Universal Studios Japan will host the one-night-only "NO LIMIT! Countdown 2025" on Tuesday, December 31, 2024.

The main highlight, the "Special Stage," will take place at Gramercy Park, featuring a condensed showcase of numerous performances from 2024. Guests can enjoy the cute yet rock-themed "Kuromi Live" by My Melody & Kuromi, which debuted in spring, as well as the "One Piece Premier Show 2024." Beloved characters like the Minions, Sesame Street, Snoopy, and Hello Kitty will also make appearances, 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 Tuesday, December 31, to 9 PM on Wednesday, January 1, guests can enjoy unlimited access to park attractions, including The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ and Super Nintendo World™ (some closures may occur for maintenance). Don't miss the exciting special stage and fireworks display—a perfect way to end the year!

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Minions and all related elements and indicia ™ & © 2024 Universal Studios. All rights reserved.
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™ and © 2024 Sesame Workshop
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™ & © Universal Studios & Amblin Entertainment
™ & © Universal Studios. All rights reserved.
© HYBE JAPAN. All Rights Reserved. Distributed by BIGHIT MUSIC, BELIFT LAB, SOURCE MUSIC, PLEDIS ENTERTAINMENT, KOZ Entertainment, ADOR, HYBE LABELS JAPAN
© Eiichiro Oda/Shueisha, Fuji TV, Toei Animation
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© Gosho Aoyama/Shogakukan, Yomiuri TV, TMS 1996

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 special unit “Nile Perch Togashi with Yasuyuki Nakajima” 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 features a mesmerizing drone light show with a record-breaking 2,025 drones (far surpassing last year's 500) and stunning drone fireworks lighting up the night sky.

Live performances by top artists add to the excitement, ensuring 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.

Celebrate with a countdown show aboard the Royal Princess, one of Kansai's largest cruise ships, or the luxurious Japanese-style Atakemaru. Enjoy an 80-minute cruise showcasing Kobe's breathtaking "10-million-dollar nightscape" while participating in an onboard raffle with exciting prizes.

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 fourth year, this event will feature KEN ISHII, a leading figure in Japan's techno scene, 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!

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 December 2024. Please check official websites for the latest information.)