Universal Studios Japan Reveals Halloween Offerings for 2026
The park's 15th annual Halloween Horror Nights returns September 11 alongside daytime ride overlays and character experiences.
Universal Studios Japan is bringing back Halloween Horror Nights for its 15th year, kicking off September 11 and running through select dates in late December. The event returns as part of the park's larger Universal Extreme Autumn celebration, which includes both daytime and nighttime Halloween experiences from September 10 through November 8.
Two major attractions are getting nighttime horror overlays this fall. Jaws transforms into Jaws Red Alert, bathing the entire ride in red light and adding fog as guests navigate the waters after dark. Jurassic Park: The Ride goes completely pitch black for Jurassic Park: The Ride – In the Dark, turning the dinosaur encounter into something much more intense when you can't see what's coming.
During regular park hours, guests can meet Minions dressed in special Beloween costumes and participate in trick or treating throughout most of the park. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is reopening its Hogwarts Castle Walk from September 1 through January 17, letting guests explore the halls of the castle on foot.
Super Nintendo World is celebrating its fifth anniversary with the debut of Yoshi as a meet and greet character. Mario, Donkey Kong, and other Nintendo characters will also appear throughout the land. A special fifth anniversary version of the Power-Up Band Key Challenge adds new elements to Bowser Jr.'s Final Battle from September 10 through January 11.
Once Halloween Horror Nights begins at 6 p.m. each event night, the park floods with what Universal is calling the largest number of street zombies ever. The zombies appear throughout almost the entire park, with Zombie de Dance shows featuring current pop hits and classic songs from past events.
Several haunted attractions are returning alongside new experiences. Biohazard Requiem The Dive debuts as a new maze inspired by Resident Evil, set in an abandoned hotel filled with creatures from the original game. Sadako's Curse and Factory of Fear are both coming back after appearing in previous years, along with the Chainsaw Man Cinema 4-D show that premiered in 2024.
The park is also adding KATE Presents The Witch of No. 18, a collaboration with the makeup brand that challenges guests to escape a house filled with four different witches. Most of the Halloween attractions operate during both day and night, with only the street zombies and certain shows appearing exclusively after 6 p.m.
Universal Studios Japan is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, making this autumn season a particularly big milestone for the park. Halloween Horror Nights runs on select nights from September 11 through December 27, with exact dates and times available on the park's website.
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