Wingardium Leviosa! Expecto Patronum! Expelliarmus! If you know what these words mean and don't think we’re just babbling nonsense—well then, hey there fellow Potterhead!
If you've spent most of your childhood dreaming about the magical world of Harry Potter and friends, and wishing you got your Hogwarts letter delivered and craving for a taste of Butterbeer at Hogsmeade—you're in luck because your dreams can be brought to life at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Universal Studios Japan, where you can see Hogwarts Castle and Hogsmeade IRL!
Want a sneak peek of what the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Universal Studios Japan has to offer? We’ve got you covered!
What is the Wizarding World of Harry Potter?
Universal Studios Japan officially opened the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in July 2014. The park is as vast as three Tokyo Domes and contains two main rides, eight shops, and two restaurants. Don't forget to pack your camera because there are tons of IG-worthy photo spots that deserve a place on your feed!
To enter the Wizarding World, you'll need an admission numbered ticket.
What is a Timed Entry Ticket ?
Since there are heaps of Potterheads who will be visiting, expect long queues. But if you're too impatient to wait ), you can get a Timed Entry Ticket at the ticketing machine in Central Park. This ticket lets you enter the Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ at a designated time and shorten your wait time.
If you're visiting in 2021 or 2022, the number of visitors entering the park has been limited following COVID-19 protocols, so there may be certain times where you won't be needing a ticket anymore. To make sure, you can check the ticketing status on the signboard of the ticket office. Just like this one:
We suggest you visit in the morning when there is less foot traffic in the park!
What's there to do at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Universal Studios Japan?
There are two main attractions inside the park: the Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey and the Flight of the Hippogriff, plus many other activities!
1. Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
The exciting experience that immerses you in the wizarding world has been enhanced after being named the world's number one ride for five years in a row! Without 3D glasses, you may transcend beyond reality with ultra-realistic pictures.
You'll feel the dragon's fire and the Dementor's chill as they approach you, thanks to even more intense magical effects! As you join Harry and his pals on an extraordinary sensory trip, you will experience the reality and thrill of a new dimension in the wizarding world that unfolds 360 degrees around you!
Always wanted to experience riding on a magic broom and flying over Hogwarts? This ride is for you! If you’re not keen on rides—you can still explore Hogwarts Castle without going on the ride.
*Height restrictions apply: 122 cm or more (same when accompanied by an attendant)
2. Flight of the Hippogriff
Another exhilarating ride takes shape in the Flight of the Hippogriff. Follow Hagrid's instructions to discover how to approach a Hippogriff, a creature with the head of a large eagle and the body of a horse.
After that, you'll ride a family-friendly coaster that swirls and dips around the pumpkin field and swoops past Hagrid's Hut. You don't want to miss out on this awesome chance to see what it's like to soar in the sky on a magical Hippogriff!
While you're up above, you can marvel at the aerial view of the entire park, Hogwarts Castle, and Hogsmeade Village.
3. Olivander's Shop and Wand Magic
At the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Universal Studios Japan, wands are essential! Head over to Olivander's Shop, where hundreds of magic wands await you.
As soon as you enter, you'll be greeted by hundreds of boxes piled up by the wall, just like how it was in the movies! Unlike the film, you can actually choose your own wand here.
You can pick out the wands used by your favourite Harry Potter character and get it for yourself. We recommend you get the Magical Wand (4,900 Yen), so you can join Wand Magic, a stamp rally activity that you can enjoy while walking around the area.
The Magical Wand comes with a map that will show you where to cast your magic.
In Hogsmeade, the wizarding village, you can really perform spells. Spells can be cast at the window, the stone walls, and even the back alley. Speak softly while waving your wand. Snow will fall unexpectedly, and a big pot will overflow with water. It might not work at first, but if you stick at it, you'll see results!
4. Three Brooms
All that magic-making might make you feel peckish. Head to Three Brooms, the only restaurant in the park where you can sit and eat.
For the full experience, try to get the terrace seats. Here, you can feast on full-fledged meal menus like roast beef and beef stew while enjoying the magical view of Hogwarts Castle reflected in the black lake. What an excellent visual treat, right?
You can also try the famous Butterbeer (non-alcoholic) here, or you can opt to buy it at the wagon nearby. You can even buy it with an OG mug to take home!
5. Harry Potter shows
Of course, shows and performances are a must-see when at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. There are three shows inside the park: the Triwizard Spirit Rally, Frog Choir, and Wand Studies.
Join the cheer on the colourful procession of the Beauxbatons and the Durmstrang as they prepare for the highly-anticipated Triwizard Tournament on the Triwizard Spirit Rally. Listen to Hogwarts students sing in harmony with their talented croaking frogs in the Frog Choir. In Wand Studies, expect to assist brave wizards as they practise their spells!
6. Photo spots!
Of course, a trip wouldn't be complete without a photo op. Well, it's a good thing that the whole park is picture-perfect!
As soon as you enter, you can see the Hogwarts Limited Express on your right. If you're lucky, you might even catch the conductor and pose with him.
Each shop in the park is unique and vibrant so they are guaranteed to look great in photos.
Finally, become a true blue Hogwarts student by buying your own robes, ties, scarves and more at the Wiseacre's Wizard Shop!
If you go to USJ, buy tickets in advance!
To enjoy a hassle-free visit to Universal Studios Japan and the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, book your tickets in advance with Klook! You can enter directly by showing your online voucher and save time when exchanging tickets. You even get instant booking confirmation!