The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Universal Studio Japan in Osaka is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, marking a decade since it opened on July 15, 2014.
In a press statement, the Japan National Tourism Organisation says that to commemorate the anniversary, a series of ‘magical experiences’ will be launched in summers, autumn and winter season.
JNTO says that the lineup also includes items befitting the anniversary year, such as the ‘Anniversary Mug Cup’ and colourful churritos, which were sold for a limited time in 2020. In addition, a new plant-based Butterbeer will also be available.
The tourism board says that the Hogwarts Castle Walk from July 15 to December 31 will offer visitors the chance to walk through the iconic Hogwarts castle, recreated in intricate details along a special route.
It will host sights such as the large statue of a Griffin guarding Headmaster Dumbledore’s office, a series of talking portraits that stretch up to the high ceilings, and statues that are usually hidden from view.
The statement adds that another attraction, Death Eaters Takeover scheduled for autumn this year will feature on autumn nights when the path into Hogsmeade ‘takes on darker tones,’ reminiscent of the Forbidden Forest.
The statement adds that the iconic fictional characters ‘Death Eaters’ will recreate the thrill, casting a threatening atmosphere over the wizarding village, where the villagers will engaging in a battle with the Death Eaters. As the Dark Mark appears over Hogwarts Castle, bystanders will find themselves in the middle of the action.
JNTO says that Hogwarts Magical Night ― Winter Magic, which is scheduled for winter this year, will return for the first time in five years at the Hogwarts Castle.
The statement adds that recreating iconic scenes from the franchise, the wizarding world will be transformed with familiar spells such as Meteorojinx, which will dress the castle in snow, and Lumos, which will envelop the castle in a warm glow. At the end, everyone chants ‘Lumos Maxima!’ to light the tree at the castle.