Harry Potter Behind The Scene Museum Opens Tomorrow, June 16
Are you ready? Step into The Wonderful World of Hogwarts!
Are you ready? Step into The Wonderful World of Hogwarts!
“Warner Bros Studio Tour Tokyo ~ Making of Harry Potter” officially opens tomorrow June 16. Before the grand opening, we had a chance to participate in a media preview and had a glimpse of the studio!!
Lots of studio set remake
In the Studio Tour Tokyo, you can not only get a behind-the-scenes look at film production but also encounter numerous magnificent sets created by the world’s top creators involved in film production. Enter the iconic Great Hall, which is one of the sets from the Harry Potter film series, and explore sets of many unforgettable scenes that have not yet been released. Also, encounter luxurious costumes and magical creatures. You can board the Hogwarts Express from Platform 9¾ and venture deep into the Forbidden Forest.
All the sets, created using unique methods and techniques, have been meticulously crafted by the filmmakers themselves. You can witness the creativity of the production team behind the globally record-breaking film series and the skilled craftsmanship of the artisans up close.
Interactive experience with a broomstick
Additionally, there are various interactive experiences available in different areas. You can have experiences like flying over the skies of London on a broomstick, just like during film shooting, in front of a green screen. Also, become a moving portrait in the corridors of Hogwarts. And cheer as a spectator during a Quidditch match.
During the magical tour, visit the Backlot Café and enjoy Butter Beer, a drink known among wizards. Also, savor British-style meals and sweets at other cafes.
The world’s largest Harry Potter shop offers a wide range of merchandise. Find exclusive items only be found at Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo.
And tickets for Studio Tour Tokyo are reservation-based and require specifying the date and time. Enjoy a delightful day filled with magic in a style that suits you.
Sets
We will go through some of the sets we have witnessed during the media preview.
Platform 9¾, Hogwarts Express
When we think of transportation for wizards and witches, the first thing that comes to mind is a broomstick. However, when it comes to long-distance travel, other means of transportation are used as well. Among them, there is no more famous magical mode of transport than the Hogwarts Express. It has transported hundreds of students from Platform 9¾ to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
Standing at Platform 9¾ and posing for a commemorative photo, as if pushing a trolley into the wall. Let’s board the iconic Hogwarts Express that has depicted memorable scenes throughout the series.
Great Hall
One of the most impressive places in the vast Hogwarts Castle is the Great Hall. Over the course of 10 years of filming, it has served as the backdrop for numerous scenes, including feasts, Christmas dances, and magical duels.
Production designer Stuart Craig drew inspiration from traditional British architecture to create the set design. The stone floor, narrow windows, and wooden panel walls were influenced by Christ Church College at the University of Oxford.
While taking cues from real structures, the Great Hall featured various magical elements, such as candles floating in mid-air on the ceiling. Initially, they used real flames during filming. But a mishap where a wire holding one of the candles caught fire happened. So safety concerns led to replacing real flames with visual effects.
Additionally, for the feast scene in “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone,” they prepared freshly cooked and realistic meals. However, the meat had to be replaced to avoid unpleasant smells, at least twice a day. Then they ended up using resin food props in the subsequent films.
Diagon Alley
Diagon Alley was first created for “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone” but has appeared multiple times in subsequent films. But they altered the positioning of the walls and the arrangement of the shops. Then the overall angle of the buildings subtly changed to create a complete street scene. Additionally, in the filming of “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban,” several sets of Diagon Alley transformed into the snow-covered village of Hogsmeade.
At the end of Diagon Alley stands a three-story building, colored orange, and purple, which houses Weasley’s Wizard Wheezes, a prank specialty shop. And you can find everything from extendable ears to love potions there.
And the design of the shop, resembling storefronts from the 18th century, took over three months to construct. However, they spent most of the time creating the approximately six-meter-tall moving mannequin located above the main entrance. Search for the mischievous humor of Fred and George Weasley in 120 individually designed products, created by the graphic design team “MinaLima.”
Back Lot
In the studio tour’s backlot, there are several impressive outdoor sets familiar to fans of the movie series. You can walk around sets like the humble Hagrid’s hut and Privet Drive, Number 4. Take the opportunity to observe the intricate details of movie production.
Additionally, you can also walk across the iconic Hogwarts Bridge, which became one of the most impressive sights of Hogwarts. Actually, it was not originally written in the source novels or scripts. In its debut scene in “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban,” they built only a portion of this bridge, with the remaining parts created using CGI effects.
Moreover, you may come across the Knight Bus, standing approximately 7 meters tall (originally made by combining the parts of three double-decker buses from London). And don’t forget to keep an eye out for the wizard’s chess pieces from “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone,” standing at a height of about 7m.
Experience
Broom Experience
Here, you can experience the green screen technology used in the “Harry Potter” film series. You can ride a broomstick and soar through the streets of London or around Hogwarts Castle, fully immersing yourself in the role of Harry Potter.
Reenact beloved scenes just like Daniel Radcliffe and learn how to dodge and hide while flying. After the shoot, you can watch the edited footage of your green screen experience, combined with authentic movie scenes. You also have the option to take home this unique and high-quality footage as a souvenir from the studio tour.
Portrait Stairs
In the Daily Prophet newspaper, you can find various moving and talking photographs and portraits that bring the magical world to life. These include the rugged wanted poster of Sirius Black and the portraits of former Hogwarts headmasters conversing in Dumbledore’s office.
For the first time at Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo, join the impressive witches and wizards and capture a magical portrait of yourself to be displayed in the corridors of Hogwarts. Strike your favorite pose and have it captured in a photograph. And take it home as a cherished memory.
Main Shop
At the studio tour, you will find the world’s largest Harry Potter shop, featuring 14 themed sections adorned with over 7,000 customized items and specially sourced props. These sections showcase beautiful designs inspired by the shops of Diagon Alley, including Honeydukes, Ollivanders, and Flourish and Blotts.
Explore these areas and immerse yourself in the magical atmosphere while enjoying the intricate details of the set designs. Additionally, there is exclusive Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo merchandise available for purchase, offering unique items that you won’t find anywhere else.
Restaurants
One of the dining places Food Hall offers breakfast and lunch options. This includes traditional British dishes such as Fish & Chips, Roast Beef, and English Breakfast.
At the world’s largest Butter Beer Bar, enjoy the famous magical beverage, Butter Beer, on a spacious terrace.
Omg, we can’t wait!
Facility Information
Warner Bros Studio Tour Tokyo Making of Harry Potter
Address: 1-1-7 Kasuga-cho, Nerima, Tokyo
Admission:
¥6300/adult
¥5200/12-17 yrs old
¥3800/4-11 yrs old
Tickets are available to purchase online:
