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Your Guide to Christmas at Universal Studios Japan

Celebrate the holidays at Universal Studios Japan’s incredible Christmas event, Universal Wonder Christmas! With spectacular shows, fun parades, and all sorts of holiday specials, read up on KKday’s ultimate guide and make the most of your holiday!

Minion Mayhem Christmas Party

The minions take a break from plotting world domination to bring you the most happening Christmas Party in town! See them sing and dance with their Santa hats on, as roll down Main Street on a huge float. Join in their fun and make your way to the front of the crowd, and dance along as festive balloons and Christmas confetti rain from the sky.

Dates: November 10, 2017 to January 8, 2018
Location: Hollywood Area
Show Times: 1:45 pm (days with 1 show), and 12:15 pm and 2:30 pm (days with 2 shows). Please arrive 30 minutes prior. Show times are subject to change. Please check here to see the show schedule ahead of time.

The Gift of Angels III : The Voice of an Angel

P1110712 — The Gift of Angels III: The Voice of an Angel

Now on its third year running, ‘The Gift of Angels III: The Voice of an Angel’ is back this season and is grander than ever. See a heartwarming holiday story unfold with spectacular lights and fireworks and a heavenly chorus of angels. Experience the excitement and awe with everyone in the audience as the Christmas Tree is lit as the show’s grand finale.

Dates: November 10, 2017 to January 8, 2018
Location: New York Area/Gramercy Park
Event Times: 5:45 pm (days with 1 show), and 5:35 pm and 7:50 pm (days with 2 shows). Please arrive 30 minutes prior. Show times are subject to change, so please check here to see the show schedule ahead of time.

Note:

There are designated but limited wheelchair exclusive areas at the Special Viewing Area. Guests should speak and seek assistance from crew members early on. Flash photography is also prohibited.

Winter in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Feel the magic of Christmas as you walk the snowy streets of Hogsmeade Village at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Warm up with some Butterbeer from the Three Broomsticks, or have your fill of Christmas-themed sweets from Honeydukes and enjoy all the holiday-themed decorations that give life even to the old Hog’s Head pub.

The Hogsmeade Christmas Tree

Event Dates: November 10, 2017 to January 8, 2018
Location: Hogsmeade
Event Times: 10:00am onwards

This year, grab the opportunity to cast your own spell at the village’s Christmas Tree. With your own special wand right from Ollivander’s, a few choice words (“Locomotor” or “Lumos”), and a swish and flick, you can charm the tree into moving or see it light up beautifully!

Notes:
Please make sure you have a “Magical Wand” before advancing to the Wand Magic location. “Magical Wands” can be purchased at Ollivanders™ and other locations.

Hogwarts™ Magical Nights – Winter Magic

P1110785 — Hogwarts Magical Nights – Winter Magic

Feel the magic come alive as you witness the iconic Hogwarts Castle transform before your eyes. As the day dips into nighttime, the castle magically transforms from an icy stone edifice to a brilliant display of light. See wizards and witches cast raise their wands to Hogwarts to cast a warm, holiday spell that envelopes the entire park.

Dates: November 10, 2017 to January 8, 2018
Location: Hogwarts™ Castle
Time: 30 minutes after sunset until closing. Show times are subject to change, so please check the official website to see the schedule ahead of time. Event details may be altered or canceled without notice due to weather or other factors.

Christmas Treats:

Minion Park: Minion-shaped sandwich cookies (600 yen)

P1110426 — Minion-shaped Sandwich Cookies

With their big round eyes looking right back at you, be sure to take a photo before biting into these cute sandwich cookies. Enjoy the sweet Christmas exclusive treat stuffed with seasonal strawberries, cream, and custard.

Studio Star Restaurant: Exclusive Christmas Set (2190 yen)

The popular Studio Star Restaurant has cooked up something special for the holidays! Enjoy their juicy patty and sunny side-up eggs, with either rice or bread. Top off your meal with your choice of special Minion dessert: Banana mousse cake drizzled in cranberry sauce, or a savory swiss chocolate cake.

