“Harry Potter” Events Happening Right Now in Tokyo
Special events are happening right now all across the globe in honor of the Boy Who Lived. With 2021 marking the 20th anniversary of the release of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, the beloved film series continues to grow in popularity. To commemorate this special anniversary, Tokyo is hosting multiple events that are all Potter-themed, including a holiday illumination and a pop-up shop. You won’t want to miss out on this spellbinding fun.
1. Marunouchi Bright Christmas: Harry Potter
Marunouchi Bright Christmas: Harry Potter display. (Credit: Keisuke Tanigawa.)
This free holiday illumination features magical Christmas trees and displays inspired by Harry Potter with key scenes from Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. You can see the 29.5 ft. Tree of Hogwarts Magic at the Marunouchi Building, a Tree of Fantastic Beasts at the Marunouchi Oazu building, and a 98 ft. Tree of Owl Post outside of Tokyo Torch Park made out of strands of holiday lights. This festive array will be on display until Christmas Day.
2. Tully’s Coffee Japan Harry Potter Collection
Merchandise available at certain Tully’s Coffee locations
The winter months are the best time to enjoy some hot beverages. In honor of the festivities at Marunouchi, there are 25 Tully’s Coffee locations in the Tokyo area offering a magical collection of Harry Potter merchandise and specialty drinks. Do some holiday shopping for everyone on your list while you sip on a Treacle Tart Latte.
3. Harry Potter: A History of Magic Exhibition
“History of Magic” exhibition from the British Library in London
The Harry Potter: A History of Magic exhibition, which first appeared at the British Library in London, England, has landed in Tokyo. Like the original, it showcases J.K. Rowling’s early notes and sketches for the Harry Potter books and takes an in-depth look at the books and films. Artifacts from the British Library itself are even on display. The exhibition will be on display until March 2022, and you can check it out online as well.
4. Harry Potter Shop at Tokyo Solamachi
“Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone” image commemorating 20 years of movie magic
There is a pop-up shop inside the Tokyo Solamachi shopping center that will be around until mid-January. This pop-up shop offers a wide array of merchandise including handkerchiefs, clothing items with House emblems, and lots of sugary sweets. Shoppers who reach a certain spending limit will receive a special rewards card that comes in four different designs representing each Hogwarts House, as well as a fifth design based on Hogwarts itself. You can shop this pop-up shop online if you prefer to stay indoors.
Each of these events encapsulates the magic of Harry Potter during the holiday season. Whether you’re a sightseeing fan or want to do some major shopping, you’ll find something of interest in Tokyo right now. Which of these events is your favorite?
