Filming Locations Guide: Where was Ghost in the Shell filmed?

Ghost in the Shell is the story of a crime-fighting cyborg trying to stop a dangerous group of terrorists, whose objective is to eliminate advances in robotics technology. The cyberpunk movie is based on the classic manga written and illustrated by Masamune Shirow.
With Scarlett Johansson taking on the lead role of The Major and Pilou Asbæk (Euron Greyjoy from Game of Thrones) as Batou, the supporting cast includes the legendary Takeshi Kitano and French actress Juliette Binoche.
Ghost in the Shell was filmed in New Zealand and Hong Kong, although the action is set in the mid 21st century of a retro-futurist Japan - the characters drive 80s cars and use 90s machine guns. Most of the movie was filmed in the Stone Street Studios in Wellington. The production team built around 20 detailed sets in these facilities.
With Scarlett Johansson taking on the lead role of The Major and Pilou Asbæk (Euron Greyjoy from Game of Thrones) as Batou, the supporting cast includes the legendary Takeshi Kitano and French actress Juliette Binoche.
Ghost in the Shell was filmed in New Zealand and Hong Kong, although the action is set in the mid 21st century of a retro-futurist Japan - the characters drive 80s cars and use 90s machine guns. Most of the movie was filmed in the Stone Street Studios in Wellington. The production team built around 20 detailed sets in these facilities.

Wellington's Victoria St was closed to traffic for filming during two weekends.
Image courtesy of Paramount

The Kiwi city was completely transformed into Tokyo, to the point of making it almost unrecognizable
Image courtesy of Paramount and Google Maps

Example of how disguised Wellington is under all the layers of CGI.
Image courtesy of Paramount and Google Maps

The genuine Asian touch was filmed in Hong Kong. Ghost in the Shell was shot in the streets of the Central HK and Jordan area. Image courtesy of Paramount

Scene filmed at the Tsuen Wan Chinese Permanent Cemetery.
Image courtesy of Paramount

A Reddit user identified this walkway that inspired the last scene of the movie (it was filmed in a studio in New Zealand), located at Yee Wo St. in Causeway Bay. Image courtesy of Paramount and Google Maps

A scene of a fight was filmed using background buildings from Quarry Bay and Sai Wan Ho.
Image courtesy of Paramount and Laruse Junior

Major's family home was in the circular apartment building Lai Tak Tseun estate in Tai Hang.
Image courtesy of Eugene Lim

The Hong Kong Cultural Centre was the inspiration for the Section 9 complex.
Image courtesy of Paramount and Wpcpey

The design of the Hanka Robotics headquarters is based on the towers of Lippo Centre, also in Hong Kong.
Image courtesy of Paramount and Mia Battaglia
Can you help to improve this post about the shooting locations of 2017' Ghost in the Shell? To complete and correct this report, any feedback, info or images that you may have are more than welcome, thank you!
NOTICE: If you’re using this information on your website, please credit and link to this page as a source.
*****
For further information we highly recommend the book The Art of Ghost in the Shell
, more than 150 pages packed with photos, drawings and interviews behind the scenes.
Also here is a link to the 1995 anime movie Ghost in the Shell: 25th Anniversary Edition
, and a hardcover of the original Manga Deluxe Edition
by Masamune Shirow. Finally, don't miss out these gorgeous posters
from the new film:
Also here is a link to the 1995 anime movie Ghost in the Shell: 25th Anniversary Edition
This article contains affiliate links, which means as an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. This article was written completely independently.
Hanka Robotics
ReplyDeleteLippo Centre - Admiralty - Hong Kong
Thanks, updated!
DeleteHanka Robotics headquarters looks similar to the Lippo Centre in Hong Kong
ReplyDeleteThanks a lot!
Delete
ReplyDeleteAndrew Leyden · Notre Dame Law School
Major's family home was Lai Tak Tseun estate in Tai Hang Hong Kong.
http://samthelocal.com/photogenic-hong-kong-housing.../ Montane Mansions was also used for a scene.
Like · Reply · Just now
Thanks Andrew, updated!
DeleteThere's a scene where you can see this flashing neon building in Jordan, Hong Kong
ReplyDeletehttps://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Temple_Street,_Hong_Kong#/media/File:Temple_Street_7,_Hong_Kong,_Mar_06.JPG
https://vimeo.com/edwinlee/gitshk
ReplyDeleteThe reception of HANKA seems to be the lobby of the Center.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.discoverhongkong.com/nz/see-do/culture-heritage/modern-architecture/the-center.jsp
Dr. Ouelet's house is located in Jardine House.
ReplyDeletehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jardine_House
All comments are reviewed prior to publication