Visited: May 2026
I’ve been to the Warner Bros. Studio Tour in London. And Tokyo? I was born and grew up there.
So when we headed to the Tokyo studio, I did almost zero research. “It’s my city,” I thought. “I’ll be fine.”
I was not fine.
Looking back, the biggest mistake wasn’t just getting a little lost. It was missing part of the magical experience before even entering the studio.
We got off the train, followed a line of Harry Potter flags down the road — and spent the next ten minutes wondering where on earth the entrance actually was.
The good news? I figured out the right way in — on the way back out. And now I’m going to save you from making the same mistake.
- 🔑 Short Answer First
- 🎟️ Book Your Tickets in Advance
- 🎡 Why Is the Station Called “Toshimaen”?
- 🚇 Getting There: Oedo Line, No Transfers
- 🏨 Shinjuku Is My Recommended Base
- 🚩 What Went Wrong: I Followed the Flags
- 😅 The Upside of Going the Wrong Way
- ✨ What I Discovered on the Way Out
- 🚌 Coming from the Airport? Take the Limousine Bus
- ⏱️ “2 Minutes from the Station” — Is That True?
- 🗺️ The Route I Should Have Taken: Step by Step
- 📝 Quick Summary
🔑 Short Answer First
Take the Toei Oedo Line to Toshimaen Station. When you exit, you’ll see a 7-Eleven convenience store. Turn left there and head toward Seibu Toshimaen Station. The main entrance is right there — beautiful, green, and unmissable.
Do NOT follow the Harry Potter flags straight down the road. That way leads to the side of the building, not the front.
🎟️ Book Your Tickets in Advance
Tickets can sell out, especially on weekends and holidays. I recommend checking availability and booking before you go.
🎟️ Check Klook availability: Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo – The Making of Harry Potter
🎡 Why Is the Station Called “Toshimaen”?
The station is called Toshimaen — not Warner Bros., not Harry Potter. That name is a piece of Tokyo history.
Toshimaen was one of Tokyo’s most beloved amusement parks, open for nearly a century before closing in 2020. The Warner Bros. Studio Tour opened on the same site in 2023.
I grew up in Tokyo, not far from here. As a child, I used to watch the Toshimaen summer fireworks from home. The sky would light up, and we knew exactly where they were coming from.
Decades later, I found myself standing in the same area, about to enter the world of Harry Potter.
That felt strangely nostalgic.
🚇 Getting There: Oedo Line, No Transfers
We were staying in Nishi-Shinjuku, so we took the Toei Oedo Line from Tochomae Station — no transfers, all the way to Toshimaen Station. For anyone staying in the Shinjuku area, this is easily the most convenient route.
It was comfortable, and we even got seats. For those travelling with children or seniors, the “no transfer” part really makes a difference.
🏨 Shinjuku Is My Recommended Base
If you are deciding where to stay in Tokyo, I recommend the Shinjuku area for this visit. From Tochomae Station in Nishi-Shinjuku, the Toei Oedo Line takes you directly to Toshimaen Station with no transfers.
We stayed in Nishi-Shinjuku and found the journey comfortable and simple. Avoiding busy transfers is especially helpful when travelling with children, older family members, or luggage.
Daiwa Roynet Hotel Nishi-Shinjuku PREMIER is one practical option in this area.
👉 Read my review of Daiwa Roynet Hotel Nishi-Shinjuku PREMIER.
🚩 What Went Wrong: I Followed the Flags
When we came out of Toshimaen Station (Oedo Line), there was a map right in front of us. Warner Bros. Studio to the left. Fine.
We crossed the road and started walking along the main street. There were Harry Potter flags all the way down the pavement. A big green building appeared in the distance. Even an airport limousine bus pulled up nearby.
“This must be it!” I thought.
But the closer we got to the building, the more confused I became.
“Where’s the entrance?” “Is this the right side?” “Are we actually going the right way?”
A security guard — before I even had to ask — pointed us in the right direction. We eventually got in. But by that point, the excitement had been replaced by relief.
We had come in from the side, not the front.
😅 The Upside of Going the Wrong Way
Here’s the one good thing about the route I took: you walk past the big Harry Potter billboard near the road, surrounded by greenery. It’s genuinely impressive. Airport bus passengers get to see it as they arrive.
So it’s not all bad — just not the way I’d recommend.
✨ What I Discovered on the Way Out
When we left, we followed the signs toward the station — and that’s when I finally saw it.
A wide, green, open pathway. Sculptures and installations on both sides. And at the end, when I turned around to take a photo of the entrance…
My jaw dropped.
“Why didn’t we come THIS way?!”
We both said it at the same time.
The approach to the main entrance is part of the experience. There are photo spots, movie-themed objects, and a wide open view of the entrance sign. The magic starts before you even walk through the door — and we had nearly missed all of it.
🚌 Coming from the Airport? Take the Limousine Bus
If you’re flying into Haneda, there’s a direct limousine bus to Warner Bros. Studio Tokyo. No trains, no luggage juggling — you arrive right there.
Haneda Airport → Warner Bros. Studio Tokyo (Limousine Bus)
Passengers arriving by bus will come from the road side — so they’ll see the big billboard. Once you’re dropped off, follow signs to the main entrance rather than heading straight toward the building.
⏱️ “2 Minutes from the Station” — Is That True?
Yes and no.
The official guide says it is a 2-minute walk from Toshimaen Station. That estimate takes you to the edge of the site. Reaching the main entrance, however, involves walking through the grounds, and many visitors stop for photographs along the way. Check the official access page before your visit because transport information can change.
I’d allow at least 10 minutes from the station to actually getting inside the building, especially if you:
- Have young children
- Are travelling with seniors
- Want to enjoy the entrance area properly (which you should!)
And in summer — it gets hot. Give yourself time and bring water.
🗺️ The Route I Should Have Taken: Step by Step
| Step | What to do |
|---|---|
| 1 | Take the Toei Oedo Line to Toshimaen Station |
| 2 | Exit the station |
| 3 | Find the 7-Eleven on your left |
| 4 | Turn left at the 7-Eleven |
| 5 | Walk toward Seibu Toshimaen Station |
| 6 | Follow the path to the main entrance |
| 7 | Enjoy the entrance approach — it’s part of the magic! |
📝 Quick Summary
- Best access: Toei Oedo Line → Toshimaen Station, no transfers
- The key tip: Turn left at the 7-Eleven — don’t follow the flags down the main road
- Time needed: At least 10 minutes from station to entrance
- Entry: You can enter the building up to one hour before your booked tour time
I’d been to the London studio before this visit, so I thought I knew what to expect from the Tokyo one too. I was wrong — in the best possible way. For photographs and the main highlights inside, read my Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo review.
🎟️ Official ticket page: check dates, prices and availability.
Have a nice trip! (^^)/
This article is based on personal experience and photos, with some AI assistance to improve readability.
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