Universal Studios Japan Announces Soft Opening, Reopening

in Theme Parks, Universal Studios Japan

Universal Studios Japan

Credit: Expedia

Universal is taking the lead with the reopening of Universal Studios Japan by becoming the first major theme park in Japan to resume operations. The park plans to hold a soft reopening beginning June 8 to passholders with a general reopening to the public starting June 19. 

This news was confirmed via the video below, which features flyover views of the theme park and shots showing Universal Crew Members preparing for the park’s reopening by getting back to work and performing in-depth cleanings of attractions.

This news comes as Japan lifts its state of emergency and a call for the closure of large-scale facilities.

Similar to the reopening of most other theme parks, Universal Studios Japan will be following strict restrictions for admissions, these include the following:

  • Annual passholders who reside in Osaka Prefecture are invited to attend the park’s “Soft Opening” June 8 (Mon) – June 18 (Thu). Advance registration is required. Special Studio Passes are also available for residents of Osaka Prefecture to enter the park June 15 (Mon) – June 18 (Thu). Advance purchase is required
  • After general operations begin on June 19 (Fri), admission will be limited guests with an annual pass or other studio pass who live in one of the 6 prefectures in the Kansai area.
  • In order to maintain appropriate social distancing, we may restrict park admission. In the event of such measures, new guests will not be admitted to the park and ticket sales at ticket booths and other locations will be suspended. This will be announced on our official website and at major stations in Osaka city.
  • Registration QR Code handouts for the OSAKA COVID-19 Tracing System are available at locations throughout the park.
Universal Studios Japan
Credit: Universal Studios Japan

In addition to these restrictions, Universal Studios Japan will also be following these important safety guidelines to ensure the safety of its guests:

Park Entry 

  • We require face masks to be worn in the park at all times. Guests are responsible for providing their own face masks. Please note, we reserve the right to refuse admission to any guests who do not follow this guideline.
  • All guests will be subject to a temperature check prior to park entry. Please note that guests experiencing a fever or other health conditions will not be admitted.
  • In addition, please note that the following guests will not be admitted to the park:
    – guests who have been in close contact with patients testing positive for COVID-19.
    – guests with family members or close friends who have high risk of infection
    – guests who in the last 14 days have been to areas or countries from which the government has banned entry or in close contact with persons to which the above is applicable
  • We ask guests with the following symptoms to refrain from visiting the park:
    • chills
    • fever (37.5°C or higher)
    • cough
    • runny nose
    • fatigue
    • headache
    • impaired sense of taste or smell
    • diarrhea
    • muscle aches
      * If you feel unwell after entering the park, please notify a crew member immediately.
      * We ask that guests who have a higher risk of complications from COVID-19, such as seniors and persons with chronic diseases, only visit the park after careful consideration ahead of time.
  • We ask that guests sanitize their hands at the designated station before entering the park. Please note, we reserve the right to deny entry to any guests who do not follow this sanitation procedure. In addition to the sanitation station at the park entrance, we have also installed hand sanitizer at various facilities throughout the park. We ask that guests sanitize their hands before entering each facility.
    * Please note, we reserve the right to refuse admission to any guests who do not follow this guideline.
    * Chloric disinfectant or rubbing alcohol is used in sanitation throughout the park.
  • Please avoid crowding and maintain social distancing practices.
Attraction and show experiences
  • At attractions, we ask that guests sanitize their hands.
  • Masks must be worn at all attractions, in line and for the duration of the experience.
  • In the queue line of each attraction, every other row will be left open. We ask that guests maintain social distancing practices while in line.
  • We ask that guests maintain social distancing from other guests while enjoying shows. For the health and safety of yourself and those around you, we also ask that guests face the same direction for the duration of the performance.
  • We ask that guests avoid direct contact with performers and maintain distance from them as they go on and off set.
Restaurants and shops
  • We ask that guests sanitize their hands before entering shops and restaurants and wear face masks at all times except when enjoying food or drink.
  • While waiting for a seat at restaurants, we ask that guests maintain social distancing from other parties.
  • When entering shops or restaurants or while waiting in line to make a purchase, we ask that guests maintain social distancing from other guests.
Universal Studios Japan
Credit: Universal Studios Japan

In its official reopening announcement, the theme park also lists its plans to maintain high levels of sanitation, including the following:

Park-wide
  • We are currently enhancing sanitation practices, paying particular attention to high guest-contact areas through the use of alcohol-based solutions and cleaning agents.
Attractions and shows
  • Alcohol-based hand sanitizer has been placed at each attraction.
  • In the queue line of each attraction, every other row will be left open. We have also placed marks in the queue to help guests maintain social distancing from other parties.
  • At indoor theater attractions, guests will be seated in every other row. The attractions have air circulation equipment to ensure adequate ventilation.
  • Character meet and greets as well as stage and street shows may be cancelled or modified.
Restaurants and Shops
  • Entry to restaurants and shops may be limited based on crowd levels.
  • We have placed marks in restaurant waiting areas to help guests maintain social distancing from other parties while waiting for a seat. Please maintain social distancing from other parties when sitting at restaurants.
  • Alcohol-based hand sanitizer has been placed at the entrances of restaurants and shops.
  • Sanitation of all equipment used by guests including tables, chairs, and menus has been enhanced.
  • Cash trays are used at all cashiers. Crew members conduct hand sanitation after each transaction.
    *Shopping baskets have been removed.
    *Entrance doors are kept open at all times for ventilation.
    *Some seasonal merchandise may be unavailable.

As another method of keeping guests safe, the theme park also plans to make its crew members follow strict precautions as well, similar to Universal Orlando. These include the following:

  • For all crew members, we conduct training programs on COVID-19 prevention and provide day-to-day healthcare guidance.
  • All crew members and related personnel undergo temperature checks at each park gate. Crew members also undergo temperature checks and health assessments before starting work. Crew members are not allowed to work if they have a fever or are otherwise unwell.
  • Crew members who interact with guests or handle food are required to wear a face mask.
  • In the event of an emergency, Universal Studios Japan will immediately notify health care authorities, such as the public health center, and nearby medical institutions. We will work together to ensure the health and safety of guests and crew members.

Do you plan to visit Universal Studios Japan upon its reopening? Let us know in the comments!

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