{"id":2829,"date":"2026-10-29T02:49:17","date_gmt":"2026-10-29T02:49:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/?p=2829"},"modified":"2026-10-31T15:27:19","modified_gmt":"2026-10-31T15:27:19","slug":"harry-potter-shinkansen-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/harry-potter-shinkansen-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"Harry Potter Shinkansen 2026: Which Trains, Routes and the Stamp Rally"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"answer-box wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Short answer:<\/strong> The Harry Potter Shinkansen 2026 is one E7 bullet train wrapped in Fantastic Beasts creatures, running from 13 November 2026 to around November 2027 as ordinary Joetsu and Hokuriku Shinkansen services, at no extra cost. You can&#8217;t book it because JR East publishes no timetable, but the Magical Winter stamp rally (13 November\u201313 December 2026) at six stations and the Studio Tour is easy to plan.<\/p>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Harry Potter Shinkansen 2026 is a single E7 series bullet train wrapped in magical creatures from the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts films, and it starts running on <strong>Friday 13 November 2026<\/strong> (Confirmed, scheduled start). It runs as ordinary <strong>Toki and Tanigawa<\/strong> trains on the Joetsu Shinkansen (Tokyo\u2013Niigata) and <strong>Kagayaki, Hakutaka, Tsurugi and Asama<\/strong> trains on the Hokuriku Shinkansen (Tokyo\u2013Tsuruga) until <strong>around November 2027<\/strong> (Expected \u2014 JR East calls the end date &#8220;planned&#8221;).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The catch: JR East won&#8217;t publish a daily timetable for it, so you can&#8217;t book a seat on the wrapped train. You can, though, ride the lines it works, and pick up two stamps for the <strong>Magical Winter stamp rally<\/strong> (13 November\u201313 December 2026) at Nagano or Niigata stations along the way. It&#8217;s the second phase of a tie-up between JR East, Seibu Railway and Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo, announced on 27 October 2026. Below: the routes, how to spot the train, every rally prize, and how to ride it on purpose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"last-checked wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Last checked: 1 November 2026<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"jpj jpj-block jpj-facts\"><div class=\"wrap\"><div class=\"facts\"><div class=\"fact\"><p class=\"value\">13 Nov 2026<\/p><p class=\"label\">Wrapped E7 Shinkansen starts running<\/p><\/div><div class=\"fact\"><p class=\"value\">7 stamps<\/p><p class=\"label\">Stamp rally, 13 Nov\u201313 Dec<\/p><\/div><div class=\"fact\"><p class=\"value\">\u00a50<\/p><p class=\"label\">Extra cost to ride it<\/p><\/div><div class=\"fact\"><p class=\"value\">~Nov 2027<\/p><p class=\"label\">Expected end of the wrap<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Key takeaways<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>The train (Confirmed):<\/strong> the Harry Potter Shinkansen 2026 is one E7 series set, 12 cars, featuring Hedwig, Dobby, the Niffler and Pickett, among others.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Dates:<\/strong> from Friday 13 November 2026 (Confirmed) to around November 2027 (Expected; JR East says &#8220;planned&#8221;).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>No timetable:<\/strong> JR East says it won&#8217;t give out daily running information. Any Toki, Tanigawa, Kagayaki, Hakutaka, Tsurugi or Asama could be it, or none of them.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>No extra cost:<\/strong> the Harry Potter Shinkansen 2026 is a normal service. Normal tickets, normal passes, normal seat reservations.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Stamp rally (Confirmed):<\/strong> 13 November\u201313 December 2026, 7 digital stamps at 6 stations plus the Studio Tour. Four prize tiers, from a free wallpaper to 300 rubber keychains.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>You don&#8217;t need a Studio Tour ticket<\/strong> to collect the Studio Tour stamp. You do need one for the top prize.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is the Harry Potter Shinkansen 2026?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1065\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/harry-potter-shinkansen-tokyo-station-jr-east-tracks.jpg\" alt=\"Harry Potter Shinkansen 2026 home turf: JR East Shinkansen tracks at Tokyo Station\" class=\"wp-image-4481\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/harry-potter-shinkansen-tokyo-station-jr-east-tracks.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/harry-potter-shinkansen-tokyo-station-jr-east-tracks-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/harry-potter-shinkansen-tokyo-station-jr-east-tracks-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/harry-potter-shinkansen-tokyo-station-jr-east-tracks-768x511.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/harry-potter-shinkansen-tokyo-station-jr-east-tracks-1536x1022.