Universal Studios Japan (USJ) is introducing a navigation device rental service for visually impaired guests starting May 22, 2026 — a date recognized in Japan as "Assistance Dog Day" (ほじょ犬の日). The initiative marks the first time a theme park or amusement facility in Japan has offered this type of vibration-based wayfinding device for loan to guests.
About the Navigation Device
The device attaches to a guest's shoe and works in tandem with a dedicated smartphone app. It communicates directions — such as which way to proceed and when to turn — through vibrations underfoot, guiding guests toward their destination without requiring them to watch a screen or rely solely on audio cues.
Many visually impaired individuals depend heavily on what they can hear to assess their surroundings. Because most navigation tools deliver guidance via voice or screen, attention can easily be split between the app and the environment. By conveying direction through foot vibrations, the device allows guests to move around intuitively at their own pace while staying aware of what is happening around them.
The device has been available in Japan and select international markets; its introduction at a theme park is a first for the product.
Rental Details
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Rental Location | Guest Services inside the park |
| Rental Fee | ¥1,000 (tax-exempt) per day |
A valid government-issued ID is required at the time of rental. The device is intended to be used alongside a white cane or guide dog and does not guarantee walking safety.
Hands-On Experience Event on Launch Day
On May 22, USJ plans to invite guide dog users along with their friends and family to the park for a hands-on experience session. Participants will use the device around the park and share their impressions and feedback, which will be used to refine and improve the service.
Stickers to Be Distributed to All Guests
Given the number of guide dogs expected at the park on May 22, USJ will also distribute stickers to all guests featuring Brandais — an assistance dog character from Sesame Street — alongside Elmo. The stickers carry a message encouraging visitors to show quiet support for assistance dogs at work, without approaching, touching, or feeding them.
Stickers will be handed out by Park Concierge staff and select crew members on May 22 only, while supplies last, at designated locations within the park.
Comment from the Kansai Guide Dog Association
Hidetoyo Koashi, Director of the Training Center at the public interest foundation Kansai Guide Dog Association, shared the following:
"There are many guide dog users who list Universal Studios Japan as a place they would love to visit. We have heard countless such stories, and I personally have fond memories of spending time there alongside guide dog users. For visually impaired people and guide dogs to feel safe going out, greater understanding from those around them is essential. The introduction of this device — combined with USJ's efforts to train crew members on how to support visually impaired guests and guide dog users — is a very reassuring development. I hope it leads to an experience where guide dog users and visually impaired visitors can genuinely enjoy the entertainment to the fullest."
Barrier-Free Facilities at Universal Studios Japan
USJ has been expanding its range of barrier-free services and facilities across the park.
Assistance Dog Station
Introduced at the end of 2025, the Assistance Dog Station provides a dedicated area where guests traveling with assistance dogs can take their dogs for bathroom breaks during the visit.
Braille Map
Braille maps are available at Guest Services, covering the full park layout as well as the locations of attractions, restaurants, and shops. Print text is also included for sighted companions.
Tactile Map
A tactile map showing park structures in braille is installed at the park entrance for guests to explore before heading in.
Support Sticker
Guests can pick up a Support Sticker at Guest Services and wear it somewhere visible. Crew members will proactively approach sticker-wearing guests to offer assistance or answer questions. Note: The sticker does not confer priority boarding or any other attraction privileges.
Guest Support Pass
Guests with disabilities who hold a disability certificate and are unable to wait in standard queues can use the Guest Support Pass. It allows holders to spend an attraction's wait time elsewhere in the park rather than in line. The pass can be issued at Guest Services or at individual attraction entrances. Note: The pass reserves an entry time and does not provide priority boarding.
Captioning Glasses
Captioning glasses for guests with hearing impairments are available for use at three shows: Sesame Street 4-D Movie Magic™, Shrek 4-D Adventure, and Detective Conan 4-D Live Show: Jewel of the Starry Night.
Crew Barrier-Free Training
All crew members who interact with guests in the park take part in barrier-free training. Sessions focus on understanding a range of disabilities and practicing supportive, appropriate service, with ongoing training to continually build skills.
For more details on accessible services at USJ, visit the official Service Guide page.
