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Universal Studios Japan's Back to Hogwarts program is underway in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. A September 1 special event brought about 600 invited fans into the area after park close, with a castle-lighting show and a limited program built around the 25th anniversary of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone.
About 600 fans attended the September 1 event
The invitation-only event ran from 8:30 to 10 p.m. on September 1. Guests explored the area, then raised their wands during a special show as Hogwarts Castle lit up. That after-hours event has ended; the wider Back to Hogwarts program continues through September 30.
Stickers and house badges run through September
The limited Bertie Bott's Every Flavour Beans advertising-style sticker is available in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter from September 2 while supplies last. Weather and other conditions may limit the distribution area or stop distribution for the day.
The free USJ Fan program also has four rotating Back to Hogwarts digital badges: Gryffindor from September 1-7, Slytherin from September 8-14, Hufflepuff from September 15-21 and Ravenclaw from September 22-30. Completing the set unlocks a fifth badge.
Hogwarts Castle Walk runs through January 17
The Hogwarts Castle Walk runs from September 1, 2026, through January 17, 2027, inside Hogwarts Castle. It follows a special walking route through the castle, including the talking portraits and the griffin statue outside Dumbledore's office. The Castle Walk has no height restriction, and rides are not available on this walk-through attraction.
The same program includes non-alcoholic Butterbeer served with a Harry Potter 25 Years of Magic souvenir stein and house-themed churros. Check the official Back to Hogwarts page for current availability, distribution conditions and event details before visiting.
Sources: Universal Studios Japan's September 1 event report, the official Back to Hogwarts page, the official Hogwarts Castle Walk page and the USJ Fan program page.
Images: Universal Studios Japan's official September 1 event report. The house-badge image is retained from the first-party program page.