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/harry-potter-shinkansen-tokyo-station-jr-east-tracks-18x12.jpg 18w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">JR East&#8217;s Shinkansen tracks at Tokyo Station, where the wrapped E7 starts and ends its runs alongside the green E5s. Photo: MB Productions \/ Pexels<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Harry Potter Shinkansen 2026 is a promotional wrap on an existing train, not a special service. JR East, Seibu Railway and Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo \u2013 The Making of Harry Potter announced it in a <a href=\"https:\/\/prtimes.jp\/main\/html\/rd\/p\/000000117.000089380.html\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" target=\"_blank\">joint press release on PR TIMES<\/a> on 27 October 2026. The full design is on the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jreast.co.jp\/wbtourtokyo-2026cp\/\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" target=\"_blank\">JR East campaign page<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is phase two. Phase one, announced by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jreast.co.jp\/press\/2026\/20260721_ho01.pdf\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" target=\"_blank\">JR East in July 2026<\/a>, was a &#8220;Dark Arts&#8221; stamp rally in August and September with station decorations at Ueno and Seibu Ikebukuro, but no wrapped train. So the Fantastic Beasts Shinkansen is the new bit, and it sticks around much longer than the rally does.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Not the old one.<\/strong> If you&#8217;ve seen pages about a &#8220;Harry Potter Shinkansen&#8221; from 2015, that was a JR West N700 wrapped to promote The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Japan, running between Shin-Osaka and Kagoshima-Chuo on the Sanyo and Kyushu Shinkansen. It finished in early 2016 and has nothing to do with this train.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Which trains and routes does the Harry Potter Shinkansen run on?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1109\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/shinkansen-tokyo-station-platform.jpg\" alt=\"Harry Potter Shinkansen routes: Joetsu Shinkansen trains at Tokyo Station\" class=\"wp-image-4054\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/shinkansen-tokyo-station-platform.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/shinkansen-tokyo-station-platform-300x208.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/shinkansen-tokyo-station-platform-1024x710.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/shinkansen-tokyo-station-platform-768x532.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/shinkansen-tokyo-station-platform-1536x1065.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/shinkansen-tokyo-station-platform-18x12.jpg 18w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Joetsu line trains wait at Tokyo Station: any Toki or Tanigawa here could be the wrapped set. Photo: Justin Brinkhoff \/ Pexels<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">All details below are from the official release. JR East adds that the plan may change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th>Line<\/th><th>Route<\/th><th>Services it may run as<\/th><th>Status<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Joetsu Shinkansen<\/td><td>Tokyo \u2013 Ueno \u2013 Omiya \u2013 Echigo-Yuzawa \u2013 Niigata<\/td><td><strong>Toki<\/strong> (Tokyo\u2013Niigata), <strong>Tanigawa<\/strong> (Tokyo\u2013Takasaki \/ Echigo-Yuzawa, plus GALA Yuzawa in ski season)<\/td><td>Confirmed services; daily diagram not published<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Hokuriku Shinkansen<\/td><td>Tokyo \u2013 Ueno \u2013 Omiya \u2013 Karuizawa \u2013 Nagano \u2013 Toyama \u2013 Kanazawa \u2013 Tsuruga<\/td><td><strong>Kagayaki<\/strong>, <strong>Hakutaka<\/strong> (Tokyo\u2013Kanazawa\/Tsuruga), <strong>Asama<\/strong> (Tokyo\u2013Nagano), <strong>Tsurugi<\/strong> (Toyama\/Kanazawa\u2013Tsuruga shuttle)<\/td><td>Confirmed services; daily diagram not published<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Trainset<\/td><td>E7 series, 1 set, 12 cars<\/td><td>\u2013<\/td><td>Confirmed<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Running period<\/td><td>13 Nov 2026 \u2013 around Nov 2027<\/td><td>\u2013<\/td><td>Start Confirmed (scheduled); end Expected<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Two things worth knowing about the Harry Potter Shinkansen 2026. First, Tsurugi only runs between Toyama, Kanazawa and Tsuruga, so the wrap can turn up on the far side of the country from Tokyo. Second, the Tokyo-end stops (Tokyo, Ueno, Omiya) are shared by every Tokyo-bound service on both lines. That&#8217;s where your odds are best.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Can you book the Harry Potter Shinkansen 2026? How to spot it<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/e7-shinkansen-tokyo-station-platform.jpg\" alt=\"Harry Potter Shinkansen 2026 spotting: E7 series Shinkansen at a Tokyo Station platform, where Joetsu and Hokuriku trains depart\" class=\"wp-image-2823\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/e7-shinkansen-tokyo-station-platform.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/e7-shinkansen-tokyo-station-platform-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/e7-shinkansen-tokyo-station-platform-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/e7-shinkansen-tokyo-station-platform-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/e7-shinkansen-tokyo-station-platform-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/e7-shinkansen-tokyo-station-platform-18x12.jpg 18w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo: \u96d1\u7528\u90e8 \/ Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">No. JR East says plainly that it can&#8217;t share daily operating information. There&#8217;s no train number to reserve and no seat map to pick from. Anyone selling you a &#8220;guaranteed Harry Potter Shinkansen seat&#8221; is guessing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">What actually works:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Stand on the Tokyo-end platforms.<\/strong> At Tokyo Station, Joetsu and Hokuriku trains leave from JR East&#8217;s Shinkansen platforms 20\u201323. Ueno and Omiya see every train too. A platform ticket lets you watch without travelling.