【Oshi no Ko】Complete Sacred Site Pilgrimage Guide to Minato Ward, Tokyo | Must-See Filming Locations and Setting Spots Thoroughly Explained
“Oshi no Ko,” a hugely popular work by Aka Akasaka and Mengo Yokoslash, captivates many fans as a realistic story depicting the behind-the-scenes of the entertainment industry. With successive media mix announcements including anime adaptation, live-action drama adaptation, and film adaptation, Minato Ward, Tokyo plays an important role as the setting for this work that continues to generate buzz. This article thoroughly introduces sacred site pilgrimage spots of “Oshi no Ko” centered around Minato Ward.
What Kind of Work Is “Oshi no Ko”?
“Oshi no Ko” is a manga work serialized in “Weekly Young Jump” from 2020 to 2024. The original work is by Aka Akasaka, known for “Kaguya-sama: Love Is War,” and the artwork is by Mengo Yokoslash.
The story centers on a shocking premise: Goro, working as an obstetrician in a provincial city, is reincarnated into twin children, Aqua and Ruby, of his favorite idol “Ai Hoshino.” Following the tragedy of Ai’s death, who shined as an idol, Aqua confronts the darkness of the entertainment industry, while Ruby pursues her dream as an idol—the unique narrative structure combines the realistic face of the entertainment industry, family love, and suspense elements.
The anime’s first season aired in 2023, and the second season also aired in 2024. Furthermore, a live-action drama version is distributed on Amazon Prime Video, with film and theatrical adaptations also in the works, expanding across multiple platforms.
Why Minato Ward, Tokyo Became the Setting for “Oshi no Ko”
Minato Ward, Tokyo is one of the centers of Japan’s entertainment and entertainment industry. Areas like Roppongi, Akasaka, Aoyama, and Odaiba are concentrated with television stations, talent agencies, upscale restaurants, and event venues—making them the perfect place to express the entertainment world depicted in “Oshi no Ko.”
Particularly, the Roppongi area possesses a unique atmosphere where both the glamour of a nightlife district and the intersection of business and entertainment coexist. Many actual spots in Minato Ward have become models for wrap-up party venues, live houses, and places where celebrities gather that appear in the work.
“Oshi no Ko” Sacred Site Pilgrimage Spots in Minato Ward, Tokyo—Details
CEDAR THE CHOP HOUSE & BAR
Location: 2F, Rem Roppongi Building, 7-14-4 Roppongi, Minato Ward, Tokyo 106-0032
Access: 1 minute walk from Exit 4a, Roppongi Station, Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line
The model for the wrap-up party venue that appears in Anime Episode 4, where Aqua and Arima Kana’s drama “Kyou Ama” (Today Is Sweet) wrap-up party is held. An American dining restaurant located in the center of Roppongi where you can actually enjoy a luxurious atmosphere and authentic cuisine.
The interior is characterized by subdued lighting and modern interiors, allowing you to experience the atmosphere of the wrap-up scenes in the work. When visiting for sacred site pilgrimage, advance reservations are recommended. Please check the official website for business hours and closure days.
Odaiba Seaside Park
Location: 1-4 Odaiba, Minato Ward, Tokyo 135-0091
Access: 3 minutes walk from Odaiba Seaside Park Station, Yurikamome Line; 10 minutes walk from Tokyo Teleport Station, Rinkai Line
The model for the confession scene of “Kyou Gachi” (Today Is Sweet, Tomorrow Is Spicy) depicted in the anime. A beautiful landscape overlooking Tokyo Bay unfolds, with the scenery of the evening sky with Rainbow Bridge in the background being particularly romantic.
In the work, it is depicted as the stage for quiet and moving scenes, making it a must-see spot for fans. The park is spacious, allowing you to take in the work’s world view while strolling. The time from late afternoon through evening is especially ideal for recreating scenes from the work.
Maxell Aqua Park Shinagawa
Location: Inside Shinagawa Prince Hotel, 4-10-30 Takanawa, Minato Ward, Tokyo 108-8611
Access: 2 minutes walk from Takanawa Exit, JR/Keikyu Shinagawa Station
An aquarium used as a filming location for the live-action drama version of “Oshi no Ko.” In making photos, scenes of Kaito Sakurai as Aqua and Mizuki Kayashima filming inside the aquarium have been released.
