Time has flown by since my last trip, and even more time has passed since I wrote about it. I visited Japan in 2024 and I am only now getting around to sharing the experience.

Soon, I will be off on another adventure, but before that next chapter begins, I wanted to take a moment to reflect and leave at least one proper travel post behind. This one is a little throwback to last autumn, when my journey began in the incredible city of Tokyo – with a magical Harry Potter experience kicking things off.

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Accommodation
APA Hotel Akasaka-Mitsuke
Minato-ku, Akasaka 3-19-10
107-0052 Tokyo, Japan
+81 570-004-611
apahotel.com

Akasaka’s Wizarding World Street & the Harry Potter Café Experience

Tokyo greeted me with its dynamic daytime charm – sunlight reflecting off glassy skyscrapers, streets full of movement and the kind of organized chaos that somehow just works. I started the day with a bit of shopping (how could I resist lol?), before diving straight into the magical world of Harry Potter.

For this trip, I chose to stay in Akasaka, which turned out to be a perfect decision. Unusually for me, I skipped my go-to areas and landed right in the middle of what felt like a hidden gem for Potter fans. There is a special charm to Akasaka’s “Wizarding World Street” – a quiet little stretch that feels like a portal into another universe. Lanterns, themed signs and an atmosphere that made me feel like I had wandered into Diagon Alley. Even familiar cafés like Starbucks and Tully’s transform into part of the magical setting, draped in Harry Potter flags and surrounded by themed details that blur the line between Tokyo and the wizarding world.

Of course, I had made a reservation at the Harry Potter Café in advance (thank goodness, because it was completely booked out). Like many themed cafés in Japan, it was not exactly budget-friendly, but absolutely worth every Yen. The food was beautifully presented, with magical touches in every dish and the interior design made it feel like dining inside a spellbound library or wizard’s inn.

Later that evening, I made a quick visit to the Mahou Dokoro Harry Potter Store, which thankfully stays open a bit later. It was the perfect way to end a magical first day before heading into the rest of the trip.

☆ Harry Potter Cafe Akasaka
Minato City, Akasaka, 5 Chome−3−1 BIZ Tower 1F, Tokyo 107-0052, Japan
hpcafe.jp

Opening Hours
Cafe 10:00 – 17:00
Dinner 17:00 – 22:00

Online Reservation
tablecheck.com

Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo

I had wanted to visit the Warner Bros. Studio Tour in Tokyo for ages, but somehow the opportunity never came up. That changed on this trip and let me tell you, it was pure magic from start to finish!

I booked my ticket online in advance, which is generally a good idea, though I noticed when I got there that tickets were still available at the entrance. Still, I wanted to snag the very first time slot of the day (highly recommended, by the way) so I could explore everything without the bigger crowds.

From my hotel in Akasaka, it took about an hour on the metro to reach Nerima Station. I was way too excited to risk being late, so I arrived way ahead of time. With a bit of extra time on my hands, I went for a short walk around the area. Lucky for me, a Doutor café had just opened and I treated myself to a warm cup of coffee – calming my nerves before stepping into the wizarding world.

My first stop was the Food Hall – there was no way I was missing out on the Niffler Custard Bun. True to its reputation, it was as charming as it was tasty – almost too cute to bite into. The entire dining area was stunningly themed and I genuinely felt a wave of goosebumps as I took it all in. It was like walking straight onto a movie set.

Before heading into the actual exhibition, I had a quick look around the shop; because let’s be honest, no Harry Potter experience is complete without a peek at wands, scarves and house-themed everything.

Once the tour began, the crowd was carefully managed – only a limited number of people were allowed in the first section at a time, which made it feel more intimate. Pro tip: when you reach the final room of the first section, make sure to stand all the way to the left, right at the front by the doors. When the doors open, run (yes, run) to the front left for the best possible view of the breathtaking Hogwarts entrance. I knew this trick from my time at the Warner Bros. Studio Tour in London, and it paid off here too!

From there, the magic unfolded. Moving staircases, bubbling cauldrons in Snape’s Potions Classroom, spellbinding special effects and interactive exhibits brought the Wizarding World to life. There was also a stunning Fantastic Beasts section, showcasing magical creatures and behind-the-scenes peeks into the artistry that made the films so special.

One of the best surprises? I arrived just before the midday rush and spontaneously decided to try my luck with afternoon tea – something I had meant to book in advance but never got around to. To my delight, they had plenty of tables available. It turned out to be a perfect little break: elegant treats, magical presentation and a cozy moment of calm in the middle of an otherwise exhilarating day.

Recharged, I continued on through more magical settings, including the Dursleys’ house (yes, the cupboard under the stairs was there), the Knight Bus, Hogwarts Express, Diagon Alley and iconic sets from the Ministry of Magic. Every step felt like I was discovering a new layer of the Wizarding World.

By the end of the tour, I was completely spellbound and more than a little emotional. The entire experience was a dream come true. Walking out, I felt like I had just spent the day in another universe. And in a way, I had :)

☆ Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo
1 Chome-1-7 Kasugacho, Nerima City, Tokyo 179-0074, Japan
wbstudiotour.jp

Entry Fee
Adult 18+: 7’000 ¥ (*5’000 ¥)
Junior 12-17 : 5’800 ¥ (*4’150 ¥)
Child 4-11: 4’200 ¥ (*3’000 ¥)
*Discount on evening tickets 17:30 ~

Opening Hours
Weekday 08:30 – 19:00
Weekend 08:30 – 22:00

Buy Tickets Online
wbstudiotour.jp/en/tickets/