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Look for the right wrap.<\/strong> Another E7 is also in special livery: the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jreast.co.jp\/press\/2026\/20260903_ho03.pdf\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" target=\"_blank\">GREEN\u00d7EXPO 2027 mascot wrap<\/a>, running on the same two lines until around mid-September 2027. The Harry Potter one has the creatures. Don&#8217;t celebrate the wrong train.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Check fan sightings on the day.<\/strong> Japanese rail fans post sightings on social media fast. Search the Japanese name, \u30cf\u30ea\u30fc\u30fb\u30dd\u30c3\u30bf\u30fc \u65b0\u5e79\u7dda. Treat it as a tip, not a timetable.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Ride whatever turns up.<\/strong> If you&#8217;re on a day trip to Nagano or Niigata anyway, you&#8217;ve got a chance every time you board. Cost of trying: nothing.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Our honest take:<\/strong> don&#8217;t build a trip around riding the Harry Potter Shinkansen 2026. Build a trip on the line it works, and enjoy it if it rolls in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Magical Winter stamp rally (13 November \u2013 13 December 2026)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/seibu-toshimaen-station-platform-stamp-rally.jpg\" alt=\"Platforms 1 and 2 at the renovated Seibu Toshimaen Station, a Magical Winter stamp rally stop near Studio Tour Tokyo\" class=\"wp-image-2824\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/seibu-toshimaen-station-platform-stamp-rally.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/seibu-toshimaen-station-platform-stamp-rally-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/seibu-toshimaen-station-platform-stamp-rally-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/seibu-toshimaen-station-platform-stamp-rally-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/seibu-toshimaen-station-platform-stamp-rally-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/seibu-toshimaen-station-platform-stamp-rally-18x12.jpg 18w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo: MaedaAkihiko \/ Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Unlike the Harry Potter Shinkansen 2026 itself, this is the bit you <em>can<\/em> plan. Scan the QR code on a campaign poster at each spot to collect a digital stamp, one magical creature per location. You&#8217;ll need a phone with data. The release doesn&#8217;t name an app.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Stamp locations (Confirmed):<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th>Area<\/th><th>Location<\/th><th>What you need<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>JR, Tokyo area<\/td><td>JR Ueno Station<\/td><td>Poster QR code<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>JR, Tokyo area<\/td><td>JR Ikebukuro Station<\/td><td>Poster QR code<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Seibu<\/td><td>Seibu Ikebukuro Station<\/td><td>Poster QR code<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Seibu<\/td><td>Seibu Toshimaen Station<\/td><td>Poster QR code<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Shinkansen<\/td><td>JR Niigata Station<\/td><td>Poster QR code<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Shinkansen<\/td><td>JR Nagano Station<\/td><td>Poster QR code<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Studio Tour<\/td><td>Studio Tour Tokyo ticket counter<\/td><td>No Studio Tour ticket needed; only during Studio Tour opening hours, which vary by day<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Exact poster positions (inside or outside the gates) aren&#8217;t published yet. Check the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jreast.co.jp\/wbtourtokyo-2026cp\/\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" target=\"_blank\">campaign page<\/a> before you go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Stamp rally prizes<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"2400\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/ikebukuro-street-signs.jpg\" alt=\"Harry Potter stamp rally Ikebukuro: street of shop signs near JR and Seibu Ikebukuro stations\" class=\"wp-image-4199\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/ikebukuro-street-signs.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/ikebukuro-street-signs-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/ikebukuro-street-signs-683x1024.jpg 683w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/ikebukuro-street-signs-768x1152.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/ikebukuro-street-signs-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/ikebukuro-street-signs-1365x2048.jpg 1365w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/ikebukuro-street-signs-8x12.jpg 8w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">JR Ikebukuro and Seibu Ikebukuro sit side by side, so two rally stamps take minutes. Photo: Boris Radisic \/ Pexels<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th>Prize<\/th><th>Stamps you need<\/th><th>What you get<\/th><th>How many<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>1. JR + Seibu<\/td><td>Ueno <strong>or<\/strong> JR Ikebukuro, plus 1 Seibu station (2 stamps)<\/td><td>Original digital wallpaper<\/td><td>Everyone (Confirmed)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>2. JR + Seibu + Studio Tour<\/td><td>Prize 1 stamps plus the Studio Tour stamp (3 stamps)<\/td><td>Magical creature hologram sticker<\/td><td>First 1,500, while stocks last<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>3. Shinkansen + 1 Tokyo station + Studio Tour<\/td><td>Niigata <strong>or<\/strong> Nagano, plus 1 JR Tokyo