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

Ghost in the Shell geisha robot
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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.

Where was Ghost in the Shell filmed
Wellington's Victoria St was closed to traffic for filming during two weekends.
Image courtesy of Paramount


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


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


The shoot in Hong Kong
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


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


Scene in Causeway Bay
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


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


Montane Mansion HK
The Montane Mansion, built in the 70's at Quarry Bay.
Image courtesy of Paramount and Aotaro


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


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


Ghost in the Shell drehort
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!

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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:

The art of the movie 25th anniversary edition manga book
Blue poster Scarlett Johansson poster red poster

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Atlas of Wonders is an independent website looking for wonderful Filming Locations all around the world. We are constantly updating and improving our posts with new stuff!

10 comments

  1. AnonymousMarch 29, 2017 at 9:50 PM

    Hanka Robotics

    Lippo Centre - Admiralty - Hong Kong

    ReplyDelete
  2. AnonymousMarch 30, 2017 at 3:31 AM

    Hanka Robotics headquarters looks similar to the Lippo Centre in Hong Kong

    ReplyDelete
  3. UnknownMarch 30, 2017 at 7:22 PM


    Andrew 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

    ReplyDelete
  4. IsabelApril 4, 2017 at 2:18 PM

    There's a scene where you can see this flashing neon building in Jordan, Hong Kong
    https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Temple_Street,_Hong_Kong#/media/File:Temple_Street_7,_Hong_Kong,_Mar_06.JPG

    ReplyDelete
  5. UnknownApril 5, 2017 at 12:24 AM

    https://vimeo.com/edwinlee/gitshk

    ReplyDelete
  6. AnonymousApril 15, 2017 at 9:24 AM

    The reception of HANKA seems to be the lobby of the Center.
    http://www.discoverhongkong.com/nz/see-do/culture-heritage/modern-architecture/the-center.jsp

    ReplyDelete
  7. AnonymousApril 15, 2017 at 9:32 AM

    Dr. Ouelet's house is located in Jardine House.
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jardine_House

    ReplyDelete

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