In the last episode of the drama series “Nodame Cantabile” (2006), Saiko Tagaya (Misa Uehara) and Seiko Miyoshi (Chieko Kuroda) talk about the study abroad destination of Shinichi Chiaki (Hiroshi Tamaki) at Swan Cafe Ginza in Chuo Ward. The restaurant’s appeal lies in its extensive menu: healthy sandwiches, daily special pasta dishes, baked sweets carefully prepared with selected ingredients, popular quiches featured on a secret menu, and so much more! Make sure to try the freshly baked bread that is brought over from the Swan Bakery right next door. The cozy restaurant is the perfect place to spend a priceless moment at any time of the day: have a relaxing breakfast or lunch during daytime, or enjoy drinks and small dishes in a bistro-like atmosphere in the evening. Head to the open terrace on sunny days!

The scene in which Hinata (Kaya Kiyohara) cries in front of Rei (Ryunosuke Kamiki) in the movie “March Comes in Like a Lion” (2017) was filmed at Tsukuda Bridge Sumida River Terrace in Chuo Ward. ‘This is an important scene in which Rei empathizes with Hinata who is brimming with emotions while reminiscing about her mother on the last day on Obon. In order to truly connect the flow of emotions of the two characters, I believe I picked the perfect spot from which I could film Hinata and Rei running until they came to a stop by the river in one continuous shot. Moreover, in the story, this location is near the residence of the Kawamoto family in Tsukishima. The shitamachi atmosphere that is important throughout the movie still thoroughly permeates the area. While walking around the area, moored fishing boats as well as tsukudani shops and candy stores can still be seen here and there. I can almost perceive the presence of the Kawamoto family in these settings. At the same time, I can feel the ambience of Tokyo’s shitamachi. It was great that parts of the area were under construction during the shooting. In filming different locations in the movie “March Comes in Like a Lion,” my goal was to depict a realistic look of the city because it is currently undergoing great changes in preparation for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games. I could feel that the daily life activities of the whole town were in sync with the young couple. This is what I aimed to capture in the scenes.’
{Keishi Ohtomo, director of “March Comes in Like a Lion”}

An area of Odaiba Marine Park in Minato Ward is featured in the movie “Ancien and the Magic Tablet” (2017). Protagonist Kokone Morikawa (Mitsuki Takahata) leaves Okayama and heads to Tokyo to solve a case. The park is where Kokone first confides to the chairman of a major automobile company, Isshin Shijima (Hideki Takahashi), who holds the key to solving the mystery. The park displays a Statue of Liberty replica of 12.25 meters in height (including the pedestal). It is one of the symbols representing the sightseeing spot and Odaiba. Rainbow Bridge spanning across Tokyo Bay can be gazed at from the area which is popular for the beautiful evening and night views it offers.

Nezu Shrine is one of the ten most important shrines in Tokyo. According to Japanese mythology, the shrine was founded by Yamato Takeru about 1900 years ago. During the Bunmei era (1469–1486), the main building of the shrine was built by military commander Ota Dokan. In 1705, a large construction project known as “Tenka Bushin” was carried out by Tokugawa Tsunayoshi. The seven structures of the project, which included the main building of the shrine, were completed the following year. They have since been designated as national Important Cultural Properties. The premises also include Otome Inari Shrine, which is renowned among people seeking good fortune in love, and the Sakura-mon Gate, an impressive and magnificent vermilion structure. Nezu Shrine is an important shrine that has been highly respected by the many worshipers who have come to visit it since ancient times.

Kyoikunomori Park in Bunkyo Ward is featured in episode 5 of the drama series “Pretty Proofreader” (2016). The scene in which Etsuko Kono (Satomi Ishihara) and Yukito Orihara (Masaki Suda) are talking while walking their bicycles as well as the scene in which Toyoko Morio (Tsubasa Honda) is walking were filmed at this location. The lush park was opened in 1986 and boasts a multipurpose open space surrounded by trees as well as playground equipment for kids. Among other features is a sculpture commemorating the Bunkyo Ward Nuclearfree Peaceful City Declaration. Many locals come to the park to relax. The area is also historically important as Matsudaira Yorimoto, the brother of Tokugawa Mitsukuni, used to possess a residence on the grounds of the park during the Edo period.