or Seibu station, plus Studio Tour (3 stamps)<\/td><td>Lottery. Choose A: Studio Tour pair tickets (10 pairs, 20 people) or B: Hedwig set + magical creature identifier charm (140 people)<\/td><td>160 people in total<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>4. Shinkansen + all Tokyo stations + Studio Tour visit<\/td><td>Niigata or Nagano, plus all 4 Tokyo-area stations, plus Studio Tour (6 stamps) <strong>and<\/strong> a purchased Studio Tour admission ticket<\/td><td>Magical creature rubber keychain<\/td><td>First 300, while stocks last<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Still TBA: the entry deadline for the lottery and the exact way prizes are handed out. The Studio Tour&#8217;s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wbstudiotour.jp\/magical-winter\/\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Magical Winter page<\/a> says the limited reward is received at the Studio Tour. Prizes 2 and 4 end as soon as stock runs out, so weekday visits early in the window are your friend.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Easiest win:<\/strong> JR Ikebukuro sits right next to Seibu Ikebukuro, and Seibu Toshimaen and the Studio Tour are one short Seibu ride away. That&#8217;s Prize 1 and Prize 2 in one afternoon, without buying anything beyond the \u00a5210 Seibu fare each way (see our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/harry-potter-studio-tour-tokyo\/\">Studio Tour guide<\/a> for access details).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Ride it on purpose: Harry Potter Shinkansen day trips from Tokyo<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You can&#8217;t book the Harry Potter Shinkansen 2026, but you can put yourself on its lines and grab a Shinkansen stamp. Fares below are one-way adult, reserved seat, regular season, after JR East&#8217;s 14 March 2026 fare revision.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Nagano (Day trip)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1440\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/zenkoji-temple-main-hall-nagano.jpg\" alt=\"Main hall of Zenkoji temple in Nagano under a blue sky, a short bus ride from JR Nagano Station\" class=\"wp-image-2825\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/zenkoji-temple-main-hall-nagano.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/zenkoji-temple-main-hall-nagano-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/zenkoji-temple-main-hall-nagano-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/zenkoji-temple-main-hall-nagano-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/zenkoji-temple-main-hall-nagano-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/zenkoji-temple-main-hall-nagano-16x12.jpg 16w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo: RachelH_ \/ Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Lowdown: The best-value Shinkansen stamp. Kagayaki gets you there in about 1 hour 20 minutes, and Hakutaka and Asama also run the route, so that&#8217;s three of the wrap&#8217;s six service names on one trip. Zenkoji temple is a short bus ride from the station.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Where: JR Nagano Station (stamp), then Zenkoji temple.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Vibe: Old pilgrim town, soba shops, and a pitch-black tunnel under the main hall you feel your way through.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Price: about \u00a58,450 reserved (fare sites, regular season). Zenkoji inner sanctuary \u00a5800, combined ticket \u00a51,500.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Official Link: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.zenkoji.jp\/meguru\/sanpai\/\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Zenkoji<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\ud83d\udca1 Japan Pro Tip: Zenkoji&#8217;s inner sanctuary closes at 16:15 in November and 16:00 from December. Do the temple first, the station stamp last.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Niigata (Day trip)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1067\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/bandai-bridge-niigata-city-shinano-river.jpg\" alt=\"Bandai Bridge over the Shinano River in central Niigata city on a clear autumn day\" class=\"wp-image-2826\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/bandai-bridge-niigata-city-shinano-river.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/bandai-bridge-niigata-city-shinano-river-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/bandai-bridge-niigata-city-shinano-river-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/bandai-bridge-niigata-city-shinano-river-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/bandai-bridge-niigata-city-shinano-river-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/bandai-bridge-niigata-city-shinano-river-18x12.jpg 18w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo: \u304f\u308d\u3075\u306d (Kurofune) \/ Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Lowdown: The Toki terminus and the other Shinkansen stamp. It&#8217;s about 2 hours from Tokyo. Every Tokyo\u2013Niigata train is a Toki, so every trip is a live chance at the wrap.