Looking for a fantasy-themed attraction during your stay in Tokyo? If you’re searching for fun things to do in Tokyo, then you have to visit the Warner Bros. Studio Tour – The Making of Harry Potter. As a Harry Potter fan, I had to go. I also visited the original studio in London back in 2016 and was hoping this one would offer even more. Especially knowing that it’s the largest indoor Harry Potter attraction, and has the largest Harry Potter shop in the world.

How to Get There

Japan’s transportation system is extremely accessible and affordable. I highly recommend using public transit to get to the studio. The studio is about a 5-minute walk from Toshimaen Station. If you follow the path lined with Patronus-like statues, you’ll know you’re heading in the right direction.

This is the walking path you'll take to reach the studio if coming from Toshimaen station.

If you’re driving, keep in mind that parking costs extra and comes with specific rules and instructions.

There is also a new option, which is the Limousine Bus, that takes you directly from Haneda Airport to the studio. You can reserve this online through the Airport Limousine Bus website.

My Day at Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo

I arrived via train at Toshimaen Station from Shinjuku, which took about 40 minutes. The station platform is lightly themed to King’s Cross, but compared to other Harry Potter spots in Tokyo, like Akasaka Station, it’s more minimal.

Upon arriving, the studio’s front lawn greeted us with striking art installations. After storing our belongings in the lockers outside, we stepped inside and were immediately greeted by a massive Hungarian Horntail dragon suspended from the ceiling.

From there, you’ll see the Studio Shop, the official starting point of the tour, along with the Frog Cafe and Food Hall, which is designed to resemble Hogwarts’ Great Hall seating areas.

At your scheduled entry time, you’ll move along a guided path. The tour kicks off with a short introductory film before opening into the Great Hall itself. In place stood mannequins of the main characters in their iconic outfits, alongside the glittering Goblet of Fire.

As you continue, you’ll move through sections that show how the Harry Potter films were made, including animatronics, set building, and costume design, with recreations of iconic scenes, props, and full-scale sets placed throughout. My favorite section was the moving staircases.

I was honestly surprised by how much there was to see. Highlights include:

• Diagon Alley: a fully realized recreation of the wizarding shopping street

• The Forbidden Forest: atmospheric and immersive (note: arachnophobes, beware of the huge replicas of the giant spiders from the Chamber of Secrets movie)

• 4 Privet Drive: the Dursleys’ home in vivid detail as you’re allowed to go inside and go throughout the house.

• The Ministry of Magic

• Classrooms and common rooms

• A breathtaking, large-scale miniature replica of Hogwarts Castle and grounds

Compared to my visit to the London studio (at least the 2016 version), this one felt more immersive, and more things to do. I also loved learning about the filmmaking process, like music composition, set design, and how they created the magical creatures. If you’re looking for unique things to do in Tokyo, this experience is absolutely worth adding to your itinerary.

Things to Do

Shops

The Studio Shop and Railway Shop have a huge selection of merchandise, from character wands and clothing to collectible items and jewelry. The theming is also well done, especially in the Studio Shop, where the house merchandise area is styled like a Quidditch field with house-colored towers.

Activities

• Green screen experiences: Fly a broomstick, join the crowds of a Quidditch match, and be one of the moving portraits by the moving staircases. You also get options for the backdrop of the moving portraits experience, which makes it more fun to try them all. (Note that digital copies for some experiences, like the broomstick ride, cost extra.)

• Digitally design your own Death Eater mask

• Discover your Patronus

• Use the Floo Network in the Ministry of Magic

• Watch a short live show.

For the Floo Powder experience, you’ll need to scan a QR code to access your video. Even with an eSIM, my connection was weak, so I couldn’t download mine, but that may vary depending on your phone and service, just be aware of that ahead of time.

Food

I went in with low expectations since themed attractions don’t usually have great food, but this surprised me. The Frog Cafe won in terms of theming their food to the Harry Potter universe, and it was delicious too, they even had printed latte art for their coffees.

Inside the tour, you’ll find the Backlot Cafe and Butterbeer Bar. I skipped the Butterbeer Bar, but the cafe had Hogwarts house-themed menu items, which were tempting. One thing that looked amazing and I regret not trying was the Afternoon Tea, it was super cute and of course, well themed.

Instead, my husband and I chose to eat the “Great Hall Feast” at the Food Hall, which was still really good. There are so many themed options that it’s honestly hard to decide, and I wish my stomach could handle more food.

Things to Do Nearby

We scheduled our visit for the late afternoon, and it was late by the time we left, so afterwards we just headed back to our Airbnb. However, if you’re planning your day differently, you can visit Toshimaen Niwa-no-Yu, a relaxing onsen, or explore Nerima Joshi Park, which has historical ruins.

Also, if you’re looking for other Harry Potter-themed spots in Tokyo. Akasaka Station is also decorated with Harry Potter elements, and right outside, you’ll find a Harry Potter Cafe and store. The cafe requires reservations, but there’s also a takeout option at the Harry Potter Cafe Window if you don’t have one.

Tips for Visiting

This is a great rainy day activity since about 90 percent of the experience is indoors. The only uncovered areas are around the Dursley house section.

Also, check for special events during your visit, like the Hogwarts dinner experience, where you can enjoy a four-course meal inside the Great Hall.

Final Thoughts

I really loved this studio. There’s so much to see and do, and it easily takes around four hours to experience everything. If you enjoy fantasy or even just have some familiarity with the Harry Potter universe, I think you’ll have a great time.

If you’re building your itinerary and looking for fun things to do in Tokyo, this is one of the most immersive attractions you can visit.

FAQs

Q. Do you need to make a reservation?

Yes, tickets are usually purchased in advance with timed entry. However, you can sometimes check for same-day availability.

Q. Are there storage lockers?

Yes, there are plenty of free lockers outside the entrance. You’ll need a 100 yen deposit, which is returned when you reopen the locker. There’s also a free cloakroom inside with no deposit required.

Q. Is it accessible friendly?

Yes, the studio is wheelchair accessible (manual and electric). Manual wheelchairs are available to borrow, and assistance dogs are allowed. Accessible restrooms are also available throughout the premises.

Q. Can you dress up?

Yes, many visitors wear Hogwarts uniforms.

Check out my curated Google Maps of fantasy-themed travel destinations around the world that I’ve personally visited and recommend.