BREAKING: First-Ever Hippogriff, Niffler, & More Magical Creature Encounters Coming to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Japan

Spencer Lloyd

BREAKING: First-Ever Hippogriff, Niffler, & More Magical Creature Encounters Coming to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Japan

A couple of days ago, Universal Studios Japan teased a surprise new announcement for springtime offerings coming to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Today they revealed the special treat — atmospheric encounters with magical creatures from the Harry Potter universe around Hogsmeade! For the first time at any Universal park worldwide, guests will be able to meet with a Hippogriff, go toe to toe with a Niffler, or even brave meeting a baby dragon.

usj magical creatures experience 2023 b

From March 17 to the end of the year, guests visiting Hogsmeade at Universal Studios Japan can experience meeting with a life-size Hippogriff as well as chance encounters with several magical creatures from across both the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts films. These encounters have never been seen at a Universal park before.

Hippogriff Magical Encounter

USJ Hippogriff Encounter

The majestic Hippogriff, first encountered in “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban” will appear before guests on the performance stage near Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey multiple times a day to greet guests. And if you’re lucky, you may even be chosen to interact with the Hippogriff himself!

Hogsmeade Magical Creatures Greeting

Hogsmeade Magical Creatures Greeting

Three spontaneous creature greetings will take place across the Hogsmeade village throughout the day to keep guests on their toes! Under the canopy near Owl Post, guests will encounter the thieving Niffler, out to steal anything shiny and valuable, as seen in the “Fantastic Beasts” series. By the Hogsmeade Station area, a visiting trader will gladly introduce guests to his baby dragon, who might get a bit precocious! And finally, near Zonko’s Joke Shop, a fluffy pink Pygmy Puff is out and about for guests to meet. But beware the mayhem these creatures may cause as you visit!

This isn’t the first time creatures have been around in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Japan, but those prior were actual animals — owls to be specific! For the first few years after its 2014 grand opening, guests could meet with actual owls and their trained handlers in Hogsmeade as they “took a rest from carrying letters.”

Each of these special character encounters begins on March 17 within The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Japan, so be sure to keep an eye out as you visit Hogsmeade. And let us know if you’re excited about these additions in the comments below!

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