Guide to Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo – The Making of Harry Potter

Just like its London counterpart, the Tokyo facility aims to provide a comprehensive experience, taking fans on an immersive journey through the making of the Harry Potter film series. You'll begin your journey in the Great Hall, where so many iconic scenes from the Harry Potter movies were filmed. Here, you get a firsthand look at the actual costumes worn by Harry, Hermione, Ron and the rest of the gang. Every prop and costume is lovingly maintained, revealing the meticulous details of film production that are often missed by the casual viewer.

Experience the same sense of wonder and joy that Harry did on his first proper day in the wizarding world as you walk along the cobbled streets of Diagon, where you’ll encounter shops like Eeylops Owl Emporium and Ollivanders Wand Shop.

For a dose of fun, pop by Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes, the joke shop run by Fred and George Weasley. It's hard to miss with its vibrant exterior and promise of enchanting trickery. Be on the lookout for delightful movie easter eggs scattered throughout, like a sly nod to the infamous Dolores Umbridge.

One of the tour's most captivating spectacles has to be the Grand Staircase, where you can see the moving staircases of Hogwarts in action. It's surrounded by portraits whose inhabitants are never quite still, creating a setting that's surreal yet distinctly Hogwarts. Even more magically, the tour offers you a chance to become a part of the art.

In a special area, you can record a video of yourself to be edited into a moving portrait, offering you a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to inhabit this magical world in a most personal way. The resulting video can be downloaded, making for a memorable and unique souvenir that embodies the enchanting experience of the tour.

Venture outdoors to the backlot and you’ll spot the Dursley’s home on Privet Drive. Inside number four, you can peek into Harry's austere cupboard bedroom under the stairs, a poignant reminder of our hero's humble beginnings. This section of the tour is also where you’ll find the triple-decker Knight Bus, which whisked Harry away from the Dursleys to the Leaky Cauldron as he prepared for his third year at Hogwarts.

Just when you think you've seen all the wizarding world has to offer, prepare to descend into the labyrinthine corridors of the Ministry of Magic. This remarkable set was one of the most complex to construct for the film series, with the stark, echoing halls and gleaming tiled floors creating an atmosphere of intimidating grandeur.

Daniel Radcliffe himself has reportedly cited the Ministry as one of his favourite sets during filming, and it's not hard to see why. From the imposing statue depicting the power of the Ministry to the Floo Network ports, it’s a place that elicits a sense of awe and intrigue, giving visitors a tantalising glimpse into the darker side of the wizarding world.

The magic continues with a culinary journey through the wizarding world. Visitors can look forward to indulging in a plethora of magical delicacies at the Chocolate Frog Café. From Hagrid's birthday cheesecake and Philosopher's Stone-inspired tiramisu to Niffler mousse, featured in the Fantastic Beasts series, the menu is set to dazzle both your taste buds and imagination.

Don't forget to quench your thirst with a glass of the iconic Butterbeer, a non-alcoholic beverage that tastes of shortbread and butterscotch, at the Butterbeer Bar.

The tour promises to offer fans a myriad of keepsakes and memorabilia. From house-specific robes and scarves, capturing the essence of each Hogwarts house, to intricate replicas of character wands for those spellbinding moments. Don't forget Bertie Bott's Every Flavour Beans, a must-try for any Potterhead.

Show off your house pride, hone your spell-casting skills, or simply enjoy the unpredictability of the wizarding world's candies. Whether you're a Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw or Slytherin, you're bound to find something to commemorate your magical journey.

Adding a personal touch to your magical mementoes, the shops offer customisation services for items like house-specific notebooks and walking sticks. This is the perfect opportunity to create your own piece of 'one-of-a-kind' Potter merchandise. 

Unlike many attractions that often get swamped on opening days, the Warner Bros. Studio Tour in Tokyo plans to ensure a leisurely experience for its guests. The organisers have wisely decided to limit daily attendance, thus avoiding overcrowding and ensuring everyone gets a fair chance to explore.

Tickets are currently available online via the venue's website (you can also get tickets via our affliate partner). For visits through September 30 2023, adult tickets are priced at ¥6,300, junior tickets at ¥5,200 and child tickets at ¥3,800. Admission for children under the age of four is free.

A journey to the magical world of Harry Potter isn't complete without a touch of magic in the journey itself. Two Tokyo train stations, Toshimaen Station and Ikebukuro Station, have recently undergone renovations in line with the Wizarding World theme. Toshimaen Station has been refurbished to resemble the Hogsmeade train station from the series, while modifications to Ikebukuro Station are inspired by London's King's Cross Station.

Toshimaen, the closest railway station to the Studio Tour, welcomes direct services from Ikebukuro via the Seibu-Ikebukuro Line – a brief 20-minute trip. Additionally, the station can be reached by taking the Metro Toei Oedo line.