Hogsmeade’s The Three Broomstickers™: Christmas Exclusive Set (8500 yen) & Hot Butterbeer (1250 yen)

Enjoy Christmas just like the teachers and students of Hogwarts as you feast on their special Christmas dinner: a set mouth-watering roast chicken, vegetables and salad.

Down your meal with a warm bottle of their famous Butterbeer guaranteed to put you in the holiday spirit.

The Joyful Food Market

Enjoy all sorts of Christmas exclusive sweets and treats at the Universal Studios Japan Joyful Food Market!

KKday’s Recommendation:

Turkey Drumstick (950 yen)

Every Christmas, you can spot a snaking queue for the turkey drumstick. Don’t miss out on their seasonal cheesy flavor!

Hot Chocolate Cone (500 yen)

Warm up this winter with another must-try. This sugar overload is stuffed with matcha chocolate, rice krispies, cranberries, conflakes, and drizzled in hot chocolate sauce. A warm topping of melted marshmallows tops this sweet treat!

Christmas Gifts

Minion Popcorn Buckets

The exclusive minion popcorn buckets are the cutest souvenir you should buy in Universal Studios Japan. This time, instead of taking a bear, Tim, Minions in a Christmas hat takes a small snowman. This shape of Minion is so adorable that you should take it home or you will regret.

This year’s cutest souvenirs are the Christmas-themed Minion Popcorn Buckets. Perfect that holiday movie marathon with the family!

Christmas Specialty Store

There are all sorts of Christmas-themed merchandise like socks, dolls, and some ornaments in Christmas Specialty Store. If you want to buy some souvenirs, you should come here!

For some last-minute Christmas shopping, head here to find socks, dolls, ornaments, and merchandise of all your favorite characters! See Hello Kitty, the Sesame Street Gang, the sharks from Jaws, and Snoopy spread the holiday cheer in their snowman outfits.

Or choose one of the bestsellers: the Snoopy Christmas Hat, which customers love for its soft, warm fur, or the Minion dolls in wacky, nutcracker outfits. At the Christmas Specialty Store, there’s something for everyone!

Booking Your Tickets

Make your trip much more enjoyable by booking your tickets ahead! Enjoy KKday’s exclusive tickets that allow you to skip the lines and head straight to park. Choose from any of our great packages

Asia’s Most Haunting Sites

We know what makes a good scare—whether it’s the terrifying encounter with the 7 Deadly Sins at Universal Studios Singapore’s Halloween Night, or a look into history’s most notorious serial killer. This Halloween, we’ve got a lot of tricks up our sleeves and to start off, here are Asia’s Most Haunted Places.

Chibichiri Cave, Okinawa, Japan

Haunted Halloween in Okinawa, Japan: Chibichiri Cave

Japan has lots of somber memorials from the war, like the Hiroshima Memorial.The Battle of Okinawa left behind a number of haunted caves and when the Japanese lost the war, they were told to kill themselves rather than surrender to the Americans. So many soldiers—and even civilians—took this to heart and killed themselves in the Okinawa caves. Today the skull sculptures are kept as a memorial of the war, and a number of visitors come to pray for family members. But the claustrophobic caves and skulls protruding from the walls continue to be a harrowing sight.

Gonjian Psychiatric Hospital, South Korea

Haunted Halloween: Gonjiam Psychiatric Hospital (123RF/Vincent St. Thomas)

Up until 1995, the Gonjiam Psychiatric Hospital was a fully functioning asylum. But after a number of mysterious deaths that authorities could not pinpoint, it was forced to shut down. In the last twenty years since its closure, the building—together with the hospital beds and equipment—have rotted nastily, leaving a haunting look to passerby today.

Many have claimed they can still hear disembodied cries through the cracked windows. The grounds have been closed off to the public since the hospital was shut down, but a number of thrill-seekers find a way to sneak in and explore.

Tak Tak School, Hong Kong

This old abandoned school have earned a notorious reputation for being the most haunted place in Hong Kong. It’s built on a mass grave where local residents were killed by the British for resisting eviction. When the school closed in 1998, a rumour went around that the headmistress hanged herself in the girl’s toilet which wearing a red dress dress—thus spinning stories of a red-clothed spirit wandering the grounds. Until now, the school is the source of many stories of paranormal activities.

