ElizabethStepping into the world of Harry Potter is always a magical experience, and the Warner Brothers Studio Tour Tokyo: The Making of Harry Potter is no exception. Reminiscent of our enchanting visit to the London studio a few years back, this adventure promised even more wonder and excitement.
Planning the Visit
We chose a quiet Monday at the end of January break for our visit and secured the earliest tickets possible. This strategy paid off, giving us a less crowded space and ample time — a full three hours — to explore the enchanting world of Harry Potter. I’m not sure how you “predict” when it will be less crowded but we were helped by our school being off and most other schools (including Japanese schools) being back in session.
Comparing Tokyo and London Studios:
Tokyo’s version of the Harry Potter studio seems notably larger and packed with more interactive experiences than its London counterpart. (At least at the time I visited the two) While both studios present challenges in terms of accessibility, we opted to drive to the Tokyo studio, making use of their pre-booking system for parking.
Tokyo had a different vibe for us as well since now I have three Harry Potter fans who are all fascinated by how movies get made. When we visited the London studio I had only a little Big Little. (Read about our 2018 visit to the London studio here.)
Experiencing the Studio
Practical Tips:
The entire studio tour is bilingual, offering displays in both English and Japanese. While there’s an option for an in-depth audio guide, we found ourselves completely absorbed without it, easily navigating through the spellbinding exhibits on our own. Staff members were able to easily help us in English. It was refreshing to realize we could fully experience an attraction!
- Dress according to the outdoor temperature, as the warehouses can be quite cold, and some exhibits are outdoors.
- For a mid-tour break, I recommend stopping at the café for a Butterbeer or a quick snack. We enjoyed our Butterbeer.
- Eat while you are there. We ended up in the Great Hall-themed area of the dining hall, which was a delightful experience in itself and not any more expensive than grabbing lunch outside of the studio.
- Make sure your phone is fully charged and bring an extra battery. You will take more photos than you think you will and you need the phone to access some of the extras
- Even if you are not into shopping, take time to enjoy the gift shop.
Touring the Exhibition:
This is the part where I just want to share all the amazing photos you can take while visiting. I mean, you going to go so you can be immersed in the Harry Potter universe and discover a bit of the movie magic.
Practically, the exhibition is split into two distinct halves, separated by a Butterbeer stop. Each half took us the same amount of time to get through. I recommend you don’t short yourself on time as its hard to know how into something you might be. My kids were fully fascinated by some sections, looking up close at each detail, and breezed through others.
Even if you’re not usually into souvenirs, the gift shop is a must-visit. Its theming is as meticulously crafted as any other part of the tour.
Should You Spend Your Time In Tokyo at the HP Studio Tour?
Our visit to the Harry Potter Tokyo Studio Tour was more than just a walk through a movie set; it was an immersive dive into the magic and mystery of this beloved universe. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just appreciate the artistry of the Harry Potter films, this tour is a captivating experience.
So… Is the Harry Potter Tokyo Studio Tour a must-visit while in Tokyo? It’s important to note that the studio tour isn’t a quintessential Japanese experience – in fact, there’s nothing uniquely Japanese about it. This is a slice of the wizarding world, reminiscent of the one in London, situated in the heart of Tokyo. However, for Harry Potter enthusiasts or those who won’t be visiting London anytime soon, it’s an absolute delight.
You don’t have to be a superfan to enjoy the tour, but a basic familiarity with the Harry Potter universe or a keen interest in movie magic will greatly enhance your appreciation of the meticulously crafted sets and interactive experiences. If you’re a Potterhead or a movie buff, this tour is a spellbinding detour from the traditional Japanese attractions.
Have you ever immersed yourself in the world of Harry Potter, either in Tokyo or elsewhere? Share your magical memories or questions below!
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