KING KONG VS. GODZILLA FILMING LOCATIONS! A New Look at Some Classic Scenes!

Akabanedai Danchi, the site of the exterior shots of the apartment in King Kong vs. Godzilla (1962). Photo by Brett Homenick.

Recently, diligent Japanese Godzilla fans have identified Akabanedai Danchi as the filming location for the exterior shots of Fumiko's apartment used in Toho's King Kong vs. Godzilla (1962). Akabanedai Danchi is an apartment complex near Akabane Station. Although it's difficult to identify which particular area was used in the film with certainty, any of the complex's buildings from #2-8 would be good candidates.

I found the apartment complex very easily, and even though I was expecting a 10-minute to the area, it seemed closer to five minutes.

The Big O Ferris wheel at Tokyo Dome City, the successor to Korakuen Amusement Park, which is featured in the movie. Photo by Brett Homenick.

The location now known as Tokyo Dome City (in Bunkyo, Tokyo) is site to several notable locations from King Kong vs. Godzilla. When Kong snatches Fumiko from the train, several rides and attractions (including a Ferris wheel) can be seen in the background. At the time, this place was called Korakuen Amusement Park, though it is now Tokyo Dome City.

The famed Kodokan Judo Institute, which Kong clobbered back in 1962. Photo by Brett Homenick.

During Kong's rampage on Tokyo, the beast suddenly stops and punches a gaping hole through a building. That building is the Kodokan Judo Institute (the building on the right in the above photo). Of course, given that it's a celebrated judo school, many Japanese fans have speculated that the attack on the Kodokan was a deliberate in-joke by the filmmakers, signaling the beginning of the series' descent into "monster wrestling."

Elevated train tracks for the Marunouchi Line, the spot from which Kong picked up the train to grab Fumiko. Photo by Brett Homenick.

Right next to the Kodokan are the elevated train tracks that Kong wrecked in the film. Given the close proximity these locations have to one another, it's a convenient way to check out several Godzilla locations in one shot.

I plan to do more location searches in the future, so stay tuned for more cool filming spots!

VARIOUS SCENES FROM TOKYO! Out and About in Japan's Greatest City!

Akira Ifukube's former residence, the place in which the maestro wrote numerous film scores. Photo by Brett Homenick.

Today proved to be a busy day, as I visited many places around the city. The first stop was the home of famed Godzilla series composer Akira Ifukube. After snapping a few photos, I moved on to my next destination.

My next stop was Akabane Station, and there I saw a few interesting things. Halloween's barely over, yet Colonel Sanders is already decked out in his best Santa gear! Couldn't he at least wait until after Thanksgiving?

At Akabane Station, several plastic masks were on sale of several familiar tokusatsu and anime characters. No, I didn't buy any, but given the low price, I have to admit it was a little tempting!

Next on the agenda was Tokyo Dome City. I enjoyed walking around and taking in the sights. The autumn air was just a little chilly, but given that autumn is my favorite season in Japan, I enjoyed it. It sure beats the searing heat of the summer!

I visited Tokyo Dome City to photograph filming locations for the Godzilla series. But more on that in the next blog post!

After that, it was off to Shibuya for some fine dining and some shopping. My feet were killing me at the end, so I was glad to come home when I did.

Shibuya was much quiter compared to last night. I'd imagine most of the revelers are still asleep. I was pleased to see that most of the garbage from the previous night had already been cleaned up. Great job!