November 3rd is being marketed as Godzilla Day by Toho as it’s the 69th anniversary of the original films release. The first period-piece Godzilla movie, ‘Godzilla Minus One‘ (known as ‘Gojira -1.0‘ in Japan) is released in Japan on that date with it being set during the American occupation of Japan (1945-1952) which means it’s a kind of prequel to the original classic. It will be released in other countries in December.

69 years of Godzilla dudes!

This is therefore the perfect opportunity to recycle some old material hype the 37th film in the franchise by compiling a list of the best Godzilla-themed sights in Japan with a heavy bias towards filming locations from the original 1954 movie! It goes without saying that one shouldn’t take the order I’ve ranked them in too seriously!

10. Godzilla Rock, Oga, Akita-ken.

I’m not sure this sight is worth the effort in getting there. The photo above sure looks amazing but the reality seems a bit different based on other pictures I’ve seen online.

9. Ginza Wako, Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo.

The clock on top of this symbolic and luxurious department store was ripped off by Godzilla during his nighttime rampage in the original film. More details here

8. National Diet Building, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo.

The iconic government building and its pyramid-shaped dome falls victim to the giant radioactive lizard’s continued rampage throughout the capital city. More details here

7. Seibuen Amusement Park, Tokorozawa, Saitama-ken.

‘Godzilla: The Ride‘ is supposedly an amazing and intense five minute attraction worth the entrance fee alone. It is located within this small retro Showa-era theme park in Saitama Prefecture. Watch the video from Yukendoit here

6. Toho Studios, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo.

Japan’s largest and most famous film studios are famed for making TV programmes and films such as the Seven Samurai and Godzilla. There are no studio tours and not much to see but if you’re a fan then it’s worth it for the wall murals and the Godzilla statue. More details here

5. Kachidoki Bridge, Tsukiji, Chuo-ku, Tokyo.

This double-leaf bascule bridge on the Sumida River is taken out by Godzilla on its way back to the sea. In reality it was an actor dressed in an extremely heavy suit trampling over a miniature reconstruction of Tokyo. More details here

4. Hibiya Godzilla Square, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo.

This statue has been around since 2018 when it replaced a much smaller statue. It’s based on the monster seen in ‘Shin Gojira‘ (2016). The movie quote inscribed on the plaque states that “The human race must co-exist with Godzilla.” More details here

3. Kurihama Hana-no-kuni, Yokosuka, Kanagawa-ken.

A hilltop at Kurihama Flower World was given the addition of this Gojira slide in October 1999. Over 100,000 individuals and 200+ companies in the local community contributed to the cause of bringing this 8.75 metre statue to the area and all their names are listed at the base of the slide. It’s magnificent body is made of tempered plastic and weighs five tonnes. More details here

2. Hotel Gracery Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo.

Since 2015, Godzilla has been seen poking out of the top of this hotel in the Kabukicho district of Shinjuku. The pedestrianised road leading towards it has since been renamed as Gojira Road. Café Terrace Bonjour on the 8th floor is the gateway to Godzilla’s head as well as fine views over Tokyo. There is even a special Godzilla room on the 30th floor for those with cash to splash. More details here

1. Awajishima Anime Park, Awaji, Hyogo-ken.

It’s not everyday you get to zipline your way into the mouth of Godzilla but that is possible at this theme park. There is also a Godzilla Museum and souvenir shop on site Watch the video from Maction Planet here

Click here to read ‘Cycling The Godzilla Tokyo Trail…In One Day!’

Click here to read ‘Dining Out: The Godzilla Hotel’ 

Click here to read ‘The Godzilla Bathhouse’ 

Click here to read ‘A New Vivid Purple Godzilla Drink Is Here & Ready To Rip Up The Energy Drink Market’