The dystopian thriller Alice in Borderland captivated Netflix audiences with its high-stakes games and a visually stunning, desolate Tokyo. But for fans dreaming of visiting this haunting landscape, the good news is that the real-life locations are very much alive and waiting to be explored.
While the show uses clever CGI to create its empty metropolis, the foundations are real, iconic spots scattered across Japan's capital. Stepping into these places is like walking onto the set of the show itself.
The Heart of the Game: Key Tokyo Landmarks
Many of the most pivotal scenes were filmed in areas instantly recognisable to any Tokyo visitor.
- Shibuya Scramble Crossing: The world's busiest pedestrian crossing is eerily empty in the series, becoming a symbol of the abandoned city. In reality, it's a pulsating hub of energy, but standing in the centre allows you to imagine the surreal silence depicted on screen.
- Shinjuku Station: Another location known for its relentless crowds, Shinjuku Station was transformed into a ghostly terminus. The familiar corridors and exits take on a new significance for fans who have seen them as a backdrop for life-or-death challenges.
- Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building: This towering landmark in Shinjuku offers panoramic views of the city. Its imposing architecture makes it a perfect fit for the show's atmosphere of mystery and power.
Parks and Urban Oases
Beyond the concrete jungle, several green spaces provided the setting for key moments of tension and respite.
Ueno Park is a central Tokyo highlight, famous for its museums and zoo. In Alice in Borderland, its spacious grounds and forested areas were used to create an atmosphere of both beauty and lurking danger. Similarly, the waterfront areas of Odaiba, with its futuristic buildings and views of Tokyo Bay, featured prominently, adding a sci-fi edge to the visuals.
Why These Locations Work
The genius of the location scouting lies in using universally recognised symbols of Tokyo's vibrant life and emptying them. This contrast heightens the sense of dislocation and terror for the characters. Seeing the utterly deserted Shibuya Crossing is far more impactful than a fictional set could ever be, because we know just how bustling it should be.
For travellers and superfans, visiting these spots offers a unique form of entertainment tourism. It’s a chance to connect with the show on a deeper level and see the incredible transformation that visual effects can achieve.