Lawang Sewu, Indonesia

Haunted Halloween in Indonesia: Lawang Sewu

Apart from great Bali Beaches, Indonesia has a few other secrets. The building may look like any other old building, but Lawang Sewu, which was built during the Dutch occupation, is rife with tragedy. During its early days, the building was already tainted with stories of headless ghosts and paranormal activity, the most famous one of a Dutch woman committing suicide. But its most infamous event was during World War II, when it became an actual battleground. Indonesia and Japanese troops clashed right at this site, and supposedly a number of soldiers were held captive and tortured within Lawang Sewu’s walls.

Clark Hospital, Philippines

Clark Air Base after Mt. Pinatubo's eruption — The Clark Air Base following Mt. Pinatubo’s eruption. This led to the the hospital closing down.

This former US Army Hospital is said to be haunted by the ghosts of soldiers. During World War II and the Vietnam War, it served as an asylum for the injured and dying troops. Because it was a war-time hospital, many of these deaths were violent and brutal. The hospital was abandoned following the volcanic eruption of Mt. Pinatubo, but locals say you can still see and hear the screams of the spirits.

These places are not for the faint-hearted. But for anyone just looking from some fun thrills and chills without risking bringing home any evil spirits, then be sure to attend Universal Studios Singapore’s Halloween Horror Nights 7.

Haunted Halloween: Universal Studios Singapore (image from Universal Studios Singapore)

Book a ticket with us and get access to over five haunted houses, two scare zones, and two night shows! Book your Halloween Horror Night right here!

Relive your childhood at these Tokyo Arcades!

Don’t you remember the times when we used to meet our friends at the nearest Timezone and played all our weekly allowance away, where we battled it out for the high score, or collected tickets to win all sorts of prizes. That was before mobile games and playstations, and it seems that for most of the world, arcades are a thing of the past.

But not in Japan. This country is known for all its childish wonders, like Tokyo Disneyland, the Doraemon Experience , and Tokyo Legoland. When Japan kids encountered the likes of Pacman and Space Invaders back in 1978, they were instantly hooked. And while the boom has definitely passed, Japan’s arcades have become such a fixture in contemporary Japan there’s no doubt they’re here to stay.

Which is great news for us! Here are the 10 best Japan Arcades in Tokyo to relive those grade school days!

Hirose Entertainment Yard (HEY) by Taito

Tokyo, Japan: Hirose Entertainment Yard (HEY) Arcade by Taito

If the neighborhood arcades are like churches to the Japan gaming youth, then the Hirose Entertainment Yard—or ‘HEY’—is the grand cathedral. With its neon lights and dedicated floors to all sorts of arcade staples, this place has become an icon in itself. Perhaps it’s because HEY has been around longer than most arcades, but HEY is where you can see Tokyo’s most competitive hang out, show off, and swap gaming tips—in other words, an authentic, organic community. But don’t let this intimidate you; the HEY community is very welcoming to noobs and tourists.

Address: 1-10-5 Soto-Kanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Tokyo Train Station: Akihabara

Club Sega

Even in the midst of Tokyo’s electronics Mecca, Club Sega is impossible to miss. At a staggering seven stories tall, Club Sega is Japan’s largest arcade and is a welcoming place for both serious gamers and newbies. People who come in come here to stay, and the building is equipped with coffee, vending machines, and cup noodles for gamers not ready to hit pause anytime soon. As a video game developer themselves, Club Sega’s fifth floor is dedicated to their own produced games. And word on the street is, you can test out some of their new releases here before they even hit the markets!

Address: 1-10-9 Soto-Kanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Tokyo Train Station: Akihabara

Sega Gigo

Visitors headed to Sega GiGo will be sent on a wild nostalgia trip. Among all of Japan’s iconic arcades, Sega GiGo has the supreme honor of housing the first Pokemon game ever. Another legendary game? Sega Gigo has floors dedicated to the iconic claw machines and capsule toy dispensers we all remember from childhood.

Address: 1-15-1 Soto-kanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Tokyo Train Station: Akihabara

Game Bar-A-Button

For something a little more upscale and a little more adult, head to Game Bar-A-Button. As you enter the bar, you’ll see a large HD screen propped over the bar with both vintage and current gaming consoles. Enjoy your cocktails as you speed with Mario Kart.

