Universal Studios Japan Tickets 2026: Harry Potter Ride Review
Planning your USJ adventure? Discover the best ticket options and an honest review of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter's Forbidden Journey ride, plus motion sickness tips.
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Planning your USJ adventure? Discover the best ticket options and an honest review of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter's Forbidden Journey ride, plus motion sickness tips.
Universal Studios Japan (USJ) is a must-visit for many travelers exploring Osaka.
Among USJ's diverse attractions, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is undoubtedly a huge draw for countless fans.
Today, we're diving into essential Universal Studios Japan ticket information and a candid review of the Harry Potter Forbidden Journey ride, especially regarding motion sickness!
Written & Photographed by ©HiBubu
First, let's quickly break down the different types of tickets available for Universal Studios Japan.
The basic admission tickets come in three main varieties:
As their names suggest, these passes grant admission for 1, 1.5, or 2 days. The 1.5-Day pass is unique, allowing entry from 3:00 PM on the first day until closing on the following day.
❗️ Remember, even if you purchase an Express Pass, you still need to book a separate general admission ticket!
Additionally, there are three types of combo admission tickets that bundle other popular options.
These packages can include the **'Joy Pass'** (which grants admission to various key attractions in the Kansai region), a **Nintendo World timed entry ticket**, and/or a **JR Haruka train ticket**.
Wondering which ticket is right for you? Here’s a quick guide:
Visiting on a weekday? ▶️ Consider the 1-Day Pass.
Want to fully immerse yourself in USJ? ▶️ The 1.5- or 2-Day Pass might be perfect.
Visiting during peak season or on a Saturday? ▶️ A Nintendo World Timed Entry package is highly recommended.
Primarily exploring Osaka city? ▶️ Look into a Joy Pass included package.
You can find more detailed information and pricing for all admission tickets below!
> Explore Universal Studios Japan Tickets <
Next up, let's explore the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, arguably the second most popular area at Universal Studios Japan.
This truly magical land brings the world of the Harry Potter films to life.
From the moment you enter, with the Hogwarts Express and the flying Ford Anglia, any movie fan will feel an undeniable thrill.
What makes this area even more special is the meticulously recreated magical shops. With countless wands and Gryffindor robes, I truly felt like a character straight out of the books.
You can even wave your magic wand at certain objects and cast spells like 'Wingardium Leviosa', making them actually float! This was much more fascinating than I expected and incredibly fun to watch!
This area features two main attractions: 'Flight of the Hippogriff' and 'Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey'.
Flight of the Hippogriff is a family-friendly coaster, similar to a classic roller coaster, and doesn't strongly evoke the Harry Potter atmosphere (though younger kids might find it a bit thrilling!).
However, the Forbidden Journey is a truly unique 4D attraction that plunges you deep into the Wizarding World. It's not overly scary, making it enjoyable for most guests.
Next, I'll share my detailed experience riding Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey!
When people talk about this attraction, their reactions often fall into two camps:
'It was incredibly fun!' or 'I felt so dizzy!'
After experiencing it myself, I completely understood what they meant.
As you enter, you're seated in a 4-person vehicle that moves along a track, swaying up and down while you encounter various videos and animatronics from the Harry Potter universe.
This constant motion definitely gave me a queasy feeling. I'm usually prone to motion sickness, so I took preventative medication before riding, but I still felt a slight wave of nausea throughout.
If I hadn't prepared, I imagine I would have been spinning! If you're sensitive to motion sickness, I highly recommend preparing yourself mentally and taking precautions before boarding.
Today, we've covered Universal Studios Japan ticket information and our review of the Harry Potter area. Let's recap the key takeaways:
First, there are six main types of admission tickets. We recommend choosing the one that best suits your travel plans and preferences.
👉🏻 Especially if you're focusing on exploring the city, or if the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is your main goal, consider a package ticket!
> Book Universal Studios Japan Tickets <
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter exceeded my expectations with its incredible realism, making the experience truly satisfying. Movie fans and families with children will feel completely immersed in this fantasy world.
While the signature attraction, the Forbidden Journey, is so much fun you'll want to ride it again, it can cause severe motion sickness for some. It's highly recommended to prepare yourself or take appropriate measures before riding.
We hope this guide helps you have a fantastic time at Universal Studios Japan!
The 1.5-Day Studio Pass allows entry from 3 PM on the first day and can be used for two days, including the following day, at Universal Studios Japan.
A combo admission ticket can bundle some of the following: a 'Joy Pass' for entry to major attractions in the Kansai region, a guaranteed entry ticket for Nintendo World, or a JR Haruka Ticket. Depending on your travel purpose, you can choose a package that includes only the Joy Pass, includes a guaranteed entry ticket for Nintendo World, or includes a Haruka Ticket.
The Harry Potter area features two attractions: 'Flight of the Hippogriff' and 'Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey'. Flight of the Hippogriff is similar to a junior roller coaster, while Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey is a distinctive attraction where you can experience the Harry Potter world in 4D.
The author mentioned experiencing some nausea despite taking motion sickness medication, as they are usually prone to severe motion sickness. Those who are highly susceptible to motion sickness are advised to mentally prepare beforehand or take appropriate measures such as medication before riding.
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