An anime that has made waves for its story, mature characters and music, Kaiju No 8 has taken the hold of fans ever since its release in manga in 2020 and its anime release in 2024. While there are lots of stories out there that defeats monsters in the real world, Kaiju no 8 takes a unique plot by using these monsters are gears and armor with a character that’s in their 30s and late twenties – a rare event to the usual high school characters shown in anime.

Though the larger-than-life battles unfold against a backdrop that feels surprisingly familiar. Beneath the destruction and chaos are recognizable streets, landmarks and cityscapes from Japan, bringing the anime’s world a little closer to reality.

With the Defence Force’s mission centred around Yokohama, it’s no surprise that both Yokohama and Tokyo feature prominently on screen. But rather than listing every familiar-looking location, we’ve picked out the real-life places that have made an impact on the story, whether as the setting for a major battle, an important character moment, or a location that fans will instantly recognize.

Mt Takao Chair Lift

When several Kaiju attack throughout Tokyo, one of the few places we see it unfold is Mt Takao. Two youngsters ride up a chair lift before an explosion rocks the area. This chair lift is in Mt Takao.

Though no explosions happen near the actual Mt Takao, you can very much take the real-life chair lift going up the mountain. During the autumn season, this experience is heightened as bright red momiji leaves, golden gingkos and the fresh air of fall season adds to the beauty.

And it’s not just the cable car that makes this mountain worth visiting for Kaiju no.8 fans.

Kaijus might not be real in our world but Mt Takao gives you an experience that come close with its folklore. The mountain has a temple called Yakuo-in at its summit which is easy to get to and has numerous statues of Tengu (divine creatures) erected at its temple.

In fact, it’s the first sight you see when you enter Yakuo-in temple. The temple itself has a mysterious and fantastical vibe akin to an anime and should not be missed while in Tokyo.

Osanbashi Piere – Yokohama International Passenger Terminal

If you’ve watched the second season of Kaiju No.8, then you’ve definitely fan-girled or fan-boyed when Captain Narumi pushes his hair back, equips himself and jumps out of his helicopter into the Yokohama Bay accompanied with some really groovy background music.

All this unfurl in and near Yokohama International Passenger Terminal in Osanbashi Piere. And yes, you can go there without a doubt. It’s a popular open-air observation deck and a passenger terminal where you can catch ferry rides for both locals and tourists to tour the waters of the Yokohama Bay.

Because of its beautiful surrounding and a very anime-like appearance, Osanbashi Pier was also used as a location for the popular anime Bungou Stray Dogs.

Matsumoto Castle

During a Defense Force mission in Nagano, Reno and Iharu (who became one of the best duos in the series) can be seen playfully interacting in front of Matsumoto castle. Just as the Nagano arc became a prominent story line in Kaiju No 8, Matsumoto castle in real life is a prominent piece of Japan’s history.

Matsumoto Castle, is one of Japan’s most striking and best-preserved original castles, renowned for its distinctive black-and-white exterior and dramatic mountain backdrop. Built primarily in the late 16th century during Japan’s Warring States period, it is one of only a handful of castles in the country to retain its original wooden keep.

Its elegant design earned it the nickname “Crow Castle,” while its unusual combination of defensive features and refined architecture reflects the turbulent era in which it was built.

Today, visitors can explore the castle’s steep wooden stairways and historic interiors before enjoying views across the surrounding city and Japanese Alps.

Ginza

The glamour place in Tokyo served as a backdrop for numerous scenes in the anime. One of the more prominent one was during the backstory of Kikoru’s mother and her life in the Defense Force.

After one of her missions, Kikoru’s mother is seen walking down the street while being hailed and cheered by fans and passersby. This takes place in front of the Mitsukoshi Ginza store at the crossing. The store can be clearly seen in the background.

Another pit stop in Ginza for Kaiju No 8 fans is the Michael Kors Ginza store. It appears during the end credits of Season 2 where Kafka can be seen sitting on the rail with the Michael Kors shop in the background.

Hikawa Maru Ship

Because the setting of Kaiju no 8 takes place mostly in Yokohama, much of its popular landmarks are flashed on screen. One of these easter-egg places is the Hikawa Maru ship which is seen anchored to a spot and wildly waving around as a Kaiju swims beneath its waters.

Just like in the anime, the real Hikawa Maru is permanently anchored on the shores of Yokohama as a museum ship at Yamashita Park. Both locations were also featured in Bungou Stray Dogs.

Hikawa Maru is a historic ship that made its maiden voyage in 1930. During World War II it was set up as a navy hospital and struck mines on three seperate occassions before the war ended though the ship never sunk.

In its lifetime, it saw various parts of history and even had historical figures on board such as Charlie Chaplin who boarded the ship as its first-class passenger in 1932.

Oizumigakuencho Gymnasium/Ohizumi Gym (Tokyo)

At the end of season 2, when the fight has peaked and the Defense Force goes all against the Kaijus, Kafka can be seen gathering the citizens and ushering them to safety.

The place where Kafka ensures they remain unharmed is the Oizumigakuencho Gymnasium in Nerima City of Tokyo. The real gymnasium has never seen a Kaiju but it stands just as it does in the anime. You can make your way there, tour around the place and be at the exact same spot that Kafka stood while helping the citizens against the nation-wide Kaiju attack.