Osaka: The School of Witchcraft and Wizardry

If there was a question “Mention one famous people that you want a have dinner with”, I would definitely answer JK Rowling. I’m in debt to thank her for all her works that accompany me during childhood.

I grew up with Harry Potter.

Literally, whenever the new book or new movie came out, I was about the same age of the character which make the series something that I always hold dear.

As a Potterhead, there’s nothing more exciting than coming to visit the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Universal Studio Osaka. I was thrilled. I spend almost one day on the Harry Potter area only, enjoying the nuance of old magical village of Hogsmeade, admiring the Hogwarts Castle from afar, and drinking the hot Butterbeer against the windy air of Osaka. I know that the theme park itself is huge and holds many cool rides and attractions, yet somehow immersing myself in Harry Potter’s world felt like home.

The Universal Studio did an excellent job on reconstructing the area. They put so much attention in detail, decorating all the shops, diners, pathways and everything that looked exactly like the movies and the books.

The other highlight was the main rides itself, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. The ride was located inside the Hogwarts! I entered the familiar castle, climbed the grand stair case, looked through the classrooms, went in to the Dumbledore’s Office and entered the Gryffindor’s Common Room.

The ride was spectacular! It was an indoor like-rollercoaster that required a 4D glasses. Harry was taking us to the massive Hogwarts complex on a broomstick, flying above the Astronomy tower, chasing the Hungarian Horntail dragon to the Forbidden Forest, facing the Aragog (had to close my eyes real tight, couldn’t bear giant spiders before my eyes) playing the Quidditch, fighting the Dementor (yelled Expecto Patronum! there) and finally saving the Hogwarts from all those Dark Magic.

Unfortunately I couldn’t ride it twice since the line was super long.

Around the Hogsmeade village, you can find various shops selling souvenirs such house’s scarfs (I got one for myself), Hedwig’s doll, fancy lanyard for your office and even there was Ollivander’s should you want to get “the one” wand. If you bought the wand there, you could use it to cast various spells and charms around the area and magically the surroundings will react to your Confringo! or Alohomora!

There was also Three Broomsticks that served as diner for lunch. It sold foods from the Harry Potter series, but too bad that I didn’t have my lunch there (though the price was quite expensive). Must-try delicacies in Wizarding World of Harry Potter surely is the Butterbeer. They sold the hot and cold one at difference price. If I’m not mistaken the cold one was priced for JPY700

This place surely was the Best Theme Park eveeerr!

-R

Pictures were taken by travel buddy, go check his site!