Game Bar-A-Button has managed to keep it both classic and classy, and is a weekend favorite among both the Japan gaming community and travelers.

Address: 1-13-9 Taito, Taito-ku, Tokyo
Closest Station: Akihabara

Anata No Warehouse

For an experience beyond just the arcade games, head to Anata No Warehouse. Not many tourists go here, and for good reason—the place was designed to be a Japan replica of Hong Kong’s Kowloon Walled City, and looks just like the former slum town. The arcade is 18-and-over only, and you’ll have to cross sketchy buildings just to get to the games. Surprisingly (or not), the games are the only pristinely preserved things in the entire complex. And while this isn’t technically in Tokyo, it’s so close to the city it hardly makes a difference.

Address: 3-7, Kawasaki, Nisshincho, Kanagawa
Train Station: Kawasaki

Tokyo Joypolis

What happens when you combine a theme park and an arcade? You’ve got the incredible Joypolis, which takes the outdoor experience of amusement park rides and combines them with the latest in virtual technology. Its indoor rollercoaster and chilling haunted house are unlike any other in the country. And while you do a heftier price compared to the other arcades on the list, the one-of-a-kind experience is worth it.

Address: DECKS Tokyo Beach 3F～5F, 1−6−1, Minato, Daiba, Tokyo
Tokyo Train Station: Odaiba-kaihinkōen
Book Your Ticket With KKday!

Super Potato

Another homage to the Golden Age of Gaming is Super Potato, also in Akhibara. Going to this place is a nostalgia trip in itself; you’ll find it tucked away in an unassuming back street away from the flashy stores and bustling shoppers. Here you’ll find old (and rare) favourites such as Super Mario and 007 Golden Eye, and if you head to the top floor, you get to sit on a throne made of NES and Sega game cartridges. Another thing that draws gamers of all ages, and travellers from all over to Super Potato is its specialty store of rare and quirky gaming merchandise

Address: 3F-5F Kitabayashi Building, 1-11-2, Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Tokyo Train Station: Akihabara

Tokyo Leisure Land

For the less serious gamers looking for a fun but more ‘leisurely’ time, head to Tokyo Leisure Land—another arcade along Akihabara. It provides the same, classic Japanese arcade experience with less crowds and greets visitors with a colorful rainbow at the entrance. Another unique thing about Tokyo Leisure Land is that it has an entire floor dedicated to just music games. Head here for a fun and easy time, but be sure not to confuse it with Tokyo Leisureland—an amusement park on Odaiba Island (but that place is pretty awesome as well!)

Address: 9-5 Sotokanda, Chiyoda, Tokyo 101-0021
Tokyo Train Station: Akihabara

Taito Station

UFO machines, Gachapon, and shooting games…what else comes to mind when you think about arcades? Photo booths! And few things make for better travel souvenirs than actual, developed photos. At Taito Station, you can have as much fun with the photo sticker booths as you want: decorate the photos, change your hair color, or try on some wacky effects to make you look like a Japanese cartoon character. And because it’s Japan, you’ve also got the fun option of cosplaying for these booth prints!

Address: 1-10-5 Soto-Kanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Tokyo Train Station: Akihabara

Be sure to rekindle your inner child with KKday’s other Japan tours:
>> Get your Tokyo Disneyland Tickets with us!

>> Come and explore Tokyo Legoland and book your ticket with us!

>> Book your Tokyo One Piece Tower Tickets over here!

A Trip to Universal Studios Japan: Halloween Horror Night

Get ready for Universal Studios Japan’s scariest and most exciting event yet: Universal Surprise Halloween. Read up on KKday’s ultimate guide to this wild event. From thrilling daytime attractions to hair-raising night attractions, be sure to catch this scare-fest from September 8 to November 5, 2017!

All events will be at Universal Studios Japan. For detailed updates on the park’s operating hours and show schedules, go here to check their schedule ahead of time.

Daytime Events

Festa・de・Parade

Dates: September 8 (Friday) to November 5 (Sunday)
Show Time: 2:30pm, but may be subject to change. Please check the show schedule in advance.

