Shōgun, a captivating fictional TV show that immerses viewers in life during 17th-century Japan, has us dreaming of our next trip to and things to do in Japan. However, did you know that most of the filming locations for Shōgun are actually situated in British Columbia, Canada – with a few scenes shot in the UK as well?
If the Shōgun series has sparked your interest in planning your next trip, continue reading to discover which tours can bring you closer to the stunning places you might have only glimpsed on your TV screens.
What’s the 2024 show Shōgun about?
This beautifully shot historical drama, based on the acclaimed 1975 novel by James Clavell, has drawn comparisons to the popular series Game of Thrones. The reason for this is that the story offers a fictional yet gripping portrayal of 17th-century Japan and the intricate political dynamics that ultimately led to the establishment of the Tokugawa Shōgunate, the military government that ruled Japan until 1868.
The combination of political intrigue and breathtaking scenery has captivated audiences since the series debuted in early 2024. The Shōgun show has quickly become one of the TV series that inspires travel enthusiasts as they plan their future tours in Japan. This phenomenon is yet another example of how set jetting is influencing the way we travel and explore new destinations.
What’s set jetting?
Set jetting refers to the trend where fans of movies and TV shows, like the Shōgun series, visit real-life locations featured in their favorite productions. Fans are eager to learn more about the Shōgun episodes, including the character Mariko, and the powerful Toranaga. As viewers delve deeper into the Shōgun TV series, they often find themselves asking, “What is a shogun?” and exploring the rich history behind the term. The cast of Shōgun has brought these historical figures to life, making the series not just entertaining but also educational.
During today’s golden age of television, a great series doesn’t just transport us through impeccable storytelling – it also inspires our wanderlust. Whether you explore the historic Old Town of Dubrovnik featured in Game of Thrones or walk through the expansive Scottish moors seen in Outlander, some of the most sought-after travel experiences are tied to the scenes we’re seeing on our screens.
Next on our list are the atmospheric and dramatic places that Shōgun filming locations can take us to. Here are some itineraries – including Japanese tours, tours in UK, and Canada tours – that will bring your Shōgun fantasy to life.
Places in Japan that inspired Shōgun filming locations
Credit: Stefan K on Unsplash
Shōgun as a series may not have been filmed extensively in Japan, although there are some exterior shots captured there. However, countless scenes within the series harken back to the grandeur and historical significance of Osaka Castle. If you want to experience this magnificent site for yourself, consider signing up for an Osaka tour. You’ll be truly impressed by how fortified the castle appears from the outside, showcasing its impressive stone walls and towering structures. Once you step inside, the opulence continues to amaze, with beautifully decorated rooms and rich historical artifacts.
Additionally, there is a museum located within the castle dedicated to Toyotomi Hideyoshi, the 16th-century samurai and daimyō who was instrumental in building the castle. In the Shōgun series, Osaka Castle serves as a pivotal location where many of the political power plays unfold, making it a significant backdrop for the intricate narratives of the show.
Other locations in Japan
The rest of this Japan tour will take you to other iconic cities such as Tokyo, Kyoto, Hiroshima, and the breathtaking Japanese Alps. Throughout your journey, you’ll have a plethora of cultural experiences awaiting you. These include visits to ancient shrines, a unique meditation class, and a tour of Kenroku-en, which is celebrated as one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan.
The Shōgun series is designed to depict the Sengoku period, a time when the presence of Portuguese explorers in Japan was primarily centered around the city of Nagasaki in Kyushu. The city became Japan’s gateway for western relations, including a visit to Dejima, a 17th-century, man-made island that segregated Portuguese residents from the Japanese population. This will deepen your understanding of the cultural exchanges that shaped Japan’s history.
The Battle of Sekigahara, a crucial event in Japanese history, was only briefly hinted at in the final episode of the series. However, it represents a significant moment that shaped the future of Japan. If you’re interested in learning more about that battle, you can visit the town of Sekigahara during your free time in Kyoto, which is conveniently less than two hours away.
Shōgun filming locations in Canada
Most of Shōgun’s filming locations are actually in Port Moody, located just 30 minutes east of Vancouver and Ucluelet on the western edge of Vancouver Island. Most of the filming took place in British Columbia because of pandemic-related restrictions, but it turns out western Canada was the perfect stand-in for Japan. The lush landscapes and stunning backdrops provided an ideal setting for the series, allowing viewers to feel as if they were truly in the heart of Japan.
In addition to visiting gorgeous Rocky Mountain towns like Banff and its nearby lakes, as well as the Athabasca Glacier in the Icefields Parkway, you’ll also get to board the vintage Rocky Mountaineer train and experience its Old-World charms while seeing more of western Canada’s untamed natural beauty. As the train makes its way west, you’ll get to marvel at towering peaks, glacial lakes, and rushing rivers, all while imagining the adventures of the Shōgun cast as they brought this epic story to life.
Shōgun filming locations in London
Credit: Miquel Parera on Usplash
In addition to the stunning locations in Japan, the Shōgun series also has ties to filming locations in London. This connection to London adds another layer of intrigue for fans of the Shōgun TV show, as it showcases the global nature of the series’ production.
Remember the iconic scene when Lord Yoshii Toranaga was riding a horse by a fire? That memorable moment was filmed in the UK, showcasing the stunning backdrop of London. While there won’t be fire-adjacent horseback riding on our London tours like there was in the Shōgun series, a trip to the British capital is always full of cultural and historical intrigue.
While in London, you can visit the British Museum, which houses a vast collection of art and artifacts from around the world, including pieces that reflect Japan’s rich history. This museum is a great way to deepen your understanding of what it means to be a shogun and the historical context of the Shōgun series. You might even find exhibits that relate to the time period depicted in the Shōgun TV series, enhancing your appreciation for the show.
Also, don’t miss the nature, there are the best parks in London, full of greenery, various kind of birds, wildlife and places for rest.
As you plan your trip, consider how the Shōgun series has influenced your interest in these locations. The blend of history, culture, and film makes London a must-visit destination for any fan of the Shōgun show.
Main photo credit: Su San Lee on Unsplash
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