USJ 25th Anniversary New Year's Eve 2027: 5,000 Fireworks and 26 Hours of Non-Stop Party Fun

Written by: Wemmy Chau

Date published: 5 October 2026

Universal Studios Japan is celebrating its 25th anniversary with a massive New Year's Eve bash: "NO LIMIT! Countdown 2027 - Discover U!!!" running from December 31, 2026 to January 1, 2027. To mark a quarter-century of epic fun, the park is pulling out all the stops with a breathtaking 5,000-shot fireworks display, a lineup of fan-favorite shows from past years, and an incredible 26-hour non-stop party marathon. Here is your ultimate guide to all the event highlights, entertainment lineups, and ticket details.

(Image credit: USJ LLC)
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Table of Contents

USJ Countdown 2027: Theme and Event Overview
Four Can't-Miss New Year's Eve Shows
The Ultimate Annual Perk: 26 Hours of Non-Stop Park Access
Top-Tier NYE Experience: 3 Exclusive VIP Guided Tours and Luxury Packages
5. Party Pass Sales Info and Ticket Schedule
The Top Choice for New Year's Eve in Japan! Set Your Alarm to Grab Tickets and Party into 2027

USJ Countdown 2027: Theme and Event Overview

Built around the 25th-anniversary theme "Discover U!!!", this year's countdown invites guests to unleash their true selves on the final night of the year inside a high-energy, festive park setting. With an exclusive Party Pass, visitors gain full access to enter, re-enter, and play across a thrilling 26-hour park marathon.

Four Can't-Miss New Year's Eve Shows

The Countdown Moment: Spectacular 5,000-Fireworks Extravaganza

(Image credit: USJ LLC)

Time: December 31, 2026, 11:50 PM to January 1, 2027, 12:05 AM

Highlights: Around 5,000 colorful fireworks will shoot skyward across key park areas like Gramercy Park and the Lagoon. Set to dramatic lights and music, this electrifying countdown show builds to a giant climax, welcoming the new year alongside thousands of cheering fans.

New Year's Eve Special Stage: 25th Anniversary Highlights and DJ Zedd Music Party

(Image credit: USJ LLC)

Time: December 31, 2026, 7:05 PM to January 1, 2027, 12:20 AM

Venue: Gramercy Park

Highlights: A packed stage show gathering the best moments of 2026! Watch performers from the 25th anniversary parade team up with iconic characters like The Blues Brothers, Sesame Street, Snoopy, Hello Kitty, and the Minions, alongside hit seasonal acts from summer festivals and Halloween. Plus, world-renowned DJ Zedd, creator of the soundtrack for Space Fantasy - The Ride, brings his signature tracks to an energetic DJ live show.

USJ Classic Hit Festival: Legendary Music Mashup (Special Ticket Required)

(Image credit: USJ LLC)

Time: December 31, 2026, 11:45 PM to January 1, 2027, 12:30 AM

Venue: Universal Monsters Live Rock and Roll Show

Highlights: As part of the 25th-anniversary "Discover USJ" project, this brand-new countdown festival is hosted by beloved characters Reika Ayanokoji, Deacon, Beetlejuice, and Woody Woodpecker. Talented singers and dancers perform legendary theme songs from USJ's history. (Note: Special viewing ticket required for entry.)

New Year Kimono Greetings: Meet Characters in Traditional Japanese Attire

(Image credit: USJ LLC)

Time: January 1, 2027, after the midnight countdown

Highlights: Right after ringing in the new year, popular USJ characters step out in elegant, seasonal Japanese kimonos to greet guests, offering an exclusive authentic Japanese New Year greeting experience.

The Ultimate Annual Perk: 26 Hours of Non-Stop Park Access

(Image credit: USJ LLC)

The absolute biggest highlight of the event is the 26-hour marathon park opening, running non-stop from December 31, 2026 at 7:00 PM to January 1, 2027 at 9:00 PM! Guests can pull an all-nighter enjoying rides, watching live shows, dining, and shopping. This once-a-year privilege lets you soak up every ounce of 25th-anniversary fun without rushing. (Note: Some areas and rides may close temporarily for maintenance.)

