Where was Shogun filmed? Guide to the real Osaka locations in Canada
Posted by Ra Moon
Set in 17th-century feudal Japan, Shogun was filmed primarily in British Columbia, Canada, with a few scenes shot in Japan and the United Kingdom.
The epic 10-episode series is based on James Clavell's best-selling historical novel, first published in 1975.
The epic 10-episode series is based on James Clavell's best-selling historical novel, first published in 1975.
Praised as a kind of Japanese Game of Thrones, the show follows the journey of English navigator John Blackthorne, played by Cosmo Jarvis.
Blackthorne becomes embroiled in the political intrigue and cultural clashes of the samurai era, ultimately finding himself torn between loyalty and survival in a foreign land.
Here is our spoiler-free guide to all the filming locations of Shogun. You'll find the locations in order of appearance.
The Shogun locations in Canada
In the story, Blackthorne's ship was wrecked on the mountainous Izu Peninsula, on the main island of Honshū in Japan.
The beach scene was filmed just south of Wya Point on the outskirts of Ucluelet, on the west coast of Vancouver Island.
Producer Erin Smith said that the cast and crew from Japan were deeply impressed and captivated by the striking resemblance of this location to their country.
(You can open all the locations on Google Maps by clicking on the links below in the captions ↴)
Image courtesy of FX Networks and Google Maps
Image courtesy of FX Networks and Google Maps
The Shogun Osaka Castle
As the local press reported, the crew built the Osaka Castle set, including a temple and a ship, at the former Flavelle Sawmill in Port Moody.
Opened in 1909, the plant processed timber and lumber products until it ceased operations in 2014.
Items imported from Japan, such as fabrics, swords and other props, along with the large wooden structures, were used to create this magnificent setting.
Image courtesy of Hulu - Map
Dating back to the 16th century, the Osaka Castle is the fortress controlled by Ishido and the Council of Regents.
In the series, a CGI version of this famous landmark appears in the opening credits and some establishing shots.
Image courtesy of FX Networks and Otto Domes - Map
The ship is taken to the whaling village of Ajiro, ruled by Kashigi Omi.
These scenes were filmed at Minaty Bay, located on the shores of Howe Sound near Britannia Beach, near the Sea-to-Sky Highway.
This is a popular filming location, the same spot where the Camp Half-Blood set was built for the new Percy Jackson series.
Image courtesy of Hulu - Map
After the Japanese ship piloted by Vasco Rodrigues is caught in a storm, the boats land in a small cove at Whytecliff Park in West Vancouver.
You've probably seen this location in many productions filmed in the area, including Legion, Siren, Once Upon a Time, or the new Peter Pan and Wendy movie.
Image courtesy of FX Networks - Map
The scenes in Osaka's harbor were filmed at the Rocky Point Public Boat Launch in Port Moody, located next to the Flavelle Mill.
Stay tuned on this page, we will be updating and expanding this report every week as new locations are revealed!
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Ra Moon
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