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Where: JR Niigata Station (stamp). Ponshukan sake tasting is by the south exit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Vibe: Rice, sake and seafood. Less touristy, more locals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Price: \u00a510,780 reserved with JR East&#8217;s Shinkansen e-ticket (Confirmed, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jreast.co.jp\/2026unchin-kaitei\/assets\/pdf\/pamphlet2.pdf\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" target=\"_blank\">JR East fare leaflet<\/a>); \u00a510,980 standard reserved. JNTO lists Ponshukan at \u00a5500 for five tasting coins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Official Link: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.japan.travel\/en\/spot\/280\/\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Ponshukan on JNTO&#8217;s Japan Travel<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\ud83d\udca1 Japan Pro Tip: Ponshukan has a branch inside Echigo-Yuzawa Station too. Doing a ski day instead? You can taste there on the way home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Kanazawa (Overnight)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/kenrokuen-kotoji-lantern-kanazawa.jpg\" alt=\"Kotoji stone lantern beside Kasumigaike Pond in Kenrokuen garden, Kanazawa\" class=\"wp-image-2827\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/kenrokuen-kotoji-lantern-kanazawa.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/kenrokuen-kotoji-lantern-kanazawa-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/kenrokuen-kotoji-lantern-kanazawa-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/kenrokuen-kotoji-lantern-kanazawa-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/kenrokuen-kotoji-lantern-kanazawa-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/kenrokuen-kotoji-lantern-kanazawa-18x12.jpg 18w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo: Tak H. \/ Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Lowdown: Kagayaki and Hakutaka run all the way here, and Tsurugi shuttles beyond it, so the wrap has more reasons to be in Kanazawa than anywhere else on the Hokuriku line. At about 2 hours 30 minutes each way, it&#8217;s a long day trip. We&#8217;d stay a night.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Where: Kanazawa Station, then Kenrokuen, Higashi Chaya and Omicho Market.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Vibe: Gardens, gold leaf and snow crab season (from 6 November).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Price: about \u00a514,600 reserved (fare sites, regular season).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Official Link: <a href=\"https:\/\/visitkanazawa.jp\/\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Kanazawa tourism<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\ud83d\udca1 Japan Pro Tip: Stop at Nagano on the way out for the stamp, then carry on to Kanazawa. Our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/kanazawa-itinerary-3-days\/\">3-day Kanazawa itinerary<\/a> covers the rest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. Echigo-Yuzawa or Karuizawa (Pass-friendly day trip)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1900\" height=\"1500\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/e7-shinkansen-echigo-yuzawa-joetsu-line.jpg\" alt=\"E7 series Shinkansen on the Joetsu Shinkansen at Echigo-Yuzawa, with the mountains of Yuzawa behind\" class=\"wp-image-2828\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/e7-shinkansen-echigo-yuzawa-joetsu-line.jpg 1900w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/e7-shinkansen-echigo-yuzawa-joetsu-line-300x237.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/e7-shinkansen-echigo-yuzawa-joetsu-line-1024x808.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/e7-shinkansen-echigo-yuzawa-joetsu-line-768x606.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/e7-shinkansen-echigo-yuzawa-joetsu-line-1536x1213.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/e7-shinkansen-echigo-yuzawa-joetsu-line-15x12.jpg 15w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1900px) 100vw, 1900px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo: \u56fd\u7acb\u5bfa \/ Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Lowdown: The short hops. Tanigawa trains run Tokyo\u2013Echigo-Yuzawa in about 75 minutes (and to GALA Yuzawa in ski season), and Asama and Hakutaka trains stop at Karuizawa on the Hokuriku line. Both are inside the JR Tokyo Wide Pass area. No stamp here, though.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Where: Echigo-Yuzawa or GALA Yuzawa Station (Joetsu line); Karuizawa Station (Hokuriku line).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Vibe: Ski day in winter; outlet shopping and forest walks at Karuizawa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Price: covered by the 3-day \u00a516,000 JR Tokyo Wide Pass.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Official Link: <a href=\"https:\/\/gala.co.jp\/\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" target=\"_blank\">GALA Yuzawa<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\ud83d\udca1 Japan Pro Tip: GALA Yuzawa&#8217;s 2026\u201327 dates and lift prices are in our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/japan-ski-season-dates\/\">Japan ski season dates guide<\/a>. Its Shinkansen stop only works in ski season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Which JR pass covers the Harry Potter Shinkansen?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1067\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/jr-tokyo-wide-pass-e7-hokuriku-shinkansen.jpg\" alt=\"JR pass for the Harry Potter Shinkansen: E7 Hokuriku Shinkansen at Tokyo Station\" class=\"wp-image-3348\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/jr-tokyo-wide-pass-e7-hokuriku-shinkansen.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/jr-tokyo-wide-pass-e7-hokuriku-shinkansen-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/jr-tokyo-wide-pass-e7-hokuriku-shinkansen-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/jr-tokyo-wide-pass-e7-hokuriku-shinkansen-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/jr-tokyo-wide-pass-e7-hokuriku-shinkansen-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/jr-tokyo-wide-pass-e7-hokuriku-shinkansen-18x12.jpg 18w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">An E7 on the Hokuriku line at Tokyo Station: the JR Tokyo Wide Pass covers it as far as Sakudaira, the JR EAST PASS all the way to Nagano. Photo: Zain Abba \/ Pexels<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">All of these cover the wrapped train when it&#8217;s running as a normal service on the stretch the pass covers. There&#8217;s no surcharge for the wrap.