The Festa de Parade brings you all your favorite characters to life. Catch the Minions, Snoopy and the Sesame Street Family along with a wide array of performers in glamorous costumes on magnificent floats. Come early and stay in the Front Area, and get the chance be part of the parade as you dance along with the entertainers! Let loose and get a little crazy with all your cartoon favorites!

Notes:

Water and bubbles will be used during the parade, so pathways may become wet and slippery.

Happy Trick or Treat

Dates: September 8 (Friday) to November 5 (Sunday)
Time: 10:00am to 5:00pm

Age: For children of elementary school age, or younger

This season, the magic words are “Trick or Treat!” The Happy Trick or Treat event is a big candy festival kids are sure to enjoy. It starts off with a colorful parade where you can see the Minions, Hello Kitty, and the Sesame Street gang on sing and dance, before bringing out a huge mountain of candy.

Then, with their pumpkin-shaped backpacks, kids can roam around the park and looking for crew members with their own pumpkin bags and ask for special treats. Just say “Trick or Treat!” and the USJ staff members will fill your pumpkins with all sorts of delicious sweets!

Notes

Each child can join Happy Trick or Treat once per day, and needs to register before joining the event. The Front Desk will close once maximum capacity is reached.
After registration, each child will be given their own pumpkin-shaped bag

Event	Time	Content
Halloween Parade	14:30	See your favorite characters in colorful costumes and fun floats
Candy Festival	10:00 – 13:00	Grab candy from the parade floats
Trick or Treat in the whole park	10:0017:00	Kids can collect candy from the crew with their pumpkin-shaped backpacks!

Halloween Horror Night

Halloween Horror Night is USJ’s highlight event. This year, the Halloween Horror Night is split into different levels (Level 1 to 10) with their own rules, tricks, and scary surprises! For more details, you can check out their official website.

Ready to face all the park terrors and don’t want to waste time in line? Purchase the Universal Studios Japan: Halloween Express Pass. This is an add-on pass to your regular USJ ticket that gives you fast track access to ALL of the Halloween Horror Night’s events and attractions. Be sure to catch this year’s highlights!

Purchase your Universal Studios Japan Entry Ticket and Halloween Express Pass from KKday!

Deadman’s Forest: Escape from the Forest of Death

DeadMenForest1(Credit to USJ) — (Credits: Universal Studios Japan)

DeadMenForest2(Credit to USJ) — (Credits: Universal Studios Japan)

Make your way through this thrilling, outdoor forest maze where booby traps lurk on every corner, while outrunning a horde of angry zombies. Complete the tasks or risk forever becoming part of Deadman’s Forest.

Outdoor | Horror Level 4

Time: 10:00am to Closing Time
Age Limit: 12 years old and above
Notes: Advisable to bring rain gear

Cult of Chucky: Chucky’s Hospital Ward of Madness

CultOfChucky2 (Credit to USJ) — (Credits: Universal Studios Japan)

There’s no time for child’s play at the Ward of Madness. You won’t be feeling any better after this trip to the doctor. Chucky is back with a vengance, ready to slice his patients wide open!

Indoor | Horror Level 5

Time: 12:00pm to Closing Time
Age Limit: 12 years old and above

A Nightmare on Elm Street: The Maze 3

There’s no escaping the ruthless Freddy Krueger as he hunts for his next victim in their dreams. The only way to get out of this living nightmare is to rescue the sleeping girl, but watch your back—Freddy Krueger is known to slaughtering his victims from behind.

Indoor | Horror Level 5

Time: 12:00pm to Closing Time
Age Limit: 12 years old and above

The Exorcist: The Devil’s Manor

As a young girl is transformed by a demonic possession, the entire mansion begins to permeate a menacing atmosphere. Enter a world the whole new world of terror filled with shocking sights that will chill you to the bones. It’s up to you to save the girl from the Devil’s grip. But the question lies: is your soul strong enough to escape possession yourself?

