Albus Dumbledore once said, “It does not do well to dwell on dreams and forget to live.” Tokyo took that advice to heart — and poof! There’s Warner Bros. Studio Tour — The Making of Harry Potter. We are no delivery owl, but consider this your invitation to turn your wizarding dream into reality.
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Hop on the Hogwarts Express at Platform 9 ¾, step into the Great Hall, uncover the secrets of the Forbidden Forest, explore the length of Diagon Alley, and marvel along the halls of the Ministry of Magic!
The Making of Harry Potter Studio Tour is the first of its kind here in Asia and the largest indoor Harry Potter-themed attraction in the world. It’s like drinking a potion concocted to give you a taste of a museum visit, behind-the-scenes access, and an interactive experience all in one! It’s an absolute treat for Potterheads like us.
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Here’s to never outgrowing our wonders for magic and fantasy!
Are you ready to live your Harry Potter dream? Here are some tips and things to know before you go.
WHAT’S COVERED IN THIS GUIDE?
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Where to Get The Making of Harry Potter Studio Tickets
Accio, ticket! Yes, you need to purchase your ticket in advance because there’s a limited number of guests allowed per time slot. Moreover, you won’t find any onsite ticket counter or booth, so even magic can’t let you buy a ticket on the day of your visit.
You can only purchase your tickets on the official website AND from authorized distributors like Klook! Aside from the standard or regular tickets, package/combo tickets and limited/seasonal offers are also available.
For your convenience, you may secure your ticket below.
✅ GET THE MAKING OF HARRY POTTER STUDIO TOUR TICKET HERE!
Standard Ticket Rates
Note that the ticket rates may change without prior notice. The prices vary depending on the season.
Adult (18 y/o and above) ¥7,000
Junior (12-17 y/o) ¥5,800
Child (4-11 y/o) ¥4,200
Notes:
The tickets are non-refundable, non-changeable, and non-transferable.
Children 0-3 y/o are free of charge, but you must fill out the form on the website before your visit for the issuance of an infant ticket.
Children 0-11 y/o must be accompanied by a paying adult.
How to Get to The Making of Harry Potter Studio Tokyo
Since we are mere muggles, we can’t just grab a handful of Floo powder and apparate. So, we’ll be using the most convenient regular transportation mode available to get there — the train.
The Making of Harry Potter Studio is located at 1-1-7 Kasuga-cho in Tokyo’s Nerima Ward. The nearest station is Toshimaen Station. From the station, walk through the park for about two minutes to reach the entrance of the studio building.
If you are coming from downtown Tokyo, the travel time is 20-40 minutes. Here are your options.
From Shinjuku Station
Take a train on the Toei Oedo Line bound for Tocho-Mae or Hikarigaoka.
Alight at Toshimaen Station.
Fare: ¥280
From Ikebukuro Station
Board a train on the Seibu Ikebukuro Line bound for Toshimaen.
Get off at Toshimaen Station.
Fare: ¥190
From Tokyo Station
Get on a train on the Marunouchi Line bound for Ikebukuro.
Alight at Ikebukuro Station. The fare is ¥210.
Switch to the Seibu Ikebukuro Line bound for Toshimaen.
Get off at Toshimaen Station. The fare is ¥190.
Fare: ¥400
From Ueno Station
Take a train on the JR Yamanote Line bound for Ikebukuro or Shinjuku.
Get off at Ikebukuro Station. The fare is ¥180.
Transfer to the Seibu Ikebukuro Line bound for Toshimaen.
Alight at Toshimaen Station. The fare is ¥190.
Fare: ¥370
The Making of Harry Potter Studio Tokyo Opening Hours
The studio’s opening schedule varies depending on the season and the day of the week. Typically, the studio is open from 8:30 AM to 10:00 PM. However, there may be occasions when it opens at 10:30 AM and closes at either 7:00 PM or 8:30 PM. You can check the official calendar for the exact opening time on your target visit date.
On the day of your tour, proceed to the entrance and have your ticket (or e-ticket) ready for verification and scanning. The tour may take three to four hours, but you are welcome to stay longer if you wish. The most important thing to remember is to arrive at least an hour before your reserved time. There are two reasons for this:
You may not be permitted to join the tour if you arrive late or outside of your designated time slot.
While waiting for your tour to begin, you can store some of your belongings at the Cloakroom, grab a quick bite at the Frog Cafe or Food Hall, or purchase a wand at the Studio Shop.
All set? Alohomora!
Things to Do at The Making of Harry Potter Studio
Wands out! Let the wonder of Harry Potter and the wizarding world illuminate your path as you navigate the sprawling studio. Let’s go! Lumos!
Admire various film sets.
The studio boasts five (5) major Harry Potter film sets — Great Hall, Forbidden Forest, Platform 9 ¾, London Ministry of Magic, and Diagon Alley. Each set showcases some of the iconic characters, costumes, and props.
Explore other memorable locations.
