Universal Studios Japan will host the "NO LIMIT! Countdown 2026" from 7 PM on December 31, 2025 to 9 PM on January 1, 2026.

The main highlight, the "Special Stage," will take place at Gramercy Park, featuring a condensed showcase of numerous performances from 2025, including the super popular "One Piece Premier Show” and even some past seasonal events like the summer and Halloween show. Beloved characters like the Minions, Sesame Street, Snoopy, and Hello Kitty will also make appearances for the special New Year's Greeting, promising an unforgettable night for fans.

The grand finale, the "Countdown Moment," will mark the New Year with a dazzling display of approximately 4,000 vibrant fireworks set to music and stunning lighting effects. The atmosphere is sure to be electric!

From 7 PM on Wednesday, December 31, to 9 PM on Thursday, January 1, Party Pass holders can enjoy unlimited access to park attractions, including The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ and Super Nintendo World™ (some closures may occur for maintenance; please see website for the most up-to-date information on available attractions). Don't miss the exciting special stage and fireworks display—a perfect way to end the year!

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The Countdown Cruise from Osaka Port is a popular event to ring in the New Year aboard the sailboat Santa Maria. Departing at 11:30 PM on December 31, the cruise lasts about an hour, touring highlights of the bay area such as the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan and Universal Studios Japan.

The Santa Maria is a replica cruise ship, roughly twice the size of Christopher Columbus’s flagship, with its grand sails evoking a vintage pirate ship straight out of a storybook.

Onboard, enjoy a live performance by the musical duo, YASU☆TORI, and a New Year’s raffle with luxurious prizes. The countdown excitement is further enhanced by views of the illuminated Tempozan Harbor Village and Osaka Aquarium.

Why not welcome the New Year while enjoying the serene views of Osaka from the water?

The Kobe Fruit & Flower Park in Sanda, Hyogo, known for its amusement park, fruit picking, and BBQ activities, will once again host an upgraded countdown event to celebrate the New Year.

As the venue for the famous Kansai illumination event "Kobe Illuminage," the park offers a spectacular countdown party. This year, the event is even bigger than ever before in celebration of its 15th anniversary, featuring a mesmerizing drone show, live DJs, and an array of other exciting musical performancesby top artists for an unforgettable countdown experience.

The port city of Kobe is renowned for its breathtaking night views, often called the "10-million-dollar nightscape." Why not celebrate with a Countdown Cruise on one of Kobe's elegant ships? Choose between the Concerto, offering stunning views of the illuminated Kobe Mosaic Ferris Wheel, or the Luminous Kobe 2, which showcases the special light display of the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge.

One of the highlights of the cruise is the luxurious dining experience paired with a "Countdown Onboard Live" performance by trending artists. Celebrate the New Year while enjoying the beautiful night views from the ship.

Ring in the new year at Canopy by Hilton Osaka Umeda’s 11th-floor bar & lounge !JaJa!Bar, where a special countdown party brings a playful mix of nostalgia and Osaka humor.

This year’s theme is 90s American Retro, blending pop-culture with a fun party atmosphere as two rising comedy acts, Sasuga ni Fever and Cymbal Monkey, take the stage as MCs, adding plenty of laughs as you count down to midnight. There’s also a live DJ and a lottery with a chance to win fun gifts.

Event includes a casual buffet and 120-minute free-flow drinks, with original cocktails, sparkling wine, beer, wine, and soft drinks.

W Osaka, a stylish and luxurious hotel in Osaka's Shinsaibashi area, transforms into a vibrant club-like space for its countdown party. Now in its fifth year, this event will feature a line up of popular DJs, alongside the traditional Japanese instrument unit TRAinnovation, creating an unforgettable New Year’s Eve experience.

Enjoy free-flow drinks, a buffet crafted by the hotel’s top chefs, and special treats like New Year’s soba in the Premium and VIP seating options. The event also features a popular raffle with luxurious prizes, including stay vouchers for international W Hotels and pair dinner tickets.

For an even more indulgent experience, opt for the WOW Suite package, allowing you to stay overnight right after the party. Treat yourself to a truly special evening.

Located in the heart of Umeda, one of Kansai’s top tourist areas, Moxy Osaka Shin Umeda offers unbeatable accessibility and a chic setting for its stylish countdown party.

This year’s second edition features a Salsa Countdown Party! Dance the night away with lively music, enjoy drinks, and savor light snacks as you ring in the New Year. After 9 PM, the entire lobby transforms into an exclusive party space open to non-staying guests as well. Join in the countdown fun with everyone at the venue!

For those who prefer something more relaxed and refined, this New Year’s Eve, luxury hotel St. Regis Hotel Osaka transforms its 12th floor St. Regis Bar into a brilliant yet laid-back countdown venue with the glitter of glass and the sparkling of champagne, all accompanied by a live jazz performance.

Don’t start your New Year’s countdown on an empty stomach! Check out one of the dinner or buffet plans offered this year as part of Swiss Hotel Nankai Osaka’s 2025-2026 Festive Season!

There are several New Year’s options to choose from at each of the hotel’s restaurants, such as the Year-End and New Year's Lunch or Dinner Buffet at Table 36, Japanese Cuisine Hanareki’s Year-End and New Year's Lunch or Dinner Buffet, and even a Countdown Party at Table 36!

Course plans, prices, and periods vary by restaurant, so be sure to check the official website for more information.

Celebrate the New Year with a full lineup of seasonal dining at Hotel Agora Regency Osaka Sakai. From a countdown party with live world music to a three-day New Year’s Family Buffet filled with over 60 Japanese, Western, and Chinese dishes, the hotel offers something for everyone. Special holiday meals, including year-end soba, New Year’s osechi breakfast, and multi-course menus, make this a perfect way to welcome the new year with your friends and family.

From cruise ships and theme parks to luxurious hotels, we’ve introduced some of the top countdown spots in Kansai. Experience the excitement as everyone comes together to celebrate—don’t miss the chance to make unforgettable memories in Osaka!

(Note: This article was originally published in 2019 and updated in November 2025. Please check official websites for the latest information.)