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One of Japan’s most popular theme parks, Universal Studios Japan officially marked its 25th anniversary on Tuesday, March 31. The good news is, the park is rolling out an exciting anniversary programme throughout 2026, with special events and initiatives both inside the park and across Osaka.
What we’re most excited about are the new USJ manhole covers. There will be five exclusive designs featuring the park’s beloved characters alongside iconic Osaka landmarks including Osaka Castle and Osaka City Central Public Hall. These drain covers will appear at 25 locations across the city, and installations are being carried out sequentially.
The first design has already been unveiled – and it’s a vibrant, eye-catching one. It features Woody and Winnie Woodpecker as well as Elmo, posing against the aforementioned Osaka landmarks.
Here are the first five locations where you’ll find this particular USJ manhole cover:
- The sidewalk near the east entrance of Kyocera Dome Osaka
- The entrance to Fukushima Shotendori Shopping Street, near JR Fukushima Station
- The sidewalk near exit 8 of Tanimachi 4-chome Station, a key access point to Osaka Castle
- Outside Exit 11 of Shin-Osaka Station, perfect if you’re arriving in Osaka via the shinkansen
- Near the west exit of JR Sakuranomiya Station, in front of the Miyakojima Nakano Post Office
Happy manhole hunting! We’ll keep you updated as more USJ manhole designs are installed across the city.
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