Must-Know Tips: 4 Hidden Hacks for the “Harry Potter Wizarding World” in Osaka

Travel Center / General Report

Since the opening of the “Harry Potter Wizarding World” at Universal Studios Japan in July, it has immediately attracted a large number of domestic and international tourists coming to pay homage. In addition to the previously revealed features of the park, there are actually some hidden secrets waiting for you to discover. The Facebook page“Osaka Lovers”, which focuses on introducing local culture and travel activities in Osaka, has recently compiled several park tips to help visitors explore the Wizarding World with ease.

▲ Entrance to the Harry Potter Wizarding World. (Photo / Reporter Yu Ru)

1. How Can You “Guarantee Entry”?

To ensure you can definitely enter the Harry Potter area, there are two methods: “before entering the park” and “after entering the park.”

Before Entering the Park:Some group or free independent travel packages currently offered by Taiwanese travel agencies include guaranteed entry tickets. Alternatively, you can purchase an Express Pass from the official Universal Studios Japan website. However, you must remember to buy either the Express 5 or Express 7 pass to successfully enter the Harry Potter area, and you need to specify your entry time when making the purchase.

After Entering the Park:If you want to save some money, you can go to Central Park within Universal Studios to draw a free “entry priority ticket” for the Harry Potter Wizarding World. Each priority ticket has a designated entry time — just enter the park at the specified time. However, be aware that these priority tickets are limited in quantity. It is recommended that visitors arrive at the park early to queue up and immediately head to draw a priority ticket after the park opens — this is also a way to guarantee entry.

▲ 2. Only from this angle can you capture the world’s only double-tower view of Hogwarts. (Photo / Reporter Yu Ru)

The classic Hogwarts Castle is a must-photograph spot that quickly fills up many tourists’ camera memory. But in one corner of the park, you can capture the most beautiful view of Hogwarts reflecting on the lake, appearing as a “double-tower” scene. The answer lies in the outdoor seating area extending from “The Three Broomsticks” restaurant or the “Hog’s Head Pub,” where you can even enjoy the view while dining.

▲ Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. (Photo / Provided by Universal Studios Japan)

3. What to Do If You Didn’t Buy an Express Pass but Don’t Want to Wait Too Long at One Ride…

Universal Studios Japan has a “Single Rider” system, where individual riders can board rides when there are scattered single empty seats available. However, not all rides offer this — in the Harry Potter Wizarding World, only the “Forbidden Journey” ride provides this option.

▲4. You Can Buy Harry Potter Merchandise Without Entering the Park. (Photo / Provided by Universal Studios Japan)

At the “Beverly Hills Memorial Shop” located at the entrance of the Universal Studios park, you can actually find Harry Potter merchandise for sale. For example, wands — essential for any good wizard — are available here. So, visitors can check this shop out first, buy limited-edition items inside the Wizarding World during their visit, and then stop by the entrance shop before leaving.

In addition, starting from the 8th of this month, Universal Studios Japan has also adjusted the pricing for Express Passes. Depending on weekdays and holidays, each type of Express Pass now has four different price points, ranging from 4,000 yen to 8,200 yen (approximately NT$1,128 to NT$2,312). Visitors can check online which price applies to their intended visit date when ordering.

%The various Express Pass differential pricing policies were implemented starting this date. (Photo / Screenshot fromthe official Universal Studios Japan website))