Japan in 2026: Major Closures
What’s closing in Japan soon?
Cover photo: The facade of Shochikuza Kabuki Theater, designed by Tokusaburo Kimura (木村 徳三郎), Dotonbori, Osaka, Japan (2025). Photo by Danny With Love.
Intro
2026 marks 100 years since the start of the Showa era! Many major facilities have reached the end of their life-cycle, requiring major renovations, while others are facing lease termination. Personally, I’m sad to lose Ikea’s urban stores in Harajuku and Shinjuku. Here’s a list of major closures across Japan.
Saitama Super Arena / January - 2027
One of Japan’s largest arenas, Saitama Super Arena outside Tokyo will close on January 13th. This marks the building’s first major renovation since opening in the year 2000. Reopening is planned for 2027.
Meitetsu Dept. Store / February - PERMANENT
Nagoya Station’s Meitetsu Department Store will permanently close on February 28th. It opened in 1954 as the first railway department store in the Tokai region, helping to revitalize Nagoya after World War II. The closure is part of Nagoya Station’s major redevelopment, with new facilities scheduled to open in 2033.
Musashino Public Hall in Tokyo / March - Oct, 2027
Musashino Public Hall in the popular Tokyo neighborhood of Kichijoji will close for major renovations from March until October of 2027. Lead by Tetsuo Kobori Architects, the project will improve earthquake resistance, disability access, and outdoor rest areas.
Hiroshima Castle Keep / March - PERMANENT
The main keep of Hiroshima Castle will permanently close on March 22nd. Rebuilt in 1958, the structure no longer meets earthquake codes. There are no plans yet to replace the building. The new Hiroshima Castle Sannomaru History Museum is set to open in spring.
Hamakita Onsen Aratamanoyu / April - 2027
Located in Shizuoka Prefecture’s Hamamatsu City, the popular day-use hot spring facility Hamakita Onsen Aratamanoyu will close for approximately one year from April for major renovations.
Fujii Daimaru in Kyoto / May - 2030
Kyoto department store Fujii Daimaru will close May 6th for major renovation. The historic brand dates back to 1870, originating as a kimono fabrics shop run by businessman Fujii Kiku (藤井キク). The store moved to its current address in 1912 and has since expanded many times. The building is set to reopen in 2030.
Tokyo Bunka Kaikan / May - 2028
Tokyo Bunka Kaikan (Tokyo Metropolitan Festival Hall) at Tokyo’s Ueno Park will close from May through 2028 for major renovations. The facility first opened in 1961, designed by modernist architect Kunio Maekawa (前川 國男).
Shochikuza Kabuki Theater / May - PERMANENT
Due to aging facilities, the historic Shochikuza Kabuki Theater in Osaka’s entertainment district of Dotonbori will close indefinitely from May, ending a century of operation. Designed by master architect Tokusaburo Kimura (木村 徳三郎), Shochikuza was the only theater in the city to survive World War II and remains one of the largest performance halls in the area. The building is synonymous with the playwright Monzaemon Chikamatsu (近松 門左衛門), often called Japan’s Shakespeare. Shochikuza’s future is uncertain.
Shimane Civic Center / June — October, 2027
The largest concert hall in Shimane Prefecture, Shimane Civic Center will close for major renovations from June to October, 2027. This modernist icon was built in 1966, designed by local architect Katashi Yasuda (安田臣). Renovations include air-conditioning and stage equipment upgrades, as well as improved disability access.
Biwako Hall in Shiga / July - March, 2028
The Biwako Hall Center for the Performing Arts in Shiga Prefecture’s Otsu City, will close from July until March of 2028. The facility operates one of Japan’s only opera houses. This is the first major renovation since opening in 1998.
Fukuoka City Museum / October - 2030
The Fukuoka City Museum — home to the famous King of Na gold seal — will close from October until 2030 for a major renovation. The exciting project includes redesigned exhibits, rest areas, and new restaurants.
Kumamoto Pref. Theater / October - February, 2028
The Kumamoto Prefectural Theater in Kyushu will close for major renovations from October to February of 2028. This marks the facility’s longest closure since opening in 1982. The building was designed by modernist architect Kunio Maekawa (前川 國男).
Miraikan in Tokyo / October - April, 2027
Miraikan — The National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation — in Odaiba, Tokyo, will close from October until April, 2027, for a major renovation. The institution has welcomed nearly 20 million visitors since opening in 2001.
