Did you know that Tokyo is home to the largest Harry Potter museum in the world? I’m a massive fan of the books and movies (yes, I rewatch all movies during the holiday season 🤓), so this museum was a dream!
You get to walk through actual movie sets and see real props! But my absolute favorite part was getting an inside look at the magic behind the magic! Everything from VFX, sound design, costume design, how they brought all the creatures to life, etc!!
It was really cool to step into the world of Harry Potter and see how these big, fantastical movies were made.
What you’ll find in this article:
- How to get tickets to the museum
- First impressions
- Highlights of the museum
- Quick tips & recommendations for visiting
I hope you find this article helpful!
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Tokyo’s Harry Potter Museum 🏰✨
Museum Overview
The Making of Harry Potter Museum in Tokyo invites Harry Potter fans to discover the real-life magic behind the filmmaking process. It’s the world’s largest Harry Potter museum, with real sets and props from the movies.
I was so excited to step into the world of Harry Potter. I’ve read the books growing up and watched the movies every holiday season. I loved feeling like I was stepping into this fantastical world for a day.
✨ Note: This museum in Tokyo is different from the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Japan in Osaka.
Unlike an amusement park, there are no rides available at the museum. Just gigantic sets and museum areas that give you in-depth details about how they made all the movies.
Getting There & Tickets
Timed entry tickets are required to enter the museum. Reservations must be made in advance online and are unavailable for purchase at the entrance.
The museum is located in Nerima City (Tokyo), about 35 minutes away via train from Shinjuku. You can take either the JR line or the Tokyo Metro to get there.
The closest station (Toshimaen Station) is about a five-minute walk away from the museum.
First Impressions
My first impression of the museum was that it was gigantic! The museum was way bigger than I expected, and I definitely recommend wearing comfortable shoes (and bringing an extra phone charger!) for your visit.
The first thing you’ll see as you walk in is a replica of one of the dragons from Goblet of Fire. Then, shortly past the entrance, you’ll enter a spacious lobby with a small food hall to the right and the museum store to the left.
🪄 PRO TIP: I recommend visiting the museum store first if you’d like to purchase a cape, wand, or headband to wear/use while exploring the museum.
Once your tour is about to begin, you’ll be called to show your ticket and enter a hall full of floor-to-ceiling behind-the-scenes photos and movie posters. This hall will lead you into an area where you’ll watch the museum intro video, which is the setup for the grand entrance—gigantic double doors opening to the actual Great Hall!
And to think, that was just the setup for the rest of the museum!
Highlights of the Museum
- Actual Sets from the Films: The Great Hall, Platform 9 ¾, the Forbidden Forest, the London Ministry of Magic, and Diagon Alley!
- Props laid out in over-the-top displays designed like the Hogwarts Common Rooms, Dumbledore’s Office, Hogwarts Classrooms (like the Potions class!), and more!
- Large sections of the museum are dedicated solely to Creature Effects, SFX & VFX, and Costume/Set Design—a true behind-the-scenes of the movie-making process!
- There are also lots of photo and unique interactive video opportunities that give you the perfect museum takeaway to share on social media or keep for yourself. Some of these opportunities include seeing yourself fly on a broom or being transported through a chimney into the Ministry of Magic.
Quick Tips for Visiting
🔮 I recommend giving yourself at least four hours to walk through the museum.
✨ The museum is huge! Wear comfortable shoes and bring an external battery charger.
🪄 Stop by the Studio Tour store first so you can wear your cloaks, wands, headbands, etc., during the tour!
🦉Tickets should be purchased in advance. Timed reservations are required.
🏆 Arrive at least an hour or thirty minutes before your tour reservation to allow time to take photos in the front or shop for a cloak at the museum store.
🏰 There is food available at the museum. Credit cards are accepted.
🎬 I recommend this museum for Harry Potter fans and creatives!
Final Thoughts
The Making of Harry Potter Museum Tokyo was a highlight of my trip. I thoroughly enjoyed leaving the muggle world and stepping into the fantastical world of Harry Potter.
If you’re creative or love filmmaking, this museum is one you can’t miss!
Have you visited? Let me know in the comments!
➡️ Read Next: How to Spend Half a Day in Asakusa (Itinerary + Things to do)
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Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive commissions for purchases made through links in this post at no extra cost to you. These are all products and services I highly recommend. Please read full disclosure here.
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