Universal Studios Japan brings Back to Hogwarts to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter from Sept. 1 through Sept. 30, 2026, with Hogwarts Castle Walk returning the same day.
The Osaka park is tying the monthlong event to the first Harry Potter film's 25th anniversary. The celebration starts Sept. 1, the in-story day when Hogwarts students head back to school.
View Universal Studios Japan's Back to Hogwarts announcement on X.
Hogwarts Castle Walk Dates
Hogwarts Castle Walk runs Sept. 1, 2026, through Jan. 17, 2027. Guests walk a special route through Hogwarts Castle instead of boarding Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey.
The route includes the castle's talking portraits and the griffin statue outside Dumbledore's office. There is no height requirement, and wheelchair and electric wheelchair users can enter after checking with a crew member.
After-Hours Event and Stickers
The one-night Back to Hogwarts Special Event runs Sept. 1 from 8:30 to 10 p.m. inside The Wizarding World of Harry Potter after park close. Applications open through USJ Fan around 2 p.m. on July 1 and close July 14 at 11:59 p.m.; guests still need valid park admission or an annual pass for the day.
The after-hours lineup includes Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, Hogwarts Castle Walk, Flight of the Hippogriff, Honeydukes, Filch's Emporium of Confiscated Goods, Ollivanders, Butterbeer and Magic Neep carts, and select merchandise carts. Same-day tickets will not be offered.
Universal Studios Japan also plans a Bertie Bott's Every Flavor Beans advertising-style sticker. Event guests get it early Sept. 1, and general distribution in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter starts Sept. 2 while supplies last.
Sources: Universal Studios Japan official X, Universal Studios Japan Hogwarts Castle Walk page, USJ Fan, and DTimes for USJ-provided event application details.
Image credit: Universal Studios Japan official X.