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The changes at Universal Studios Japan keep coming — and now, one of the park’s most familiar restaurants is set to disappear.
What began as a movie-themed park in 2001 has evolved into something far more ambitious. Universal Studios Japan, the brand’s top-performing international park, has increasingly embraced globally recognized, non-movie IP and immersive design aimed at new generations of fans.
Credit: Dick Thomas Johnson, Flickr
The shift is evident across the park. In early 2024, Universal retired the Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man after its Marvel licensing agreement expired. That followed the 2020 closure of T2-3D: Battle Across Time, which was later replaced by a seasonal Detective Conan attraction. Meanwhile, newer areas like SUPER NINTENDO WORLD have helped drive record attendance and modernize the guest experience.
Finnegan’s Bar & Grill Set to Close Permanently
Now, another longtime fixture is heading for the exit.
Universal Studios Japan has confirmed that Finnegan’s Bar & Grill will permanently close on November 3. The restaurant, themed like an Irish-American pub in Brooklyn, serves Western staples like steak, beef stew, and salads. It’s been a mainstay in the New York section of the park since opening.
Credit: Universal Studios Japan
Originally brought over from Universal Orlando Resort, Finnegan’s has remained relatively unchanged even as the surrounding land has started to shift. Its closure marks yet another change in the area, which also features Louie’s N.Y. Pizza Parlor, Park Side Grille, and SAIDO.
Universal has not announced what, if anything, will take its place.
Pokémon Rumors Continue as Land Shrinks
The closure adds fuel to growing speculation about the future of the New York section.
In recent years, fans have speculated that Universal may be preparing to install a major new attraction in the area. Many believe Pokémon is a likely candidate. Despite a long-term partnership with The Pokémon Company, Universal has yet to develop a full-fledged attraction based on the franchise. So far, its presence has been limited to characters in the parks.
Credit: Baijee, Flickr
The idea of a Pokémon-themed expansion seems increasingly plausible as more space opens up. And Universal has made clear it’s not done evolving. This year, the park will debut Villain-Con Minion Blast, an interactive attraction imported from Universal Studios Florida, further signaling a push toward new IP.
Whether or not Pokémon is in the cards, the closure of Finnegan’s continues a pattern: Universal is phasing out legacy experiences to make room for the future. And in a park that’s growing faster than ever, every square meter counts.
Do you think Universal should start adding Pokémon to its parks?
