nightmares, where the boundary between reality and hallucination begins to blur.

Rather than relying only on jump scares, the experience focuses on psychological fear, isolation, confinement, and increasingly disturbing situations.

Because this is an R-18 attraction, guests must meet the age requirement and sign a consent form before entering.

If you are visiting USJ with children or teenagers, make sure to check the attraction’s latest age and admission requirements before planning your Halloween itinerary.

Biohazard Requiem: The Dive

A major new attraction for 2026 is Biohazard Requiem: The Dive, based on the survival-horror game Resident Evil Requiem.

Guests enter a terrifying world inspired by locations from the game, including the Wrenwood Hotel and a sanatorium.

The walk-through attraction surrounds guests with threats from every direction, including creatures approaching from above and below.

The attraction is R-15, making it another experience that is not suitable for younger visitors.

It runs from 11 September through 27 December 2026, meaning you can experience it even after Halloween Horror Nights itself ends.

Factory of Fear — Zombie Tour of Despair

For guests who want a classic zombie horror experience, Factory of Fear — Zombie Tour of Despair returns.

The attraction takes guests into a terrifying zombie manufacturing facility where there is seemingly nowhere to escape.

The experience runs from 10:00 AM until park closing, making it possible to experience it before the nighttime zombie takeover.

Because this is one of the major limited-time horror attractions, expect potentially long waits on busy days.

KATE PRESENTS Witches of House 18: Bewitching Mansion of Emotion

In collaboration with global makeup brand KATE, USJ presents “Witches of House 18: Bewitching Mansion of Emotion,” an immersive attraction exploring the depths of human emotions.

Meet four witches, each representing a different emotion, and embark on a journey of self-discovery and emotional liberation. Combining psychological thrills with immersive storytelling, this unique experience offers a hauntingly fascinating adventure beyond traditional horror.

Located at Stage 18, the attraction runs from 11 September to 8 November 2026, from 9:00 AM until park closing.

Sadako’s Curse — Dark Horror Ride

Sadako’s Curse — Dark Horror Ride returns to USJ in 2026, bringing the terrifying character from Ring back to the park.

The ride takes guests through a facility affected by Sadako’s curse, with darkness and unexpected scares creating an intense horror experience.

It is located at Space Fantasy — The Ride and runs from 11 September 2026 through 4 January 2027.

This is a particularly good option for fans of Japanese horror.

Chainsaw Man — The Chaos 4-D

The popular Chainsaw Man — The Chaos 4-D attraction also returns for Halloween 2026.

Guests enter the world of Chainsaw Man and join Denji, Aki, Power, and Kobeni as they face a terrifying enemy connected to Halloween Horror Nights.

The 4-D experience combines the anime’s action with physical effects to make the experience feel more immersive.

For fans of the series, this is one of the attractions worth prioritizing during a Halloween visit.

Chainsaw Man × Hollywood Dream — The Ride

The Chainsaw Man collaboration expands beyond the 4-D theater in 2026.

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

The combination of a high-speed backward roller coaster and the song makes this one of the more unusual Halloween experiences at USJ.

Zombie de Dance × Hollywood Dream — The Ride

Another new 2026 collaboration combines Zombie de Dance with Hollywood Dream — The Ride.

Past Zombie de Dance songs are incorporated into the roller coaster experience, allowing guests to enjoy the music while riding.

If you enjoy USJ’s Halloween music and want something less like a traditional haunted attraction, this is an excellent alternative.

JAWS — Red Alert

One of the most interesting additions to the 2026 autumn season is JAWS — Red Alert.

After sunset, the classic JAWS attraction receives a special Halloween makeover.

The ride becomes darker and is surrounded by thick fog. When the giant shark appears, the surrounding area is dramatically illuminated in red, creating a much more suspenseful version of the familiar boat ride.

JAWS — Red Alert runs from 11 September 2026 through 31 January 2027, so it continues well beyond Halloween Horror Nights.

Jurassic Park — The Ride: In the Dark

Another returning nighttime favourite is Jurassic Park — The Ride: In the Dark.

Instead of experiencing the attraction during daylight, guests descend into darkness as they travel through Jurassic Park.

The lack of visibility makes familiar dinosaur encounters much more unpredictable and adds an extra layer of suspense to the ride.

It runs from 11 September through 8 November, 2026, during Halloween Horror Nights.

Family-Friendly Halloween at USJ

Halloween at USJ isn’t all about zombies and horror.

During the daytime, the park offers Universal Extreme Autumn — Discover U!!!, which includes several family-friendly Halloween experiences.

Minion Halloween Greeting

Minions appear in special Halloween costumes for limited-time greetings in front of Minion Park.

This is a much more cheerful alternative to the horror attractions and is ideal for families and visitors who want Halloween-themed photos without the scares.

Trick or Treat

Children can enjoy a classic Halloween activity by saying “Trick or Treat!” to USJ crew members to receive candy.

The activity takes place throughout the park from opening until 5:00 PM, except in Super Nintendo World and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

If you are travelling with children, make sure to enjoy this before the evening horror atmosphere begins.

Super Nintendo World 5th Anniversary Events

Halloween 2026 is also a special year for Super Nintendo World, which celebrates its 5th anniversary.

The autumn program includes special character greetings featuring Mario, Donkey Kong, and Yoshi.

For the first time, colorful Pink Yoshi and Light Blue Yoshi appear in the park for limited-time greetings.

There is also a special 5th-anniversary version of the Power-Up Band Key Challenge featuring Bowser Jr.’s Final Battle.

