🇯🇵 Japan: You Only Live Twice
Japan provided one of the most distinctive settings in the James Bond series, with You Only Live Twice taking 007 from the neon energy of Tokyo to the volcanic landscapes of southern Japan.
Released in 1967, the film showcased a very different side of Japan — from the world of Japanese Secret Service chief Tiger Tanaka and the bustling streets of Tokyo to Kobe’s docks, traditional villages and the spectacular volcanic scenery of Kyushu.
Bond’s Japanese adventure included undercover disguises, ninjas, a tiny autogyro named Little Nellie, a rather memorable white Toyota 2000GT — and, of course, a secret SPECTRE base hidden inside a volcano. 🌋
But Japan offers far more than its Bond connections.
Follow 007’s footsteps through Tokyo, Kobe and southern Japan, then continue your journey by bullet train to discover ancient temples, peaceful gardens, traditional villages, magnificent mountains, Japanese cuisine and the contrasting energy of modern cities.
Whether you’re planning a dedicated Bond-inspired trip or simply using You Only Live Twice as your starting point, Japan is a country where every journey can feel like an adventure.
Follow 007 for the inspiration — then discover your own Japan. 🐸🇯🇵
🗼 Tokyo — The World of 007
Tokyo provided some of the film’s urban setting, including Bond’s journey through the city and the headquarters of Japanese Secret Service chief Tiger Tanaka.
🚢 Kobe Docks — The Rooftop Chase
Kobe’s docks feature in one of the film’s action sequences, culminating in Bond escaping across the rooftops.
🌋 Mount Shinmoe — Blofeld’s Volcano
The volcanic landscapes of southern Japan inspired the film’s decision to place Blofeld’s secret rocket base inside a dormant volcano.
🚁 Little Nellie — Taking to the Skies
Bond’s tiny Wallis autogyro became one of the film’s most memorable gadgets as he searches for Blofeld’s hidden base.
🥋 Ninjas & Japanese Culture
Bond works alongside Tiger Tanaka and trains with his ninjas before going undercover as a Japanese fisherman.
🌸 Beyond Bond — Discover Japan
From Tokyo’s energy and Kyoto’s temples to bullet trains, Japanese cuisine, mountains, gardens and traditional villages, there’s an extraordinary Japan beyond the film.
