The ultimate on-the-ground beginner’s guide to Universal Studios Japan Halloween Horror nights including attractions, rides and more!
Universal Studios Japan (USJ) Halloween Horror Nights are famous for a very good reason – it’s one of the best Halloween celebrations in the world. Best of all, most of it is included in your entrance ticket!
We’ve just returned from Universal Studios Japan Halloween 2026. We made no pre-bookings and had nothing more than admission tickets for general access to the theme park. We still managed to do the three free Horror Houses, catch a show, ride a horror-overlay ride, shop the Halloween merchandise and check out the street zombies! In this guide, I’m going to tell you how we did it all without paying any extra!
If you’re a fan of the scary, spooky and downright frightening, then you’re going to love USJ Halloween Horror Nights!
All day USJ Halloween fun
Before 6pm at Universal Studios Japan during Halloween season, it’s still business as usual – but with some added Halloween fun!
There are four special horror house attractions which are open all day, however they are age restricted and secured inside large warehouses – so there’s no chance you can just stumble into them.
Two rides have Halloween themed overlays and one theatre features a Halloween show.
You can shop in the two dedicated horror merchandise stores, the street parade is Halloween themed, and some regular park characters are now wearing special Halloween costumes – like Hello Kitty and the Minions.
There’s a whole range of Halloween snacks and meals to try! Enjoy lunch at the Three Broomsticks restaurant in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter for a hearty Halloween themed meal, some very cute meals at the Studio Stars restaurant, Mexico’s Day of the Dead themed meals at the Jaws area Amity restaurant or grab a themed snack like a Resident Evil Churro or KATE PRESENTS Emotions dessert! Even more fun, why not be served some non-alcoholic Halloween themed drinks by Zombies at the Wharf Cafe (from 6pm)?
You can ride and play the day away without a scare in sight – there’s nothing frightening or confronting in the streets of USJ at all…that is, until 6pm!
Watch our USJ Halloween merchandise video on YouTube!
As the clock strikes 6pm, the Zombies emerge…
Halloween Horror Nights begins in earnest at 6pm. The street lights become darker, more shadowy. A host of scary howling, screaming zombies emerge (costumed actors wearing zombie makeup and outfits)! The zombies stagger amongst people in the streets with growls and yells, delighting the many park guests who surround them! They may even carry props such as a noisy chainsaw or walk on stilts!
ZOMBIE de DANCE
From 6:20pm, half-hourly – the staff will clear the street for the Zombies to launch into a dance routine – ZOMBIE de DANCE! It’s great fun to watch, and surprisingly the normally uncoordinated stumbling zombies can actually pull out some pretty slick dance moves – who knew?! They still scream every now and then, though!
Halloween Horror Nights Academy: 15 Years of Screams
From 6:20pm, hourly – This exciting outdoor theatre show at Gramercy Park is an electrifying stage musical featuring some very talented zombies! Halloween Horror Nights Academy: 15 Years of Screams is supported by huge video walls and multi-level platforms. Based around a zombie school storyline, this zombie academy is where lots of fun and scary zombies come out to show off their entertaining dance skills!
During the show, keep your eyes open for the HamiKuma scary‑cute zombie teddy bear mascots of USJ Halloween Horror Nights, as they also appear with their very own part to play!
Be sure to arrive early for a good viewpoint of this fantastic show – we rolled up right as the last show started and were way back in the crowd – the locals know that arriving early is the way to get a good spot! Luckily we could still view most of the stage from afar.
Watch our Halloween Horror Nights experience on YouTube!
Can the Zombies touch you?
Don’t panic! The Zombies won’t touch you. In both the special Horror attractions and on the street, the rule is – you can look but don’t touch the Zombies. Thankfully, the same rule goes for the Zombies! It’s a comforting thought which allows you to draw closer to watch the zombie antics – even if they do scream at you a little too closely sometimes!
How do I avoid the USJ Zombies?
