Universal Studios Japan says it will stop selling admission for Nov. 13, 14 and 15 once it hits a set number of tickets. That's the weekend its 25th anniversary holiday event opens and a new free kids ticket kicks in.
Heading to Osaka next weekend? Don't sit on your Universal Studios Japan ticket.
Universal Studios Japan posted a ticket notice on X on Wednesday, Nov. 4. The park expects big crowds on Friday, Nov. 13, Saturday, Nov. 14 and Sunday, Nov. 15. Studio Pass admission tickets for those days are on sale now, USJ said, but sales will stop once the park reaches its planned number.
Translation: when they're gone, they're gone. USJ didn't say how many tickets are left, and it didn't say any of the three days had sold out yet.
The timing isn't random. Nov. 13 is opening day for Universal Holiday Wonders, the park's 25th anniversary holiday event. It's also the first day families in Japan can use the new Holiday Kids Free Pass, which gets one child in free with each adult.
Why is Universal Studios Japan so busy Nov. 13 to 15?
Three things land on the same weekend, according to USJ's announcements:
The holiday event opens. Universal Holiday Wonders runs Nov. 13 to Jan. 17, 2027.
The free kids deal starts. The Holiday Kids Free Pass covers visits from Nov. 13 to Dec. 30. One child ages 4 to 11 gets in free with each paying adult.
It's a weekend. Nov. 13 is a Friday.
The kids pass is a first for the park. The adult and child pair starts at 8,400 yen, about $53, compared with 13,900 yen, about $88, normally. It's only for people who live in Japan, and buyers have to upload proof of the child's age.
What's new at Universal Studios Japan for the holidays?
USJ laid out the lineup in September:
Universal Food Festival (Nov. 13 to Jan. 17): The park calls it the biggest version yet, in both menu items and space. Snoopy and Elmo will pop up for surprise greetings in the food areas.
Hogwarts Magical Nights: Winter Magic (Nov. 13 to Jan. 17): A 10-minute projection show on Hogwarts Castle, plus winter decorations in Hogsmeade.
Light Up the Night: Christmas Celebration (Nov. 25 to Jan. 11): A 30-minute night show at Gramercy Park with Elmo, Snoopy, Hello Kitty and falling snow.
The Joy of Lights (Nov. 25 to Jan. 11): Back for the first time in nine years. The 10-minute show puts guests' messages to loved ones up on a screen. Messages are picked by lottery, and submissions close Dec. 14.
Winter greetings: The Minions in winter outfits, plus a holiday version of the Power of Rock singing show.
Notice the dates. The two big night shows don't start until Nov. 25. So opening weekend is mostly about food, Hogwarts and that free kids ticket.
How much are Universal Studios Japan tickets now?
It depends on the day, and on when you buy. For visits starting Sept. 1, USJ moved its 1 Day Studio Pass and Twilight Pass to demand-based pricing. Each day has a starting price that can rise after sales open if the day gets popular, the Kumamoto Nichinichi Shimbun reported.
The lowest adult 1 Day price is 8,400 yen, about $53, Daily Sports reported. That's 500 yen below last year's lowest price. USJ's pitch is simple: buy early, pay less.
USJ didn't post current prices for Nov. 13 to 15. But on a weekend this busy, waiting can cost you twice. First the price can climb. Then the tickets can disappear.
What should I do if I'm visiting USJ Nov. 13 to 15?
Buy now, for your exact date. USJ's notice says Studio Pass sales end once the allotment is gone.
Check the hours. Most November and December days run until 9 or 10 p.m., with opening times between 8 and 9 a.m., WDWNT reported. Some nights close at 7 p.m.
Flexible? Any date from Nov. 25 on gets you the whole holiday lineup.
What's next at Universal Studios Japan?
A packed winter. USJ has already announced:
Universal Cool Japan 2027: It starts rolling out Dec. 2 with Sailor Moon. Detective Conan, The Apothecary Diaries and two series from Fullmetal Alchemist creator Hiromu Arakawa follow.
NO LIMIT! Countdown 2027: A 26-hour New Year's countdown party.
Playing with Curious George: The attraction closes for good on Feb. 28, 2027.
If Osaka is on your calendar for Nov. 13 to 15, buy the ticket tonight and argue about the itinerary later.
Article compiled and written by Kambrea Pratt (editor-in-chief), Derek Gibbs (beat editor) and the Pirates & Princesses newsroom. Pirates & Princesses is part of WebReef Media.
Pirates and Princesses is your destination for Disney news, theme park updates, and the pop culture you love. From Disney cruises and travel tips to Disney fashion, food, collectibles, and movie news, PNP covers it all. Visit us at piratesandprincesses.net for daily coverage. Follow PNP on Facebook and Instagram, and listen to the Pirates & Princesses podcast on Apple Podcasts and YouTube.
Hat Tips:
Universal Studios Japan on X (Nov. 4, 2026), the ticket notice for Nov. 13 to 15
Universal Studios Japan (Sept. 14, 2026), Universal Holiday Wonders dates and shows, the Holiday Kids Free Pass terms
WDW News Today (Sept. 14, 2026), English details on the holiday event
WDW News Today (Oct. 22, 2026), holiday park hours
Kumamoto Nichinichi Shimbun (June 30, 2026), demand-based ticket pricing
Daily Sports (June 30, 2026), the 8,400-yen minimum price
Universal Studios Japan (Sept. 28 to Oct. 28, 2026), Universal Cool Japan 2027, the countdown party and the Curious George closing
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