Article: Top 10 Japanese Movies with Real-Life Beautiful Cities

Japan, the land of the rising sun and one of the most technologically advanced countries is the second most influential Asian country. Famous for its traditions, culture, gastronomy, anime and lively atmosphere. The world famous heritage and wealth of the country make the country a hotspot for tourists, students or for LIFE. The VFX used is more like thrilling virtual tours than just screen observation. So, if you want to know more about Japanese culture and cities or want to go for a virtual tour, here are the top 10 movies that give a time of the cities in which they were shot.

1. Black Rain

An American action thriller that centres around chasing down two New York police officers, arresting a member of the yakuza, and escorting him back to Japan.After reaching Japan, the breakouts, and the two officers find themselves pulled deeper into the underworld.

Many scenes from Namba, Osaka, were featured in the movie. The night scenes of the shopping and entertainment streets perfectly match the situation. The iconic sign of Dotonbori Glico, a hotspot for tourists and also a convenient hangout for locals, was very common and noticeable in the film.

 

2. Battle Royale 

One of the most infamous films of the decade, directed by Kinji Fukasaku in 2000, was about school violence in which random school children were sent to a desert island on a mission to survive alone. It was filmed at Hachijō Kojima, a small volcanic, isolated island in the Philippine Sea, an 11-hour boat trip from Tokyo, Japan. A not-so-easy spot to get to, but it's worth everything. Scuba diving, fishing, surfing, and snorkelling are popular tourist activities with coral and underwater lava formations.

 

3. The Last Samurai

This blockbuster starring Tom Cruise grossed over $456.8 million. It was revolving around the story of a Captain who was employed to train the Japanese army to fight against the Samurai rebellion. But ended up embracing them.

The movie was filmed in Engyōji temple, Himeji. This 1000-year-old atmospheric temple is spread over a densely forested area on the mountain top. Even the route to this temple is beautiful that includes a ropeway. Being a pilgrimage, it calms down your mind, body, and soul.

 

4. Princess Mononoke 

Movies by Studios Ghibli are famous for high quality and aesthetic animations. Among their creations is a blockbuster of 1997, Princess Mononoke. Along with visualized characters, a fascinating story, and a powerful message, it awed the international viewers with the beauty of Japanese forests.

The island of Yakushima was the inspiration of the theme of this film, the speciality of this forest is its existence as a registered UNESCO World Heritage site. Though it's not an easily reachable place but the variety of flora and fauna, and transparent water are all worth the struggle.

 

5. Tokyo Story 

The story is about two old couples who came from their village to meet their children and instead had to face the harsh reality. The movie is all about their journey and visit to Tokyo. The viewers get a glimpse of Tokyo and Onomichi, where the scenes of this movie were shot.

 

6. Your Name 

One of the most popular romantic- fantasy anime. The story, theme, visuals, and real places made it a stunning movie. Though Itomori town is a fictional locality, it gained inspiration from the towns like, Yotsuya, Hida City, Hida City Library, Shinjuku, Minato, and NTT Docomo Yoyogi Building.

 

7. Weathering With You

A romantic fantasy film that has gained a lot of recognition for its story and animation. This moving film had many aesthetic scenes that viewers and tourists watched, such as the streets and cities of Japan like Shinjuku, Asahiinari Shrine in Ginza, Kabukicho, Atami Building and many more. This film made viewers long for a trip to Japan.

 

8. Tokyo Ghoul

Dark and horror fantasy manga. It gained immense fame worldwide for its supernatural story, the development of characters, and it’s also hated for its horror and crime stagesuro, Shibuya Crossing, Chiyoda Ward, Roppongi, Minato. . Most of the anime scenes were inspired by the real places of many cities like Tokyo, Ikebuk.

 

9. Your Lie In April

The story of a piano genius who kept the piano intact for two years after the shock of his mother's sudden death. He met Kaori, a free-spirited soul who tried to cheer him up, but they fell in love. Series like Nerima Station, Minami Tanaka Apartment Complex, La Primeur.

 

10. The Garden Of Words

This animation felt so real that the audience estimated it to be an inspiration of real-life locations. That being true, it featured many beautiful scenes from Shinjuku and Shibuya’s National Park.