Hatoyama Hall in Bunkyo Ward is featured as the mansion of the aristocratic Hayama family in the NHK morning drama series “Hanako and Anne” (2014). The scene in which Renko Hayama (Yukie Nakama) is summoned by her brother Akitaka (Kisuke Iida) who then asks her to participate in a formal marriage interview with Densuke Kano (Kotaro Yoshida) was filmed at this location. Hatoyama Hall is a historical building which was built as the private residence of former Prime Minister Ichiro Hatoyama. It was also the stage of postwar politics. The magnificent and stately hall is also nicknamed ‘Otowa Goten’ (Otowa Palace), and is adorned with pigeons appearing in ornamental motifs because ‘Hatoyama’ includes the word ‘hato’ which means ‘pigeon.’ In addition, the varicolored roses planted in the garden may provide a good reason to enjoy the visit of the location around May and June, or October and November.

The National Art Center is located in Roppongi, Minato Ward. Rather than specializing in any one area, Japan’s largest exhibition space offers a wide range of exhibition genres. Apart from 12 exhibition halls, an art library, a lecture hall, and training rooms, the center features a restaurant, three cafés, a museum shop, and more. The National Art Center was designed by Kisho Kurokawa, one of Japan’s leading architects. Its facade consists of a wavy glass curtain wall that boasts beautiful curvaceous lines and lets the visitors observe the slightest change of the passing seasons. Come quench your thirst for art and soak in the abundant greenery that surrounds the center.

Motsusen Akasaka in Minato Ward is featured as Izakaya Buyan in the drama series “Dr. Storks” (2017). Various scenes were filmed at this location: the welcome party for Rumiko Komatsu (Yo Yoshida) in episode 2; the scene in which Kae Shimoya (Mayu Matsuoka), Ryo Shirakawa (Kentaro Sakaguchi), and Rumiko Komatsu are talking in episode 5; and the scene in which Mayumi Kadota (Nana Seino) introduces Tasuke Omori (Akihiro Kakuta) in episode 7. Motsusen is an izakaya renowned for its fresh offals and skewers grilled over high-grade charcoal. It has an extensive menu of reasonably priced dishes. The generous portion of curry and rice available for 500 yen at lunch time is a popular choice. Motsusen is a great place for all occasions: from stopping by for a quick drink to holding a dinner party.

TV drama "The Full-Time Wife Escapist" (2016). In episode 5, Mikuri Moriyama (Yui Aragaki) and Hiramasa Tsuzaki (Gen Hoshino) go out for a picnic and hug for the first time at Shinagawa Season Terrace in Minato ward. This place also appeared in episode 8 when Tsuzaki ate a sandwich by himself. Shinagawa Season Terrace is a shopping complex with a 32-floor high rise building and some spacious 3.5 hectare green area with many shops and restaurants. On the green field where the show was filmed, they host open theater and night Yoga events, so you may want to check out their schedule and visit there to enjoy an event, lunch or dinner.

The location where Sergeant Sumire Onda (played by Eri Fukatsu) was shot by the felon is in the film "Bayside Shakedown 2 - International Version” (2003) is this “West Promenade” in Odaiba. You can enjoy the liberating view of the Rainbow Bridge and Tokyo Tower from the street that extends toward the sea.

In the movie "TOKYO TOWER -Mom & Me, and Sometimes Dad-" (2007) the main character (Odagiri Joe) and his mother (Kiki Kirin) go to the iconic "Tokyo Tower ", as the final point of her life. It is also recommended to visit it at night if you're go out, as it is possible to enjoy this unique simbol of Tokyo become iluminated by various companies, events, and collaborations, in addtion to a night view of the city from the viewing deck.

This is the location that appears in the TV drama series "Little Giants" (2017) in Minato ward around the intersection called "Tokyo Tower Shita". During the episode, Haruhiko Yamada （Masaki Okada）and Yoshinobu Onoda (Teruyuki Kagawa) were having a conversation in a car. This area not only has Tokyo tower but is neighbored by the Zojoji temple and the Shiba Park, which are popular movies and TV dramas filming locations.

The place where Tsukasa Higashijujo (Mikihiko Azuma) and Sakurako (Nanako Matsushima) were visiting to plan their wedding reception in the drama series "Yamatonadeshiko" (2000) is "Tsunamachi Mitsui Club" here in Minato Ward. It is a membership club established in 1913 (the second year of Tashio era) and the beautiful garden that changes its colors with the seasons surrounds the VIP guest house with regal presence in the Renaissance style.

In the movie "The Wolverine"( 2013 ) the funeral of Yashida ( Hal Yamanouchi ) is held at Zojoji Temple in Shiba Park. During the the grand funeral Logan ( Hugh Jackman ) and Mariko (TAO) are attacked on the grand staircase in front of the main hall and the resulting escape scene leaves a lasting impression. Also, the action where the ninja Harada (Will Yun Lee) yearns for Mariko was shot on top of the roof tiles of Zojoji Temple Hall leading to Koshoden.

