Sesame Street Fun World at USJ is Closing: Why and What's Replacing It
One of its most recognisable family zones at Universal Studios Japan is making way for something new.
One of its most recognisable family zones at Universal Studios Japan (USJ) is making way for something new. The park has sadly confirmed the USJ closure of Sesame Street Fun World, with its final day of operations set for Sunday, 10 May 2026. Here is the full picture of why it is happening and what might be coming next.
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Image credit: Universal Studios Japan Corporate Communications Farewell Celebrations
Image credit: Universal Studios Japan Corporate Communications Before the USJ closure of Sesame Street Fun World takes effect, the park is running a farewell programme called Forever Friends – Always Together from 20 March to 10 May 2026.
Guests can collect Memory Snapshot Cards for layered character photos and write on Treasure Boards set up in front of Elmo's Imagination Playland. If you have childhood memories tied to this land, or are bringing young kids to experience it one last time, the farewell window is your final chance.
Other Attractions To Look Forward To At USJ
Several new and upcoming additions provide plenty of other reasons to visit USJ.
Donkey Kong Country
Image credit: Universal Studios Japan Corporate Communications The most significant recent addition is Donkey Kong Country, a fully themed land built around Nintendo's beloved franchise. The centrepiece is Mine Cart Madness, a state-of-the-art roller coaster that puts guests inside the world of the Donkey Kong games, complete with lush jungle theming, interactive experiences, and themed food and merchandise.
Universal Cool Japan 2026
Image credit: Universal Studios Japan Corporate Communications Running through mid-2026, the Cool Japan event series brings a rotating roster of anime and pop culture IPs to life inside the park. This year's line-up includes Jujutsu Kaisen: The Real 4-D with a special Hollywood Dream roller coaster overlay, an immersive Detective Conan World experience, and Frieren: Beyond Journey's End, which is scheduled for summer 2026. For anime fans, this alone makes the park worth a visit this year.
Why Sesame Street Fun World Is Closing After 14 Years
USJ has not cited a single dramatic reason for the closure, but its official statement points clearly to the park's need to evolve with newer trends. The announcement describes the decision as a move "to further evolve" USJ's collaboration with the Sesame Street brand and to "pave the way for new and even more exciting experiences with the Sesame Street friends."
Sesame Street Fun World first opened on 16 March 2012 as part of Universal Wonderland, a zone designed for younger visitors. Over 14 years, it housed 14 indoor and outdoor attractions, including fan favourites like Sesame's Big Drive, Elmo's Go Go Skateboard, and Ernie's Rubber Duckie Race. For most theme parks, a decade-plus lifespan for a themed land signals that a refresh is overdue.
What might replace Sesame Street Fun World?
Image credit: PokéPark KANTOPokémon has been floated as a strong candidate given its appeal across Asia. However, as of March 2026, USJ has not confirmed any specific replacement, and netizens speculate the new attraction may not be revealed until 2027, when 25th Anniversary celebrations wind down.
Industry sources suggest the Pokémon project will include an interactive dark ride featuring physical sets and a secondary attraction using AR/VR technology to simulate Pokémon battles.
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A Transformation, Not A Goodbye
Image credit: Universal Studios Japan Corporate Communications Crucially, Sesame Street itself is not leaving USJ entirely. Long-time favourites like Elmo, Cookie Monster, and Big Bird will continue to appear throughout the park in the NO LIMIT! Parade, the Sesame Street 4-D Movie Magic show, and character meet-and-greets. The USJ closure retires the existing attraction footprint to build something that better fits the park's current direction.
This is not the first time Universal Wonderland zone has changed themes before. The space that became Sesame Street Fun World previously housed a Wicked-themed area, which itself replaced a western town linked to the Wild West Stunt Show. USJ has a well-established pattern of retiring older IPs to introduce newer, higher-demand experiences for visitors.
If the last time you visited USJ was a couple of years ago, there is plenty of reason to go back again soon and see the park's changes!
About Author
Her motto is "experience everything at least once". An adrenaline junkie at heart, she is always down for spontaneous adventure, especially to exotic destinations. She finds the most meaningful aspect of travel is cultural immersion, and talking to locals is an underrated travel hack.