8 Things Harry Potter fans can do in Japan

Besides being the first Warner Bros Studio Tour to open in Asia, this 30,000sqm property in Tokyo’s Nerima ward is also the world’s largest indoor Harry Potter attraction. The studio tour gives a comprehensive view of the behind-the-scenes of Harry Potter movies through interactive activities such as riding a broomstick, watching a Quidditch match, and wandering through the Great Hall of Hogwarts and the Diagon Alley, among many others. It also features authentic sets and costumes, some originally used in the films. One can also learn about the production’s technical side, including how sound and visual effects, prosthetics and set design were made from conceptualisation to execution.

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There’s also a cafe where one can enjoy a glass of Butterbeer (it comes in a souvenir mug that can be taken home) and an expansive souvenir shop complete with wands, cloaks and other memorabilia. Tickets must be purchased ahead of the intended date and time of visit. While there is no time limit for guests to explore the entire facility, the tour can be completed in about 3-4 hours. This makes it a perfect destination for Potterheads on a quick visit to Tokyo. 

The studio is accessible via the Toshimaen station and Ikebukuro station on the Seibu Ikebukuro and Toshima line and the Metro Toei Oedo line.

Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo, 1-1-7 Kasugacho, Nerima ward, 179-0074 Tokyo

Creative geniuses Miraphora Mina and Eduardo Lima were the brains behind the graphic universe of the Harry Potter film series. In 2009, they formed their design studio, Minalima, to continue creating unique designs and visually arresting illustrations for the entertainment and publishing industries. The two artists also designed the graphic elements for The Wizarding World of Harry Potter—Diagon Alley at Universal Orlando Resort. In 2020, Minalima released a special edition book of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone packed with over 150 brilliant illustrations, eight interactive paper-engineered elements, and playful design details on every page. The second and third books were released in 2021 and 2023, respectively. These special illustrated versions of the Harry Potter books are available in House of Minalima, which has branches in London, New York,  Seoul and Osaka. In Tokyo, a Minalima store is inside the Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo - The Making of Harry Potter. Books are available in English and Japanese translations.

Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo, 1-1-7 Kasugacho, Nerima ward, 179-0074 Tokyo

As the gateway to the famous Wizarding World Street, the Akasaka station on the Tokyo Metro Line is designed with details that easily remind of the scenes from the book. Also known as the “Wizarding World Gate”, the station features walls clad with framed images of the characters from the best-selling book and a giant time-turner–an iconic time travel device used by the female lead character, Hermione.

Just a minute’s walk from the Akasaka station is one of Japan’s biggest Harry Potter shops, the Mahou Dokoro. The store offers a variety of Potterhead merchandise, from garments to trinkets, wands, Chocolate Frogs, Explosive Bon-bons, and more. The store is named after the fictional school of wizardry located on the volcanic island of Minami Iwo Jima in Japan, which is the smallest among the 11 schools mentioned by JK Rowling in Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. 

Akasaka Biz Tower 1F, 5-3-1 Akasaka, Minato: Tokyo

Also within Wizarding World Street in Akasaka is this cafe, where one can savour a delectable menu inspired by the legendary series. From a Hogwarts-themed tasting menu to Hedwig’s cake, Simmering Cauldron soup, and Expecto Patronum mocktail, this dining spot gives a unique gustatory experience. Reservations are a must, as this cafe gets fully booked quickly. The cafe can be accessed through the Akasaka Station of the Tokyo Metro Line.

5-3-1 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo

Musical lovers may want to watch the Harry Potter to Noroi no Ko, the Japanese version of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, following the latter’s successful run in London, New York, San Francisco, Melbourne and Hamburg. Produced by TBS and Horipro, the award-winning play is staged at the TBS Akasaka ACT Theatre. It is the play’s second non-English language version following its German production in Hamburg. The Tokyo production follows the shorter, single-part Broadway version from 2021, which takes three and a half hours, including an interval. Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is a sequel to the seven-volume Harry Potter series. It narrates a story that occurs 19 years after the series’ seventh volume.

Collectors of Harry Potter books may want to visit Tsutaya in Kameido Clock to secure a copy of its bunkobon (small-format paperback) editions. The books are almost the same size as a standard passport and have anime-inspired covers. These books are written in Japanese with no English translation.

Tsutaya Bookstore, Kameido Clock, 136-0071 Tokyo, Koto City, Kameido, 6 Chome, ３１６

Last but not least, and perhaps the most popular Potterhead destination in Japan, is the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios in Osaka. The expansive themed park highlights a magnificent area that mimics the magical world of Harry Potter, complete with rides and interactive activities for wizard-wannabes and muggles alike. The lines can go extremely long, so allot a day or two to fully enjoy this destination. 

2 Chome-1-33 Sakurajima, Konohana Ward, Osaka

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