1. Get your robes and wands ready because Tokyo is finally getting its own Harry Potter attraction this year. Officially called the Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo – The Making of Harry Potter, the upcoming facility is modelled on the Warner Bros. Studio Tour in London and will open on the former site of the Toshimaen amusement park in Nerima this summer. Here is an introductory video of what it might look like, along with everything we know about the facility.
2. The thrill of being one of the first few visitors to a new attraction can be spoiled when you’re surrounded by everyone else and their mums, all trying to get a first look at the new cool thing. However, that won’t be the case at the Studio Tour – organisers are planning to cap the number of attendees each day, so visitors can have a more leisurely experience and avoid getting squashed in the crowds.
3. Like the original Warner Bros. Studio Tour, this Tokyo facility will boast a wide range of exhibits, covering costumes, props, special effects and models used to make the beloved Harry Potter films. (Side note: the entire collection of Harry Potter films has recently been added to Netflix Japan and is now available for streaming).
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4. You can also look forward to exploring key sets for places like Diagon Alley, platform nine and three-quarters, the forbidden forest and the Great Hall. Speaking of the Great Hall, there’ll be plenty of wizarding treats to tuck into between touring each section, including sweets from the Chocolate Frog Café, Butterbeer and classic British dishes (for the muggles).
5. The generation who entered the world of JK Rowling with the Fantastic Beasts franchise won’t be at a loss either, as the attraction will be dedicated to both the Harry Potter movies and the spin-off series. The ‘beasts’ might even be the very first thing you encounter – officials have announced that the entrance will include a landscaping area with models of the creatures featured in the franchise.
6. In addition to the new studio tour, two Tokyo train stations will be getting a Wizarding World-themed makeover. Naturally, this includes Toshimaen Station, which will be renovated to resemble the Hogsmeade train station featured in the Harry Potter books.
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7. The second station set to undergo renovations is Ikebukuro Station, though these modifications (inspired by Kings Cross train station in London) will primarily be for two platforms used for trains servicing Toshimaen. Renovations for the stations are projected to be completed in the spring.
8. Tickets and Studio Tour packages will be available for purchase online in the near future and divided into the following categories: adult tickets (ages 18 and over), junior tickets (ages 12-17) and child tickets (ages 4-11). Children under four years of age will be granted free admission. An exact opening date has yet to be confirmed, but we’ll keep you updated as more information becomes available.
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