I’ve got to tell you about the Harry Potter Studio Tokyo, officially the Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo: The Making of Harry Potter—it’s a must-visit for any Potter fan! Even if you’re not a superfan, it’s still really fun. For me, it beats Disneyland and Universal Studios. It’s in Nerima, and it’s not just a museum—it’s like stepping into the Harry Potter world. I spent 5 hours enjoying every moment! From getting tickets to finding the coolest parts inside, here’s what I learned from my trip!
Table Of Content
- What Is Harry Potter Studio Tokyo?
- How to Score Harry Potter Studio Tokyo Tickets
- How to Get to Harry Potter Studio Tokyo
- Harry Potter Studio Tokyo Tips: Plan Your Visit Like a Pro
- Harry Potter Studio Tokyo Itinerary: Make the Most of Your Visit
- Top Things to Do at Harry Potter Studio Tokyo
- Food and Drinks: A Culinary Journey
- Harry Potter Studio Shop: Souvenirs and Gifts
- Final Thoughts and Personal Tips
- FAQ
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Want more Tokyo fun? Pair this with my 5-Day Tokyo Itinerary or find a cozy stay in my Budget Hotels in Tokyo Guide!
What Is Harry Potter Studio Tokyo?
The Harry Potter Studio Tokyo, is Japan’s take on the famous London experience—think huge sets, movie props, and behind-the-scenes wizardry straight from the films. I’d been to Universal Studios Japan’s Wizarding World before, but this was way more immersive and detailed—a total step up! It opened in June 2023 at the old Toshimaen site in Nerima, about 30 minutes from central Tokyo. Walking through the Great Hall or sipping Butterbeer surrounded by film history felt unreal—I was hooked instantly!
How to Score Harry Potter Studio Tokyo Tickets
The studio’s popularity means tickets sell out quickly, especially for morning slots. I booked mine two months in advance through Trip.com, which made the process seamless.
- Official Site: Tickets start at ¥6,500 for adults (18+), ¥5,400 for teens (12-17), and ¥3,900 for kids (4-11) (From 1st April, 2025: ¥7,000 for adults (18+), ¥5,800 for teens (12-17), and ¥4,200 for kids (4-11)). I booked mine online a month ahead—slots vanish fast, especially on weekends!
- Save with Discounts: I nabbed mine via Trip.com and saved ¥700-1,000 per ticket compared to gate prices. Check for combo deals with transport—it’s a steal!
- When to Book: Plan ahead—2-3 months for busy seasons like summer, or 1 month for quieter times like February when I went. No walk-ins, so don’t chance it!
Ready to save? Grab discounted Harry Potter Studio Tokyo tickets on Trip.com now.
Pro Tip:
Arrive 20–30 minutes before your scheduled entry time to soak in the entrance atmosphere and ensure a smooth check-in. Don’t forget to take photos with the decorations outside. Please be reminded to check the latest information on the Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo: The Making of Harry Potter official website.
How to Get to Harry Potter Studio Tokyo
Reaching the Harry Potter Studio Tokyo was part of the adventure. From themed train carriages to decorated platforms, it felt like the magic started even before arriving at the studio.
- Take the Seibu Ikebukuro Line from Ikebukuro Station to Toshimaen Station. The journey takes around 15-20 minutes.
- Don’t miss the platform decor at Seibu Ikebukuro Station
- It’s a short 2-minute walk to the studio entrance from Toshimaen Station. Statues of magical creatures and Harry Potter motifs line the path, setting the stage for what’s to come.
- Alternate Routes: From Shinjuku, take the Oedo Line to Toshimaen Station (approximately 20 minutes).
Planning your trip in Tokyo? Find out more Tokyo Attractions here.
Pro Tip: Stop by the red phone booth at Toshimaen Station for a nostalgic photo opportunity. This booth mimics the magical one that leads to the Ministry of Magic.
Harry Potter Studio Tokyo Tips: Plan Your Visit Like a Pro
Planning your trip to Harry Potter Studio Tokyo can really change your day. It’s full of cool sights, fun stuff to do, and magic vibes all mixed together. I got there early in the morning, and honestly, it was the best choice—quiet time to take photos and enjoy every little thing. Have you ever felt the excitement of the Hogwarts Express scene from The Philosopher’s Stone? That’s what it’s like here, and it’s awesome!
Here are my top Harry Potter Studio Tokyo tips from my visit:
- Best Time to Visit: Hit a weekday morning slot—I did, and it dodge the crowds perfectly. Fewer people, better photo ops—pure win!
- Arrive Early: Show up 20-30 minutes before your entry time. I loved soaking in the entrance vibe and had extra time to stash my luggage at the counter.
- Suggested Duration: Plan for 4-5 hours—I stretched mine to 6 and still wanted more! It’s enough to snap pics, try interactive bits, eat at themed spots, and shop for souvenirs.
- Bring a Portable Charger: My phone died from all the photos—don’t let that happen to you. A charger’s a must!
- Wear Costumes: Wearing your Hogwarts uniform, house’s scarf and bringing your wand can amplify the immersive experience of the studio tour. I bought my Gryffindor scarf beforehand and felt like a true Hogwarts student. Purchase Harry Potter-themed robes and scarves before your visit to save money. If not, you can buy them at the Studio Tour Shop and wear them during your tour for extra fun in photos.
Harry Potter Studio Tokyo Itinerary: Make the Most of Your Visit
Want to max out your Harry Potter Studio Tokyo day? Here’s my personal Harry Potter Studio Tokyo itinerary from my visit—it’s how I squeezed in all the magic! I planned it to hit the best spots without rushing, and it worked like a charm. Follow this timeline to make your trip just as epic:
- 9:30 AM: Landed at Toshimaen Station via the Seibu Ikebukuro Line—I couldn’t resist snapping pics of the cute station decked out in Harry Potter vibes. It’s a fun warm-up!
- 10:15 AM: Reached the grand entrance—those magical decorations outside begged for photos, and I went all in!
- 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM: Kicked off the tour inside, diving into Hogwarts’ Great Hall, Dumbledore’s Office, and the spooky Forbidden Forest—two hours flew by with all the details to soak up.
- 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM: Took a breather at The Backlot Café—lunch was a must after that Hogwarts hype!
- 1:30 PM – 2:00 PM: Checked out outdoor gems like the Knight Bus and Hagrid’s Hut—perfect for quick pics in the sunshine.
- 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM: Explored the second half—Platform 9¾ and the Flying Broomstick Experience were highlights I couldn’t skip!
- 3:30 PM – 4:00 PM: Wrapped up at the Studio Tour Shop—snagged souvenirs like my ¥2,500 wand to cap off the day.
This schedule gave me 5-6 hours of pure Potter fun—plenty of time for the best things to do at Harry Potter Studio Tokyo! Pair it with my 5-Day Tokyo Itinerary for more adventure.
Top Things to Do at Harry Potter Studio Tokyo
Here’s what blew me away at the Harry Potter Studio Tokyo—I spent 6 hours and still didn’t see it all!
- The Entrance Hall: Walking into the Entrance Hall felt like entering a new world. The ceiling was adorned with a massive dragon sculpture that seemed ready to take flight, while Harry Potter posters and props lined the walls. A short film introduced the behind-the-scenes magic, instantly pulling me into the world of wizardry.
Image credit: Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo: The Making of Harry Potter Official Website
- Great Hall Magic: Stepping in felt like Hogwarts—floating candles, long tables, the works. I snapped tons of pics here!
Special Experience: If it’s your birthday month, you may get the honor of opening the Great Hall doors! Please tell the staff there!
- Gryffindor Dormitories: Just before entering the dormitory area, you will see the famous Hogwarts rotating staircase connecting the boys’ and girls’ dormitories. Here, you can strike a pose in front of the camera, and your video will magically appear on one of the moving picture frames on the wall, just like in the wizarding world! Even better, you can download the video to your phone to keep the memory forever.
Special Experience: You can become part of a moving portrait in a unique photo opportunity. Choose from five backdrops, pose, and watch yourself come to life in the frame! It’s free and can be done solo or with friends.
- Quidditch Experience: This part is a must-do! The Quidditch Experience was absolutely thrilling. Cheering for Gryffindor in the simulation brought back memories of the intense matches from the films. You’ll join the audience as a supporter of either Gryffindor or Slytherin during a Quidditch match. The staff will guide you through various expressions and actions, filming different shots along the way. After a few minutes, you’ll see yourself seamlessly edited into a short video of Harry’s Quidditch match, which you can download for free. It truly feels like you’re part of the Harry Potter movie!
- Dumbledore’s Office: one of my favorite spots! Tucked in Hogwarts’ highest tower, this headmaster’s hideout oozes charm with towering bookshelves, celestial gadgets, and a medieval vibe that screams wizarding world. The star? The Pensieve—Dumbledore’s memory gadget. I loved spotting Tom Riddle’s faint silhouette (yep, Voldemort!) in the swirling mist. It’s an interactive gem that pulls you right into the films’ mystique!
- Forbidden Forest: The Forbidden Forest was both eerie and magical. Dim lights, rustling leaves, and Aragog’s lair made it feel like a scene straight out of the movies. The atmosphere recreated here is perfect—you will recall the spine-chilling moment when Harry and Ron encountered Aragog in “The Chamber of Secrets.”
Special Experience: Wave your wand to discover your Patronus on-screen. Will you get a stag like Harry?
- Platform 9¾: Platform 9¾ is one of the most iconic parts of the studio tour, capturing the magic of Harry’s journey to Hogwarts. The famous steam train, the Hogwarts Express, is stationed here, complete with vintage luggage trolleys and props that recreate the lively atmosphere of the platform.
- Hogwarts Express: Board the train to relive scenes from the films, including Harry and Ron sharing snacks in their cabin while the flying car zooms past the window. At the other end of the platform, you’ll find the classic brick wall leading to Platform 9¾, perfect for a photo with the trolley “disappearing” into the wall. Don’t forget to explore the themed Railway Shop for exclusive merchandise.
- Diagon Alley: Diagon Alley was bustling with magic. The shop windows were filled with quirky items, and Ollivander’s Wand Shop was a highlight. Take your time to dive into the details and experience the day-to-night lighting changes in the alley.
- The Flying Broomstick Experience: This is one of the most popular attractions at the Warner Bros Studio Tour Tokyo The Making of Harry Potter. Here’s a heads-up: no personal photos are allowed inside. The adventure begins with taking a magical “Ministry of Magic Wanted Poster” photo, followed by the thrilling flying broomstick ride.
- While photos and videos of the experience require an additional fee, the fun is well worth it. You can see your real-time composite video as you fly across iconic locations such as London, the Thames River, and Hogwarts Castle. It’s an incredibly immersive experience!
Magical Keepsake: Download a professionally edited video of your experience (additional charge). Enjoy realistic green screen effects that bring the adventure to life.
- The Knight Bus: a triple-decker purple bus from “The Prisoner of Azkaban,” is a fan-favorite spot. Do you remember Stan Shunpike proudly introducing the Knight Bus? Seeing it up close was a surreal moment.
- Hagrid’s Motorbike and Sidecar: it is parked nearby, offering a chance to recreate Harry’s thrilling escape scenes. You’re allowed to sit on it for photos.
- The Hogwarts Bridge: The wooden Hogwarts Bridge, known for its dramatic appearance in the films, is another unmissable spot in Warner Bros Studio Tour Tokyo The Making of Harry Potter.
Food and Drinks: A Culinary Journey
The food here was an experience in itself. The Backlot Café in Warner Bros Studio Tour Tokyo The Making of Harry Potter offered hearty British meals, while Butterbeer stands brought a taste of the wizarding world to life. I couldn’t resist trying the classic fish and chips, paired with a sweet Butterbeer. Butterbeer is served with a creamy, frothy top, and you can keep the souvenir mug as a keepsake. A washbasin is even available nearby to clean your mug.
Harry Potter Studio Shop: Souvenirs and Gifts
Visiting the largest Harry Potter shop in the world means leaving with unique treasures! The store features robes, wands, plush toys, jewelry, candy, and Tokyo-exclusive items. Personalized products like monogrammed robes and notebooks are also available. While some customizations may require waiting, they’re worth the added touch of magic.
Final Thoughts and Personal Tips
Harry Potter Studio Tokyo offers a magical journey into the world of Harry Potter. From iconic sets and interactive experiences to unique photo opportunities, there’s something for every traveler. MOST IMPORTANTLY, Dress up, immerse yourself in the details, and take home memories (and plenty of souvenirs) that will last a lifetime.
I hope my guide helps you plan the perfect trip at Warner Bros Studio Tour Tokyo The Making of Harry Potter! Pair it with my 5-Day Tokyo Itinerary for more Tokyo fun. or check out Where to Stay in Tokyo for budget-friendly hotels to round out your trip. Ready to visit? Score the best Harry Potter Studio Tokyo ticket deals on Trip.com and jump into the wizarding world—don’t miss it!
Let me know how your visit goes—I’d love to hear your stories and see your magical photos.
FAQ
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‘Wizarding World’ and all related names, characters and indicia are trademarks of and © Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. – Wizarding World publishing rights © J.K. Rowling.
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