Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo – The Making of Harry Potter
Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo – The Making of Harry Potter is a walk-through exhibition tour in Tokyo, Japan, owned by Warner Bros. and operated by their Studio Tour division. It is located in Nerima, in northwest of Tokyo, and houses a permanent exhibition of authentic costumes, props, and sets utilised in the production of the Harry Potter films, as well as behind-the-scenes production of visual effects.
History
The development of the Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo – The Making of Harry Potter is tied to the history of its location in Nerima, Tokyo.Site Acquisition and Development
The Studio Tour was built on the grounds of the former Toshimaen Amusement Park, a historic recreational area that had operated for 94 years since its opening in 1926. In 2020, plans were finalized for the Tokyo Metropolitan Government to acquire a majority of the Toshimaen land to develop a new public park, with the remaining area being used for the new Harry Potter attraction. The amusement park officially closed on August 31, 2020, to make way for the development.The project was a collaborative effort between Warner Bros. Studio Tour, Warner Bros. Japan, Seibu Railway, Itochu Corporation, and Fuyo General Lease, with the Studio Tour facilities being developed in conjunction with the new public park. Seibu Railway, which services the area, renovated Toshimaen Station to feature a Harry Potter theme, including a station platform inspired by London's King's Cross.
Opening
The Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo – The Making of Harry Potter was officially announced in August 2020. The attraction, which is the second of its kind in the world after the original in [Warner Bros. Studio Tour Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter|London – The Making of Harry Potter|London], was promoted as the world's largest indoor Harry Potter attraction. The facility is a walk-through, behind-the-scenes entertainment experience, not a typical theme park with rides.The Studio Tour officially opened its doors to the public on June 16, 2023. It offers unique features and sets that distinguish it from the London facility, while continuing to showcase the authentic costumes, props, and filmmaking secrets from the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts film series.