Toshimaen - Where The New Harry Potter Studio Would Be

Toshimaen is a name which is probably unfamiliar to many prior to the announcement of the Harry Potter studio opening.This place is named after one of the oldest theme parks in Japan which opened in 1926 and had since then been operating for 94 years, finally drew its curtain in August 2020. Before the new chapter of this studio officially begins, let's go there for a walk to see how things are going. Also, to check out what this place is like and satisfy our curiosity.

Starbucks, restaurants and shops near Toshimaen Station. The land that previously accommodated Toshimaen theme park, which about half of it will be used for the Harry Potter studio, is just right next to it. The whole area is closed off with partitions. I would expect them to have some sort of banners or signs advertising by now but there is no sign of that around the station. So, I walk around the partitions looking for clues revealing any Harry Potter elements.

A river that runs across the town. I imagine the sakura trees would look amazing when they bloom.
Still no sign of Harry Potter, so I decide to randomly walk around instead.

I come to a shrine. A few elderlies are sitting on a bench outside, chatting, as if this is what they do daily. It makes me think, it would be nice if I could do that too.

Ema - a little piece of wood which you write your wishes down and hang up at the shrine as a way of wishing they came true. It is good to see that there are still many hopes and dreams in people's hearts.

Omikuji - Fortune telling draw. A little piece of paper packed with predictions including overall luck, career, love life, health, safety, finding a lost person/item, moving etc. It is always fun to read whether or not you believe in them. If the draw indicates 'bad luck', don't worry! There is a spot for you to tie it up and leave it behind.
The necklace to the left of the omikuji box is a lost item waiting for its owner. Something you see quite often in Japan and it is still heart-warming to see.

The plum trees in the shrine blossom beautifully.

Towards the end of this stroll, I discover a little garden - Kouyama Garden. Not only it is well-maintained, it is also equipped with a tea ceremony room, rest area and multi-purpose rooms.

The entrance of the garden. There is a map showing where you can find the flowers.

That is the tea ceremony room. Imagine having green tea and Japanese dessert while looking out to the pond. What a great view🌳💗

The indoor rest area gives off a cosy Japanese vibe. On the table you' will find albums of plant and flower specimens.

Hina doll set exhibition for Hina festival (Girl's day), a festive day to celebrate and wish for better health and growth for young girls. The ones exhibited here are full doll sets. Apparently the doll set is quite expensive. Therefore, modern families tend to have a smaller set to save money and space.  

Toshimaen is a quiet area. It is too bad that I cannot find anything about Harry Potter. I guess we will just have to wait until the grand opening in June!