Take a trip to some of the iconic shooting locations featured in HBO’s Tokyo Vice Seasons 1 and 2.
Loosely based on the gripping memoir titled Tokyo Vice: An American Reporter on the Police Beat in Japan by Jake Adelstein, the neo-noir crime drama, Tokyo Vice, closely follows an American journalist’s exploits in the capital. From plugging into the Tokyo Vice Police Squad and uncovering the neon-lit underbelly of the city, the fast-paced series presents a realistic portrayal of Japan’s criminal world. While viewers eagerly anticipate the finale of season 2, our focus is drawn to the captivating portrayal of Tokyo on the screen like never before. From elusive locations like Akasaka and old-fashioned nightclubs to the iconic Tokyo Rainbow Bridge, the television series showcases a fresh perspective of Japan. In this story, we explore the shooting locations of Tokyo Vice across both Season 1 and Season 2.
Tokyo Vice: Cast, plot, release date
Set in 1999, Tokyo Vice follows the journey of Jake Adelstein, essayed by Golden Globe nominee Ansel Elgort. Adelstein, an American crime journalist, relocates to Japan, becoming the first foreign-born journalist in the country, and embarks on a journey from the ground up. As he navigates the crime-ridden world of Japanese yakuza and imminent danger, the treacherous depths of the capital are unveiled. Spanning two seasons, the main cast of Tokyo Vice includes Ansel Elgort as Jake Adelstein, Ken Watanabe as Hiroto Katagiri, Rachel Keller as Samantha Porter, Hideaki Itō as Jin Miyamoto, Show Kasamatsu as Akiro Sato, Ella Rumpf as Polina, Rinko Kikuchi as Emi Maruyama, Tomohisa Yamashita as Akira, Miki Maya as Shoko Nagata (season 2), and Yōsuke Kubozuka as Naoki Hayama (season 2).
Season 1 was filmed in Tokyo between 2020 and 2021, premiering on HBO Max on April 7, 2022. The Season 2 Finale premiere is scheduled for release on April 4, 2024. Alongside HBO Max, viewers can also stream the series on Lionsgate Play, Lionsgate Play Apple TV Channel, and Lionsgate Play Amazon Channel.
Tokyo Vice: Tracking Season 1 shooting locations
Both seasons of Tokyo Vice were filmed in Tokyo to provide a rich cultural immersion and engage audiences with the city’s underworld. If you’re considering a visit to the Japanese capital, Haneda Airport, also called the Tokyo International Airport, offers the most convenient access just 21.2 km from the city centre.
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Chiyoda Inari Shrine
The Chiyoda Inari Shrine appears in the pilot episode, featuring typical characteristics of downtown shrines in Tokyo. The scene of self-immolation was filmed in front of this Shinto shrine, situated in Dogenzaka, Shibuya.
Hijiri Bridge, Ochanomizu
Built in 1927, the iconic Hijiri Bridge spans the Kandla River. Measuring 92 metres in length and 32 metres in width, the bridge is a highly famed train-spotting location in Tokyo. The opening scene of season 1, where a man is pushed along one side of the bridge with a knife in his chest, was filmed here. The director skillfully timed the shot to capture vintage train models passing along the Marunouchi Subway Line and Chuo Line.
Learn more about the country’s unique bullet train network with our comprehensive guide to shinkansens in Japan.
Toranomon Okura Hotel
Each location in the series has its own unique story to tell. Appearing in episode 2, the Toranomon Okura Hotel was demolished in 2010. When the replacement Okura Hotel was built, its lobby was designed to replicate the original structure, preserving its iconic 1960s charm.
Planning a trip to Japan soon? Explore our guide to the most luxurious hotels in the capital.
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Don Quijote, Kabukicho branch
Located on Kabukicho’s Godzilla Road, the Don Quijote store makes an appearance in episode 2. Despite its compact size, this Japanese discount store chain is a rage among tourists.
Ikebukuro Mikado Game Center
Featured in episode 2 as well, this retro arcade is one of the most iconic gaming destinations in Tokyo. Replete with vintage classics and legendary fighting games, it is a popular haunt for gaming fanatics. With no gaming machines post-1999, the arcade promises a wave of nostalgia from the 90s.