Within Hogwarts, step into the four houses’ common rooms, Dumbledore’s Office, Room of Requirement, Potions Classroom, Hogwarts Bridge, Chessboard Chamber, and more. Beyond Hogwarts, you’ll find Hagrid’s House and Privet Drive.
Keep your eyes peeled for significant props.
The entire studio is a treasure trove of props. Among the notable ones are the Marauder’s Map, the Goblet of Fire (the Triwizard championship trophy), the Memory Cabinet (where numerous vials of important memories are kept), the Vanishing Cabinet, and, of course, wands! In addition, some of the props displayed here are original items used in the filming.
Appreciate the masterful craftsmanship of costumes.
Several classic costumes are displayed throughout the studio, including the Hogwarts uniform, the Yule Ball gowns and dress robes, the Beauxbatons uniform, and that of Albus Dumbledore. Some of them are original outfits featured in the films.
Meet pivotal magical creatures up close.
Who can forget Dobby the Elf, Buckbeak the Hippogriff, Aragog the Acromantula, and the Gringotts Wizarding Bank’s goblins?
Learn more about the production design and special effects.
Check out the different Death Eaters masks, the Hogwarts Castle model, the Knight Bus replica, the Pensieve, and everything about broomstick flying!
Take part in fun interactive experiences.
Have your moving portraits taken near Hogwarts’ grand Marble Staircase, be one of the Quidditch match spectators at the Quidditch Filming Experience, and cast your very own Expecto Patronum spell to fight dementors. You can also ride a broomstick over London via the Green Screen Experience for a fee.
Take LOTS of photos and videos!
They are the best souvenirs you can bring home from this magical tour because they’re FREE, and you can take as many as you like! By the way, you can also download your in-studio immersive photos and videos at no cost! Check the Other Tips and Reminders section of this article for more details.
Shop for souvenirs.
The studio houses two shops filled with a variety of interesting and exclusive wizarding world items and mementos. The Studio Shop is located next to the lobby, while the Railway Shop is across Platform 9 ¾. You can also purchase a Souvenir Guidebook if you are into fun facts and trivia.
Where to Eat
Earlier, I’ve mentioned two of the four wizarding food spots available for us muggles — Food Hall and Frog Cafe. You’ll spot them right after the entrance next to the lobby. You can drop by the café and the restaurant before or after your studio tour.
You’ll find the other two — Backlot Cafe and Butterbeer Bar — midway through your studio tour. You won’t miss them because all the guests have to pass through this area to reach the Platform 9 ¾ set.
Again, here are the studio’s restaurants and cafés:
Frog Cafe. This café serves sweet bites, pastries, and hot and cold drinks.
Food Hall. This restaurant offers a wide selection of British-inspired meals, snacks, and refreshments.
Backlot Cafe. Take a pick from the themed meal sets patterned after the four Hogwarts houses — Gryffindor Plate (Roast Beef), Slytherin Plate (Bangers and Mash), Ravenclaw Plate (Fish Pie), and Hufflepuff Plate (Roast Chicken). À la carte meals, desserts, drinks, and alcoholic beverages are also available.
Butterbeer Bar. This is currently the largest Butterbeer bar in the world! Enjoy a swig of this refreshing beverage, which, despite its name, is a non-alcoholic frothy drink with a rich butterscotch flavor. As of writing, a serving of Butterbeer costs ¥1250 — but relax, that price already includes its tankard or beer mug.
Other Tips and Reminders
The best time to go is on a weekday. Weekdays tend to have fewer crowds. As mentioned, the studio permits only a specific number of guests per time slot to prevent overcrowding. And since this is an indoor attraction, you don’t have to worry about scorching heat or heavy rainfalls.
Storage room is available for free. However, keep in mind that the Cloakroom space is limited. Other items, such as umbrellas, valuables, food, and drinks, cannot be checked in or stored here.
Don’t forget to bring your power banks. Make sure your phone doesn’t run out of battery because it’s as powerful as a Pensieve in storing (and reliving) fond memories.
Always have cash on hand. Credit cards, debit cards, electronic money, and cash are widely accepted. However, there are no ATMs available at the studio, so it’s important to bring enough cash with you.
Get a Digital Guide. If you’d like to learn more about the sets and the displays as you tour the studio, consider availing of the digital guide. Language options include English, Japanese, Korean, simplified Chinese, and traditional Chinese.
Sign up for an imagic account. This lets you download photos and videos of your immersive experience — the moving portraits, the Quidditch match, and more — for FREE. Just register for a Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo imagic account before starting your tour. Present your QR code before each experience.
Follow the rules. Avoid unnecessary mistakes and conflicts by following the rules set by the studio. If you are unsure of what to do or want to clarify something, feel free to approach and ask the staff members.
Be considerate of others. Ensure that you are not causing delays or inconveniencing others by taking too much time at an attraction or a photo spot.
Where to Stay in Tokyo
Tokyo is never short of accommodation options. From luxury to budget, there is something for every type of traveler. Because of their accessibility, Tokyo, Shinjuku, and Ueno stations are the favored tourist bases. Here are some of the top-rated budget hotels in these locations.
