Must-visit photo spots at Tokyo Harry Potter Studio & tips for great shots

Here’s a guide to the best photo spots in the studio, listed in the order of the tour! Follow along to make it easier to capture great shots 😊 The criteria for "great shots" are places that feel like you’ve stepped into the Harry Potter world, with good lighting setups that make your face look amazing. **Must-visit spots for great photos (essential):** 1. **Moving Staircase** - Crop the upper part moderately for a natural look! If you shoot a video, the moving staircase adds a magical touch (use Live Photo). 2. **Gryffindor Dormitory & Slytherin Dormitory** - Most visitors wear uniforms, and if you’re dressed in Gryffindor or Slytherin attire, the photos turn out stunning! The colors match well and look vibrant. 3. **Potions Classroom** - Always use flash here—it’s a must! The photos turn out amazing, so don’t miss this spot. 4. **Mirror of Erised** - If you take multiple shots from the same angle and crop the mirror and standing area, you can create a photo that looks like the Mirror of Erised is moving! It’s even better if you have the Philosopher’s Stone. 5. **Library** - Pretend to study while sitting on a chair. Flash on/off creates different atmospheres for your photos. 6. **Hogwarts Bridge** - Lean your body outward and crop the lower part moderately to make it look like you’re really on the bridge. 7. **Hagrid’s Motorcycle** - Perfect for two people, but even solo shots turn out great. 8. **Platform 9¾ Entrance** - A classic spot! The more dynamic your pose, the better the photo. 9. **Shop Mirrors** - Near the train shop, but all mirrors in other shops also make for great photos (especially for close-ups). 10. **Hogwarts Castle** - Needless to say, it’s beautiful even without flash 😊 The time transitions from morning to night, and just before it gets dark is the best time for photos. **Spots that might not turn out well:** 1. **Great Hall** - Videos while entering look nice, but photos often lack good angles. Photos in the dining area might look better. 2. **Dormitory of a different house** - Gryffindor attire in Slytherin dormitory feels mismatched. 3. **Library Staircase** - The background looks too artificial. 4. **Forbidden Forest** - It’s too dark to see anything. 5. **Inside Hogwarts Bridge** - It looks overly like a set, and it’s hard to find a moment without people. Better to skip this spot. 6. **Dursley’s House** - The lighting isn’t great. 7. **Inside Hogwarts Train** - The exterior is decent, but the interior has awkward lighting and feels cramped. 8. **Ministry of Magic** - Too dark and not particularly photogenic. 9. **Diagon Alley** - Photos don’t turn out well here—better for quick snapshots. 10. **Underneath Hogwarts Castle** - The angles are awkward when taken from below. Photos from above are recommended. **Tips for great photos:** 1. **Wear Gryffindor or Slytherin uniforms** - Most main characters are from these two houses, so they dominate the spotlight. It’s better to wear these uniforms. Even the Quidditch video teams seem to be Gryffindor and Slytherin. 2. **Buy a wand before entering** - You’ll likely store it away at home later, so take lots of photos with it here! After shopping, you can leave your items at the storage area. Keep the wand with you for photos. 3. **Drink Butterbeer** - You can keep the cup as a souvenir, which is great! 4. **Use the designated photo zones (experience zones)** - Staff will explain how to use the barcode before entering. 1) Entering the magical portrait 2) Patronus experience 3) Traveling via Floo Powder 4) Cheering for Quidditch - These four experiences are super cute and make for great photos 😊