
In a bittersweet turn, we have finally arrived at the future full of anime and Harry Potter rides, which means there is no longer space for this much-loved classic attraction.
I remember going to Universal Studios Florida as a youngster and being blown away by Back to the Future: The Ride with its highly detailed and immersive motion simulation. Decades later, upon coming to Universal Studios Japan (USJ), I was fortunate to be able to re-live that boyhood experience just as it was back in 1991.
Even as its American counterparts closed down in the late 2000s, USJ was the only one that hung on to the ride beyond the film series’ own “future” of 2015. But now Japan, too, is turning to fresh new exhibits based on hit video game, anime, and movie franchises—and they’re achieving record ticket sales as a result. And so, it is time for the last remaining Back to the Future: The Ride on Earth to close its gull-wing doors for good.
But it’s also your last chance to have a piece of this legendary ride because USJ is planning to sell off various pieces of it over Japan’s Yahoo! Auction website. Various items such as the Institute of Future Technology placard in front of the ride, a replica of the flux capacitor, the dashboard mounted time display, and posters will go under the virtual hammer starting on 25 April.
▼ “Institute of Future Technology” sign and movie posters which hung inside the attraction will be auctioned from 25 April to 8 May
▼ Digital time display will be auctioned from 2 May to 15 May
▼ The Flux Capacitor replica will be auctioned from 9 May to 22 May
However, the centerpiece of this auction will be the replica DeLorean that sits outside the ride. It should be noted that this isn’t a functioning automobile and has no engine inside, but with all the taxes and insurance that go along with owning a car in Japan, you’d probably be better off.
▼ The life-sized DeLorean replica will be auctioned from 16 May to 31 May
The DeLoearn auction will end on 31 May, which is the last day that Back to the Future: The Ride will operate—anywhere in the world—forever. Also, all revenue from the auctions will be donated to Parkinson’s Disease research in honor of the films’ star Michael J. Fox.
If you happen to be in the Osaka area from now until the end of May, it would be worth your while to check out the last days this beloved ride before we all get back to the future of Dragon Ball, One Piece, and Death Note attractions. While it’s sad to say goodbye to the past, at least the future is looking bright over at USJ.
Source: Yahoo! Japan, Universal Studios Japan, PR Times, Sankei West (Japanese)
Images: Yahoo! Japan
Video: YouTube/Universal Studios Japan Official Channel






Great Scott! Back to the Future DeLorean Lego set finally here
“Shut up and take my money”: DeLorean selling real-life flux capacitors
Wakayama high school students make life-sized DeLorean time machine replica from scratch
A photo tour of the JAL “Premium Night” at Universal Studios Japan
We visit the Megaweb History Garage of classic cars, get to sit in a real-life DeLorean DMC12
Studio Ghibli adds new Jiji’s baby plush toy to its anime merchandise range in Japan
Studio Ghibli releases new Kiki’s Delivery Service Jiji music box for anime fans
Over 1,400 cities in Japan see foreign population rise, total populations drop in new statistics
Stray cats almost became classified as an invasive species in Japan but the change was overturned
Wagyu ramen for foreign tourists appears in Kabukicho, with a very high price tag
7-Eleven Japan adds new doughnut-like tonkotsu ramen fried chicken to its hot food section
Japan’s new beer glass is designed to force you to drink…water [Video]
Starbucks Japan unveils new Kyoho grape drinks for a taste that’s quintessentially Japanese
This beautiful rural Japan river is a great alternative to touristy summer retreats [Photos]
Did you know? Only one Beard Papa’s in all of eastern Japan sells soft serve in a cream puff
Pokémon Center Online designates first Pokémon items that will require Japanese ID card to buy
Japanese toilet aims to attract foreign tourists but not everybody is happy about it
New Japanese vending machine at Shinkansen station sells cups of ice on platform
Anime fan in Japan arrested for ordering and cancelling over 4.3 billion yen in anime merch
Starbucks Japan teams up with Traveler’s Company for new stationery and goods collection
Beautiful Totoro bonsai figure needs no watering, makes soothing rain showers whenever you want
End of a manga era as Weekly Shonen Jump’s circulation drops under one million
Kochia calling: Right now is a great off-season season to visit this beautiful Japanese park
7-Eleven Japan rethinks convenience store drinks with new Grilled Corn Chilled Soup Smoothie
Tokyo subway installing new ticket gates that don’t accept payment through Suica or other IC cards
Japan now has human refrigerators inspired by Japanese vending machines
Hatsune Miku collaborates with Hokusai’s art in new Vocaloid ukiyo-e illustration series [Pics]
New Shinkansen luggage drop-off system begins in Japan, making train travel even easier
Studio Ghibli releases anime T-shirts that pay homage to one of Hayao Miyazaki’s most personal films
Air-conditioned dress shirts arrive in Japan to save working professionals from sweltering heat
Japanese Shinkansen becomes an overnight hotel for three nights this summer
Cup Noodle unveils first-ever cold-water instant ramen in Japan
99-year-old woman rescued while attempting to climb Mt. Fuji
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Studio Ghibli has a new anime out, and there’s only one place in the world where you can see it
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
Chainsaw Man coming to Universal Studios Japan with Pochita chow, plushies, and thrill ride music
Is the Universal Studios Japan Demon Slayer ride worth riding if you’re not a Demon Slayer fan?
New interactive Pokémon attraction coming to Universal Studios Japan
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba gets new roller coaster attractions and food at Universal Studios Japan
Universal Studios Japan issues reminder warning about showing too much skin inside the park
Pokémon is coming to Universal Studios Japan!
First look at Universal Studios’ Mario Kart ride, Super Nintendo World’s opening date revealed【Vid】
Lupin III anime attractions with original stories coming to Universal Studios Japan theme park
“Full-body experience” Demon Slayer attraction coming to Universal Studios Japan
Opening season announced for Universal Studios Japan’s Super Nintendo World
There’s a brand-new Chainsaw Man attraction coming to Universal Studios Japan
Evangelion ride being added to Universal Studios Japan this winter
Demon Slayer anime restaurant coming to Universal Studios with Hashira meals, life-size figures
Final Fantasy Universal Studios Japan VR roller coaster shown off in cool rider experience videos
Universal Studios Japan looks to expand, diversify its workforce with new employee incentives
Universal Studios Japan’s new Final Fantasy attraction is a VR roller coaster
Universal Studios Japan lifts ban on hugging, high-fiving mascots