Screen Pilgrimage Real places behind anime and film, across Japan

Film · 1967

You Only Live Twice — filming locations

6 places you can visit, in Hyogo, Tokyo, Kagoshima. Every entry gives the nearest station, how long the walk is, and what to mind when you get there.

Open on the map

Many of these are shrines, schools and people’s streets. Read the conduct note before you go.

Locations · 6

Himeji Castle

Hyogo Start here

The ninja training sequence was shot in these grounds in 1966; the keep is a World Heritage site and Japan's finest surviving castle.

Getting there
Kyōguchi Stn · 19 min walk
Before you go
  • Admission fee required
  • Very crowded — expect queues
  • Narrow passage — do not stop to shoot
  • A real trail — wear shoes you can climb in
Sources
姫路城

Kuramae (former Kokugikan site)

Tokyo Gone

The sumo scenes were filmed at the Kuramae Kokugikan, which stood here until 1984.

Getting there
Kuramae Stn · At the station
Before you go
  • No longer exists — nothing remains at the site
  • Keep your voice down
  • Watch for traffic — do not step into the road
Sources
蔵前国技館

Akime, Bonotsu

Kagoshima

The fishing cove where Bond's Japanese village scenes were shot in 1966.

Getting there
Makurazaki Stn + 40 min by car · 5 min walk
Before you go
  • Residential area — people live here
  • Remote — a car or long bus ride is needed
  • A working harbour — keep clear of nets and gear
  • Keep your voice down
Sources
坊津町秋目

Mt. Takachihonomine

Miyazaki

The volcano used as the villain's crater base; the summit carries a bronze spear from the founding myth.

Getting there
Kirishima-Jingu Stn + 30 min by bus · 120 min walk
Before you go
  • Active volcanic area — leave if you feel unwell
  • A real trail — wear shoes you can climb in
  • Remote — a car or long bus ride is needed
  • Few buses — check your return time before you go
Sources
高千穂峰

Fuji Speedway

Shizuoka

The circuit under Mount Fuji used in the film's ninja training sequence.

Getting there
Gotemba Stn + 35 min by bus · 5 min walk
Before you go
  • Admission fee required
  • Remote — a car or long bus ride is needed
  • Follow staff instructions
Sources
富士スピードウェイ

Mt Shinmoedake

Miyazaki

The Kirishima crater used as the volcano rocket base of the film's finale. The peak is closed during eruption alerts.

Getting there
Bus from Kirishima-jingu Stn, then trail · 120 min walk
Before you go
  • Active volcanic area — leave if you feel unwell
  • A real trail — wear shoes you can climb in
  • Remote — a car or long bus ride is needed
Sources
新燃岳

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