Imagine the bustling heart of Tokyo, Shibuya Crossing, eerily empty. This unsettling scene sets the stage for Netflix’s captivating science fiction thriller, “Alice in Borderland”. The series, starring a close-knit trio thrust into an abandoned Tokyo, plunges viewers into a world of deadly games where survival hinges on wit, strength, and emotional resilience.
Following its December 2020 premiere, “Alice in Borderland” captivated audiences worldwide, soaring to the top ten most-watched shows in numerous countries. The series garnered widespread attention in Asia, specifically Malaysia, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam. It also achieved top ten rankings in Europe, including Germany, France, Portugal, Austria, and Greece.
While we eagerly await the release of Season 2, let’s delve into the captivating filming locations of “Alice in Borderland”. We’ll unveil the secrets behind the deserted Shibuya Crossing and explore the real-life settings of the show’s heart-stopping survival games.
The Manga Inspiration
“Alice in Borderland” is adapted from a popular manga series of the same name, written and illustrated by Haro Aso. Originally published in Shogakukan’s Shōnen Sunday S magazine, the manga gained significant popularity, reaching a circulation of 1.5 million copies at its peak. If you’re an anime and manga enthusiast, venture to the multi-level Shosen Book Tower, a haven for manga comic books, including “Alice in Borderland”.
Prior to the Netflix adaptation, the manga’s first spin-off was a three-part original video animation (OVA). OVAs, specifically produced for home video release, are popular in Japan and often bundled with special editions of manga series.
Real-life Adventures Inspired by “Alice in Borderland”
“Alice in Borderland” features nail-biting challenges and survival games unlike anything you’ve ever seen. From the heart-pounding “Tag” game, where players evade a relentless killer, to the twisted “Hide-and-Seek” where only one can survive, the series pushes Arisu and his friends to their physical and emotional limits.
If you crave these thrilling experiences, without the life-threatening danger, head to one of Tokyo’s many escape rooms. InSPYre, a spy-themed escape room located in Shinjuku’s bustling Kabukicho, offers a unique immersive experience. Step into the shoes of a spy, tackle mind-boggling riddles, and escape immersive themed rooms with your friends.
The Empty Heart of Tokyo: Shibuya Crossing
Shibuya Crossing, a world-renowned pedestrian scramble intersection, needs no introduction. This iconic hub, just outside the bustling Shibuya Station, sees over 3,000 people cross at each signal change. The crossing teems with life, from busy salarymen to curious tourists, making it an unmissable destination in Tokyo.
“Alice in Borderland” transforms this vibrant intersection into a stark, lifeless ghost town, creating a chilling contrast to its usual bustling atmosphere. How did the series achieve this seemingly impossible feat?
The answer lies in Ashikaga Scramble City Studio, a sprawling replica of Shibuya Crossing located in Ashikaga City, Tochigi Prefecture. This film set enabled the production team to recreate the iconic intersection, including Shibuya Station’s public restrooms, ticket gates, and roads, and meticulously add the finishing touches with CGI.
A Look Back at Toshimaen: A Nostalgic Amusement Park
Toshimaen, one of Japan’s oldest amusement parks, opened its gates in September 1926, offering a haven of family fun for generations. Sadly, Toshimaen closed its doors permanently to pave the way for a new Harry Potter theme park scheduled to open in 2023.
“Alice in Borderland” features Toshimaen’s iconic merry-go-round, a German-made wooden carousel dating back to 1907. This intricately designed piece, brought to the park a year after its creation, was one of over 30 rides in the amusement park. The park also boasted a 350-meter doughnut-shaped pool, introduced in 1965, believed to be the world’s first lazy river pool. Although Toshimaen appears briefly in “Alice in Borderland”, its presence evokes nostalgia and reminds us of the cherished memories it holds for many.
A Dive into Kabukicho: Tokyo’s Vibrant Entertainment District
Kabukicho, Tokyo’s renowned entertainment district, is a place of flashing neon lights and vibrant nightlife. The district serves as the backdrop for some of “Alice in Borderland’s” most death-defying survival games.
Beyond the series, Kabukicho is Shinjuku’s red-light district, known for its adult-oriented establishments. Although it retains some of its past notoriety, Kabukicho remains a beloved destination for locals and tourists alike. The district boasts an eclectic mix of restaurants, bars, and unique attractions such as the Samurai Museum and Ninja Trick House.
Exploring the Futuristic Island of Odaiba
In “Alice in Borderland”, Odaiba is portrayed as an overgrown wasteland overrun with weeds and wild animals, setting the stage for the series’ gripping survival games. However, in reality, Odaiba is Tokyo’s high-tech, futuristic entertainment island, best known for its iconic 18-meter-tall Gundam Statue.
Originally built from reclaimed land in the 1850s, Odaiba served as a crucial defense post for Tokyo. Today, this bustling island offers a plethora of attractions, including a replica of the Statue of Liberty, a towering 155-meter Ferris wheel, and the Rainbow Bridge, a stunning landmark featured prominently in “Alice in Borderland”.
The Symbol of Hope: The Rainbow Bridge
The vibrant Rainbow Bridge is a recurring symbol of hope in “Alice in Borderland”. Arisu and Usagi, a mountain climber who befriends Arisu, meet in the Tokyo Bay area, often with the mesmerizing dancing colors of the Rainbow Bridge as a backdrop for their discussions about survival strategies.
In reality, the Rainbow Bridge is a suspension bridge spanning Tokyo Bay. Every night, the bridge illuminates with a mesmerizing display of red, white, and green lights, powered by solar energy. Witness this spectacle of lights and colors from the bay, or take a walk across the bridge from Shibaura-futō Station.
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