Magical Creatures Encounter At Universal Studios Japan

Beginning March 17, 2023, new limited-time interactive Magical Animals Encounters at Universal Studios Japan will allow visitors to interact with magical creatures from the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts stories. The Hippogriff, which Harry encountered in "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban," the Niffler, who amassed glittering objects in the Fantastic Beasts books, a cuddly Pygmy Puff, and a smoke-breathing baby dragon are four new magical animals that will soon appear in Hogsmeade Village.

According to Pierre Bohana, who served as the lead prop maker for all eight Harry Potter films as well as the Fantastic Beasts movies, "you can actually encounter the mystical animals in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter." Watching the Hippogriff in action is incredibly realistic and inspiring. The baby dragon is wonderful because it's so young, but you never know what they will do, so use the utmost caution. The Niffler and Pygmy Puff are so lovely and emotional, you are bound to become friends with them. However, take care or you might get chastised or sulked at.

Encounters with Magical Creatures

Visitors will be able to engage with magical beings in a similar way to how Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry students do.

Hippogriff Magical Lesson: A Hippogriff appears with its wings outstretched, a proud creature with an eagle's head and a horse's body (exactly like the one Harry encountered in his first Care of Magical Creatures class). In the new "Hippogriff Magical Lesson" show, students from all four Hogwarts houses will learn how to approach and engage with the proud animal.

Meet the Hogsmeade Magical Creatures: Magical creatures can be found all over Hogsmeade, including a Pygmy Puff in front of Zonko's Joke Shop, a Niffler rummaging through a cart of mail in front of the Owl Post in search of shiny treasures, and a newly hatched baby dragon being secretly carried by a creature trader.

Additionally, this spring, Bowtruckles, the tiny, magical creatures from the Fantastic Beast movies, will be featured on exclusive merchandise coming to Universal Studios Japan.