A new Harry Potter Studio Tour built on the former site of Toshimaen
Many have heard of Universal Studios Japan or Tokyo Disneyland Resort, but few will have heard of one of the oldest theme parks in the country: Toshimaen. It opened more than 90 years ago near central Tokyo. This is one of the reasons it cannot compete with other major theme parks, and will be closed this August.
The good news: U.S. movie studio Warner Bros. and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government finalized plans to build a Harry Potter theme park in its place. Whats more, even with covid-19, the park could open as early as spring 2023!
The proposed area sits in a setting of carefully-maintained trees and lush nature. It has a long history of being loved by many people, making it the perfect setting for this attraction.
Experiencing the Films
“Studio Tour Tokyo” will be the second-ever opening in the world after London. A hands-on entertainment facility, it will not only be permanent, but also larger than the London park. Aside from hosting scenes, recreated sets, costumes, props and a themed cafe from the original Harry Potter, it will cover WB’s ongoing “Fantastic Beasts” spin-off.
In the open space in front of the “Studio Tour Tokyo” entrance, there are plans to landscape an area with sculptures of magical animals that appear in the series, so that both locals and visitors can freely enjoy the area.
Visitors can explore the iconic movie sets designed and produced by the creators of the movie “Harry Potter” series. You can even experience many scenes from the movies and learn how the worldview of the original book loved all over the world is vividly reproduced on screen.
The facility will be approximately 30,000 square meters, and the exhibition will also have a “Sound Stage” and “Back Lot”.
“Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter” has attracted more than 14 million visitors worldwide since its opening in 2012. With its great reviews, the Tokyo park is bound to be just as popular, if not more. Harry Potter has a strong following in Japan. The park will be only 15 minutes from downtown Tokyo’s Ikebukuro Station, making it easily accessible to locals and visitors.
But Wait, There’s More
As in London, you will have to book tickets as the number of visitors is limited, and you will get an allotted time slot to visit. We expect a similar system to that of Mitaka’s Ghibli Museum. Speaking of Ghibli, they also plan to open their first phase in 2022. This phase includes areas inspired by My Neighbor Totoro, Howl’s Moving Castle, and Spirited Away. The next phase will include Princess Mononoke and Kiki’s Delivery Service.