An urban entertainment facility characterized by advanced production techniques, with attractions including dolphin shows and jellyfish displays. Popular not only among “Oshi no Ko” fans but also as a dating spot.
Tokyo Dome
Location: 1-3-61 Korakuen, Bunkyo Ward, Tokyo 112-0004
Access: 5 minutes walk from Suidobashi Station, JR/Toei Subway
Strictly speaking outside Minato Ward, but an important spot depicted as Ai Hoshino’s live venue in the work. As Japan’s leading dome concert venue where many idols and artists hold concerts, it can be said to be a place symbolizing the world of “Oshi no Ko.”
This place, symbolizing the era when Ai shined as a top idol, becomes the stage for important turning points in the story. By actually attending concerts and events, you can feel the live scenes in the work more realistically.
Roppongi Hills Surrounding Area
Location: Roppongi 6-chome, Minato Ward, Tokyo
Access: Directly connected to Roppongi Station, Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line
Roppongi, depicted in the work as an area where talent agencies and filming studios are concentrated, is symbolically depicted in the background. The cluster of high-rise buildings and refined urban landscape simultaneously express both the glamour and severity of the entertainment industry.
From the observation deck “Tokyo City View,” you can get a panoramic view of Tokyo’s cityscape, making it ideal for understanding the overall setting of the work’s stage.
Even More! Currently Existing “Oshi no Ko” Spots
Akasaka Area
Akasaka in Minato Ward is known as an area where television stations are concentrated. Places like TBS Akasaka Sacas reflect the atmosphere as the center of the entertainment industry in the work. This area, where drama filming and variety show recording happen daily, is an essential place to experience the world of “Oshi no Ko.”
Aoyama/Omotesando Area
The Aoyama/Omotesando area, lined with luxury boutiques and cafes, is a place with frequent celebrity sightings. Many stylish cafes and restaurants exist here, the kind of places where characters might visit privately in the work.
Shiba Park Surroundings
The area around Shiba Park, overlooking Tokyo Tower, also appears in the work’s background as a representative Tokyo landscape. The lush park amid the city is sometimes depicted as a place of brief respite for the characters.
What Route Is Recommended for “Oshi no Ko” Sacred Site Pilgrimage?
Here we introduce model routes for efficiently visiting sacred sites centered on Minato Ward, Tokyo.
Half-Day Course (4-5 hours)
- Start at Shinagawa Station: Maxell Aqua Park Shinagawa (1-2 hours)
- Travel: To Odaiba by Yurikamome (approx. 20 minutes)
- Odaiba Seaside Park (1 hour): Explore the confession scene sacred site
- Travel: To Roppongi by Yurikamome/subway (approx. 30 minutes)
- CEDAR THE CHOP HOUSE & BAR: Lunch or dinner (1-2 hours)
- Roppongi Hills Area: Town walk/observation deck (1 hour)
Full-Day Course (7-8 hours)
In addition to the half-day course above:
- Akasaka Area exploration (1 hour)
- Aoyama/Omotesando Area cafe break (1 hour)
- Tokyo Dome (Bunkyo Ward) excursion (2 hours including travel)
Sacred Site Pilgrimage Tips
- Photography etiquette: At restaurants and public facilities, be considerate not to inconvenience other customers
- Confirm business hours: Especially for restaurants, verify business hours and closure days in advance
- IC transit cards: Prepare Suica or PASMO for smooth travel
- Comfortable shoes: Minato Ward is larger than expected, so comfortable walking shoes are recommended
“Oshi no Ko” Characters and Their Connection to Minato Ward
Ai Hoshino
The top idol who holds the key to the story. Acting in the center of the entertainment industry in areas like Roppongi and Akasaka, Minato Ward was the stage for Ai’s brilliant career, including her successful concert at Tokyo Dome.
Aquamarine Hoshino (Aqua)
The protagonist reincarnated as Ai’s son. After entering the entertainment industry as an actor, scenes depict him visiting Minato Ward restaurants for drama wrap-up parties. For him, pursuing the truth about his mother’s death, Minato Ward is a place where important clues lie hidden.