These programs run from 10 September 2026 through 11 January 2027.

Hogwarts Castle Walk Returns

Fans of Harry Potter can also enjoy the return of Hogwarts Castle Walk.

The special walkthrough gives visitors the opportunity to explore Hogwarts Castle on foot rather than simply experiencing it as part of the Forbidden Journey attraction.

The 2026 version runs from 1 September 2026 through 17 January 2027, with operating hours from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

It is also a fun opportunity to wear your favourite Hogwarts house robe or scarf and take photos inside the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

USJ Halloween 2026 Tickets and Express Pass

Halloween is one of the busiest periods at Universal Studios Japan, so planning your tickets in advance is highly recommended.

A regular 1-Day Studio Pass is required to enter the park.

For guests who want to experience multiple Halloween Horror Nights attractions, a seasonal Universal Express Pass 4 is available.

The Halloween Express Pass lineup includes options featuring attractions such as:

• Biohazard Requiem: The Dive
• Chainsaw Man — The Chaos 4-D
• Factory of Fear — Zombie Tour of Despair
• Other limited-time Halloween attractions

Prices start from around ¥11,800, although prices vary by date.

USJ also offers a limited-time Halloween Horror Nights VIP Experience, which includes guided access to Halloween Horror Nights attractions and exclusive merchandise.

For the special Halloween Horror Night Academy show, a Special Viewing Area Ticket starts from around ¥2,100, depending on the date.

How to Plan Your USJ Halloween Day

If Halloween Horror Nights is your main reason for visiting, I recommend planning your day in two parts.

Morning to Afternoon: Enjoy the Regular Park

Arrive early and use the first part of the day for popular attractions such as Super Nintendo World, Harry Potter, and other major rides.

Take advantage of the daytime Halloween activities, including Minion Halloween Greetings and Trick or Treat.

Late Afternoon: Start Your Halloween Strategy

As the park approaches evening, finish any daytime attractions you particularly want to experience.

Check the official schedule for the day’s Halloween Horror Nights performances and attraction operating times.

From 6 PM: Halloween Horror Nights

Once the zombies appear, the atmosphere changes completely.

Prioritize the horror attractions you most want to experience and leave some time to enjoy Street Zombies and Zombie de Dance.

If you have purchased a special viewing ticket or Express Pass, follow the designated entry times carefully.

Tips for Visiting USJ Halloween 2026

Visit on a Weekday

Weekends and holidays are generally the busiest times during Halloween season.

If possible, choose a weekday in September or early October for a more manageable experience.

Arrive Before Opening

Even with an Express Pass, arriving early gives you more flexibility during the day.

Popular attractions can develop long waits, especially during the Halloween season.

Expect the Park to Become Much Scarier at Night

The daytime and nighttime experiences are dramatically different.

If you are visiting with young children, plan your day around the family-friendly Halloween activities and check the latest age guidance before staying for Halloween Horror Nights.

Check Age Restrictions

Several Halloween attractions have age restrictions or warnings.

In particular, Lights Out: Nightmare Isolation is R-18, while Biohazard Requiem: The Dive is R-15.

Rules can vary by attraction, so always check the latest official information before visiting.

Consider an Express Pass

If your priority is experiencing several Halloween attractions in one day, an Express Pass can save a significant amount of waiting time.

Halloween Horror Nights is extremely popular, so limited-time passes can sell out.

You can purchase electronic tickets to Universal Studios Japan here >> Book your USJ Official e-tickets

In case you are looking for an accommodation nearby, check this link >> Book a hotel near Universal Studios Japan

Stay Until the Evening

If you are visiting specifically for Halloween, don’t leave after the daytime character events.

The real transformation happens after dark, when the zombies appear and the Halloween Horror Nights program begins.

Is Universal Studios Japan Halloween 2026 Worth Visiting?

Absolutely — especially if you enjoy horror.

The 2026 season is shaping up to be one of the most significant Halloween events in USJ’s history thanks to the 15th anniversary of Halloween Horror Nights and USJ’s 25th anniversary.

The combination of record numbers of zombies, the new R-18 Lights Out: Nightmare Isolation attraction, Biohazard Requiem: The Dive, the return of Sadako, Chainsaw Man experiences, nighttime Jurassic Park and JAWS attractions, and the anniversary Zombie de Dance program gives visitors plenty to choose from.

At the same time, families can enjoy the much lighter side of Halloween during the daytime with Minion greetings, Trick or Treat, and Super Nintendo World’s 5th-anniversary celebrations.

In other words, whether you want cute Halloween fun or genuinely terrifying horror, USJ Halloween 2026 has something for you.

Universal Studios Japan Halloween 2026 Event Information

Event: Universal Extreme Autumn — Discover U!!!
Location: Universal Studios Japan, Osaka
Autumn Event Period: 10 September–8 November 2026
Halloween Horror Nights: 11 September–8 November 2026
Halloween Horror Nights Hours: From 6:00 PM until park closing for major nighttime programs
Official Website: Universal Studios Japan
Access: Universal City Station, JR Yumesaki Line

Event dates, operating hours, attraction availability, age restrictions, and ticket prices are subject to change. Check the official Universal Studios Japan website before visiting: https://www.usj.co.jp/web/en/us

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Prepare for an unforgettable Halloween adventure at Universal Studios Japan. Whether you’re looking for spine-tingling thrills or family-friendly daytime fun, USJ Halloween 2026 promises an exciting experience for everyone!

For more seasonal inspiration, check out our guides to the best things to do in Japan in autumn: