Walk in the footsteps of Harry Potter™ and explore the wonders of the Wizarding World – in Tokyo!
Calling all Harry Potter fans! Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo – The Making of Harry Potter opens real soon in June 2023! That’s right, you’ll finally be able to step into the largest indoor Harry Potter attraction in the world and also the first and (so far) only Studio Tour in Asia!
Go behind the scenes and discover filmmaking secrets from the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts films in this new walk-through entertainment facility. Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo invites fans to step into iconic sets such as the Great Hall, Diagon Alley™, and the Hogwarts Express™ on Platform 9 3/4™! The Studio Tour will also feature unique sets that can only be seen in Tokyo. There are plenty of activities that you can experience, such as riding a broomstick and becoming a Hogwarts™ portrait! You can also drink every wizard’s favorite beverage, the non-alcoholic Butterbeer™!
Can’t wait? Then pre-book your tickets now! Here’s what’s in store for you plus everything you need to know about this new Harry Potter attraction!
When and where will Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo - The Making of Harry Potter open?
The grand opening of Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo is on 16 June 2023 on the former Toshimaen site. And when you book your tickets with Klook, you’ll get them in a bundle with train passes that take you straight to Toshimaen Station!
Here’s how to get to the Studio Tour!
Address:
Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo - The Making of Harry Potter
1-1-7 Kasuga-cho, Nerima-ku, Tokyo 179-0074
Getting there by train:
- A 2-minute walk from Toshimaen Station on the Seibu Toshima Line (17 minutes from Seibu Ikebukuro Station)
- A 2-minute walk from Toshimaen Station on the Toei Subway Oedo Line
Getting there by car:
It takes about 20 minutes along Mejiro-Dori from the Oizumi Interchange on the Tokyo Gaikan Expressway, but advance reservations are required for parking. Reservations can only be made when purchasing tickets from the official website.
How do I get tickets to Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo?
Tickets to the largest indoor Harry Potter attraction in the world are now available right here on Klook! But be warned, the tickets are becoming very popular, so for any Harry Potter fans, hurry and get them early!
Purchasing tickets in advance is a must, as they cannot be purchased at the venue on the day of the visit. You need to specify the date and time of your visit when purchasing tickets and, once purchased, they cannot be changed or refunded, so be sure to clear your schedule accordingly before making a reservation.
*As of June 2023, tickets are available for purchase until 31 Dec 2023.
Important Note:
- Tickets are non-refundable, non-transferable, and non-changeable.
- The voucher is valid only on the specified date (and time if applicable). Please arrive at least 20 minutes prior to the designated time for the Studio Tour. No refunds will be given for late arrivals or no-shows at the designated time.
- Re-entry is not allowed after you leave the venue.
What wizarding delights can you experience at Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo – The Making of Harry Potter?
You can expect to spend about four hours to fully enjoy this immersive Harry Potter experience. But now you may be wondering, how is the Studio Tour in Tokyo different from the Studio Tour in London?
For one, there’ll be some sets and items exclusive to Tokyo from both the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts films. So, spoiler alert! From here on, we’ll be revealing things from the Harry Potter film series, so if you're worried, stop here!
Sets from iconic movie scenes
First, let’s take a look at some of the sets faithfully reproduced from the movies. Ready to strike a pose and recreate your favorite Harry Potter moments?
1. The Great Hall
The Great Hall, which appeared in all eight films, is an irreplaceable space for Hogwarts students to dine together, and it created many famous scenes in the movies.
The tour asks several volunteers to open the doors so don't be shy to join in!
When you open the large doors and enter, you will see flambeaux in the shape of snakes, badgers, lions, and eagles representing the four Hogwarts houses!
Check out the front end of the Great Hall for the House Points Counter, Sorting Hat, and Professor Dumbledore's gold lectern.
It is said that when the House Points Counter was first built it caused a national shortage of Indian glass beads. Right beside it, you can also appreciate the costumes of the Hogwarts professors as well.
The Great Hall's flooring is made from real Yorkstone, a sturdy stone often used in old castles. During the filming of the series, the Yorkstone floor did not need replacement at all because it was so durable.
At the Studio Tour, you can appreciate the beautiful set even down to the smallest details!
⚡ Fun Fact: Kamu tahu, enggak, bahwa restoran ini terinspirasi dari ruang makan di Oxford University, Christ Church College, yang bergengsi itu?
2. Gryffindor Common Room
The set designers felt that the Gryffindor™ common room should be "a place where Harry could experience home for the first time in his life". The space was designed to be comfortable rather than flamboyant and glamorous, with a warm and inviting feel just like in the films.
The design team reupholstered many sofas in red velvet fabric and beat them repeatedly to give them a worn-out look. Keep your eyes peeled for the magic radio. The mouth-like device attached to the screen moves to match what comes out of the radio.
3. Gryffindor Boy's Dormitory
At the end of the spiral staircase of the Gryffindor Common Room, you'll find the boys' dormitory. The space around each bed is decorated to suit each character.
Although there were minor set changes to the boys' dormitory, the same beds were used. As you can imagine, the young actors who began filming at around 11 years old would be far too big by the end of the series. The production crew had to use creative camera angles to hide the concern.
4. Forbidden Forest
Do you have the courage to enter the dark and eerie atmosphere of the Forbidden Forest? Only Studio Tour participants are specially invited to enter the forest that even Hogwarts students won’t enter! If you’re brave as a Gryffindor, you’ll find several iconic scenes and even the proud Buckbeak™.
Photo Credit: Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo - The Making of Harry Potter
Wand at the ready! There’ll also be spots where you can test your magical might. Repeat after us: Expecto Patronum!
5. Backlot
Around the midpoint of the tour, you'll enter the Backlot filled with outdoor sets. You can walk around and see Hagrid™'s Hut, the Dursley's House on 4 Privet Drive, the Knight Bus™, and the Wizard's Chessboard.
Harry's room
This Knight Bus was originally made by joining the parts of three double-decker buses in London. The top was so heavy that it could lose its balance at any time, so the bottom part was made even heavier.
This is where you can enjoy Butter Beer and treats from the Backlot Cafe.
6. Platform 9¾
The platform between platforms 9 and 10 in King’s Cross Station in London has been (magically) created in Tokyo! If you remember well, this is where Harry first met his best friend Ron Weasley and his family! It’s also the platform where the Hogwarts Express departs.
We don’t know about you, but we’ve always wanted to try running through the wall to get ton the other side ourselves. And here you (kind of) can! You’ll even see the Hogwarts Express nearly come to life!
Don't forget to drop by The Railway Shop to check out unique souvenirs only available at this location during the tour!
7. Hogwarts Express
Inside the train cabin, you can enjoy a different scene from each of the movies. Who could forget the popular trolley of candy scene from the first Harry Potter film? Not us!
⚡ Fun Fact: Hogwarts Express yang akan kamu lihat di Studio Tour di Tokyo adalah kereta uap asli Inggris yang sebelumnya dikenal sebagai The Dumbleton Hall, yang beroperasi selama 35 tahun dan dibangun pada tahun 1929. Kereta ini dipensiunkan dan kemudian direstorasi di Inggris sebelum dikirim dan ditempatkan di atraksi ajaib di Jepang ini!
8. The Great Wizarding Express (Exclusive to Tokyo!）
Besides the Hogwarts Express, you'll also be able to see the Great Wizarding Express that appears in Fantastic Beasts: The Secret of Dumbledore. This is an original set exclusive to the Studio Tour in Tokyo. The vehicle has an art deco design that matches the 1930s setting of the film. Costumes used in the movie are also displayed inside the vehicle!
9. Ministry of Magic
The full-scale Ministry of Magic is a must-see! Covering an area of over 900 square meters and with walls over 10 meters high, it's phenomenal to think that the set is handmade. It was built in London, disassembled, and carefully transported to Tokyo, where it was restored to its original state.
When in the Ministry of Magic you'll have the chance to move around between fireplaces just like the ministry's employees if you use Floo powder™! Get a video of yourself appearing in and out of nowhere at this unique set piece.
10. Diagon Alley
Harry Potter fans know Diagon Alley as a bustling shopping street in the Wizarding World that can be reached by tapping a certain brick on a pub wall – or Floo powder, just make sure to speak clearly! It's the place where you can find everything you need for Hogwarts, such as Gringotts Wizarding Bank™, wands at Ollivanders™, and books at Flourish and Blotts™!
Film fans might’ve noticed that the Diagon Alley set actually changed gradually throughout the course of the Harry Potter film series. The rows of shops were rearranged, new shops opened, and in the third film, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, it was even covered with snow!
Make sure you get a close look at the Weasley Wizard Wheezes™ store at the back. The Weasley Brothers' joke store offers everything from extendable ears to love potions, all of which are featured in the film. The 18th-century design of this store took more than three months to build. The moving mannequin, which is approximately 6 meters long, is definitely worth a photo.
Props straight out of the movies
Props are important in any movie, but even more so in the Harry Potter film series as they had to realistically recreate the magical world we knew from the books. So of course, the props from the movies, done with full attention to detail, will be on display at the Studio Tour!
11. The Goblet of Fire
The titular Goblet of Fire was one of the most important magical items that appeared in the fourth Harry Potter film. The scene where the Goblet chooses Harry as an unexpected and underage participant in the Triwizard Tournament was impressive, to say the least!
The Goblet itself went through various drafts, designs, and final adjustments. In the film, two versions of the Goblet of Fire were used. One is the original, created for visibility on camera, and the second was a replica with special effects equipment built into it!
12. Memory Vials from Dumbledore’s Office
In an impactful scene in one of the movies, Professor Dumbledore™ magically places some of his memories in glass vials and reviews them in his Pensieve. For the Muggles out there, a Pensieve is a rare magical item – a basin with silvery liquid – that only the most powerful wizards could use to review their memories.
The memory vials Professor Dumbledore used also appear in the Studio Tour. Approximately 900 of these memory vials were created and each one was designed by hand!
Make sure you find the Sorting Hat on the shelf too.
Professor Dumbledore is a thoughtful and complex character, loved and respected by everyone, so his costumes had to be carefully conceptualized. Dumbledore's costumes also change slightly throughout the series.
Didn’t notice? Then it’s time to rewatch and marathon the movies! In the first half of the film series, the costumes were mainly made of antique fabrics and textiles, but in the second half, they became faded robes to match the story.
13. Wands
The wand is indispensable for a wizard or witch and an equally indispensable prop in the films. In fact, the Prop Making Department made thousands of them throughout the Harry Potter film series, with each wand carefully customized to fit its owner's personality. While filming action scenes, sturdy wands made of rubber were used to prevent them from breaking. You can see these precious props up close!
Klook Tip: Percaya, deh, tongkat sihir ini akan terlihat luar biasa nyata dalam foto kamu! Yang lebih menyenangkan, kamu juga bisa membawa tongkat ajaib ini ke rumah. Kunjungi toko tongkat sihir di akhir Tur Studio untuk mendapatkan tongkat sihir kamu sendiri atau replika tongkat sihir karakter favorit kamu!
Costumes worn by your most-loved characters
The distinctive costumes that helped enhance the magical world of the Harry Potter movies are showcased in the Studio Tour, just like the props. Visitors can take their time to admire each and every one of these meticulously crafted costumes.
14. Hogwarts School Uniforms
The production of the Harry Potter movies took an astonishing 10 years, during which over 25,000 costumes were created! Of those, 600 were Hogwarts school uniforms. The basic design remained consistent throughout the series, but each director and designer made small changes to the uniforms' details, which became a focal point for fans.
In the Great Hall, which you will pass by in the earlier portion of the tour, you will see the uniforms of all the houses.
15. Hermione's Yule Ball Dress
In Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Hogwarts is the host of the Triwizard Tournament, a friendly competition among the three magical schools in Europe and, in keeping up with the wizarding tradition, they also held the Yule Ball. In this scene, we get to see Harry, Ron, and Hermione in formal attire with a slightly more grown-up look. Funnily enough, Ron appeared in a slightly outdated design with a hand-me-down feel that suited his character.
Book fans had looked forward to this scene prior to the movie and wondered what kind of outfits would we be able to enjoy. Costume designer Jany Temime designed more than 300 dresses and suits for the scene, and over 100 sewing staff were involved.
16. Beauxbatons Academy of Magic Uniform
Beauxbatons Academy of Magic is a rival school to Hogwarts, and its students and headmistress appeared in the fourth installment to participate in the Triwizard Tournament.
The basic color of the uniform is French blue and the trademark hat – made from a wooden mold in France – is also one of the exhibition pieces! The Beauxbatons uniform is playful and full of creativity, in contrast to the traditional and stiff Hogwarts uniform. Spot the stark differences between them on the Studio Tour!
Experience Harry Potter's World of Magic
You can take some photos home if you try these unique experiences! Get the whole crew together and have some laughs with these interactive experiences.
17. Quidditch Experience (Exclusive to Tokyo）
Tour participants are invited to become spectators to an intense Quidditch™ match at Hogwarts! Cheer for either Gryffindor or Slytherin™ and watch yourself become part of one of the most iconic scenes in the series.
18. Broom Experience
Green screen technology was often used in the Harry Potter films. Here, visitors can use green screen technology to fly around Hogwarts Castle™ on a broomstick.
Make sure to stretch out your arms to capture the Golden Snitch™ and win the match!
19. Hogwarts' Moving Portraits（Exclusive to Tokyo）
Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo also offers you the chance to strike your favorite pose to become one of the Hogwarts Moving Portraits!
Restaurants and cafes inspired by the Wizarding World!
There are four locations where you can eat and drink at Studio Tour Tokyo. Two locations are located just past the entrance and two are once you are inside the tour. The Food Hall and Chocolate Frog Café near the entrance are accessible before and after the tour too as well.
20. The Food Hall
A spot that offers popular menus, including British cuisine, from breakfast to dinner. You can stop by before or after the Studio Tour in the grand atmosphere of the great hall.
21. The Chocolate Frog Café
Try the variety of sweets that evoke the magical world before or after the Studio Tour!
22. The Backlot Café
Enjoy magical world-themed dishes and desserts here! For starters, how about an English-style afternoon tea inspired by Professor Umbridge with magical sweets? Afternoon tea is first come, first served and costs JPY 6,500 per person (for two or more people).
23. Butterbeer Bar
Butterbeer, which is very popular in the magical world, can be purchased at the Butterbeer Bar and enjoyed on the open terrace.
24. Studio Tour Shop
The world's largest Harry Potter store has more than 7,000 custom-made decorations and specially sourced props, taking inspiration from Diagon Alley's Honeydukes™, Ollivander's, and Flourish and Blotts bookstores, among others. There are also a wide variety of items available only in Japan! You can't get to this shop without a ticket for the studio tour, so make sure you have enough time to stop by.
Even more highlights to enjoy!
There are plenty of other attractions and special exhibits that we don't want to spoil just yet – so it's up to you to make your way to find out! All we can say is we're just about ready to hop on our broomsticks (er, plane) and fly straight to Tokyo.
Klook Visit Tips:
- The place is huge so wear comfortable shoes that you don't mind walking in for 4+ hours. It's best to leave your luggage in the cloakroom to make it easier to get around.
- Some experiences require additional fees, so make sure to have your credit card or some cash on you.
- If you want to make the most of your time there and see everything, expect to be there for about half a day.
- There are restrooms between exhibits, but it is better to go beforehand so you're not always looking for one.
- The staff will tell you the secrets of the filming and the sets, so ask them! Please do note that Some staff may only speak Japanese.
- Take lots of pictures in your favorite clothes and try all the experiences on offer during the tour!
- The lighting during the tour is quite dark, so your phone battery may die if you take a lot of photos. Remember to bring a power bank along with you on the tour.
First impressions of Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo!
Having grown up with Harry Potter, I was immersed in the fantasy world I loved as a child, and felt quite emotional just from the nostalgia of it all. The costumes and props were all carefully explained, making the whole experience really feel like I had visited a prestigious Harry Potter museum!
The items on display were impressive but I have to say that the best part was being able to walk through all the films' life-scale sets like the Ministry of Magic and the Great Hall, where you could really slip out of reality. Exploring Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo really made you feel as though you were in the realm of wizards instead of being in Tokyo!
‘Wizarding World’ and all related names, characters and indicia are trademarks of and © Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. – Wizarding World publishing rights © J.K. Rowling.
Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter.
