Universal Studios Japan Confirms Permanent Closure of Park Location This May

We all know that a trip to Universal Studios Japan (USJ) is a rite of passage for many Filipinos, especially during the summer break when the kids are out of school. However, a major announcement from the park confirms that one of its long-standing areas is being retired for good, changing the landscape of the resort forever.

Universal Studios Japan officially announced that Sesame Street Fun World will permanently close on 10 May 2026. This family-friendly zone has been a core part of the Universal Wonderland area since it first opened in March 2012. For over a decade, it has been the go-to spot for Pinoy parents looking to let their toddlers burn off some energy on the smaller rides while navigating the massive park.

While the land itself is shutting down, Elmo, Cookie Monster, and Big Bird are not leaving the park entirely. You can still catch them in the "NO LIMIT! Parade – Discover U!!! Version" and during scheduled character meet-and-greets. However, the "Sesame Street 4-D Movie Magic" show is currently suspended, and there is no word on when or if it will return to the lineup.

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Last chance for fans to visit the Sesame Street farewell event

^{Image credit: Universal Studios Corporate Communication Website}

The park is not letting the area go without a fight, as they have scheduled a special farewell event called "Forever Friends – Always Together" starting on 20 March 2026. If you are visiting before the May deadline, you can pick up a special "Memory Snapshot Card" featuring Elmo and the gang alongside the park logo. These cards are partially transparent, allowing you to hold them up and take photos of park landmarks with a Sesame Street-themed border for your social media feed.

The designs for these collectible cards will change halfway through the event to encourage fans to visit more than once. The first round of distribution runs from 20 March to 14 April, while the second design will be available from 15 April until the final closing day on 10 May. Since many Filipinos travel to Japan during the April and May holidays, you should expect these limited-edition items to be popular.

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Universal Studios Japan farewell event and memory snapshot cards

^{Image credit: Universal Studios Corporate Communication Website}

If this area holds a special place in your heart, USJ is installing "Treasure Boards" where guests can post their favourite memories of the retiring land. From 11 April to 10 May, you can find these boards located specifically in front of Elmo’s Imagination Playland and Sesame’s Big Drive. It is a simple way for the park to acknowledge the millions of families who have walked through those gates over the last fourteen years.

Filipinos currently planning their Osaka itineraries should not worry as the rest of the park remains open. Iconic attractions like Super Nintendo World and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter are not affected by this specific closure. Just keep in mind that the Sesame Street rides will be gone after 10 May, so if your kids, friends, or family have their hearts set on Elmo's rides, you need to get there before the deadline.

^{Featured image credit: Universal Studios Corporate Communication Website}