Netflix’s “Alice in Borderland” premiered globally on Dec. 10, 2020, quickly hooking audiences. When the third season dropped on Sept. 25, its reputation for intense survival games and atmospheric visuals only grew. The series is led by some heavy hitters, including Kento Yamazaki (Arisu) and Tao Tsuchiya (Usagi), but what sets it apart is its reimagining of Tokyo, as the city becomes a deserted, haunting playground.
It’s possible the Netflix original‘s broad resonance comes from the clever mix of real locations and high-end visual effects. “Alice in Borderland” leans into a stylish dystopian aesthetic that has become a key fascination for fans. Here’s everything we know about the filming locations utilized across the show’s three action-packed seasons.
What City Does ‘Alice In Borderland’ Take Place In?
“Alice in Borderland” is set in an alternate version of Tokyo, as Looper reports. This is known as the “Borderland,” which showcases a familiar cityscape with eerily empty streets. The uncanny stillness is a deliberate creative choice that imbues the filming location with a distinct sense of strangeness, creating a stage for games, fear and existential uncertainty. As tension mounts on-screen, the Shibuya crossings, sleek subway stations and neon storefronts really set the stage for a post-apocalyptic landscape.
Surprisingly, though, the signature deserted Shibuya crossing was actually depicted with an elaborate set built away from Tokyo. Many pedestrian and vehicular elements were added using CGI, so live shoots focused on essential props and the cast. Still, “Alice in Borderland” filming locations aren’t limited to just Tokyo.
For both logistical and creative reasons, production chose to combine studio sets, replica builds, CGI and some selective urban backdrops. Although the core cityscape work was anchored in Japan, other regions were important. For example, Kanto, Kansai, Chūbu and Kyushu in particular were significant. As IMDb reports, Kobe’s Nara Prison appears in the show, as well as some seaside and botanical gardens across Japan.
Ashikaga’s Scramble City Studio Is A Major Filming Hub
(Sunny Young/Unsplash)
Key Scenes: Most of the scenes that appear to show Tokyo (especially the iconic Shibuya Crossing) weren’t filmed in the city at all, but at Ashikaga Scramble City Studio in Tochigi Prefecture, per TourHero.
Best Time to Visit: The best times to visit Japan are in spring (March–May) or fall (September–November), when the weather is pleasant and the scenery shifts with the seasons. In Ashikaga specifically, late April to early May is especially nice as gardens are in bloom and cultural festivals are in full swing. If your goal is to experience the real Shibuya Crossing in its busiest state, aim for rush hour on a weekday evening – roughly 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., or Friday and Saturday nights
Transportation Options: Ashikaga is approximately an hour and a half away from Tokyo, so travelers will need to arrange transportation between the two cities. The train is a popular option. Alternatively, for shorter distances, the bus, car or even walking works best. For travelers who are understandably more excited to explore Shibuya Crossing, take a train to Ashikaga-shi station and then a local bus or taxi to the studio.
The “Alice in Borderland” crew constructed a full-scale replica of the Shibuya scramble crossing instead of dealing with the logistics of actually filming at the busy location. On this set, they constructed some core elements, including the station ticket gates and street pavement. Then, everything beyond those basic set pieces, like building facades, surrounding high rises and distant walls, were either generated or augmented by CGI. In fact, the big scene where characters enter a restroom then emerge to an empty Tokyo was actually shot in one take. To make the CGI blend seamlessly, the visual effects team used HDRI mapping techniques to sample some real lighting conditions and shadowing, per the RICOH360 Blog. And as VFX enthusiasts know, the empty crossings are among the most ambitious triumphs of the show.
Things to Do: For an iconic travel experience, visiting the Shibuya Crossing is likely one of the best ways to explore this filming location. The Shibuya Sky is a popular open-air observation deck right on the Shibuya Square. If heights aren’t for you, the Hachiko Statue is an endearing and intriguing cultural attraction to visit.
Where to Eat: There are plenty of eateries along the Shibuya Crossing, including the popular TsuruTonTan UDON NOODLE Brasserie SHIBUYA. This noodle restaurant is centrally located and well known for its ample options. Then there is the Mo-Mo-Paradise Shibuya Center Street Store. This high-end restaurant has a vibrant atmosphere and delicious food.
Where to Stay: This area is generally considered to be a higher-end locale, so accommodations like Shibuya Excel Hotel Tokyu offer a modern and central stay. Alternatively, for a traveler with a more conservative budget, The OneFive Tokyo Shibuya is a great option. It is within walking distance of some popular stops and the subway station.
‘Alice In Borderland’ Beach Scenes Were Filmed In Otsu, Shiga
One episode of the series takes viewers to a semi-fantastical setting known as the Beach (or Seaside Paradise), a resort where Borderland’s survivors gather. According to SoapCentral, the show’s credits cite the now-demolished Royal Oak Hotel and Spa in Otsu, Shiga as the filming location that stood in for the show’s Seaside Paradise Hotel.
Interior scenes were shot in a different hotel, the Nanki Shirahama Resort Hotel in the Wakayama Prefecture, per Looper. These include moments showcasing the main hall, which seamlessly blends the two hotels through selective location shooting and digital blending. Although these scenes at the Beach may not be heavily shown off in the series, they add a bit of variety to the otherwise chaotic setting.
Things to Do: Although the exterior filming location for the Beach is no longer standing, travelers can explore the area around the interior filming location in Wakayama Prefecture. Near this location, popular tourist destinations include Shirarahama Beach and Adventure World, which are both family-friendly and scenic.
Where to Eat: The Pizzeria Pescatore and BLUE BAR are two well-rated restaurants near the Nanki Shirahama Resort Hotel. These eateries are relatively close to the interior filming location of the Beach. They serve Italian and Mediterranean cuisine, respectively.
Where to Stay: One of the best places to stay for fans is, of course, the filming location itself, Nanki Shirahama Resort Hotel. This accommodation has an ideal location and some impressive amenities, like a tennis court. Then there is the Shiraraso Grand Hotel, which is conveniently located right on Shirarahama Beach.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is “Alice in Borderland” based on a real story?
No, it is developed from a manga of the same name by Haro Aso. The fictional story is steeped in speculative, dystopian and fantasy elements.
Who is the Joker in “Alice in Borderland”?
The “Joker” corresponds to one of the card-based allegories used in the series, which features several survival games. On-screen, this character is a mysterious, powerful entity that oversees the Borderlands and is the true mastermind behind the game, as Sportskeeda reports.
AloJapan.com