Osaka, Japan 2014: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter (Part 1)

Personally, I had a bigger goal for checking out Universal Studios Japan. It is to visit The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, an attraction that opened on July 15, 2014. I’m not an expert on Harry Potter lore, so I am going to apologize in advance for any mistakes or errors I am likely to commit. Also, this will be another two-parter, since there were simply too many photos I wanted to share and putting them all in one post will result in an image-heavy post. #ExcusesExcuses

(Oh, and I can’t believe it’s February already! I was just lamenting being broke over Christmas, like, yesterday! Time, slow down, please?)

Due to the huge popularity of this attraction, the Park put in place a system to manage muggle traffic: by issuing a Timed Entry Ticket.

When my friend and I purchased our admission ticket (the Studio Pass), it came with another sheet of paper instructing us how to get a Timed Entry Ticket to The Wizarding World. For purposes of discussion, let’s just shorten it to TWWHP, all right?

So that’s what we did. it was around 1:30 when we got to the area where the timed entry tickets were being issued. When we passed our Studio Pass over the machine, out came a timed entry ticket for 2:50 to 3:50pm.

That means we can only enter TWWHP within that interval. It does not mean that we are only allowed within that duration, or that we’re supposed to get out at 4pm. It’s just on the entry, not the duration of the stay. So if you enter at 2:40, you can pretty much stay there until the Park closes.

We went around for a bit, since we had about an hour before our slated time of entry. The funny thing, there wasn’t any huge bling-y sign directing you to the TWWHP. It was actually quite low-key (which explains why we didn’t see it the first time we went around). A tip: follow the crowd. Yeah. Because majority of the crowd is heading there. Another tip: once you see the JAWS attraction, the entrance to Wizarding World is right beside it, to its right.

C1heck out the crowd hanging out at the park before the entrance!

Our time of entry was supposed to be 2:50, but we were waved right in when we showed up 10 minutes before the appointed time.

It was a bit of a walk – 5 minutes, tops – through a tree-lined lane (where you’ll also get to pass by Arthur Weasley’s car “parked” by the trees) and then you get to the gate welcoming you to Hogsmeade~

The whites on top of the buildings in Hogsmeade is, unfortunately, not real snow, but some pretty good paint job. Perhaps, during winter, when there’s actual snowfall, it’ll be a different story…

The sign, by the way, says “PLEASE RESPECT THE SPELL LIMITS”.

Right as you pass through this arch is the Hogwarts Express, so there’s the platform, the train, and a trainmaster (ok, is that what he’s called?) People are lining up to take a picture with him, though. He’s got this booming voice, saying “Welcome to Hogsmeade~!”

You just get to take photos up to the side of the train, though. Passengers aren’t allowed any further.

Since this is Hogsmeade, you’ll find the “familiar” places, as written by J.K. Rowling.

Like Honeydukes, for example. This is hugely popular, and it shows. There’s a very looooooong queue around the side of the building. And they only allow a certain number of people inside the store at one time. We passed on this, thinking we will go back to it later. But when we did later in the evening, the queue was still so long, and inside it was so cramped (there was another long line at the till as customers are paying for their sweet loot).

And if you’re feeling hungry, why not head to The Three Broomsticks? Their specialties include Fish and Chips (Fresh Cod Battered and Fried Served with Chips and Tartar Sauce); Cornish Pasties and Garden Salad (Flaky Pastry Pies Filled With Ground Beef, Vegetables and Potatoes Served with Side Salad); Shepherd’s Pie and Garden Salad (Ground Beef and Vegetables Crowned with Potatoes); Rotisserie Smoked Chicken Platter; Macaroni Cheese; and Chocolate Trifle. Yes. Trifle.

There were no prices on the menu posted outside and, by personal experience, I know that when prices are withheld, they are bound to be mecha takaii~

Inside, it was crowded, too, so we passed on it as well. Also, we were still full from that takoyaki serving we had before getting on the train heading to USJ.

There were also these posters. And yes, it was moving~ Haha!

Right across The Three Broomsticks is a rolling cart-type kiosk selling “butterbeer”. Needless to say, the queue was also quite long. I knew early on that I had to try this drink, but seeing as the queue was long, we decided to save it a bit for later.

This is Dogweed and Deathcap Exotic Plants and Flowers, another souvenir/goods store.

Then we come to Madame Puddifoot’s Tea & Cakes. The tea and scones and cakes recreation on the storefront are so inviting!

Those who are looking for HP-related clothes will find them in most of the shops, but the main shop for them is the Gladrags Wizardwear. Oh, and here’s the Owl Post and Owlery. We didn’t check out what’s sold inside, though, but we were told it had stationery and writing tools.

And here’s another popular Hogsmeade spot: Ollivander’s, Makers of Fine Wands Since 382 BC. LOL.

The place was packed to the ceiling with boxes of wands. All four corners of it, it seems.

Honestly, I was sorely tempted to buy one, then I realized it was quite pricey at JPY 3,500 (USD30), considering (a) I have nothing to use it for and (b) it does not really make you cast spells. See? The bean counter and stingy me came to the fore once again!

The wands looked pweeeetty, though.

If you want to buy wizarding tools and go hunting for the Death-Eaters, you’d best come to this shop. The Wiseacre’s Wizarding Equipment store.

Another place to grab a bite: Hog’s Head.

Hogsmeade Village is quite a tourist trap, I must say, but there are tons of things to see. But it is also crowded. I doubt if there is ever a time when it does not have a lot of people. Phew.

We walked further on, leaving Hogsmeade behind to head to Hogwarts.

…and that will be on the next post. See ya then!