If the memo says “teeth-gritting, eyes peeled to the screen, and intrigue galore”, Hulu’s February 2024 release Shōgun delivers. Set in Imperial Japan, this addictively woven samurai tale of political vendetta, historic battles, period drama, and power dynamics, won a record 18 Emmys for its first season. Based on the 1975 historical novel of the same name by James Clavell, Shōgun’s long order of praises even has some fans comparing it to Game of Thrones (2011)! In this story, we look at iconic Shōgun filming locations across British Columbia and London.
Shōgun: Plot, cast, and reviews
A tale of grandeur and power struggle, Shōgun follows the journey of two ambitious men: John Blackthorne — an enterprising English sailor who lands in Japan, shipwrecked and unfamiliar with the cultural nuances, not knowing that the Imperial land will change his life forever — and Lord Toranaga — a ruthless and formidable daimyo (powerful land-holding magnates of the 10th-19th century Japan) with treacherous political rivals. The 10-episode series features Hiroyuki Sanada as Lord Yoshii Toranaga, Cosmo Jarvis as Pilot Major John Blackthorne, Anna Sawai as Toda Mariko, Tadanobu Asano as Kashigi Yabushige, Takehiro Hira as Ishido Kazunari, Tommy Bastow as Father Martin Alvito, and Fumi Nikaido as Ochiba no Kata.
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In terms of reviews, the series are garnered recurring reactions highlighting the refreshing storyline, complex characters, and a masterfully crafted power conflict. All the episodes of Shōgun are available to stream on Hulu.
Filming locations of Shōgun: The complete list
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
The first port of call for the Shōgun filming locations is Vancouver. Located in Western Canada, this city forms the backdrop for crucial plot points in the series. The show starts with Blackthorne’s ship — a Dutch trading vessel called ‘Erasmus’ — getting wrecked on the rugged Izu Peninsula on Japan’s Honshū Island. This scene was actually shot on the West Coast of Vancouver Island, on the outskirts of Ucluelet near Wya Point. The set’s striking resemblance to Japan was lauded by the Japan-based cast and crew.
Some parts of the show were also filmed at West Vancouver’s Whytecliff Park. This park has previously made an appearance in celebrated series and movies like Legion (2017-2019), Siren (2018-2020), and Once Upon a Time (2011).
Things to do: The best things to do in Vancouver include visiting the Spanish Banks Beach, Stanley Park, and English Bay Beach. Welcome a slice of culture and nostalgia into your itinerary with the Museum of Vancouver, Vancouver Art Gallery, Fazakas Gallery, and Science World. Elevate your trip with our 10-day Vancouver itinerary.
Nearby attractions: Deep Cove (17.8 km), Horseshoe Bay (21.5 km away), Bowen Island (29.9 km), Langley (49.7 km), and Garibaldi National Park (98.7 km).
How to reach: Vancouver International Airport is approximately 12.3 km away.
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Port Moody, British Columbia, Canada
The scenes with Osaka Castle in the frame were actually shot at the former Flavelle Sawmill in Port Moody — a beautiful town just 25.4 km from Vancouver. Inaugurated in 1909, the Sawmill produced lumber products and timber until 2014. To create the ginormous castle, fabrics, swords, imposing wooden structures, among other props were sourced from Japan.
Some scenes were also shot at the Rocky Point Public Boat Launch in Port Moody.
Things to do: When in Port Moody, make sure to visit Sasamat Lake, Westhill Park, and Buntzen Lake. Add some spritz to your itinerary by visiting Moody Ales & Co and The Parkside Brewery. A hub of arts and culture, Port Moody also indulges the creative tourist with Inlet Theatre, Port Moody Arts Centre, and the Station Museum.
Nearby attractions: We recommend taking day trips to Coquitlam (7.3 km away), Burnaby (13 km away), Anmore (10.3 km away), and Belcarra (15 km away).
How to reach: Coal Harbour Spb (CXH) Airport is approximately 25.9 km away.