Indoor | Horror Level 5

Time: 12:00pm to Closing Time
Age Limit: 12 years old and above

Trauma 3: Endless Despair

Trauma 3- Endless Despair(Credit to USJ) — (Credits: Universal Studios Japan)

Do you think you’re brave enough to endure USJ’s scariest attraction to date? At Horror Level 10, Trauma 3: Endless Despair is not for the faint of heart. Step into a ghastly maze that never the attraction. Only visitors with a signed consent form will be admitted to the attraction.

seems to end. With every twist and turn, you’ll encounter twisted human experiments, strange creatures hell-bent on keeping you trapped inside.

Indoor | Horror Level 10

Horror Level: 10
Time: 12:00pm to Closing Time
Age Limit: 15 years old and above

Note:

Visitors interested in Trauma 3: Endless Despair must submit a signed agreement consenting to the content of

Street Zombies and Zombie Mob Show

STREET_ZOMBIE_1(Credit to USJ) — (Credits: Universal Studios Japan)

Get ready for the scariest outbreak ever as hordes of all kinds of undead flock to the streets of Universal Studios Japan for a night of terror! But once the music starts to play, these zombies drop everything and start to dance. If you really want to join in on the fun, purchase a skull-shaped necklace from the shop; the zombies will approach you and make you one of them. Come and celebrate Halloween together!

Outdoor | Horror Level 1-2

Time: 12:00pm to Closing Time
Age Limit: Children below 12 years old must be accompanied by an adult

Event	Time	Horror Level	Notice
Deadman’s Forest Escape from the Forest of Death	Maze From 10:00 am~	4	Extra Tickets Not Require EXPRESS 3/4/5
Cult of Chucky Chucky’s Hospital	Maze From 12:00 pm~	5	Extra Tickets Not Require EXPRESS 3/4/5
A Nightmare on Elm Stree, The Maze 3	Maze From 12:00 pm~	5	Require Numbered Ticket EXPRESS 4/5
The Exorcist The Devil’s Manor	Maze From 12:00 pm~	5	Require Numbered Ticket EXPRESS 4/5
Trauma 3	Maze From 12:00 pm~	10	Require Exclusive Ticket (paid) If you have EXPRESS 5, you don’t need Exclusive Ticket.
Street Zombies and Zombie Mob	Show From 6:00 pm~	1~2	Extra Tickets Not Require

KKday Recommends: What to Eat at USJ

Snacks: USJ Sweet Buns

Sweet steamed buns are always a treat, but their made even more fun at Universal Studios Japan! Bite into this park favorite and try the yellow, curry-flavored Minion buns, red, tomato-flavored Hello Kitty Buns, and other fun variations!

Found at: Halloween Happiness Market
Price: 690 ¥/ per bun

Lunch: The Halloween Special

Refill after all those thrilling rides at the Studio Stars Restaurant. This season, be sure to try the Halloween Special: a big, fat, juicy burger paired with sunny side-up eggs and a secret restaurant sauce. Top the meal with an adorable, Minion-style dessert!

Found at: Studio Star Restaurant, Hollywood District
Price: 2190 ¥/ per meal

Dinner: Roasted Pork Ribs Platter and Butterbeer

Cozy up with a hearty dinner of tender and juicy roasted barbeque ribs, grilled chicken wings, and delicious pumpkin pie. And don’t miss out on the famous Butterbeer drink! Sip on this sweet drink as you admire the magnificent Hogwarts castle and its dazzling reflection in the lake below. Don’t pass up on this great photo opportunity!

Found at: Three Broomsticks, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
Price:1950 ¥/ per set

Halloween Exclusive Merchandise

Limited Edition Minion Popcorn Buckets

One of our favorite theme park snacks is popcorn and this year, you get to collect these limited edition Minion Popcorn Buckets! Bring your friends and family and get one each to complete the collection, and be sure to try out the special banana flavored popcorn!

Found at: Minion Park
Price: 2980 ¥/ per

Halloween Exclusives

Celebrate this family-friendly festival with souvenirs to remember this great trip and head to USJ’s Halloween Specialty Store! With all sorts of Halloween-themed merchandise like costumes, ghost dolls, scary toys, and sweet treats, there’s something for everyone!

Minion Park

Ba-ba-ba…BANANA! Step into Minion Madness and see all sorts of quirky parlor games where you can win prizes, small Minion decorations, giant Minions standing by doorways, and every kind of Minion-themed souvenir imaginable. Be sure to ride Minion Mayhem, a crazy thrill ride designed after Gru’s house that will take you into Minion World! And if you get hungry? Try the park’s signature Minion Taro cookies!

