[Disclosure] This article contains affiliate links; we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Details found via Japanese news were independently verified — confirm current status officially before visiting.
Universal Studios Japan (USJ) has once again transformed Osaka into the epicenter of autumn thrills. For 2026, the park is hosting an unprecedented double celebration: the 25th anniversary of the park itself (themed "Discover U!!!") and the milestone 15th anniversary of its famously terrifying Halloween Horror Nights. Running from September 11 through November 8, 2026, this season seamlessly blends record-breaking, high-adrenaline horror with family-friendly daytime cheer.
Whether you are looking to hunt down limited-edition character merchandise, navigate the infamous street zombie hordes, or find refuge in the Super Nintendo World 5th-anniversary celebration, careful planning is absolutely essential. Here is your comprehensive, fully verified guide to surviving and thriving at USJ Halloween 2026.
Spooky & Cute: 2026 Character Merchandise and Food
While the nighttime brings sheer terror, the daytime at Universal Studios Japan is dominated by infectious, "spooky-cute" energy. Universal has rolled out a massive line of exclusive merchandise and themed food that blends beloved pop culture icons with festive Halloween aesthetics. To respect the intellectual property of these globally beloved brands, we are painting a picture with words—you will simply have to visit the park to see these incredible designs in person!
Sanrio Favorites Get a Goth Makeover: Hello Kitty, My Melody, and Kuromi are central to the 2026 Halloween merchandise lineup. Fans can find plush keychains, apparel, and accessories featuring Hello Kitty reimagined in a zombie-inspired aesthetic, while My Melody and Kuromi sport bewitching gothic attire. These items are available primarily at the massive canopy boutiques near the park entrance.
Snoopy the "Cursed Doll": The beloved Peanuts beagle has traded his classic, cheerful look for something slightly more sinister. This year's Snoopy merchandise features him designed to look like a stitched-together, cursed doll wrapped in bandages—striking a perfect balance between adorable and eerie.
The Return of Hamikuma & Hamikuma Candy: USJ's original Halloween mascot, the chaotic, stitched-up zombie bear known as Hamikuma, has returned by popular demand. This year, he is joined by a bright pink companion named Hamikuma Candy. Fans are already queuing up for strawberry-caramel popcorn served in a multi-voiced Hamikuma bucket, and various face keychains featuring the bear's different "souls."
Culinary Collaborations: For dining, the Studio Stars Restaurant is the epicenter of Halloween culinary creativity. The standout menu item for 2026 is the Hamikuma "Cocoa-Scented Bacon Cutlet Burger Plate," a visually chaotic dish featuring dark cocoa buns and scattered popcorn meant to mimic the bear's bursting seams. Over at the Beverly Hills Boulangerie, guests can indulge in desserts born from an exclusive collaboration with KATE cosmetics (celebrating the "Witches of House 18" attraction), featuring dark berry mousse cakes and exclusive "Lip Monster" themed charms.
Always confirm current availability upon arrival, as high-demand items are subject to purchase limits and frequently sell out.
Super Nintendo World: 5th Anniversary & The Ultimate "Safe Zone"
If you need a break from the scares, head straight to the Mushroom Kingdom. Super Nintendo World is currently celebrating its 5th anniversary with a special "Super Star" theme that runs throughout the year.
During the Halloween season, this vibrant area takes on a secondary, highly crucial role: it is the park's ultimate "Safe Zone." The immersive land is completely free from the Street Zombie invasion. Once the sun sets, families and horror-averse guests will find Super Nintendo World to be one of the few places (alongside Universal Wonderland and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter) where you can relax without a chainsaw-wielding zombie interrupting your evening.
Note on Entry: Because the area remains incredibly popular, a Timed Entry Ticket is strictly required on almost all days. You can secure this digitally via the official USJ app once your ticket is scanned at the park turnstiles, or by purchasing a qualifying Express Pass well in advance.
Regular Day vs. Halloween All-Night Event (Sept 25)
For the most extreme horror fans, 2026 brings an incredibly rare offering: the Halloween Horror Nights: All Night event. Taking place on Friday, September 25, 2026, this exclusive party keeps the park open deep into the early morning. Here is a breakdown of how a regular Halloween day compares to the All-Night event:
| Feature | Regular Halloween Day (Sept 11 – Nov 8) | All-Night Event (Sept 25 Only) |
|---|---|---|
| Operating Hours | Typically 8:30 AM – 9:00 PM | 10:00 PM – 5:00 AM |
| Ticket Required | Standard Studio Pass | Separate "All Night" Ticket Required |
| Age Limit | All ages (select mazes have age limits) | Strictly 18+ only |
| Street Zombies | From 6:00 PM to Park Close | Nonstop from 10:00 PM to 5:00 AM |
| Super Nintendo World | Closes with the park | Open late for specific premium ticket holders |
| Crowd Vibe | Mix of families, teens, and adults | High-energy, adults-only horror fans |
Note: Regular Studio Passes are not valid for the All-Night event after 9:00 PM. Check the official USJ ticket portal to confirm current pricing and remaining availability, as premium events routinely sell out.
