13 Oct 2021
Tokyo's Harry Potter studio tour will have Fantastic Beasts universe
BY Tom Walker
The Harry Potter studio tour attraction, planned for the Japanese capital city Tokyo, will span a total of 322,000sq ft when it opens to the public in 2023.
The size of the tour is among the latest details revealed for the attraction, which was first announced in late 2020.
The large-scale site – located on the grounds of the former Toshimaen Amusement Park in Nerima-Ku – will combine the worlds of the hugely popular Harry Potter films and books with the Fantastic Beasts universe.
Both Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts are IPs created by British author, J.K. Rowling.
Details of the exhibition space within the “sound stage” and “backlot” (outdoor filming area) zones have also been confirmed, with the area taking approximately half a day to walk through.
Elsewhere, the open space just outside the Studio Tour Tokyo’s entrance will be a landscaped area placing bespoke sculptures of mystical characters from the films, which will be accessible to local residents and visitors alike.
The ticket allocation will be controlled in a manner that allows the "optimal number of people" to ensure the best possible experience.
Visitors will also be able to explore a number of the iconic movie sets used in the blockbuster movies. Showcasing original costumes and props, the visitors can experience scenes from the films firsthand and discover how the book series was brought to life on the screen.
Officially called Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo – The Making of Harry Potter, the attraction will be operated by Warner Bros. Studio Tours, which also runs the original The Making of Harry Potter near London, UK.
Warner Bros is developing the site in partnership with Warner Bros. Japan; Seibu Railway Co.; Itochu Corporation; and Fuyo General Lease Co.
The Toshimaen theme park, which closed permanently in August 2020, is owned by Seibu Group, the parent company of Seibu Railway.
The Harry Potter attraction forms a major part of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government's plans to develop a public park on a plot that includes the current grounds of Toshimaen.
The development will be conducted in a phased manner.
Construction work on the attraction began in May 2021.
Takashi Goto, president and CEO of Seibu Holdings, said: "This facility will serve as a base for new liveliness and cultural dissemination in the region, and along with the Nerima Castle Ruins Park, which is being gradually developed by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, will energise not only Japan and Asia but also Harry Potter fans and many other people around the world.
"We are confident that it will be a symbolic place following the pandemic.
"Toward the opening in the first half of 2023, Tokyo, Nerima Ward, and other related parties will continue to cooperate and work together, and in collaboration with Warner Brothers Japan GK and Seibu Group companies, the line will be changed to the Seibu Railway line."
• To read an interview with Warner Bros’ Sarah Roots and to find out how the Tokyo tour will differ from the London tour, and the company’s other Harry Potter plans, click here for Attractions Management Issue 1/2021
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