Researched guide · Checked on Oct 19, 2026
Nerima, in northwest Tokyo, is known as the birthplace of Japanese anime, with studios that made Japan’s first color anime feature and first anime TV series. Today it is also home to the Harry Potter Studio Tour, plus big green parks and a hot-spring spa with a Japanese garden.
Quick answer
Getting there: Nerima Station (Seibu Ikebukuro, Toshima and Yurakucho lines; Toei Oedo Line); Toshimaen Station for the Studio Tour
Time needed: Half a day to a full day
Best time: Spring for cherry blossoms in Hikarigaoka Park
Good for: Anime fans, Harry Potter fans, families, parks
Plan Your Visit to Nerima
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Overview
| Getting there | Nerima Station (Seibu Ikebukuro, Toshima and Yurakucho lines; Toei Oedo Line); Toshimaen Station for the Studio Tour |
| Time needed | Half a day to a full day |
| Best time | Spring for cherry blossoms in Hikarigaoka Park |
| Good for | Anime fans, Harry Potter fans, families, parks |
Best Things to Do
Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo – The Making of Harry Potter
A walk-through exhibition of sets, props and costumes from the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts films, on part of the former Toshimaen amusement park site. It is not a ride park. Tickets are sold in advance for a set date and time on the official website, and most people spend several hours inside. Toshimaen Station (Seibu Toshima Line and Toei Oedo Line) is a short walk away.
Toei Animation Museum and Nerima’s anime history
Toei Animation made Japan’s first full-length color anime film, The Tale of the White Serpent, and its building has the Toei Animation Museum. Mushi Production, another Nerima studio, made the first anime TV series, Astro Boy.
Oizumi Anime Gate
Near Oizumi-gakuen Station, life-size statues of characters with links to the area: Astro from Astro Boy, Joe Yabuki from Ashita no Joe, Maetel and Tetsuro from Galaxy Express 999, and Lum from Urusei Yatsura. Look for the statue of the conductor from Galaxy Express 999 at the station too.
Chihiro Art Museum Tokyo
A museum with a collection of picture books by artists from around the world.
Hikarigaoka Park and Shakujii Park
Hikarigaoka Park has wide lawns for picnics and rows of cherry trees. Shakujii Park has woods around two ponds with water lilies and irises. Oizumi Central Park and the Makino Memorial Garden, dedicated to the botanist Tomitaro Makino, are also nearby.
Toshimaen Niwa-no-yu
A hot-spring spa overlooking a 1,200-square-meter Japanese garden designed by landscape architect Kenzo Ogata, with a bade pool, jacuzzi and saunas.
Food & Drink
- Casual food and drink on Chuo Street.
- Cafés and restaurants at the Studio Tour.
Find places to eat with our restaurant finder.
Shopping
- The Studio Tour Shop at the Harry Potter Studio Tour.
Where to Stay
Nerima is about 20 minutes from Shinjuku and Ikebukuro, which both have many hotels: see Best hotels in Ikebukuro.
Getting There
- Nerima Station: Seibu Ikebukuro, Toshima and Yurakucho lines; Toei Oedo Line. Toshimaen Station: Seibu Toshima Line and Toei Oedo Line.
- From Shinjuku: about 20 minutes on the Toei Oedo Line to Nerima. From Ikebukuro: the Seibu Ikebukuro Line goes to Nerima, with direct trains on to Toshimaen.
- From the airports: about 1 hour by train from Haneda, or about 2 hours from Narita.
New to Tokyo trains? See Trains in Tokyo and How to use Suica.
Suggested Itinerary
- MorningHarry Potter Studio Tour (timed ticket)
- Walk
- AfternoonToshimaen Niwa-no-yu hot spring
- Train
- OrOizumi Anime Gate and Toei Animation Museum
Travel Tips
- Book Studio Tour tickets well ahead, especially for weekends and holidays.
- Anime fans: combine Oizumi-gakuen with Nakano Broadway or Ikebukuro. See Anime and manga in Tokyo.
- Bring a picnic to Hikarigaoka Park in cherry blossom season.
FAQ
How do I get to the Harry Potter Studio Tour in Tokyo?
It is next to Toshimaen Station, reached on the Seibu Ikebukuro and Toshima lines from Ikebukuro, or on the Toei Oedo Line from Shinjuku.
Do I need to book the Harry Potter Studio Tour in advance?
Yes. Tickets are for a set date and entry time and are sold in advance on the official website.
Why is Nerima called the birthplace of anime?
Studios in Nerima made Japan’s first full-length color anime film and the first anime TV series, Astro Boy, and many studios are still based there.
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Sources
Information comes from the official sources below (checked October 19, 2026). Hours and prices change, so please check before you go.