Halloween Horror Nights: 15th Anniversary Highlights
When the sun goes down, the 15th anniversary of Halloween Horror Nights unleashes a record-breaking wave of terror. This year’s nighttime lineup leans heavily into iconic video game and anime collaborations alongside groundbreaking original nightmare fuel.
- Resident Evil Requiem: The Dive (Biohazard): Capcom’s legendary survival horror franchise takes over Stage 18. This brand-new maze features a 1:1 scale replica of a haunting hotel and sanatorium where guests are attacked by terrifying creatures. It is highly intense and restricted to guests aged 15 and up.
- Lights Out: Nightmare Isolation: Making USJ history, this is the park's first-ever strictly R-18 attraction. Guests must be 18 or older and sign a liability waiver before entering. You are completely isolated in the dark, and USJ strictly prohibits sharing spoilers about what happens inside.
- Anime Integrations: Fans of Chainsaw Man can experience "The Chaos 4-D" in the Cinema 4-D Theater, as well as high-speed, adrenaline-pumping audio overlays on the Hollywood Dream roller coaster.
- Sadako's Curse: Dark Horror Ride: Returning to the lineup, this attraction plunges riders into complete darkness aboard the modified Space Fantasy indoor coaster, simulating the curse of the iconic Japanese horror figure.
- Zombie de Dance: The famous street party returns with an infectiously chaotic energy. This year, massive hordes of "High School Student Zombies" will flood Gramercy Park and the surrounding streets, dancing to Ado's viral hit "Show," J SOUL BROTHERS III's "Rat-tat-tat", and an exclusive new performance featuring King Gnu's track "SO BAD".
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need a separate ticket for USJ Halloween Horror Nights?
A: On a standard day, no. Your regular USJ Studio Pass includes access to the park during the day and the Halloween Horror Nights street zones in the evening. However, the special September 25 "All Night" event requires a separate, dedicated ticket. Keep in mind that some specific indoor horror mazes may require you to pull a free timed ticket on the app, or purchase an Express Pass to avoid multi-hour waits.
Q: Are there places in the park free from zombies?
A: Yes! Super Nintendo World, Universal Wonderland, and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter are designated "Safe Zones". If you are traveling with young children or simply need a break from the roaming street scares, these areas remain entirely zombie-free throughout the evening.
Q: Where can I buy the Halloween Sanrio and Hamikuma merchandise?
A: Most seasonal merchandise, including the Zombie Hello Kitty and cursed doll Snoopy items, are sold at the massive shops near the park entrance (such as the Universal Studios Store) and the Cinema 4-D store. Hamikuma items often have dedicated kiosks. High-demand items may be subject to purchase limits or require a numbered store entry ticket on busy days.
Q: What is the age limit for the horror mazes?
A: Age limits vary strictly by attraction. For example, "Resident Evil Requiem: The Dive" is limited to guests aged 15 and older. The groundbreaking "Lights Out: Nightmare Isolation" is strictly R-18 and requires a signed waiver. Always check the official USJ app for the most up-to-date health and age guidelines before lining up.
Q: Will I still need a Timed Entry Ticket for Super Nintendo World during Halloween?
A: Yes. Despite the Halloween festivities drawing massive crowds to the horror zones, Super Nintendo World remains incredibly popular for its 5th anniversary. On almost all days, a Timed Entry Ticket (acquired via the USJ app or guaranteed via an Express Pass) is required to enter the Nintendo area.
Bottom Line
The 2026 Halloween season at Universal Studios Japan is arguably its most ambitious yet, brilliantly balancing the nostalgia of the park's 25th anniversary with the unrelenting terror of 15 years of Horror Nights. Whether you are stocking up on exclusive goth-inspired Sanrio merchandise, bravely signing a waiver to survive an R-18 horror maze, or simply hiding out with Mario and Luigi in a zombie-free safe zone, the key to a successful visit is preparation. Book your Studio Passes and Express tickets well in advance, map out your must-eat character treats, and get ready for a flawlessly chaotic autumn adventure in Osaka.