A beloved corner of Universal Studios Japan is closing this May, but not without a proper sendoff.
Sesame Street Fun World Is Closing for Good
On March 9, Universal Studios Japan confirmed that Sesame Street Fun World, part of the park's Universal Wonderland area, will permanently close on May 10, 2026. The land originally opened on March 16, 2012, making it a fixture of the park for well over a decade.
The closure doesn't mean the end of Sesame Street at Universal Studios Japan entirely. Elmo, Cookie Monster, Big Bird, and the rest of the gang will continue showing up elsewhere in the park — through the “NO LIMIT! Parade – Discover U!!! Version,” “The Ultimate Blues Bash – Colors of Music,” and scheduled meet-and-greets. Sesame Street-inspired merchandise will also remain available.
Two Months to Say Goodbye
Universal Studios Japan is giving fans a proper farewell window. A limited-time event called “Forever Friends – Always Together” will run from March 20 through May 10, 2026, giving Universal Park guests roughly two months to pay their respects to the closing land.
One of the event's highlights is a partially transparent “Memory Snapshot Card” featuring Elmo, Cookie Monster, Big Bird, and other Sesame Street characters alongside the Universal Studios Japan logo. The card lets guests photograph theme park landmarks framed within a Sesame Street border. The design won't stay static, either: a first distribution round runs March 20 through April 14, and a second version rolls out April 15 through May 10.
The Japanese theme park is also installing two “Treasure Boards” where guests can leave behind personal memories of Sesame Street Fun World. From April 11 through May 10, the boards will be positioned in front of Elmo's Imagination Playland and Sesame's Big Drive.
What do you think of Universal Studios Japan's plan to replace Sesame Street Fun World? Let Disney Fanatic know in the comments!
