“After all this time? Always.” This iconic line from a Harry Potter film will forever resonate with me. Even though the movies have long since concluded, the magic they created still holds a permanent place in my heart.

Growing up with Harry, Ron and Hermione felt like having lifelong friends — friends who shaped my sense of adventure, loyalty, and friendship. So, when Ishvi Maruyama, a dear friend who’s based in Japan, meticulously planned our Harry Potter adventure in Tokyo, I couldn’t have asked for a more magical celebration leading up to my birthday on 12th October.

He took care of everything — from securing a coveted reservation at the always-packed Harry Potter Café in Akasaka to booking advance tickets for The Making of Harry Potter in Nerima. It was the perfect birthday gift, bringing to life a magical world that has meant so much to me.

The Magic of Harry Potter at Akasaka, Tokyo

Our enchanting adventure began at the Wizarding World Gate in Akasaka, where we were instantly transported into the heart of Hogwarts. The magical plaza, located near the Akasaka Biz Tower, had been transformed in honor of the Harry Potter franchise, and it felt as though we were stepping directly onto a film set. They cleverly reimagined the staircase leading up to the Akasaka ACT Theater to resemble Hogwarts’ famous moving staircases, adding an air of enchantment to the entire space.

What truly captivated me was the sculpture of the Time-Turner, suspended gracefully in mid-air, as if held in place by magic. Along the passageway were portraits of witches and wizards adorning the walls, their eyes seemingly following us as we passed, just like the moving portraits in Hogwarts. The attention to detail was stunning, and it felt like we had been whisked away into the Wizarding World.

Around the corner, we discovered even more magical treats, including the famous Harry Potter Café, which is where we had our lunch. Thanks to Ishvi’s thoughtful planning, we had a reservation at 11:45 a.m. — a wise move, as the café is always packed and walk-ins are rarely accommodated. For those planning to visit, I highly recommend booking online in advance through their website to secure a table.

Upon entering, the sight of a large Harry Potter wand hovering in mid-air greeted us, accentuated by small light fixtures resembling wands that emitted a soft light glow. The atmosphere was truly enchanting, setting the perfect tone for a hearty meal fit for muggles, wizards and witches.

The café handed us a multi-language tablet displaying its menu once we sat down. The offerings were both magical and mouth-watering: we ordered the Simmering Cauldron Soup, Black Lake Fish and Chips, Hogwarts Cheese Toasties Slytherin Smoked Salmon and Avocado, Dragon Smoke’s Spareribs, the Expecto Patronum drink, and to top it all off, the delightful Hedwig Cake. Each dish was an Insta-worthy creation inspired by the wizarding world, making the experience both delicious and nostalgic.

For those looking to expand their magical collection, the nearby Harry Potter Mahou Dokoro (which means “Magic Place” in Japanese) shop at Wizarding World Street offers everything from wands and memorabilia to Hogwarts house robes.

Akasaka was the perfect, magical prelude to what was already shaping up to be an unforgettable birthday trip. The thoughtful design of every corner of the experience immersed us in the world of Harry Potter, offering a taste of that beloved magic right in the heart of Tokyo.

The making of Harry Potter in Nerima

The real adventure, however, began at the Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo — The Making of Harry Potter in Nerima, where we stepped behind the scenes of the magical films.

I couldn’t help but feel a rush of excitement as we entered the exhibit and came face-to-face with the iconic sets, original props, and costumes that had brought the Wizarding World to life on screen.

Before diving into the experiential activities, we registered and received a QR code that allowed us to access various activities throughout the day. The code would enable us to effortlessly download all our videos and photos, which would be available for 30 days after the experience.

Walking through the Great Hall, Diagon Alley and even Dumbledore’s office was like stepping into the pages of my favorite childhood books.

One of the highlights of the tour was the chance to participate in the interactive activities. Ishvi and I shot a short video where we were placed into the Portrait room off the Entrance Hall, surrounded by moving portraits just like the ones in Hogwarts. Seeing our faces animated in the portrait room was a surreal and thrilling experience — it made me feel like I had truly become part of the Harry Potter universe, even if just for a moment.

We also had the chance to film a scene where we appeared to be cheering for our home teams during a Quidditch match. We showcased our acting chops, enthusiastically supporting Gryffindor as if we were right there in the stands watching them battle it out with Slytherin.

The entire experience was recorded, and I made sure we downloaded the video as a keepsake — a perfect memory to bring home from that magical day.

Following the activities and various tour locations, you’ll find souvenir shops filled with captivating memorabilia, tempting you to purchase a souvenir (or three). Browsing through the shop felt like wandering through Diagon Alley, with everything a Potterhead could dream of, from collectibles to trinkets related to both the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts series.

I couldn’t leave without a personalized Letter of Acceptance to Hogwarts, a charming wooden trunk, and a gifted, adorable Harry Potter plushie.

Magical, indeed

Reflecting on the experience, I can’t help but smile at how perfectly everything came together. The trip wasn’t just about reliving the magic of Harry Potter — it was about creating new memories with someone who understood just how much this world has meant to me over the years. The gift of exploring these iconic locations, shooting Quidditch scenes, and appearing in the Portrait Room brought the excitement and wonder of childhood back into my adult life.

Visiting these places in Tokyo transcends mere nostalgia for anyone who grew up loving the Harry Potter world; it serves as a powerful reminder that magic exists not only in the stories we read or the movies we watch, but also in the experiences and moments we share with those we cherish.

And celebrating my birthday in these locations in Tokyo, surrounded by magic, felt like a true homecoming to a world I’ve always held dear. As we conclude this magical trip, I’ll always be reminded that, “Whether you come back by page or by the big screen, Hogwarts will always be there to welcome you home.”