Rest assured that if you retreat to the footpath, you’ll rarely find a zombie there. They mostly stick to their own special street areas and avoid the sidewalks. They also don’t populate Super Nintendo World or the Harry Potter area – but to leave these areas you may encounter them!
You can see a map to show you how to avoid Zombies completely here.
Because Zombies are usually surrounded by laughing, screaming people who are eager to see them close-up, they aren’t fussed with us scaredy-cats! If you want to avoid the Zombies completely then read all about the safety areas and route out of the park here.
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What Universal Studios Japan ticket do I need to enter during Halloween?
The great thing is, Halloween Horror Nights at USJ is included in your normal Universal Japan visit. As usual to enter Universal Studios Japan you’ll need to purchase Studio Passes online prior to your visit. You can’t buy USJ tickets at the gate. This year one paid Horror House attraction was added to the Halloween line-up, requiring an extra paid booking online.
I recommend using Klook to buy USJ Studio Passes, as they are an official USJ ticket seller. Klook issue the correct entry dates and readily accept major international credit cards. Buy your official Studio Passes from Klook here.
Halloween Horror Nights extra features
As if Universal Studios Japan didn’t have enough attractions, there are even more during the Halloween season! Plan extra time to enjoy these spooky fun activities!
What USJ rides have a Halloween overlay?
During the Halloween Horror Nights period, the following rides will receive a Halloween update!
Hollywood Dream Coaster Halloween soundtrack
Running all day, from September 11th to November 8th – the Hollywood Dream roller coaster has both forward and backwards (Backdrop) versions. Normally riders have a standard pop music menu to choose from which then plays directly from the speakers in your head rest during the ride. During the Halloween Horror Nights season the Hollywood Dream roller coaster music menu changes to Japanese Halloween music.
Jurassic Park The Ride in the Dark
From 6pm, from September 11th to November 8th – Jurassic Park the Ride is already terrifying, but for this Autumn event update the story goes that there is a power failure, and so the ride is plunged into complete darkness – scream if you dare!
Space Fantasy – The Ride becomes Sadako’s Curse
Running all day, from September 11th to January the 4th 2027 – Space Fantasy the ride is a permanent USJ roller coaster which is rarely run in its standard form. An indoor dark ride, Space Fantasy the ride is commonly overlayed with different themes. During Halloween Horror Nights it is overlayed with the new SADAKO’S CURSE: DARK HORROR RIDE from the movie The Ring. Parental supervision is recommended for this horror ride. In addition to spinning and rolling, the ride is almost pitch black throughout most of it and features frightening lights, video screens and sound.
Jaws changes to Jaws Red Alert after 6pm
From 6pm, from September 11th to January 31st 2027 -As the night closes in, the water surrounding your Jaws boat ride becomes foggy – the ride gets darker, particularly inside the shed. The water turns an eerie shade of red as the Jaws shark heads towards your boat…Jaws becomes an even scarier experience than usual after dark!
Cinema 4D Theatre features a Halloween Show
From 6pm – From September 11th to November 8th Chainsaw Man: The Chaos 4-D is being performed in the Cinema 4D Theatre. Smiley the Pumpkin features in this scary, zombie-themed show. Note that there may be blood spatter during the performance – Guests ages 12 or under require parental consent to see this show.
Smiley the Pumpkin Happy Halloween Meet and Greet
Right outside of the Cinema 4-D Theatre you might be able to run into Smiley the Pumpkin like we did! We were thrilled to be able to grab a quick photo with him on the street!
USJ Halloween Horror Nights Horror Houses
This year there are four USJ horror attractions, or horror houses. Each one is very different, with different restrictions and ways to get in to experience them. Two horror houses offer free timed entry, one a free standby queue and one is advance paid entry only. To enter at least two of them you need to get booking from the moment you enter the park or you may miss out.