Ruby Hoshino
Reincarnated as Ai’s daughter and aiming for the same idol path as her mother. As a member of B-Komachi, the live houses and event venues in Minato Ward are dream stages for her.
Kana Arima
A former child genius actress who works as an actress alongside Aqua. CEDAR THE CHOP HOUSE & BAR, where she appears in the “Kyou Ama” wrap-up scene, symbolizes an important milestone in her career.
Live-Action Drama and Film Version Minato Ward Filming Location Information
The live-action drama version of “Oshi no Ko” distributed in 2024 features new filming locations different from the anime version.
Characteristics of the Drama Version
The live-action drama version distributed on Amazon Prime Video features Kaito Sakurai as Aqua and Asuka Saito as Ruby. To recreate a realistic entertainment industry atmosphere, numerous entertainment-related facilities and upscale restaurants within Minato Ward were used.
Film Version Development
Film adaptation has been decided, and additional filming locations are expected. Minato Ward is likely to remain an important filming location, so future information is worth noting.
“Oshi no Ko”-Related Events and Minato Ward
Exhibitions and Events
In the past, “TV Anime ‘Oshi no Ko’ Exhibition Lies and Ai” was held at Ikebukuro PARCO and other large-scale exhibitions. Pop-up stores and collaboration cafes may be held in Minato Ward in the future.
Theater Version
“Theater ‘Oshi no Ko’ 2.5-Dimension Stage Edition” has also been performed, expanding as a theatrical art. When performances are held at theaters in Tokyo, venues in the Minato Ward area may be used.
Minato Ward Attractions to Enjoy Alongside Sacred Site Pilgrimage
Gourmet Spots
Minato Ward is one of Japan’s premier gourmet areas. Roppongi, Azabu, and Akasaka feature diverse dining establishments from Michelin-starred restaurants to casual cafes. You can enjoy authentic meals between sacred site visits.
Shopping
Large commercial facilities abound, including Roppongi Hills, Midtown, and Omotesando Hills. Anime shops and bookstores handling “Oshi no Ko”-related merchandise are scattered throughout.
Cultural Facilities
World-class museums and art museums cluster together, including the National Art Center, Mori Art Museum, and Suntory Museum of Art. You can enjoy a fulfilling day combining sacred site pilgrimage with cultural experiences.
Precautions When “Oshi no Ko” Sacred Site Pilgrimage
Privacy Consideration
At restaurants and commercial facilities, be considerate of other users’ privacy, avoiding loud conversations and excessive photography.
Facility Rule Compliance
Each facility has its own rules. Avoid entering photography-prohibited areas or restricted zones.
Consideration During Crowded Times
Particularly on weekends and holidays, the area may be crowded with tourists. Avoid extended stays or space occupation, maintaining a spirit of sharing and consideration.
SNS Posting Caution
When posting sacred site pilgrimage experiences on SNS, be mindful not to capture other people in photos, and be careful about location sharing settings.
Conclusion: The Deep Connection Between “Oshi no Ko” and Minato Ward, Tokyo
In the story of “Oshi no Ko,” Minato Ward, Tokyo is not merely background but an important stage mechanism reflecting the realistic face of the entertainment industry. The glittering night scenery of Roppongi, the open seaside of Odaiba, Shinagawa’s urban entertainment—these real places give depth and persuasiveness to the stories of Ai, Aqua, and Ruby.
“Oshi no Ko,” expanding across various media including anime, drama, film, and theater—what is common to all of these is the unique charm of Minato Ward as a stage. Through sacred site pilgrimage, you can more deeply understand the work’s world view and actually experience the paths the characters walked, deepening your attachment to “Oshi no Ko” even further.
When visiting the spots introduced in this article, remember respect for the work and maintain proper etiquette, being considerate of other visitors and area residents. By doing so, sacred site pilgrimage of “Oshi no Ko” will surely become a better experience for both fans and the community.
Find your own “Oshi no Ko” experience in Minato Ward, Tokyo. A journey to re-experience the emotion of the work and discover new things awaits you at the places that became the stages of the story.