How much:600 ¥/ per cookie

Expecto Patronum Night Show

Dates: April 21 ~ November 5 (Sun)

Relive the magic as you wander through the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and catch the Expecto Patronum Night Show. Immerse yourself as this outdoor light show recreates the classic Dementor scene from the Harry Potter movies with beautiful music, high-tech stage effects, and incredible performances. After the show, take a pleasant stroll across the magical grounds and admire the stunning view of Hogwarts castle.

What to Do in Busan This October?

This October, hop on a train to Busan and take part in some of Korea’s most anticipated festivals! We’ve got fireworks, films, and a lot of K-Pop stars, so read on as KKday tells you what’s up with Busan this month.

Busan International Fireworks Festival

Date: October 28, 2017
Place: Gwangalli Beach, Gwangan Bridge 219, Hwanganhaebyeon-ro, Suyeong-gu, Busan

It all started in 2005, with an international audience of 21 countries. The extravagant fireworks show at the 2005 APEC Busan Summit left such a deep impression among the onlookers and the delegates, the city decided to make the fireworks an annual affair.

Busan, Korea: 2010 Busan International Fireworks Festival (Flickr/Mohd Khamil)

This year, get ready for a jaw-dropping pyrotechnic show. See the grand display of light and sound put other fireworks show to shame. You can watch the show up close and personal at the Gwangalli Beach, and in between the show you can grab some of Busan’s drool-inducing street food. Or if you want a more quiet, romantic experience with your special someone, trek up to Mt. Hwangnyengsan, where the air is cool and the sights are incredible.

Busan International Film Festival

Date: October 12 – 21, 2017
Place: Centum City, U-dong, Haeun Daegu, Busan-si

Since it started in 1996, the Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) has become one of the most prestigious festivals in the world. The festival is particularly known for showcasing fresh talent, especially first-time directors across Asia.

Busan, Korea: Busan International Film Festival — Busan, Korea: 2009 BIFF Panel Talk between Kim Ji-Woon and Bryan Singer

This year, the festival will screen a total of 298 films from 75 countries. All attendees get to enjoy the film in swanky Busan Cinema Center, an impressive 30,000 square meter complex with a 4,000 seat outdoor theater.

Busan, Korea: Busan Cinema Center (Flickr/Cecil Lee)

Another festival attraction? The A-grade guestlist! Each year, Korea’s hottest celebrities grace the festival’s red carpet. Actors such as Sung Ji Hyo (Running Man), Lee Min Ho (Train to Busan) and Song Joong-Ki (Descendants of the Sun) make regular appearances, as well as K-Pop groups like Big Bang and EXO.

You can find out more about the films and directors from the BIFF’s official website, here.

Busan One Asia Festival

Date: October 22 to October 31, 2017
Place: Various events will take place across Busan.

If you’re a fan of Korean dramas, K-Pop music, Korean skincare…basically all things Korean, then don’t miss out on the Busan One Asia Festival! This incredible event is a grand gathering of some of Korea’s hottest celebrities and idols for a week of performances, interactive talks and booths, and stalls of your favorite Korean dishes and merchandise!

Busan, Korea: Busan One Asia Festival — Busan, Korea: K-Pop Girl Group ‘Red Velvet’ will perform during the festival’s closing ceremony (image via Wikimedia)

Don’t miss out on the festival’s Closing Ceremony which will feature performances from Red Velvet, Ailee, g.o.d’s Kim Tae Woo, and Baek Ji Young. For more information, check out the festival’s official website.

Keep following KKday for more features and exciting tours. If you’re not exactly a festival person, or won’t be in Busan this month, you can also check out our Busan Night Bus Tour, our Autumn Tour to Mt. Naejangsan, and a Tour to Dongpirang Village and the Tongyeong Jungang Market.

For more Korea tours, read about the Make the Most of Your Trip to Korea: 6 Winter Adventures, the 5 Things to do in Jeju, and The 8 Best Places to Chase the Cherry Blossoms!

This article has been edited and revised for October, 2017.