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th>Pass<\/th><th>Price (adult)<\/th><th>Covers<\/th><th>Pays off if\u2026<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jreast.co.jp\/multi\/en\/pass\/tokyowidepass.html\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" target=\"_blank\">JR Tokyo Wide Pass<\/a><\/td><td>\u00a516,000, 3 consecutive days<\/td><td>Joetsu line to Echigo-Yuzawa \/ GALA Yuzawa; Hokuriku line as far as Sakudaira, via Karuizawa. Not Nagano or Niigata<\/td><td>You do 2+ day trips near Tokyo<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jreast.co.jp\/multi\/en\/pass\/eastpass.html\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" target=\"_blank\">JR EAST PASS<\/a><\/td><td>\u00a535,000 (5 days) \/ \u00a550,000 (10 days)<\/td><td>All JR East lines, including Nagano and Niigata<\/td><td>You do both Nagano and Niigata returns (about \u00a538,000+ in single tickets)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.westjr.co.jp\/global\/en\/ticket\/pass\/hokuriku-arch-pass\/\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Hokuriku Arch Pass<\/a><\/td><td>\u00a535,000, 7 consecutive days<\/td><td>Hokuriku Shinkansen Tokyo\u2013Tsuruga reserved seats, onward to Kansai<\/td><td>You go Tokyo \u2192 Kanazawa \u2192 Kyoto\/Osaka<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/japanrailpass.net\/en\/\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Japan Rail Pass<\/a><\/td><td>\u00a550,000, 7 days<\/td><td>Both lines in full, including Kagayaki<\/td><td>You&#8217;re doing long legs across Japan anyway<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A simple Tokyo\u2013Kanazawa return is about \u00a529,200, so the Arch Pass only wins if you carry on to Kansai. Our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/is-jr-pass-worth-it\/\">JR Pass worth-it guide<\/a> runs the full maths.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Harry Potter Shinkansen 2026 and Magical Winter at the Studio Tour<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1440\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/entrance-of-warner-bros-studio-tour-tokyo-the-maki.jpg\" alt=\"Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo entrance, where the Harry Potter Shinkansen stamp rally ends\" class=\"wp-image-3026\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/entrance-of-warner-bros-studio-tour-tokyo-the-maki.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/entrance-of-warner-bros-studio-tour-tokyo-the-maki-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/entrance-of-warner-bros-studio-tour-tokyo-the-maki-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/entrance-of-warner-bros-studio-tour-tokyo-the-maki-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/entrance-of-warner-bros-studio-tour-tokyo-the-maki-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/entrance-of-warner-bros-studio-tour-tokyo-the-maki-16x12.jpg 16w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The Studio Tour entrance at the old Toshimaen site, one short Seibu ride from Ikebukuro: the rally stamp is at the ticket counter. Photo: Asanagi \/ Wikimedia Commons, CC0<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The stamp rally and the train launch on the same day as Magical Winter at Studio Tour Tokyo, <strong>13 November 2026 \u2013 11 January 2027<\/strong> (Confirmed): Christmas Great Hall, snowy Hogwarts, and a snow-covered Forbidden Forest for the first time. Tickets, prices and the Christmas dinners are all in our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/harry-potter-studio-tour-tokyo\/\">Harry Potter Studio Tour Tokyo guide<\/a>. Tickets are pre-booked only on the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wbstudiotour.jp\/\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" target=\"_blank\">official site<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Japan&#8217;s busy enough that planning matters: JNTO counted <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jnto.go.jp\/news\/press\/20261021_monthly.html\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" target=\"_blank\">3,103,700 visitors in September 2026 alone<\/a>, with the year-to-date total past 30 million. Studio Tour weekend slots in December go early.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Harry Potter Shinkansen 2026 FAQ<\/h2>\n\n\n<div id=\"rank-math-faq\" class=\"rank-math-block\">\n<div class=\"rank-math-list \">\n<div id=\"faq-harry-potter-1\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">When does the Harry Potter Shinkansen start running?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Friday 13 November 2026, according to the joint release from JR East, Seibu and Warner Bros. Studio Japan. JR East calls the start &#8220;scheduled&#8221;, so it could still shift.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-harry-potter-2\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">How long will the Harry Potter Shinkansen run?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Until around November 2027. That end date is tentative (&#8220;planned&#8221;) and JR East says the operating plan may change. We&#8217;ll update this page if a final run date is announced.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-harry-potter-3\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">Can I choose to ride the Harry Potter wrapped train?