Golden Gai
Boasting about 200 small, tavern-like bars, Golden Gai is a stellar nightlife district in Tokyo, attracting artists, musicians, directors, writers, academics, and actors. In episode 3, Jake, Tin Tin, and Trendy enjoy drinks at a bar in Golden Gai.
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Shinjuku Batting Center
The trio then heads to the Shinjuku Batting Center, where visitors can not only practice hitting baseballs but also test the speed of their swing. If you’re in Japan seeking a unique gaming experience, this destination offers digital pitching, batting cages, and truckloads of fun.
Atago Shrine Stairs
In episode 6, Polina and Jake hurry up the stairs leading to Atago Jinja, a Shinto shrine established in 1603. To reach the rustic shrine, one must climb 86 steep steps, also known as the stone steps to success.
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Maruyamacho, Love Hotel Hill
The infamous Love Hotel Hill area of Shibuya is featured in episode 7, as Jake exits a love hotel and bumps into a college friend. While love hotels were originally intended for short stays, over the years they’ve started offering night packages for couples seeking privacy, considering Tokyo’s tiny apartments.
Park Hyatt
Speculation is rife that the hotel suite in episode 8 is in Park Hyatt, owing to the lack of tall buildings in sight. The hotel also appeared in the 2003 film Lost in Translation Scarlett starring Johansson and Bill Murray.
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Benkei Bridge
Benkeibashi, a bridge connecting Akasaka with Kioicho, is featured in episode 8. Right next to the bridge is a serene fishing jetty where visitors can rent rowboats and fishing boats. The jetty also has dedicated ponds for children to enjoy goldfish catching.
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Rainbow Bridge, Tokyo
The iconic Rainbow Bridge in Tokyo appears in episode 8. Illuminated in dazzling hues from sundown to midnight, the main tower and lower part of the suspension bridge create a spectacular sight for both locals and tourists.
Tokyo Vice: Season 2 shooting locations
Akasaka, Tokyo
The highlight of season 2, in addition to its stellar cast, is the shooting location of Akasaka. Home to pivotal cultural and political sites, Akasaka has never before been featured in any TV production, whether Japanese, Western, or otherwise. The dedicated team behind Tokyo Vice went above and beyond, even extending gifts to locals, to secure the location. Talking about the pursuit of landing Akasaka, Alan Poul, the executive producer of Tokyo Vice, said, “When we first approached the police about six months ago, they told us that they would only consider our proposal after we had obtained permission to shoot from every single business in the area,” as reported by The Hollywood Reporter. Season 2 treats us to bustling visuals of the Akasaka Esplanade, a nightlife strip dotted with upscale bars and hostess clubs.
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(Feature Image Credit: IMDb)
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
– Did the main cast return for Tokyo Vice Season 2?
The main cast of Tokyo Vice Season 2 includes several characters from the first instalment, along with some new additions.
– What can viewers expect from Tokyo Vice Season 2?
Tokyo Vice Season 2 packs a punch with crime drama, compelling performances, and exclusive shooting locations in Japan that have never been featured in any Japanese or Western TV series before.
– Where can viewers watch Tokyo Vice Season 2?
Viewers can stream Tokyo Vice Season 2 on HBO Max. Additionally, it is available on Lionsgate Play, Lionsgate Play Apple TV Channel, and Lionsgate Play Amazon Channel.
– Will Tokyo Vice Season 2 be based on real events?
Tokyo Vice is loosely based on the gripping memoir titled Tokyo Vice: An American Reporter on the Police Beat in Japan by Jake Adelstein.
– How many episodes will Tokyo Vice Season 2 have?
Tokyo Vice Season 2 has a total of ten episodes.
This story originally appeared in Travel + Leisure India
Writer by day, reader by night, Yashita has a flair for all things travel, wellness and food. She has previously worked at Condé Nast India and Times Internet. When not working, you can catch her binge-reading the latest thriller on the block, re-watching Friends, trying a new recipe or hosting her friends.
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