USJ Wand Magic Guide: How to Move Your Wand and Where to Cast Spells in the Harry Potter Area

Universal Studios Japan’s hugely popular area, “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” recreates the world of the globally beloved Harry Potter series and features locations where guests can experience magic.

Here, we’ll introduce the basics and strategies for “Wand Magic,” where you can actually cast spells♪

Wand Magic: Basic Information

Location: Inside The Wizarding World of Harry Potter (about an 8-minute walk from the park entrance)
Spell locations: 8 (seasonal locations may also appear)

To try Wand Magic, you need a Magical Wand sold in the park for US$40.00 including tax.

Can a Group Share One Magical Wand?

The Magical Wand required for Wand Magic is not exactly inexpensive.

Every aspiring witch or wizard may want a personal wand, but buying one for every family or group member can become quite costly…

That raises the question: “Can a group take turns using one wand?”

In fact, a Magical Wand can be shared within a group.

However, only the person holding the wand may join the line to try Wand Magic.

Once one person finishes, they can hand the wand to the next person, who can line up again. This lets everyone enjoy the experience with a single wand.

That said, there are many fun styles to choose from, and the wand keeper may even help select a recommended wand for you. Consider finding a favorite wand of your very own♪

How Many Types of Wands Are There, and Where Can You Buy Them?

USJ sells two main types of wands: Magical Wands and Original Wands.
Let’s look at the differences and explore the available designs…!

Magical Wand
Price: US$34.38 including tax
This type can cast spells, and designs other than character models are also available.

A component used to cast spells is embedded in the tip, so handle it with a little extra care to avoid scratches.

The character-name sticker on the box is gold, and the wand comes with a map showing spell locations and the incantations used there.

Where Can You Buy a Wand?

Wands are available at three locations in the park: Ollivanders in the Harry Potter area,

a wand cart on the street in front of Ollivanders,

and Beverly Hills Gifts in the Hollywood area.

Of these, Ollivanders is definitely our top recommendation!

The shop featured in the films carries every wand design.

It also stocks wands unavailable elsewhere, so be sure to visit Ollivanders♪

Complete Wand Guide: Character Models

Let’s start with the character-model wands sold in the park, listed in order.

From left to right in the photo:
Harry Potter
Hermione Granger
Ron Weasley
Draco Malfoy (Original Wand only)
Albus Dumbledore

Ginny Weasley (Original Wand only)
Arthur Weasley (Original Wand only)
Molly Weasley (Original Wand only)
Minerva McGonagall (Original Wand only)
Neville Longbottom (Original Wand only)
Remus Lupin (Original Wand only)

From left to right in the photo:
Sirius Black
Severus Snape

Mad-Eye Moody (Original Wand only)
Horace Slughorn (Original Wand only)
Fleur Delacour (Original Wand only)
Viktor Krum (Original Wand only)
Luna Lovegood (Original Wand only)
Narcissa Malfoy (Original Wand only)
Cedric Diggory (Original Wand only)
Bellatrix Lestrange (Original Wand only)
Voldemort

Other options include George Weasley’s and Fred Weasley’s wands (Original Wand only), bringing the total number of character models to 24.

The selection has gradually expanded since The Wizarding World of Harry Potter first opened, so more new models may appear in the future…!

Complete Wand Guide: Original Models

The park also offers original-model wands that are not based on wands used by Harry Potter characters.

These designs are available only at Ollivanders and are sold exclusively as spell-casting Magical Wands.

They are guardian-tree wands based on the 13-calendar system of Celtic mythology, so choosing one that matches your birthday is a wonderful idea♪

BIRCH: 12/23–1/20
ROWAN: 1/21–2/17
ASH: 2/18–3/17
ALDER: 3/18–4/14
WILLOW: 4/15–5/12

HAWTHORN: 5/13–6/9
OAK: 6/10–7/7
HOLLY: 7/8–8/4
HAZEL: 8/5–9/1

VINE: 9/2–9/29
IVY: 9/30–10/27
REED: 10/28–11/24
ELDER: 11/25–12/22

Where to Cast Spells: Incantations and Tips for a Perfect Result

As of 2024, there are eight permanent spell locations.
Limited-time locations may also appear during the Christmas season and other periods.

When the area first opened, it had six permanent locations. Two more were added in 2017, bringing the current total to eight.
Let’s see where each spell can be cast, how to move your wand, and what tips can help!

1. Cistem Aperio

Location: Beside the Hogwarts Express, just inside the area entrance
This spell opens the stacked trunks.

Move the wand as though drawing a connected C and V.
The key is to make a slow, fairly large motion.

2. Alohomora

Location: The wall in front of Hogsmeade Station
This spell unlocks the large door set into the wall of Hogsmeade village.

Draw a large circle with the wand, then bring it straight down.

3. Incendio

Location: Beside the large door in the Hogsmeade village wall
This spell sends flames out of the chimney.

Move the wand as though drawing a triangle, finishing with a slightly arched stroke.
Try moving it rhythmically with the incantation.

4. Arresto Momentum

Location: The display window of Dervish and Banges, the magical equipment shop
This spell stops a moving music box.

Move the wand as though drawing the letter M.
Keep the motion roughly within the size of the display window frame.

5. Aguamenti

Location: In front of Dervish and Banges
This spell makes water flow from a jar.

Move the wand in a gentle curve toward the upper right.
The key is to make a slow, fairly large motion without creating too high an arc.

6. Meteolojinx

Location: Behind Honeydukes
This spell makes snow fall.

Draw a small semicircle to the left, then a larger semicircle to the right.
Aim toward the display window farther back and draw clean semicircles rhythmically with the incantation.

7. Wingardium Leviosa

Location: The display window of Spintwitches, the Quidditch equipment shop
This spell levitates a Quaffle.

Draw a wavy line, lower the wand once, and then lift it upward.
Keep the wave from spreading too far sideways, then move the wand straight down and straight back up.

8. Ventus

Location: Beyond Hogwarts Castle
This spell creates wind that makes the row of Quidditch flags flutter.

Move the wand in a V shape.
Aim around the Hufflepuff flag as you cast.

Tips for Success

First, pay attention to the medallion embedded in the ground.

The medallion shows where to stand, which direction to cast, how to move the wand, and the incantation.
Be sure to follow these basic points.

Also, use your arm—not just your wrist—when moving the wand.

If you flick only your wrist, the wand tip can point in different directions and send the spell off course.

Face the target squarely and keep the wand tip aimed at it throughout the motion.

The ideal movement also varies slightly with your distance from the target: make the motion a little larger when the spell-detection target is far away and a little smaller when it is close.

During the day, experienced witches and wizards at the spell locations will show you how to cast.

They can also offer tips and advice, so don’t give up—keep trying!

Easier Spell Locations

Having trouble casting a spell?
Here are some recommended locations where success is easier.

No. 8: Ventus (Wind Spell)

When our group of eight tried it, everyone achieved a perfect result within one or two attempts.

No. 5: Aguamenti (Water Spell)

It is easy enough that about half of visitors can succeed within a few tries.
Some people can also achieve a perfect result.

No. 2: Alohomora (Door-Unlocking Spell)

Most people can achieve at least a partial success.
A perfect result, however, is difficult.

Start with an easier spell location and practice your way up to the more challenging spells♪

Final Thoughts

Wand Magic offers an exciting magical experience for adults and children alike.

You do need to purchase a paid wand, but the experience is so enjoyable that it feels well worth the cost. We highly recommend trying it at least once…!

Each Wand Magic spell has a standard “success” and a higher-level “perfect success,” so practice until you achieve the best result at all eight locations♪

Currency conversion rate used: US$1 = ¥160.