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Not reliably. JR East won&#8217;t publish daily operating information, so there&#8217;s no train number to book. Ride the Joetsu or Hokuriku Shinkansen and hope, or watch from the platforms at Tokyo, Ueno or Omiya.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-harry-potter-4\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">Does it cost extra to ride the Harry Potter Shinkansen?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>No. It runs as an ordinary Toki, Tanigawa, Kagayaki, Hakutaka, Tsurugi or Asama. Normal tickets, seat reservations and rail passes all apply.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-harry-potter-5\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">Do I need a Studio Tour ticket for the stamp rally?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Not for the stamp. You can collect the Studio Tour stamp at the ticket counter without a ticket, during opening hours. You need a purchased admission ticket only for Prize 4, the rubber keychain for the first 300.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-harry-potter-6\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">Which stations are in the Harry Potter stamp rally?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>JR Ueno, JR Ikebukuro, Seibu Ikebukuro, Seibu Toshimaen, JR Niigata and JR Nagano, plus the Studio Tour Tokyo ticket counter. The rally runs from 13 November to 13 December 2026.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-harry-potter-7\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">Is the Harry Potter Shinkansen the same as the one to Universal Studios Japan?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>No. That was a JR West N700 wrapped in 2015 to promote Universal Studios Japan, running between Shin-Osaka and Kagoshima-Chuo, and it no longer runs. The 2026 train is a JR East E7 series on the Joetsu and Hokuriku lines.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Sources: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jreast.co.jp\/wbtourtokyo-2026cp\/\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" target=\"_blank\">JR East Magical Winter TRAIN campaign page<\/a>; <a href=\"https:\/\/prtimes.jp\/main\/html\/rd\/p\/000000117.000089380.html\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Warner Bros. Studio Japan \/ JR East \/ Seibu joint release, PR TIMES, 27 Oct 2026<\/a>; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wbstudiotour.jp\/magical-winter\/\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Studio Tour Tokyo Magical Winter<\/a>; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jreast.co.jp\/press\/2026\/20260721_ho01.pdf\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" target=\"_blank\">JR East phase-one release, 21 Jul 2026<\/a>; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jreast.co.jp\/press\/2026\/20260903_ho03.pdf\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" target=\"_blank\">JR East GREEN\u00d7EXPO wrap release<\/a>; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jreast.co.jp\/2026unchin-kaitei\/assets\/pdf\/pamphlet2.pdf\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" target=\"_blank\">JR East 2026 fare revision leaflet<\/a>; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jreast.co.jp\/multi\/en\/pass\/tokyowidepass.html\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" target=\"_blank\">JR TOKYO Wide Pass<\/a>; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jreast.co.jp\/multi\/en\/pass\/eastpass.html\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" target=\"_blank\">JR EAST PASS<\/a>; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.westjr.co.jp\/global\/en\/ticket\/pass\/hokuriku-arch-pass\/\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Hokuriku Arch Pass (JR West)<\/a>; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.zenkoji.jp\/meguru\/sanpai\/\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Zenkoji admission<\/a>; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jnto.go.jp\/news\/press\/20261021_monthly.html\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" target=\"_blank\">JNTO visitor arrivals, Sept 2026<\/a>. Nagano and Kanazawa fares are regular-season figures from Japanese fare sites; check Eki-net before you buy. Last checked: 1 November 2026.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"jpj jpj-block jpj-cta\">    <div class=\"wrap\">\n      <div class=\"cta\">\n        <div>\n          <h2>Plan it with Japan Pro<\/h2>\n          <p>Japan Pro&#039;s booking platform opens in November 2026: tours, experiences and restaurant reservations across Japan.<\/p>        <\/div>\n        <a class=\"btn btn-primary\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/\">Explore Japan Pro<\/a>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n<div class=\"jpj jpj-block \">    <section class=\"section\">\n      <div class=\"wrap\">\n        <div class=\"section-head\">\n          <div><h2>Read next<\/h2><\/div>\n                    <a class=\"more\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/\">All stories \u2192<\/a>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"rail\">\n                      <a class=\"rail-card\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/how-to-buy-concert-tickets-in-japan\/\">\n              <figure><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/concert-tickets-japan-1-768x576.jpg\" class=\"attachment-medium_large size-medium_large wp-post-image\" alt=\"How to buy concert tickets in Japan: a dome stadium used for big