USJ’s Harry Potter World is a fantastic and unforgettable experience for all the magic-loving witches and wizards around the world!
Located in Osaka’s iconic Universal Studios just along Osaka Bay is the magical theme park Harry Potter World! Here, hundreds of thousands of fans from around the world gather to ride brooms around Hogwarts, buy their very own magic wand, and enjoy a warm cup of Butterbeer!
Fly Around Hogwarts!
These majestic gates in front of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry are not just for show.
It represents the entrance into one of the world’s most popular theme park rides – Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey.
I assure you, the 90-minute queue was worth every second, because this was one of the most unforgettable rides of my life (coming from someone who detests thrills).
A 4-D immersive experience, the ride entails flying on a broomstick around Hogwarts Castle alongside Harry Potter and his friends while battling dragons, dementors, and death-eaters!
Live Shows
As you wander through Harry Potter World, you’ll frequently see live shows taking place featuring comedic skits and magic tricks!
Other than the hilarious Buckbeak costume, what I found particularly impressive was how the cast members were able to seamlessly play their parts in both Japanese and English to appeal to local and foreign audiences.
It definitely pays to visit Harry Potter World on a clear sunny day as you can enjoy the full experience of outdoor shows as well as indoors!
The Wand Shop
One of the most popular stores in Harry Potter World aside from Honeydukes and the Butterbeer stand is the wand shop! Taking us all the way back to J.K Rowling’s first book of the series, this fan-favorite store lets you browse through all the most iconic wands in the Harry Potter franchise.
Naturally, the Elder Wand a.k.a. the strongest wand in the franchise is the most popular of them all, but I’d personally vouch for Voldemort’s (sorry, I mean You-Know-Who‘s) bone-like skeletal wand for something more unique!
The Wondrous Streets Of Hogsmeade
Harry Potter World is just one of those experiences you’ll remember for life, even if you don’t take part in any of the rides or shows! This is because of the whole setup that is designed to immerse you into the world portrayed in the books.
The streets of Hogsmeade truly give off that magical Harry Potter vibe with moving wanted posters, crooked chimneys, and even a life-sized Hogwarts Express steam train that bursts out steam periodically.
To top it off, you’ll hear all the classic Harry Potter theme music from the movies playing in the background, making you feel like a character in the story wandering along the magical streets!
Butterbeer!
Nothing says Hogsmeade like a delicious warm cup of Butterbeer!
For those who have read the books, there is an immense curiosity and wanderlust about what exactly this wizard-favorite drink would taste like in real life (trust me, the book’s description is intense!).
Truthfully, the base liquid tastes like a combination of caramel with a hint of butter, but the best part is the thick flavorful froth on the top which tastes “a little bit like less-sickly butterscotch” as J.K Rowling describes in the book.
An All-Round Great Time!
Whether you’re traveling with your partner, a group of friends, or even solo, Harry Potter World is a must-visit when coming down to Universal Studios Japan.
Leave your Muggle life behind and become the Wizards and Witches you were meant to be!
From immersive 4-D broomstick flying to live magic shows and a good old cup of Butterbeer, Harry Potter World promises an unforgettable experience that’ll leave your mind in Wizard Wonderland!
Of course, if you are planning to visit Japan, you’ll need a way to get around the country as efficiently and affordably as possible. Japan Rail provides an abundance of travel passes to suit your travel needs. So whether you are traveling individually or as a group, the JR Pass is every traveler’s go-to for getting around and making the most of your time in Japan!