Top-Tier NYE Experience: 3 Exclusive VIP Guided Tours and Luxury Packages

(Image credit: USJ LLC)

For travelers seeking the ultimate luxury trip, USJ is offering three premium VIP packages complete with personal tour guides.

Package 1: Ultimate Luxury Plan (Limited to 1 Group) - 1,500,000 yen for 4 People

Exclusive Perks: Private vehicle transfers (between Kansai/Itami Airport or major city stations and hotel), top suite stay at official hotel "The Park Front Hotel" (2 days, 1 night), 2-day personal guide, exclusive countdown viewing area for your group, private customized dinner, and private character meet-and-greet. Includes 4 Party Passes and dedicated Express Passes valid through park closing on January 1.

Package 2: Party Pass + VIP Private Tour (1F Course Menu) - 398,500 yen for 4 People

Exclusive Perks: Includes personal tour guide, reserved terrace viewing area at Lombard's Landing, special course menu at reserved restaurant, special character meet-and-greet, Party Passes, and dedicated Express Passes. (Additional guests: 99,625 yen per person, up to 10 guests total.)

3: Party Pass + VIP Private Tour (2F Buffet Menu) - 348,500 yen for 4 People

Exclusive Perks: Includes personal tour guide, reserved terrace viewing area at Lombard's Landing, special buffet dinner at reserved restaurant, special character meet-and-greet, Party Passes, and dedicated Express Passes. (Additional guests: 87,125 yen per person, up to 10 guests total.)

5. Party Pass Sales Info and Ticket Schedule

Attending the NYE event requires a dedicated "Party Pass," priced from 16,900 yen (tax included). Passes are also sold in special bundles with special viewing area access, Express Passes, or park dining options.

Ticket On-Sale Schedule

Annual Pass (Grand Royal) Exclusive Presale: October 7, 9:00 PM to October 9, 11:59 PM (Available via Official Website & Lawson Ticket)

Lawson Ticket Early Access (First-Come, First-Served): October 23, 12:00 PM to November 3, 11:59 PM

General Public On-Sale: Starting November 4 at 9:00 PM (Available via Official Website, Lawson Ticket, Loppi machines, and partner hotels)

Important Notes on NYE Operating Hours and Ticket Rules

・The park will close temporarily on December 31 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM for park preparation. Standard December 31 ticket holders (including blackout Annual Passes) must exit by 5:00 PM.
・Party Pass holders enjoy unlimited entry and re-entry from December 31 at 7:00 PM through January 1 at 9:00 PM.
・Standard January 1 ticket holders (including Annual Passes) may enter starting at 2:00 AM on January 1.

The Top Choice for New Year's Eve in Japan! Set Your Alarm to Grab Tickets and Party into 2027

Still deciding where to ring in the new year in Japan? The upgraded 25th-anniversary "NO LIMIT! Countdown 2027" at Universal Studios Japan is easily your best pick. From 5,000 fireworks and exclusive stage shows to a 26-hour non-stop celebration, it is guaranteed to help you shake off stress and create unforgettable memories. NYE Party Passes for USJ sell out super fast every year, and with 2027 marking the 25th anniversary, demand will be higher than ever. Set your alarms, mark the sale dates, and lock in your tickets early to celebrate stress-free. Ready to welcome 2027? Add USJ's NYE party to your Kansai itinerary today!

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Written by:

Wemmy Chau

LIVE JAPAN

Originally from Hong Kong, she graduated from university with a degree in English and Japanese before moving to Chiba, Japan, in 2015. With her 10 years of experience living in Japan, she excels at discovering unique, off-the-beaten-path information that you won't find in typical travel guides. Specializing in art, seasonal scenery, and theme parks, she provides the latest and most useful travel information. She has experience writing for major travel media outlets and regional tourism websites and has also obtained JLPT Level 1 certification. She hopes to offer reliable travel information from a unique Hong Kong perspective.

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*This information is from the time of this article's publication.
*Prices and options mentioned are subject to change.
*Unless stated otherwise, all prices include tax.

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