We step into the wizarding world of Harry Potter and Newt Scamander, and dine on magical transforming meals with some well-known characters.
Two years after Fantastic Beasts And Where To Find Them appeared in cinemas, audiences around the world now get to enjoy the second instalment in the Harry Potter prequel series, with Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald now playing on screens.
To commemorate the occasion, the world’s first two Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts themed cafes have been unveiled, and the only place you’ll find them is in Japan.
Located at Fukuoka on Japan’s southernmost island and Shinjuku in the capital of Tokyo, we paid a visit to the cafe in Tokyo just after its 9 November opening, and as soon as we arrived, the first thing that caught our eye was this note from Dumbledore’s Army. Signed in 2007, when Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix was released, the note contains both the signatures of the group’s characters and the actors and actresses who played them.
▼ According to staff, there are only two of these signed sheets in the world, located at the Tokyo and Fukuoka cafes.
▼ “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, 2007 Release, Genuine Handwritten Cast Signatures”
One of the things we loved about the cafe was their merchandise corner, which was stocked with a wide range of items. If you make a purchase here, you’re allowed to take it over to your table with you, which means you can cosplay with friends or dine with a furry pal from the series. Some people chose to wear cosplay outfits brought from home, which added to the fun atmosphere.
We could not resist purchasing Niffler (6,800 yen [US$60.19] for a large) and Bowtruckle (1,900 yen), and taking them over to our table for a meal.
▼ As it turned out, this would be an epic feast they would never forget.
We ordered five of the most highly recommended items from the menu, and when they arrived, we were given instructions on how to work some special magic on them.
The Dumbledore Profiteroles (1,200 yen) came in a nine-piece tower, presented with an adorable image of Jude Law’s character in anime form. The two-tiered dish came with a plastic syringe on the side, a pile of ice underneath, and a pot of hot water, which we were told to pour over the ice.
As soon as we poured the water on the ice, small pieces of dry ice on the plate reacted to the liquid, sending out plumes of smoke around the table. Plastic LED ice cubes also lit up, adding to the magical display.
Then it was time to work some magic on Newt’s Pancakes (1,200 yen), which were topped with a generous serving of cotton candy. Pouring the sweet syrup on top made the cotton candy disappear, melding into the pancake mound beneath to create a sweet and delicious dessert.
▼ Niffler gave our magical abilities a quiet nod of approval.
Accompanying our desserts were three cold beverages: the Hufflepuff Lemon Soda, in honour of Newt’s house, the Gryffindor Ice Blend Tea, as a nod to Harry Potter, and the Iced Cafe Latte, which came with an image of Niffler.
▼ Niffler was chuffed with his Iced Tea.
▼ Bowtruckle was immediately drawn to the green leaf garnishes in the drinks.
Once we’d finished our meal, we had another look around the cafe, and saw another precious signed piece of merchandise, this time featuring the cast of Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald, along with the signature of Dan Fogler, who plays Jacob Kowalski.
▼ This signature only appears at the cafe’s Tokyo location.
The cafe’s interior design itself is also incredibly impressive, transporting diners to the magical world of Fantastic Beasts with wallpapers featuring newspapers designed by MinaLima, the same graphic design company that created the book covers and posters used as props in the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts films.
At the back of the cafe is a special private area that can be booked for groups, with scenes from the films played on the surrounding walls.
▼ And before you leave, don’t forget to say sayonara to Newt and his two magical companions!
With Wizarding World themed food, drink and decor, this cafe is definitely a must-visit destination for fans of Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts. One person we’re sure will be visiting is this Japanese artist who caught J.K. Rowling’s attention with a touching image of Newt and Harry Potter.
Whether you’re a Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Slytherin, or Hufflepuff, you’ll love all the magical touches at the world’s only official Wizarding World cafes. Just be sure to make a reservation on the official website before you go and remember – they’re only open for a limited time!
Cafe Information
Wizarding World Cafe Tokyo / 魔法ワールドCAFE 東京
Address: Tokyo-to, Shinjuku-ku, Nishi Shinjuku 1-1-3, Odakyu Shinjuku Mylord 5F
東京都新宿区西新宿1-1-3 小田急新宿ミロード5F
Hours: 11:00 a.m.-9:00p.m. (9 Nov 2018 – 31 January 2019) 60-minute limit per seating
Website (Japanese)
Wizarding World Cafe Fukuoka / 魔法ワールドCAFE 福岡
Address: Fukuoka-ken, Fukuoka-shi, Hataka-ku, Sumiyoshi 1-2-22 Canal City 5F
福岡県福岡市博多区住吉1-2-22 キャナルシティ博多5F
Hours: 10:00a.m.-9:00p.m. (9 Nov 2018 – 31 January 2019) 60-minute limit per seating
Website (Japanese)
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