Have you visited the Harry Potter Studio Tour in Tokyo? In addition to how to obtain Harry Potter Tokyo ticket, there are 9 other tips you should know before going to the studio. Check out all the tips to make the most of your day!
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Table of Contents
If you are interested in other things to do in Japan, please refer to the article below.
1. Purchase Harry Potter Tokyo Ticket In Advance
Firstly, you have to buy your tickets in advance as you cannot purchase them at the door. Tickets are non-changeable and non-refundable. In addition, please purchase your tickets either from the official website or authorized distributors listed on the official site. Tickets purchased from unauthorized distributors will not be valid for entry.
Ticket prices are as follows:
- Adult: 6,500 yen
- Ages 12-17: 5,400 yen
- Ages 4-11: 3,900 yen
- Under 4: Free
One example of an authorized distributor is KKday. At KKday, you can find packages that include a Tokyo Subway Ticket for 24 hours or a KDDI/Softbank eSIM for use in Japan. Choose and purchase the option that suits your needs in advance.
KKday Tickets
One example of an authorized distributor is KKday. At KKday, you can find packages that include a Tokyo Subway Ticket for 24 hours or a KDDI/Softbank eSIM for use in Japan. Choose and purchase the option that suits your needs in advance.
2. Long Walk Needed
Prepare for a significant amount of walking. The studio tour covers a vast area with various sets and exhibits. As the largest indoor Harry Potter facility in the world, it spans approximately 90,000 square meters, with a building area of about 30,000 square meters. Officially, it is recommended to allocate at least 3 to 4 hours for the visit. When I went with my family, it took us 4.5 hours, including a 1-hour lunch where we queued for about 20 minutes. Wearing comfortable shoes is highly recommended, and it’s best to keep yourself light. If you have any large luggage, coats, bags, or suitcases, you can store them for free at the cloakroom.
3. Not Many Toilets
This is the map of the entire area. As you can see, the number of toilets is limited. Once you enter the studio from the lobby, the next toilet is after Hagrid’s Hut, just next to the restaurants. It takes about 1 to 1.5 hours to get there from the entrance. Especially for those with kids, you should plan accordingly.
4. Plan Where and When To Eat
There are 2 restaurants, 1 bar, and 1 cafe at the studio. The Food Hall and Frog Cafe are located just next to the lobby area, where you can enjoy your time before or after the tour. Once the tour starts, you will only have access to the Backlot Cafe and the Butterbeer Bar. Since the entire tour takes at least 4 hours, plan your meals accordingly. You can find the menu here.
For example, if you want to try the special dessert that Harry and Hermione had at Slughorn’s dinner party, please visit The Food Hall. If you want to enjoy lunch meals themed for each house, head to the Backlot Cafe. With many visitors, there are often long queues, so review the menu before the tour starts and plan your meals accordingly.
5. Visit Early to Avoid Crowds
There is no time limit for how long you can stay in the studio, so the later you go, the more crowded it will be. As mentioned earlier, the number of restaurants is limited, and the queues get longer, especially during lunchtime. I personally recommend booking an earlier time slot in the morning to avoid the crowds and enjoy your visit more comfortably.
6. Limited Nursing Rooms
It can be a bit difficult for babies and toddlers. The nursing room is only at the entrance area. Diaper changing stations are available in the restrooms. Since the studio tour takes at least 4 hours, it is recommended to plan ahead for your baby’s feeding times.
7. Better to Dress Up for Better Photos
The studio has many photo spots and interactive scenes from the Harry Potter films. If you want great photos to share on social media, it’s recommended to wear robes and carry a wand. You can bring your own or buy them at the studio. If you decide to purchase, it’s best to do so at the Studio Shop around the lobby area before starting the tour.
8. Not Spend All Your Money at the Studio Shop
There are 2 shops at the studio: the Studio Shop located at the lobby area, and the Railway Shop found in the middle of the tour. I recommend purchasing items such as wands for photo opportunities at the Studio Shop before your tour begins. During the tour, check out the items available at the Railway Shop and buy anything you like that you couldn’t find at the Studio Shop.
Please note that there are no ATMs, delivery services, or duty-free options available at the studio. Payment methods accepted include;
- Cash
- Credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Amex, JCB, UnionPay)
- Debit cards
- Electronic money (such as Apple Pay).
- IC payments like transportation cards
- Contactless payments such as ID and QUICPay, and QR code payments like PayPay are currently not accepted at the retail stores.
Before going to the studio, please check the latest information at here.
9. Car parking must be booked in advance
By Train:
It’s simple if you come by train. Head to Toshimaen Station. The station is a 2-minute walk from Seibu Ikebukuro Line and Toshima Line’s Toshimaen Station (17 minutes direct from Seibu Ikebukuro Station) or a 2-minute walk from Toei Oedo Line’s Toshimaen Station. The station is decorated with a Harry Potter theme and has photogenic areas.
By Car:
If you visit by car, you need to book the parking in advance along with your studio tickets. Parking can only be booked in advance and is not available for purchase on the day. In addition, please note that parking is available one hour before your tour.
10. Taking an umbrella with you
Especially in summer, Tokyo’s weather is unpredictable. From the station to the studio, you’ll walk through an open park area without a roof. Additionally, some of the studio sets are exhibited outside with no roof. To fully enjoy the studio tour, it’s recommended to carry a small umbrella in your bag.
To have the best experience at the Harry Potter Studio Tour in Tokyo, make sure to get your Harry Potter Tokyo ticket in advance and follow our 9 essential tips. From navigating limited toilet availability to planning meals and packing an umbrella, these tips will help you enjoy your magical day to the fullest.
Details:
Official Site: View Website
Address: View Website
If you are interested in other things to do in Japan, please refer to the article below.
