About 3,000 people, some of whom spent the night in line, were at Universal Studios Japan in Osaka for the launch of a new Harry Potter-themed attraction Tuesday.
The opening ceremony was attended by actor Tom Felton, who played the role of Draco Malfoy in the films.
After the attraction was opened with some "magic words," visitors were invited to the Hogsmeade Village, a settlement inhabited by wizards and other magical beings from the Potter series.
The new attraction, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, features a huge recreation of Hogwarts Castle, which houses a school for wizards. With state-of-the-art video technology, visitors can experience a virtual flight above the castle with Harry Potter.
"I really felt like I was flying with Harry on a broomstick," said Konomi Matsumoto, 20, who came from Nagoya to see the new attraction.
The new entertainment area was built at a total investment of around ¥45 billion.
