Universal Studios Japan New Year Countdown

Osaka · Fireworks festival

A ticketed New Year's Eve event inside Universal Studios Japan in Osaka: the park reopens at 19:00 on 31 December for Party Pass holders only, and about 5,000 fireworks go up at midnight.

Dates

31 December 2026 to 1 January 2027

From 19:00 on 31 December 2026 to 21:00 on 1 January 2027. The countdown, with about 5,000 fireworks, is planned for 23:50 to 0:05; the park says times may change. Entry needs a Party Pass, from 16,900 yen including tax.

On New Year's Eve, running through the night into 1 January. The park announces each year's event and ticket sales in the autumn.

Dates checked against the official site on November 09, 2026

This is not a public fireworks display. On New Year's Eve Universal Studios Japan closes at 17:00, clears out the day's guests, and reopens at 19:00 for one event that needs its own ticket, the Party Pass. The fireworks belong to that event: at midnight the park sets off about 5,000 of them, upright pyrotechnics fired around Gramercy Park and the lagoon, timed with lighting and music. The rest of the night is the park itself. Rides, shows, restaurants and shops stay open, a stage show runs at Gramercy Park from the evening until after midnight, and the characters come out in New Year kimono once the countdown is over. The Party Pass lets you in and out as often as you like until the park closes at 21:00 on 1 January, which is why the park calls it up to 26 hours.

Getting a good spot

Only Party Pass holders are in the park from 19:00 on 31 December. A studio pass for 31 December is good only until 17:00, the park is closed from 17:00 to 19:00, and a studio pass for 1 January lets you in from 2:00 that morning. Universal City Station on the JR Yumesaki Line is next to the park gate, and there are hotels around the station.

Where it happens

Universal Studios Japan Main site Major theme park featuring the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Super Nintendo World, and movie-themed attractions.

Access

Common questions

When is the Universal Studios Japan New Year countdown?

On New Year's Eve, from 19:00 on 31 December until the park closes at 21:00 on 1 January; 31 December 2026 to 1 January 2027 this time. The fireworks are planned for 23:50 to 0:05, though the park says times may change.

Which ticket do I need for the countdown?

The Party Pass, the event's own entry ticket; a normal studio pass or annual pass does not cover the evening. For 2026-27 it costs from 16,900 yen including tax, and general sale opened on 4 November 2026 on the official site and Lawson Ticket. The park also sells add-ons such as a special viewing area for the stage show, Express Passes and dinner plans.

Can I see the fireworks without a ticket?

The fireworks are part of the paid event and are set off inside the park, around Gramercy Park and the lagoon, as upright pyrotechnics. The park presents them only as part of the Party Pass event, so plan on a ticket.

How do I get there?

Take the JR Yumesaki Line to Universal City Station, a short walk from the park gate; the line connects with the JR Osaka Loop Line at Nishikujo. The Party Pass lets you leave and come back as often as you like until 21:00 on 1 January, so a room at one of the hotels around the station makes the night easier.