Classic Film & TV Locations: 12 Days in Japan

Shinjuku & Shibuya – Lost in Translation

Start in Shinjuku, home to the Park Hyatt Tokyo. The actual hotel where Bill Murray and Scarlett Johansson's characters meet in Lost in Translation. Ride the elevator to the New York Bar on the 52nd floor for the same skyline view from the film, then walk the neon-lit stretch of Yasukuni Dori toward Kabukicho, where Bob Harris first gazes out at Tokyo from his taxi window. In the afternoon, head south to Shibuya Crossing, the "scramble" intersection that appears throughout the movie, still just as chaotic today. Round out the evening with karaoke in one of the Shibuya branches of Karaoke-Kan, the same chain where Bob and Charlotte sing their hearts out.

Minato – The Wolverine & Kill Bill

Begin at Zojoji Temple in Minato, where Hugh Jackman's Wolverine fights off attackers with Tokyo Tower looming in the background. One of the most striking real-location shots in the film. From there, make your way to Nishi-Azabu for lunch or dinner at Gonpachi, the restaurant whose two-story wooden interior directly inspired the House of Blue Leaves set built for Kill Bill Vol. 1; look for the memorabilia case near the entrance. Spend the rest of the day wandering Roppongi and the Rainbow Bridge waterfront, another Kill Bill-adjacent backdrop.

Free day

A slower day to catch your breath before heading out of Tokyo. Options include a half-day trip to Kamakura (seaside setting of Ozu's Tokyo Story) or simply revisiting a favorite Tokyo neighborhood at a relaxed pace