Universal Announces Return of Hogwarts Castle Walk, After Hours Wizarding World Event, and More 'Back to Hogwarts' Details

Shannen Ace

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Universal Announces Return of Hogwarts Castle Walk, After Hours Wizarding World Event, and More 'Back to Hogwarts' Details

Universal Studios Japan will celebrate 25 years of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone with a special “Back to Hogwarts” event. This includes a one-day event on Tuesday, September 1, 2026 — the date students arrive at Hogwarts for the semester.

Universal Studios Japan Announces Return of Hogwarts Castle Walk, After Hours Wizarding World Event, and More 'Back to Hogwarts' Details
HARRY POTTER and all related characters and elements (C) & ™ Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Publishing Rights (C) JK Rowling.
Universal elements and all related indicia TM & (C) 2026 Universal Studios. All rights reserved.

The 25th anniversary of the first Harry Potter film happens to fall in the same year as the Universal Studios Japan 25th anniversary, making this celebration extra special. “Back to Hogwarts” will run from September 1 through September 30.

“Back to Hogwarts” After Hours Event

Universal Studios Japan Announces Return of Hogwarts Castle Walk, After Hours Wizarding World Event, and More 'Back to Hogwarts' Details
HARRY POTTER and all related characters and elements (C) & ™ Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Publishing Rights (C) JK Rowling.
Universal elements and all related indicia TM & (C) 2026 Universal Studios. All rights reserved.

On September 1, Universal Studios Japan will host the special one-night event with after hours access to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Only guests selected via lottery ahead of time will be able to attend. They will get a special digital badge in advance.

Universal will distribute new stickers inspired by Bertie Bott’s Every Flavor Beans. These will also be distributed to all guests beginning on September 2.

The event will be from 8:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Lottery applications open on July 1 at 2 p.m. and will remain open through July 14. Apply here.

Guests must be registered as a USJ Fan and a valid admission ticket or annual pass is still required for park entry.

These attractions, shops, and carts will be open:

  • Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
  • Hogwarts Castle Walk (more info below)
  • Flight of the Hippogriff
  • Honeydukes
  • Filch’s Confiscated Goods Store
  • Ollivander’s Store
  • Butterbeer Cart in front of The Three Broomsticks
  • Magic Neep Cart
  • Ollivander’s Store side goods cart
  • Merchandise cart in front of Flight of the Hippogriff

Hogwarts Digital Badges

During the month-long “Back to Hogwarts” event, any guest who registers for the free USJ Fan program will receive a limited-time Hogwarts house digital badge when they visit The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Guests who collect all four will also receive a special fifth mystery badge.

Here is the distribution schedule:

  • Gryffindor: September 1 – 7
  • Slytherin: September 8 – 14
  • Hufflepuff: September 15 – 21
  • Ravenclaw: September 22 – 30

Register as a USJ Fan.

Hogwarts Castle Walk

Universal Studios Japan Announces Return of Hogwarts Castle Walk, After Hours Wizarding World Event, and More 'Back to Hogwarts' Details
HARRY POTTER and all related characters and elements (C) & ™ Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Publishing Rights (C) JK Rowling.
Universal elements and all related indicia TM & (C) 2026 Universal Studios. All rights reserved.

The Hogwarts Castle Walk will be back from September 1, 2026 through January 17, 2027. This allows visitors to walk through Hogwarts on a special route, passing through Dumbledore’s

Bertie Bott’s Every Flavor Beans Stickers

HARRY POTTER and all related characters and elements (C) & ™ Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Publishing Rights (C) JK Rowling.
Universal elements and all related indicia TM & (C) 2026 Universal Studios. All rights reserved.

After initial distribution during the after hours events, Bertie Bott’s stickers will be available to all guests starting on September 2. There will be a limited quantity so once they’re gone, they’re gone.

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