'Shōgun': From Japan to London, a look at stunning filming locations that shaped FX's historical drama series

The show 'Shōgun' on FX explores the complex political landscape of 16th-century Japan, with a power struggle that is visible in each episode
PUBLISHED MAR 13, 2024
Hiroyuki Sanada as Lord Yoshii Toranaga in a still from 'Shōgun' (@FX)
Hiroyuki Sanada as Lord Yoshii Toranaga in a still from 'Shōgun' (@FX)

LOS ANGELS, CALIFORNIA: Step into the unforgiving world of feudal Japan with FX's intense show 'Shōgun'. Boasting breathtaking cinematography, the show effortlessly transports audiences to the intricate setting of historical Japan.

However, the captivating scenes are not confined to the Land of the Rising Sun, as filming ventured across the globe.

Crafted by Rachel Kondo and Justin Marks, the ten-part series draws inspiration from the eponymous novel.

At its core, the narrative revolves around John Blackthorne, portrayed by Cosmo Jarvis, an Englishman unwittingly entangled in the power struggles orchestrated by Lord Yoshii Toranaga, played by Hiroyuki Sanada.

While the show masterfully captures the essence of feudal Japan, the following exploration delves into the diverse filming locations that contributed to shaping this epic historical drama.

Japan

Cosmo Jarvis as John Blackthorne and Tadanobu Asano as Kashigi Yabushige in 'Shōgun' (@FX)
Cosmo Jarvis as John Blackthorne and Tadanobu Asano as Kashigi Yabushige in 'Shōgun' (@FX)

There are multiple external vistas of Japan throughout the show, which is set against the backdrop of historical Japan.

The Cinemaholic reports that Covid-19 affected most of the filming, which is why it was rescheduled to British Columbia.

Nonetheless, a lot of landscape visuals were added to the show to give it an ethical Japanese feel.

Numerous real-life historical sites with traditional wooden shrines, temples, and other architectural features were included in the presentation to replicate medieval Japan.

Ucluelet, Canada

A still from 'Shogun' (@FX)
A still from 'Shōgun' (@FX)

The majority of the series was filmed in Ucluelet and Port Moody, British Columbia, according to show producer Erin Smith, who made this confirmation in an interview with CTV News.

Smith revealed that some of the stunning Wya Point Beach from Ucluelet Landscape is used in the show.

The Canadian city of Ucluelet is mostly known for its spectacular and breathtakingly beautiful scenery.

Situated on the border of the wild Pacific Ocean, the well-known Ucluelet Municipality Resort offers harbors with breathtaking natural landscapes.

Port Moody, British Columbia, Canada

A still from (@FX)
A still from 'Shōgun' (@FX)

Port Moody, popularly referred to as the 'City of the Arts,' served as the series' other primary filming site.

The series' art design team constructed several sets throughout the city to give the impression that it was traditional Japan.

The city, named after the Falkland Island governor, Richard Moody, is well-known among artists for its affordable living costs and picturesque surroundings.

London, England

(@FX)
Toshi Toda as Sugiyama(@FX)

The home of the royals, London, was used for the filming of a brief sequence of the show, which involved Lord Yoshii Toranaga's scene of riding a horse by fire.

Due to its extensive history and array of tourist attractions, London is renowned for being among the most iconic cities on the entire globe.

Since London is one of the largest metropolises in the United Kingdom, it is also well-known for being one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world.

'Shōgun' episode 4, titled 'The Eightfold Fence' will premiere on March 12 

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