tours\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/concert-tickets-japan-1-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/concert-tickets-japan-1-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/concert-tickets-japan-1-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/concert-tickets-japan-1-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/concert-tickets-japan-1-16x12.jpg 16w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/concert-tickets-japan-1.jpg 1800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/figure>\n              <h3>How to Buy Concert Tickets in Japan: 2026\u201327 Tourist Guide<\/h3>\n              <p class=\"meta\">14 min read<\/p>\n            <\/a>\n                      <a class=\"rail-card\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/how-to-book-shinkansen-tickets\/\">\n              <figure><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/how-to-book-shinkansen-tickets-1-768x576.jpg\" class=\"attachment-medium_large size-medium_large wp-post-image\" alt=\"How to book shinkansen tickets: an E2 shinkansen waiting at the platform\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/how-to-book-shinkansen-tickets-1-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/how-to-book-shinkansen-tickets-1-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/how-to-book-shinkansen-tickets-1-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/how-to-book-shinkansen-tickets-1-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/how-to-book-shinkansen-tickets-1-16x12.jpg 16w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/how-to-book-shinkansen-tickets-1.jpg 1800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/figure>\n              <h3>How to Book Shinkansen Tickets 2026: Seats, Bags &#038; Boarding<\/h3>\n              <p class=\"meta\">14 min read<\/p>\n            <\/a>\n                      <a class=\"rail-card\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/detective-conan-exhibition-yokohama-2026\/\">\n              <figure><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"512\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/detective-conan-exhibition-yokohama-2026-1-768x512.jpg\" class=\"attachment-medium_large size-medium_large wp-post-image\" alt=\"Detective Conan exhibition Yokohama 2026 venue: Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse lit up at night\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/detective-conan-exhibition-yokohama-2026-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/detective-conan-exhibition-yokohama-2026-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/detective-conan-exhibition-yokohama-2026-1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/detective-conan-exhibition-yokohama-2026-1-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/detective-conan-exhibition-yokohama-2026-1-18x12.jpg 18w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/detective-conan-exhibition-yokohama-2026-1.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/figure>\n              <h3>Detective Conan Exhibition Yokohama 2026: Tickets &#038; Dates<\/h3>\n              <p class=\"meta\">9 min read<\/p>\n            <\/a>\n                      <a class=\"rail-card\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/things-to-do-in-nagoya\/\">\n              <figure><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"432\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/things-to-do-in-nagoya-castle-night-768x432.jpg\" class=\"attachment-medium_large size-medium_large wp-post-image\" alt=\"Things to do in Nagoya: Nagoya Castle lit up at night above the city lights\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/things-to-do-in-nagoya-castle-night-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/things-to-do-in-nagoya-castle-night-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/things-to-do-in-nagoya-castle-night-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/things-to-do-in-nagoya-castle-night-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/things-to-do-in-nagoya-castle-night-18x10.jpg 18w, https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/things-to-do-in-nagoya-castle-night.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/figure>\n              <h3>Things to Do in Nagoya 2026\u201327: Ghibli Park, Castle &#038; Food<\/h3>\n              <p class=\"meta\">16 min read<\/p>\n            <\/a>\n                  <\/div>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/section>\n    <\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>A Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts wrapped Shinkansen starts running on the Joetsu and Hokuriku lines on 13 November 2026. Which services it runs as, why you can&#8217;t book it, the 13 Nov\u201313 Dec stamp rally and the passes that cover a ride.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2822,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"jpj_city":"","jpj_station":"","jpj_label":"","jpj_top_pick":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[104,109],"tags":[360,494,163,10,150,292],"class_list":["post-2829","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-japan","category-transport","tag-events-tickets","tag-harry-potter","tag-shinkansen","tag-tokyo","tag-trains","tag-winter"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2829","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2829"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2829\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4493,"href":"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2829\/revisions\/4493"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2822"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2829"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2829"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thejapanpro.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2829"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}