It’s important to note that even with timed entry tickets, USJ horror attractions have lengthy queues. To skip the queues, you may be able to buy a special horror express pass to access the priority laneways – it’s wise to do this well in advance of your park day.
Lights Out: Nightmare Isolation (a.k.a. Afterimage)
Running all day, from September 11th to November 8th -This paid reservation only horror house is restricted to 18 years and over due to its R rating. It also requires a signed waiver. Located at Stage 18, this popular USJ Horror House sold out for the entire season soon after release, and so when we visited in early October we were already too late to secure tickets. Here’s hoping we learn from that mistake for USJ Horror Nights in 2027!
Resident Evil Requiem: The Dive (a.k.a. Biohazard Requiem)
Running all day, from September 11th to December 27th – Located at Stage 18, The Resident Evil Requiem hit game comes to life in person – you become the stalked! We had a lot of fun going through this jump-scare horror house, and we especially enjoyed the live action performance at the end where you were allowed to take photos and video!
You must book a free timed entry ticket using the USJ app or hold an Express Pass for admission to this horror attraction. You can see how we booked our timed entry in our Halloween at USJ video on YouTube. Must be 15 years or older to enter.
Factory of Fear: Zombie Tour
Running all day, from September 11th to November 8th – Located at Stage 22, The Factory of Fear is a Horror House maze where you are surrounded by jump-scaring zombies! There are interactive hand scanners inside where you can control the zombie’s decisions. Prepare for lots of screaming, laughing guests trying to escape the maze with you – it’s all in good, scary fun!
We were able to standby queue to enter on the day we attended which took about 30 minutes, however on busy days you may need to get a Timed Entry ticket using the USJ app. Must be 15 years or older to enter.
KATE PRESENTS – Witches of House 18: Bewitching Mansion of Emotion
Running all day, from September 11th to November 8th – Located at Stage 18, KATE PRESENTS – Witches of House 18: Bewitching Mansion of Emotion is a dark and spooky mansion of mirrors.
With its creepy prologue by a hooded guide, this less-scary attraction is actually an opportunity to explore emotions with a matching make up session at the end!
Now in it’s second year at Horror Nights at USJ, this popular attraction is well worth a visit, especially if you love makeup! There was even a free little lipstick sample included at the end, plus you can purchase the same Kate brand makeup from the horror gift stores in the park.
You can book a free timed entry ticket using the USJ app for admission to this horror house. You can see how we booked our timed entry in our Halloween at USJ video on YouTube. Strictly 12 years and under are not permitted inside.
USJ Horror Nights FAQs
When is the USJ Halloween period?
USJ Halloween Horror Nights in 2026 mainly runs from the 11th of September to the 8th of November 2026, however some attractions continue for another couple of months.
What are the USJ Halloween 2027 dates?
USJ Halloween Horror Nights in 2027 won’t be announced until mid-2027. Watch this space!
Is there a zombie safety escape route?
Yes there is, you can read all about it and see the zombie map here.
Can children go to USJ Halloween Horror Nights?
Yes, children are welcome at Halloween Horror Nights, however it’s not recommended for children under 5. Kids aged 12 and under should have parental supervision during Halloween Horror Nights. All the Horror Houses are also age-restricted.
Japan mobile phone internet data eSims
Buy an eSim so that you have data from the moment you land in Japan. Airalo eSIM is proven to work reliably in Universal Studios Japan and allows you to access the internet in Japan.
Universal Studios Japan Planning Facebook Group
Love all things Universal Studios Japan, or just have more questions? Join our 80k+ member Universal Studios Japan Holiday Planning Facebook Group here!
What’s the cheapest airline to get from Australia to Japan?
We partnered with Jetstar Australia to fly from Australia to Japan. Jetstar Australia offer cheap fares to Japan every day – check their website for their low Tokyo and Osaka fares and frequent sales!
Have a question? Drop a comment below! I’d also love to hear about your own USJ planning experiences!
