Nerima: From the Harry Potter Studio Tour to Shakujii Park

This itinerary takes you behind the scenes of filmmaking at Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo - The Making of Harry Potter at Toshimaen Station, followed by a trip on the Seibu Line to Shakujii Park to stroll along the water's edge and finish at Sanbo-ji Temple.

History and Local Charm

The basin of the Shakujii River flowing through Nerima Ward was land governed by the Toshima clan during the Muromachi period. The Toshima clan expanded their territory along the Shakujii River, eventually constructing Nerima Castle and Shakujii Castle. The area that once housed the Toshimaen amusement park, where the Studio Tour now stands, is part of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government's planned Nerima Castle Ruins Park, which contains the site of Nerima Castle. The remains of the other stronghold, Shakujii Castle, can be found on the plateau south of Sanpoji Pond in Shakujii Park. In 1477 (Bunmei 9), the Toshima clan was defeated in battle by Ota Dokan, and their castle fell. It is said that Sanbo-ji Temple was relocated to its current site after that event. From the magical world of film to a pond retaining the nature of Musashino and a temple by a castle ruin, this day connects two castle sites of the Toshima clan via the Seibu Line.

Key Highlights

• ​Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo - The Making of Harry Potter​​: Opened on June 16, 2023, this is the world's second studio tour following the one in London. Handcrafted by the filmmakers themselves, the sets include the Great Hall of Hogwarts with tables seating more than 400 students, Diagon Alley, and Platform 9 ¾.
• ​Shakujii Park​​: A metropolitan park centered around two bodies of water, Sanpoji Pond and Shakujii Pond, where the natural environment of Musashino is well preserved across undulating terrain. The marsh plant community on the floating island of Sanpoji Pond is designated as a national Natural Monument. Shakujii Pond is lively with visitors enjoying boat rides while admiring the surrounding greenery.
• ​Sanbo-ji Temple​​: A Shingon sect temple located southeast of Sanpoji Pond. Its mountain gate is called "Onarimon," named after the tradition that the third shogun, Tokugawa Iemitsu, stopped by during a hunting trip, and is a designated cultural property of Nerima Ward. A temple bell cast in 1675 (Enpo 3) also remains on the grounds.

Recommended Route and Duration

The estimated time required is about 7 hours. Tickets for the Studio Tour require date-and-time reservations and must be purchased in advance from the official website; they cannot be bought on-site. Plan your day's schedule after securing your entry time. The nearest station is Toshimaen Station on the Toei Oedo Line and the Seibu Line. The Seibu Toshimaen Station is decorated to resemble Hogsmeade Station, the nearest station to Hogwarts. If you wish to explore the facility thoroughly, allow at least 4 hours. For a break, there are spots like the Backlot Cafe and the Butterbeer Bar. After finishing your visit, take the Seibu Toshima Line connecting Toshimaen Station and Nerima Station, transfer at Nerima Station to the Seibu Ikebukuro Line, and head to Shakujii-koen Station. Shakujii Park is about a 7-minute walk from the station. Inside the park, walk around Shakujii Pond with its floating boats and Sanpoji Pond encircled by wooden boardwalks. From the boardwalks of Sanpoji Pond, you can observe the floating island and ducks that fly in during winter. The Shakujii Castle ruins on the plateau south of the pond are usually closed to protect the cultural asset. Sanbo-ji Temple is situated southeast of Sanpoji Pond and can be visited together with your park stroll. Take in the peony carvings on the doors of Onarimon Gate before entering the temple grounds. Next to the park, there is also the Nerima Shakujiikoen Furusato Museum.

Experience Summary

Immerse yourself in a magical world amidst movie sets, then walk along wooden paths to the waterside of a Musashino pond. By walking past the ruins of Shakujii Castle and visiting the temple said to have moved there after the castle's fall, this one-day journey lets you appreciate both the artistry of film production and the rich nature and history of Nerima.