Slytherin for a Day

Day 2

Locations: Universal Studio Japan, Osaka Prefecture

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I spent the entire second day of my trip to Osaka by playing in Universal Studio Japan. Yes, I chose Universal Studio Japan over Tokyo Disneyland thanks to my ultimate fandom to the Harry Potter series. The brand new Wizarding World of Harry Potter was opened in USJ earlier this year and I was excited I decided to plan a trip to Japan, thus making this entire vacation was the result of my super short decision and over excitement to visit such place as Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

Arrived 10 A.M. sharp, it was a cold and windy winter, hitting 1ºC. After I bought the tickets, I decided to hit the Harry Potter area first when I realized it was written in the ticket that I should book for my entrance time first. The park was crowded that day, so I've got the entrance to the area on 1.40 PM. I spent the rest of the time until 1.40 PM taking a stroll around the park.

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Say hello to the cutest kitty!

By the way, there is a Harry Potter souvenir shop placed outside the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and because of my excitement, I decided to visit it first. The goods that were sold were not as much as the one inside the Harry Potter area. I bought some merchandise for myself and friends, and the price was quite costly but hey where else I can get these precious stuffs?

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1.40 finally came and guess what came into my mind: I decided to be a Slytherin for a day (some trivia: Slytherin is my Hogwarts house on Pottermore, which was not-so-me. I forced myself to become a Slytherin because I was once a Draco Malfoy fangirl. I am, supposedly, a Ravenclaw). I bought myself a Slytherin coat and doubled it with my outerwear. And oh, a scarf. I was so Slytherin there was a group of Korean girls asked me to take photo with them together. 

 

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Yohoo Imma Slytherin yo.

There was an unforgettable thing the moment I step my foot on the Hogsmeade gate. I saw snow for the first time ever, which was unpredictable that time. There should be no snow in Osaka the time I visited Japan (And I can't really stand cold). And when I came to visit the Hogsmeade, God gave me that snow. I. Am. So. Grateful. The moment was so good I nearly cried.

There are two different areas that set the Wizarding World of Harry Potter apart. First, it is Hogsmeade, the first thing you'll be seeing the first time you set your foot in the Harry Potter area. Hogsmeade contains of many shops based on the real shops in the Harry Potter series you can explore or you can buy some unique souvenirs here. There is also a restaurant in this area, but too bad I don't have the chance to get into the restaurant because it was so crowded that time. And don't forget the Hogsmeade station, where Hogwarts express arrived and also the beginning of an exciting adventures ahead!

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The available shops in the Hogsmeade area in USJ are Filsch's Emporium of Confiscated Goods, Honeydukes (that are awfully crowded), Zonko's Joke Shop, Ollivander's Wand Shop, and Dervish and Banges.

The second area is the magical school, Hogwarts castle. There are two attractions inside the castle, which are Hogwarts tour, and a ride called Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. I had the chance to enjoy both of the rides and it was super worth it! Spoiler: I freaked out when the dementors showed up.

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I also tried Butterbeer! Butterbeer was originally served in the Three Broomsticks Inn, which was functioned as the restaurant in the area. But in here, Butterbeer came in somekind of food truck and it served both hot and cold Butterbeers. The taste... Was not really good as I expected because it was too creamy and sweet, but it's pretty worth the try if you are really a hardcore fan of Harry Potter series.

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Pardon my red face, because it was super cold my hands went numb.

At the late afternoon, there was a special performance from the students of Beauxbatons Academy of Magic and Durmstrang Institute called "Triwizard Spirit Rally", based on the fourth Harry Potter movie, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. The attraction itself was hosted by a staff that somehow dressed up as a prefect in Hogwarts. They just putting me in awe!

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After spending almost the whole day inside the area, I decided to call it a day because it's getting darker (sunset in Japan on winter is approximately at 5 PM) and colder (yeah, almost freezing). I am so happy to have this experience and it was such a wonderful day I had. Stay tune for more stories I had from my trip to Japan!

And for the bonus, I gave you my Harry Potter stuffs hauls!