For Harry Potter lovers in Japan and Asia, the long-awaited day has finally arrived. Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo — The Making of Harry Potter has officially opened since Friday, June 16, 2023. The location is at 1 Chome-1-7 Kasugacho, Nerima City, Tokyo, Japan.
More than just an ordinary tour, this Studio Tour is the largest indoor Harry Potter facility in the world. Visitors will be invited to explore exclusive, never-before-seen Tokyo sets from the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts franchises.
All of these sets are not productions but are the handiwork of the world's best-set designers, using unique methods and techniques. Interestingly, visitors can participate in interactive experiences, including becoming one of the moving paintings at Hogwarts.
Riding the Hogwarts Express
Every Hogwarts student has a memorable memory that begins with their first ride on the Hogwarts Express. Although the Wizarding World is full of magical modes of transportation, nothing compares to the trains departing from Platforms 9 and 3/4.
The Magnificent Great Hall and Hogwarts Chamber
The Great Hall is not the only grand building at Hogwarts; but was the backdrop for many scenes during Harry Potter's 10-year adventure. The set designer, Stuart Craig, succeeded in creating the atmosphere of traditional English architecture with stone floors, narrow windows, and wood-paneled walls. The beauty of the Great Hall not only comes from its authentic design but is also enhanced by magic, including an ever-changing ceiling and floating candles.
Moving on to the Hogwarts rooms, Craig said that the Gryffindor common room was the place where Harry felt at home for the first time in his life. This room emphasizes comfort with furniture that has been used for a long time. The sofa is reupholstered in red velvet giving it a worn look, as if it has been used for decades.
The Magic of Dumbledore's Office and the Moving Paintings at Hogwarts
Inside one of the highest towers of Hogwarts Castle, there is Headmaster Dumbledore's office. There are three overlapping round rooms with paintings of the 48 previous Headmasters of Hogwarts decorating the walls. This set reflects Dumbledore's fascination with space and the skies, with shelves filled with glittering astronomical instruments, telescopes, and star maps.
Hogwarts wouldn't be the Wizarding World if it weren't filled with paintings that can move and talk, such as the wanted poster for Sirius Black in the Daily Prophet and the painting of the previous Headmaster of Hogwarts chatting in Dumbledore's office. Here, visitors can pose as interestingly as possible and join in with the many magical paintings that decorate the halls of Hogwarts.
The Warmth of Hagrid's Hut and Mystery of the Forbidden Forest
Outside the Forbidden Forest, there is a hut belonging to Rubeus Hagrid, the friendly half-giant wizard. Studio Tour built Hagrid's hut based on his appearance in the film, removing the back wall so visitors can walk around and explore.
Visitors can enjoy fun hidden elements within the set, from Norbert's Dragon egg to Ron's crawling bucket from Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. Careful fans can also find Scabbers the mouse hiding in one of Hagrid's pots and kettles.
In the Harry Potter films, the Forbidden Forest is a place for brave wizards only. Visitors can choose to head towards the warm light of Hagrid's hut or get lost in the dark forest that grows darker with every step taken. Here, visitors can meet terrifying dark creatures, such as Dementors, soul-sucking demonic creatures that roam among the trees, and Aragog, Acromantulas that lurk in the darkness.
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