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Tokyo remains one of the most recognizable cities in Japan, thanks in part to its beautiful scenery, rich culture, and active nightlife that just explodes in vibrancy for both locals and tourists alike. As such, it’s not such a surprise for some anime to actually take place in Tokyo, be it for short episodes or as settings for the entirety of their stories. After all, Tokyo is vast enough to behold fun shenanigans, crazy adventures, and even dramatic encounters between characters.

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However, when it comes to anime about living in Tokyo, just which series rises above the rest? And what exactly is it about Tokyo that helps these anime series expound on their respective narratives, as well as the growth of their characters?

7 One Punch Man (Setagaya, Tokyo)

One Punch Man

Otaku would most likely recognize Saitama or One-Punch Man with his signature yellow suit and red cape, as his nondescript superhero appearance continues to disguise the fact that he just somehow keeps on saving Z-City without others noticing his heroic deeds. Surprisingly enough, eagle-eyed fans of One-Punch Man may be able to notice that some locations in Z-City seem oddly reminiscent of certain Tokyo landmarks.

And this may be due to the fact that Z-City is largely inspired by urban Tokyo. Particularly in the case of Saitama’s apartment, the visuals used in the anime seem to be reminiscent of apartments in Setagaya, Tokyo. Based on a fan analysis, it seems Saitama’s apartment is close to Meiji University. This rather realistic take on an apartment location is a good way of saying that even superheroes need to go back to an ordinary life behind the scenes.

6 Tokyo Ghoul (Tokyo)

Tokyo Ghoul

In an alternate reality of Tokyo Ghoul, flesh-eating ghouls strive to hide amidst human society, with some ghouls striving for silent coexistence while others seek domination in underground societies. Unfortunately for student Ken Kaneki, a date gone wrong would have him become a half-ghoul, with his new condition forcing him to live with other ghouls while trying to outlast constant threats.

Interestingly, Tokyo Ghoul does feature a lot of locations accurately within its Tokyo setting. For instance, the fictional Kamii University is inspired by Ikbeukuro’s Rikkyo University. Meanwhile, Ken and his friends hang out in the fictional Anteiku Cafe, which was inspired by a real-life Tokyo cafe. Other landmarks in Tokyo Ghoul include the busy Shibuya Crossing, the lively Chiyoda Ward, and the nightlife of Roppongi, Minato. Given the supernatural setting of Tokyo Ghoul, the cast frequently visit these locations in the context of nighttime, which emphasizes the lively nightlife existing in Tokyo.

5 Tokyo Revengers (Tokyo)

Tokyo Revengers

Time travel stories don’t necessarily only happen to those with an inclination to the sciences. In the case of Tokyo Revengers, it might happen to those supposedly already dead. In Tokyo Revengers, Takemichi Hanagaki discovers the ability to time travel through rather odd means, and he plans on using this new power to save his middle school ex-girlfriend and her brother from being murdered by the Tokyo Manji Gang. Unfortunately for Takemichi, his new power would bring forth a slew of paradoxes and other problems he has to solve.

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Thankfully, the anime does take viewers on a trip around Tokyo due to its many locations. Aside from landmarks like Shibuya Crossing and Yamashita Park, Tokyo Revengers does a great job highlighting the everyday occurrences in Tokyo. These include scenes in restaurants such as the popular Gusto, pancakes from Eggs ‘n Things Harajuku Store, and even a Denny’s Shibuya Park Street Store.

4 Steins;Gate (Akihabara)

Steins Gate

If there’s anything that otaku would consider a top contender for best time travel anime, that would be Steins;Gate. In Steins;Gate, self-proclaimed mad scientist Okabe Rintarou and his friends accidentally discover a way to send messages back through time. And overcome with scientific curiosity, their innocent attempts to send various messages have unfortunate consequences in the presence.

Interestingly, Steins;Gate shows just how possible it is to have an adventure at the comfort of one’s own neighborhood. Much of the anime takes place in Akihabara, a Tokyo town famous for anime culture staples such as game centers, maid cafes, and anime shops. A lot of central points in Steins;Gate’s plot occur in JB Akihabara Station and the brimming otaku center of Radio Kaikan close by.

3 Love Live! (Akihabara)

Love Live

Opposite Steins;Gate and its time travel in Akihabara angle is Love Live! In this idol anime, the fictional Otonokizaka Academy becomes the home of an idol group called Muse, whose aim is to become famous not just in Chiyoda, Tokyo but nationwide in order to save their school. And in this rather ordinary take of the everyday life of an idol hopeful, Love Live! does an excellent job showing just how amazing an otherwise ordinary day-to-day life a Tokyo student could have.

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Notable locations include Akihabara Electric Town Exit, where the Muse girls are seen handing out fliers for their concerts. Likewise, the historic Shouhei-Bashi bridge served as a scenic meeting spot for Muse whenever they had to meet or plan for something. And even the ups and downs of Otoko-Zaka’s iconic stairs became highlighted as a part of Muse’s day-to-day routine.

2 Sarazanmai (Asakusa, Tokyo)

Sarazanmai

Blending in superstition with real life, Sarazanmai depicts what happens when people mess up with the forces beyond. When middle-schoolers Kazuki, Toi, and Enta accidentally break the statue of the guardian kappa of Asakusa, Tokyo, they’re suddenly transformed into kappas themselves. Now under the employ of Kappa Kingdom prince Keppi, the three must collect DIshes of Hope which fulfill the desires of those who get them.

This delightful take on cultural concepts becomes superimposed with Sarazanmai’s take on a regular day in Tokyo. The anime has events take place in a lot of notable Asakusa landmarks, such as the famed Kaminarimon Gate, the business center of Kappabashi Dougu Street, and even the Hanayashiki Amusement Park. When an anime explores one’s innermost desires, it makes sense that even the most mundane of things become fantastical sights.

1 Mitsuboshi Colors (Ueno, Tokyo)

Mitsuboshi Colors

Fans of slice of life anime would love Mitsuboshi Colors, especially as it explores the lives of elementary schoolgirls Yui, Sat-chan, and Kotoha that try to protect the peace of Ueno, Tokyo, as “Colors.” While not action-packed and suspenseful, the cheerful life of the three girls in a colorful Ueno is a welcome break for any viewer. And the stunning accuracy of the anime’s depiction of Ueno feels like a trip to this serene neighborhood.

The anime largely takes place in the Ueno Onshi Park in Tokyo, where the Colors are situated. As such, a lot of their adventures dwell in the park and its many offerings. Each episode in the anime takes place in locations such as the Ueno Zoo, Akihabara Station, Shinobazu Pond, and the National Museum of Nature and Science. Viewers who want an artistic depiction of Ueno as the backdrop of a heartwarming tale will delight in how Mitsuboshi Colors showcases Tokyo life.

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