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Minaty Bay, British Columbia, Canada
As the show progresses, the ship is taken to Ajiro, a whaling village ruled by Kashigi Omi. This sequence was shot at British Columbia’s Minaty Bay, just a stone’s throw away from Britannia Beach, near the Sea-to-Sky Highway. This is a popular shooting location also featured as Camp Halfblood in the Percy Jackson series.
Things to do: Savour the unobstructed views and cerulean waters of British Columbia’s Minaty Bay by beachcoming, sunbathing, and pitching picnics by the lapping waves. Adventure seekers can also embark on hiking trails along the coast.
Nearby attractions: Britannia Mine Museum (10.5 km away), Britannia Beach (10.8 km away), Murrin Provincial Park (14 km away), and Panorama Trail (18.8 km away).
How to reach: Vancouver Airport is approximately 63.8 km away.
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Coquitlam, British Columbia, Canada
Coquitlam’s glorious landscape was the perfect mould for the series’ historical backdrop. Additionally, the parking lot of Coquitlam’s Swiss Canadian Mountain Range Association was used for portraying the Upper Ajiro Village.
Things to do: Key attractions in Coquitlam include Mundy Park, Westwood Plateau, Minnekhada Regional Park, Como Lake Park, and Crystal Falls. For a dose of history and culture, head to Coquitlam Heritage at Mackin House, DaVic Gallery of Native Canadian Arts, and Coquitlam Public Library (City Centre Branch).
Nearby attractions: Granville Island (33.5 km away), Lynn Canyon Park (33.6 km away), Vancouver Aquarium (34.7 km away), and Capilano Suspension Bridge Park (37.2 km away).
How to reach: Coal Harbour Spb (CXH) Airport is approximately 32.6 km away.
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London, England, UK
Next on our list of Shōgun filming locations is London, where one scene of the series was shot. London formed the backdrop for the scene where Lord Yoshii Toranaga (essayed by Hiroyuki Sanada) is riding a horse by a fire.
Things to do: A trip to London is incomplete without visiting the 500-acre Kew Gardens, Shakespeare’s Globe, South Bank, Victoria and Albert Museum, and St. Paul’s Cathedral. Indulge in top-notch culinary experiences at Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon at Fortnum & Mason, admire the architecture of one of London’s most beautiful shops — Liberty London, or spend a day at Britain’s largest museum — Britain Museum.
Planning to visit the British capital? Spruce up your holiday with our 10-day London itinerary.
Nearby attractions: The best day trip destinations from London include Henley-on-Thames (59.5 km), Windsor (39.5 km), Elmley Nature Reserve (79.3 km away), and Cambridge (98.49 km away).
How to reach: London Gatwick Airport is approximately 44.4 km away.
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Japan
The entire series was originally supposed to be shot in Japan. However, owing to the COVID-19 pandemic and production delays, the crew had to recreate most of the sets in Canada. A few establishing shots and landscapes of Japan can still be seen in the series.
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(Feature Image Credit: IMDb)
Related: This 19-Day Train Trip Takes You Through Some Of Canada’s Most Spectacular Fall Foliage
The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.
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FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
You can watch the 'Shōgun' TV series on Hulu.
The awards won by 'Shōgun' TV series include: - Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Drama Series - Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series - Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series - Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series - TCA Award for Individual Achievement in Drama - Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Main Title Design - Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Casting for a Drama Series - TCA Award for Outstanding New Program - TCA Award for Program of the Year - TCA Award for Outstanding Achievement in Drama - Primetime Creative Arts Emmy Award
The most popular characters in the 'Shōgun' series include Hiroyuki Sanada as Yoshii Toranaga, Cosmo Jarvis as John Blackthorne, and Anna Sawai as Toda Mariko.
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Yashita Vashishth
Senior Digital Writer - Growth, TravelWriter by day, reader by night, Yashita has a flair for all things travel, wellness and food. She has ..Read More
