Somewhere along the line Japan became a hotspot for Harry Potter fans. The country already boasts a Wizarding World of Harry Potter area at Universal Studios Japan, they played host to the first ever official Wizarding World cafe, and even various temporary merchandise shops apparate from time to time in major Japanese cities.

Part of the soon-to-be former site of Toshimaen, a Tokyo amusement park which opened in 1926, has been snapped up by Warner Brothers Studio Tour, and they’ve confirmed that they are making a new facility very similar to the ‘Making of Harry Potter Studio Tour’ in London. While some will be sad to the see the historic park shut down, many will be relieved to see it turned into a surefire tourist draw such as this.

‘Studio Tour Tokyo’ will only be the second such attraction in the world, and they promise an entertainment experience like never before. The brand new Studio Tour exhibition will explore JK Rowling's Wizarding World of Harry Potter through both of the franchise’s series, 'Harry Potter' and 'Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them'.

Fans will be given the chance to explore iconic movie sets, see props and costumes, and learn about how the magic was vividly brought to the big screen. The sizeable facility will be split into the ‘Sound Stage’ area and the outdoor ‘Backlot’, and it should take visitors about half a day to experience all the sorcery that the Studio Tour has to offer.

The outside area at the front of the facility entrance will become a magical landscape populated with sculptures of various Wizarding World creatures, which anyone can admire, not just the Studio Tour guests. The scenery around Toshimaen is already known for its beautiful gardens, so this enchanting addition should bring even more charm to the location.

A limited amount of tickets will be sold each day to ensure fans can make the best of the experience without overcrowding ruining the spellbinding atmosphere. The location of Toshimaen is easily and quickly accessible from central Tokyo taking just 15 minutes from Ikebukuro by train.

But hold your hippogriffs, such an ambitious project can’t magically appear in an instant. The construction is slated to be finished for a grand opening in the first half of 2023.


By - Jess.