The conversation lounge at the Sogetsu Hall in Akasaka, Minato Ward, is featured in the movie “The Long Excuse” (2016). The scene in which Kishimoto (Sosuke Ikematsu), manager of the protagonist, novelist Sachio Kinugasa (Masahiro Motoki), asks him pointedly if he had, even if only once, truly cried since his wife had passed away was filmed at the lounge. The construction of Sogetsu Hall was completed by architect Kenzo Tange, one of Japan’s leading architects. A rock garden as well as a multipurpose hall display pieces by world-class artist Isamu Noguchi. Many events such as ikebana demonstrations, concerts, plays, movies, and seminars are held at Sogetsu Hall, which is known as an art spot that goes beyond genres.

Tokyo Tower in Minato Ward has been repeatedly featured in the “Godzilla” movie series. In “Ghidorah, the Three-Headed Monster” (1964), the fifth movie of the series, King Ghidorah flies around the Metropolitan area sky and bumps into Tokyo Tower, bending its top half and making it collapse. In “Godzilla: Tokyo S.O.S.” (2003), the 27th movie of the series, the radioactive heat ray Godzilla shoots at Mothra who is flying around in the sky directly hits Tokyo Tower and smashes the top part. In “Godzilla: Final Wars” (2004), the 28th movie of the series, Godzilla shoots a radioactive heat ray at Monster X (Keizer Ghidorah) from the vicinity of Tokyo Tower. The resulting blast blows the whole tower to dust.
Tokyo Tower is also known as the place Mothra chooses to spin a cocoon for its larvae, but this scene is part of the movie “Mothra” (1961), a spin-off of the Godzilla movie series.

One of the filming locations of the movie "The Apology King" (2013) is Shiba Park in Minato. An important scene from the movie, starting an international political conflict, was shot at the park. There is a promenade and a playground within the vast area of the park, as well as historic sites like Maruyama burial mound (large keyhole-shaped tomb) and Maruyama shell mound. Beside the park there is Zojoji temple,
a filming location of the movie "The Wolvarine". There is Tokyo Tower near by, and it is one of the locations worths visiting.
* Produced with the assistance of Tokyo Location Box

In episode 5 of the drama series “Legal High 2” (2013), Machiko Mayuzumi (Yui Aragaki) and Haruki Hanyu (Masaki Okada) have a meal at My Humble House Tokyo in Chuo Ward. The moment you step inside, you’ll instantly feel the elegance and extravagance of the restaurant which features live background music and a pleasant service. Immersed in the mature atmosphere of Ginza in the evening, enjoy ethnic cuisine that has already mesmerized countless international celebrities. Be it a lavish dinner, an anniversary, or a birthday, let the lovely restaurant be the stage of that memorable scene of your life.

St Luke’s Garden in Chuo Ward features Restaurant Luke, the rooftop restaurant where Tsukushi Makino (Mao Inoue) and Tsukasa Domyoji (Jun Matsumoto) have a conversation in episode 8 of the drama series “Boys Over Flowers” (2005). The scene in which Tsukushi, Tsubaki Domyoji (Nanako Matsushima), and Yuki Matsuoka (Aki Nishihara) have a conversation about TOJ (Teen of Japan) was also filmed at the restaurant. The sky-high restaurant offers a vast selection of international cuisine as well as the finest settings to enjoy a sumptuous meal while admiring Tokyo’s districts from 221 meters above ground level. An open terrace that makes you feel as if you were in the sky, a vast dining area that features a 13-meter-high ceiling in stylish surroundings, a sky lounge that offers a commanding view of Tokyo’s skyline and landscape, cozy private dining rooms where you can relax at ease; Restaurant Luke has it all. Be it for a celebration, an anniversary, or any other special occasion, let the magic of sharing unforgettable moments with someone special work its wonders, just like in the drama series.

Hamacho Park in Chuo Ward is featured in the movie “Suspect X” (2008). In the movie, mathematics teacher Tetsuya Ishigami (Shinichi Tsutsumi) passes through the park on his way to work. Food stalls are also part of the park’s landscape. Being the largest park in Chuo Ward, Hamacho Park is one of the main attractions of the ward. It boasts a grassy open space, a playground for children, and a sports ground. Visitors to the park can enjoy the view of the Sumida River that flows right next to the park. Nearby, a shop selling box lunches is also featured in the movie. Bring a packed lunch to enjoy while sitting on a bench in the park.