Universal Studios Japan with Kids : Harry Potter World

If you are heading to Japan with at least one Harry Potter fan in your family, Universal Studios Japan with kids is an absolute must. It is here in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter that J.K Rowling’s creation is brought to life, providing possibly the best immersive experience you’ll find anywhere. Harry Potter’s World will amaze you even if you haven’t read the books or watched the movies. 

“No story lives unless someone wants to listen. The stories we love best do live in us forever. So whether you come back by page or by the big screen, Hogwarts will always be there to welcome you home.” ? J.K. Rowling

It was almost twenty years ago now that I was studying literature at university and picked up a new novel, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. I was hooked, so much so that I actually lined up for the next book when it was released and repeated this behaviour again and again. Then the movies were made, and I went to all of them. If I had my way, Striker and Sunshine may have ended up being called Rubeus and Hermione. I am THAT obsessed with the story.

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Wizarding World Of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Japan

I couldn’t wait to pass on the story to Striker and Sunshine, but I was very patient and waited until the kids were 7 and 9 (and after I had recovered from visiting Universal Studios Hollywood a few months too early to enjoy the Wizarding World of Harry Potter which opened AFTER we left). To my absolute delight, they both loved it as much as me and when we planned our trip to Japan both had The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Japan at the top of their Bucket List. With careful planning exploring Universal Studios Japan with kids became one of our Osaka highlights. 

A visit to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at any of the Universal Studios is a Kid Bucket List must for any true Harry Potter fan. It’s a chance to immerse yourself in Rowling’s fantasy. Not only will you have the unbelievable chance to see Hogwarts and ride a broomstick, but you’ll also be able to explore the village of Hogsmeade, drink butterbeer and find your very own wand, or rather let a wand find you, in Ollivanders.

Entry to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter (Harry Potter World)

Finding the entry to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Japan is easy. Look for the path that leads into a forest. As you enter the woods you will hear Hedwig’s Theme echoing through the trees. I quickly forgot that I was exploring Universal Studios Japan with kids and thought I was inside the book. 

I had goosebumps and both kids started racing inwards, they were impatient to see what was ahead. They immediately stumbled on the Flying Ford Anglia from Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. Fans will recall how the Weasley boys rescued Harry in this car from Privet Drive where he had been locked up by the Dursleys’. Ron and Harry then used it to get back to Hogwarts after Platform 9 3/4 was sealed by Dobby. Unfortunately they crash-landed it into the Whomping Willow.

After the initial excitement over the Flying Ford Anglia had died down we continued our walk to Hogsmeade. Walking through the gates we instantly spotted the life-sized Hogwarts Express steam train and conductor. Yes, yes! We were in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter! I was overwhelmed and became a little teary. Finally!

Ollivander’s and the Magic of Wands

While the rides were beckoning to us, both kids were actually quite keen to head to Ollivanders where a wand would choose them. There was a small line to get in, but we joined it and 10 minutes later we were inside where the doors was closed and Ollivander himself appeared to work out which wand was suitable for who. During this small immersive scene, Ollivander chooses one child from the audience to match with a wand. On this occasion we missed out, but we then moved into the larger store where the kids chose their own wands.

If you select a special “Wand Magic” you are able to cast spells around the Hogsmeade which we all found really exciting. Sunshine chose a 10¾ long, vine wood wand with a dragon heartstring. You may know it simply as Hermione’s wand. 

Striker, much to my dismay, 10″ long, hawthorn wood wand with a unicorn hair core. This was also Draco Malfoy’s wand (I’m still choking on this fact). Only Sunshine’s wand worked within Hogsmeade and we spent a few hours across the day moving between the magic stations casting spells. (see what happens if you choose a Slytherin wand <insert cackling laugh>)  This is what makes Universal Studios with kids one amazing place. The kids were in their element and thought they were in the world of Harry Potter!

With the right wand you can cast spells at windows, stone walls, chimneys, baggage, even at the back of an alley. To do so, you need to know the words and the action with the wand. Do it right and suddenly snow may begin to fall or things will shoot out. Sometimes you’ll need a few attempts to get it to work. It’s real magic after all I think there were around 8 or 9 areas scattered around the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. All magical wands come with a map to show you where. We also requested a second map which isn’t as special as the one that comes with the wand, but allowed us to protect our original map.

Forbidden Journey in 4K3D

After casting a few spells it was time for us to head to Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey in 4K3D which is the main attraction in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. You will need to head to Hogwarts for this. We had purchased a FastPass (details further down the page) in advance, but being a quiet day we found that this didn’t give us much of an advantage over everyone else – possibly 15 minutes of waiting saved. As you enter Hogwarts you will need to put all cameras, bags, backpacks and any loose items including your phone, in provided lockers. I was apprehensive about doing this but after taking the ride, I know that EVERYTHING needs to go in the locker. 

The Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey in 4K3D ride was out of this world. Sunshine and I went from Muggle to bonafide wizards in moments as we rode a broomstick around Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and even had confrontation with the Whomping Willow. You really feel like you are on a broomstick thanks to the amazing KUKA robocoaster technology. 

Although the ride does not turn upside down, it does swing and twist you around, drop you down before flinging you up, and even pivots you onto your back. What a rush! We were even part of a Quidditch match. Sunshine loved it (she was 8 at the time) although Striker stalled just before we got on, so missed outl The Dementors were very scary so I reached out to Sunshine at that point to let her know to close her eyes if it was too much. 

Before you embark on this wild ride, you do get to tour through Hogwarts itself. Places like Dumbledore’s office, the Defence Against the Dark Arts classroom, the Gryffindor common room and even the Sorting Hat (I’m certain I’m part of Gryffindor although this was not confirmed), are all included. 

Once the ride is completed, you exit through Filch’s Emporium of Confiscated Goods gift shop. It’s seriously the best ride that I’ve ever been on as I was totally immersed into the story. It made me a wizard for a few minutes (although it felt like a good hour).

Harry Potter: Flight of the Hippogriff

We had to follow this amazing ride with a trip on Harry Potter: Flight of the Hippogriff. I don’t like rollercoasters and although this one is little, I was a little worried. I actually found it exhilarating and Sunshine was pretty chuffed with the experience too. 

The line wasn’t too bad (if you are visiting Universal Studios Japan, a weekday is my recommendation). We were able to come up close to Hagrid’s Hut and see where the Care of Magical Creatures Class is taught before taking a test flight of the Hippogriff over the Forbidden Forest. You have to do it!

Where to Eat at Universal Studios Japan for Harry fans

With all the rides out of the way, it was time for lunch. While there are a plethora of options spread across Universal Studios Japan, we couldn’t bring ourselves to leave the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and decided to eat at Three Broomsticks Inn which is featured in all of the books and a popular stop for Harry, Ron and Hermione. 

We bought Butterbeer to drink (my gosh, drunk cold it is AMAZING!) and ordered good ol’ English fish and chips for us all. nom nom nom. If the day is nice and warm, try to find a table outside so you can look across the Black Lake (a unique feature of Universal Studios Japan) across to Hogwarts.

With our tummies filled, the kids were keen to do a little more spell casting. I think they would have been happy to do it all day. I pulled them away with the promise that they could buy a chocolate frog or Bertie Bott’s Every-Flavour Beans at Honeydukes sweetshop. In the end, it was me who bought up big. Nostalgia hit and I kept finding little treats that I had read about in the books and I wanted it all. Strangely, I’ve brought it all home to Sydney but can’t bring myself to eat it as I want it forrrevvver!

Towards late afternoon, we finally coaxed the kids away from Wizarding World of Harry Potter so we could see a little more of Universal Studios Japan. To be honest, we could have stayed in this part of the park all day. It really is that good!

Universal Studios Japan Tickets

We purchased a studio pass before leaving Sydney which provided us admission to Universal Studios Japan on the designated day. I have heard that the park can get very, very busy so we also purchased a Universal Express Pass to shorten the waiting time for attractions and guarantee us entry to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. This is very important on days when it is busy, but was probably not needed when we visited. You can buy tickets at the ticket booth on the day, but I always like to play things safe and recommend a pre-purchase.

We purchased our tickets through a travel agency in Sydney which I am now kicking myself about as I have since discovered KLOOK who offer a much cheaper option for the whole family.

Simple 1 day passes pricing varies depending on the season. Click over to Klook for pricing and to book your ticket direct (make sure you print it out).

During busy periods, entry to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Japan with Kids is staggered and sometimes stopped. I was very nervous about missing out so recommend tracking the current crowd predictions and considering purchasing a FastPast. We bought the Express Pass 4 which included the choice of jumping the queue at 4 different attractiosn including  Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, Flight of the Hippogriff, Despicable Me Minion Mayhem, The Flying Dinosaur, and The Amazing Adventures of Spider Man!

Click to head to Klook for FastPast details and to purchase. 

Where to stay

We stayed at the Park Front Hotel at Universal Studios. It was incredible, balancing the quirkiness of Japanese theme park love with luxe details. Rooms were also quite large by Japanese standards and it fit comfortably within our budget.

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Osaka with Kids

When travelling to Japan, Osaka is an amazing place to explore with kids and one of our favourite locations to base ourselves as it has great food, accommodation and attractions.

Head over to our Things to do in Osaka with Kids coverage to help you plan your visit. 

With 3 trips to Japan over the last 2 years, we have been able to see quite a lot over our travels. Head to our Japan menu for a bunch of things to do with kids to help with your planning. 

We self funded our visit. All opinions are our own.