Only a Lottery Ticket Gets You In: USJ’s One-Night “Back to Hogwarts” Event Closes Entries July 14

ByThe House Elves at Aguamenti

Not even a vial of Felix Felicis guarantees entry to this one — Universal Studios Japan is handing its Wizarding World over to lottery winners for a single night this September, and the entry window slams shut on July 14.

To celebrate the 25th anniversary of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, USJ will close off the entire Wizarding World of Harry Potter area on the evening of Tuesday, September 1, 2026, from 8:30pm to 10:00pm for its “Back to Hogwarts” Special Event. Only guests selected through an advance lottery can attend — no same-day tickets will be issued.

What Winners Get

  • After-hours access to Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, Flight of the Hippogriff, and the returning Hogwarts Castle Walk
  • Honeydukes, Filch’s Emporium of Confiscated Goods, and Ollivanders open late, plus Butterbeer and merchandise carts
  • An original Bertie Bott’s Every-Flavour Beans sticker, handed to attendees ahead of its general September 2 giveaway
  • An exclusive digital badge only event participants can earn
Original sticker designed after a Bertie Bott's Every-Flavour Beans advertisement for USJ's Back to Hogwarts 2026 event
The Bertie Bott’s Every-Flavour Beans sticker created for the 25th anniversary “Back to Hogwarts” celebration. (Universal Studios Japan)

How to Enter — Deadline July 14

Entries opened July 1 at 2:00pm JST and close Tuesday, July 14 at 11:59pm JST. Applying is free, but you’ll need an account with USJ Fan, the park’s official (and free) fan program. One catch for the fine print: winners still need a valid studio pass or annual pass for September 1 — the lottery grants the event, not park admission.

Miss out on the drawing? There’s a consolation prize worth planning around: the Hogwarts Castle Walk — the walk-through attraction that lets you explore the castle on foot, from the griffin statue guarding Dumbledore’s office to the chattering portraits — returns for everyone from September 1, 2026 through January 17, 2027, no lottery required.

Guests walking through the interior of Hogwarts Castle during USJ's Hogwarts Castle Walk attraction
Inside the Hogwarts Castle Walk, returning September 1, 2026 through January 17, 2027. (Universal Studios Japan)

Planning a Wizarding World outing of your own? Our Things to Do page tracks Harry Potter events and experiences around the world.

Will you be trying your luck in the lottery? Let us know in the comments, and don’t forget to follow along for more Harry Potter news.

Source: Universal Studios Japan

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