Recreated on a grand scale with meticulous attention to details, the Harry Potter themed area contains the mysterious Hogwarts Castle, the tranquil Black Lake, the magical shops, and the delicious foods of Hogsmeade Village. You can also discover and enjoy the first-rate rides and attractions based on the magical world.
This park opened on July 15, 2014, at Universal Studios Japan in Osaka, Japan.
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Attractions
- Flight of the Hippogriff - This family-friendly coaster simulates a hippogriff training flight over the grounds of Hogwarts Castle.
- Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey - Located in Hogwarts Castle, this ride is a thrilling, new, state-of-the-art attraction that uses entirely new technology to bring the magic, characters, and stories of Harry Potter to life in ways never before experienced.
Entertainment
- Frog Choir – Listen to the student choir accompanied by their frogs.
- Ollivanders Wand Shop - In this shop, the wandkeeper will select one guest to get the full experience of testing and choosing a wand.
- Triwizard Spirit Rally – Cheer on the colorful procession of students from the legendary wizarding schools of Hogwarts, Beauxbatons, and Durmstrang.
- Wand Magic - An interactive wand will offer guests the chance to cast spells at hidden magical points found via the magic map they receive with purchase.
- Wand Studies - This is a show-style attraction in which students of the four Hogwarts Houses practice how to cast spells while receiving support from guests.
Shops
- Dervish and Banges
- Filch's Emporium of Confiscated Goods
- Gladrags Wizardwear
- Honeydukes
- Ollivanders
- Owl Post
- Wiseacre's Wizarding Equipment
- Zonko's Joke Shop
Dining
- The Hog's Head - If you need a quick refresher, the Hog's Head is the place to go. Located in the back of the Three Broomsticks, this pub offers a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, including the exclusive Hog's Head Brew.
- The Three Broomsticks - Start your day with a hearty breakfast, or come by later for a classic British meal such as Fish and Chips, Shepherd's Pie, or Beef Pasties. Don't forget to finish your meal with a Butterbeer Potted Cream for dessert.
Butterbeer Available
- Cold
- Frozen
- Ice cream
April 18, 2014
Universal Studios Japan hosted an event today, to celebrate the announcement of the Grand Opening of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, which meticulously recreates some of the iconic locations from the world of Harry Potter. Universal Studios Japan revealed that The Wizarding World of Harry Potter will open on July 15, 2014. The announcement culminated with the unveiling of the magnificent Hogwarts Castle, the focal point of the land.
Universal Studios Japan welcomed special guests from Japan and around the globe: Prime Minister Shinzo Abe of Japan; Ms. Caroline Kennedy, Ambassador of the United States of America to Japan; Academy Award-winning art director and production designer for the Harry Potter films, Stuart Craig; actress Evanna Lynch, who played Luna Lovegood in the Potter film series; world-renowned architect Tadao Ando; and Universal Studios Japan ambassadors, and beloved musical act, SMAP, gathered for the celebration.
When Prime Minister Abe and Ambassador Kennedy announced the opening date, Hogwarts Castle was illuminated with a spectacular show of lights and brilliant fireworks.
Event Overview
The evening’s celebration began with an “owl” delivering a letter from Hogwarts to President and CEO of Universal Studios Japan, Mr. Glenn Gumpel, who was revealed on stage with the letter in hand to introduce the honored guests.
Guests Evanna Lynch, Stuart Craig, Tadao Ando and SMAP were greeted on stage with loud cheers, and the appearance of United States Ambassador Kennedy was met with thunderous applause. Following her remarks, she introduced special guest Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, for the momentous occasion.
With distinguished guests from around the world gathered, Mr. Gumpel presented the letter from the wizarding world to Prime Minister Abe and Ambassador Kennedy, who together, reading from the letter, announced The Wizarding World of Harry Potter opening date. At that moment, Hogwarts Castle was illuminated with a radiant light show with fireworks, which unveiled its towering scale and lit up the night sky.
Following additional remarks by Prime Minister Abe, Ms. Evanna Lynch led the guests in casting the spell Lumos followed by more dazzling fireworks to the further the excitement and joy of the crowd.
A special website, where you can begin to explore The Wizarding World of Harry Potter online, has now launched. Please visit www.usj.co.jp/harrypotter in the official Universal Studios Japan website.
Universal Studios Japan received an annual 10 million visitors for the second time this past March 19 (day 353 of fiscal year), which is the first time USJ has achieved this milestone since the park’s opening in 2001, and, thanks to all, continues to perform strongly. With the much-anticipated opening of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, USJ looks to continue to attract more visitors from both Japan and worldwide.
May 10, 2012
James and Oliver Phelps - the twins who played Fred and George Weasley in all of the Harry Potter films - were in Japan today to officially announce the construction of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter theme park in Osaka, Japan.
Yesterday, we announced this incredible attraction for the passionate fans of Harry Potter in Japan, but today was the official announcement. And who better to present the theme park to the world, then two of the most dedicated fans of the series, James and Oliver Phelps.
The Osaka destination will begin construction in the next few weeks and will cost an estimated $500 million. The park will be opening in 2014 and feature many of of same attractions that are currently found in the original Wizarding World at Universal Studios Orlando such as Hogwarts Castle, the Forbidden Journey ride, and many more attractions.
Japan is Harry Potter's largest market outside of the United States, so it will be a terrific addition to this deserving fandom.
Holiday Magic at Universal Studios Japan! – November 17, 2016
A report on the preview event for Christmas at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
MuggleNet represented by Ciara Blount
You can read the report here.
In-Depth Review of Japan's New Version of Wizarding World of Harry Potter Hogsmeade – July 16, 2014
A special review focused around the details within Universal Studios Japan's Wizarding World of Harry Potter and a close look into the new 3D version of Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey.
MuggleNet represented by Christopher Cedeno and Jay Mohri
You can read the report here.
Grand Opening Report for Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Japan – July 15, 2014
A report on the Grand Opening of Universal Studios Japan's Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
MuggleNet represented by Jay Mohri
You can read the report here.
Coverage of the Grand Opening at Universal Studios Japan Commences with a Special Report – July 14, 2014
A report for the special preview night for the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Japan.
MuggleNet represented by Jay Mohri
You can read the report here.
Photos
J.K. Rowling Preview Visit – July 15, 2014
Grand Opening Event – July 15, 2014
Construction – October 1, 2013
Announcement Ceremony – May 10, 2012
Videos
Grand Opening – July 15, 2014
Wizarding World of Harry Potter Japan (Pre-Opening Commercial)
Wizarding World of Harry Potter Japan (TV Commercial)