10 Best Anime Series Set In Tokyo

Since the recent announcement that the creators of Stranger Things, the Duffer brothers, are making a live-action Death Note series, fans are worried that the series won't feature Tokyo as the main setting like the original anime. Most animes have beautiful artwork of iconic backdrops around Japan, and quite possibly the most popular setting is the country's capital, Tokyo. Tokyo is one of the most recognizable, and most beautiful Japanese cities, proven by its rich culture, gorgeous scenery, and a very active nightlife. So it's really no surprise that some anime actually takes place in Tokyo, as the city is large enough for all kinds of crazy shenanigans.

The city boasts some beautiful parks, amazing eateries, and popular meeting spots for certain groups of idols. These animes show that the city of Tokyo is so alive and vibrant that it's practically a character in its own right.

Tokyo Ghoul (2017)

Tokyo Ghoul follows the story of flesh-eating ghouls trying to blend in with human society, while dominance arises and others seek silent coexistence. The story follows student Ken Kaneki, who, when a date goes wrong, becomes a half-ghoul and faces various dangers and constant threats while he is forced to live with other ghouls.

It is one that exceeds expectations of normal anime conventions, filled with cliffhangers and interesting characters. The setting of Tokyo could have been used to show the audience that although it is a well-known location filled with culture, not everything is as perfect as it seems. The anime also has aspects of racism, classism, and oppression which are all real-world problems, some of which Tokyo faces daily.

Love Live! (2014)

In 2014, the anime Love Live! School Idol Festival was released and was many fans' first experience of gacha games and idol culture. This anime focuses on a music project centered around a group of 9 girls from Otonokizaka Academy. The show was so big that it created entire albums of Love Live! music. It adds another layer of an otherwise ordinary day-to-day life as a student in Japan, and shows how a band of friends can unite through a common passion.

The anime shows some iconic locations around Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo including the historic Shouhei-Bashi bridge, serving as a scenic meeting spot for the girls when they had to plan for something. Tokyo, being the bustling hub of pop culture in Japan and where there are a lot of K-pop influences, makes as a perfect setting for this cute, high-energy anime focusing on rising singers.

Death Note (2006)

Death Note centers around a young boy named Light Yagami, who comes across a book with the title 'Death Note'. The book turns out to be dropped from another realm by a demon. By writing someone's name in a notebook, it can cause the death of another person. Light smartly uses his newfound power to clean up the streets of criminals. The show itself seems to portray a more mundane depiction of Tokyo, with a sinister twist underneath the surface.

The anime accurately depicts what life is like as an average student living in Tokyo but adds in some unexpected challenges. Light Yagami seems to a first-time viewer as the perfect student, and son, but is one example that, given the right tools, even the most seemingly normal people can become dangerous.

Sarazanmai (2019)

Middle-schoolers Kazuki, Toi, and Enta accidentally break the statue of the guardian kappa of Asakusa, Tokyo, and they are transformed into kappas themselves and defeat various monsters in their paths. Its portrayal of a regular day in Tokyo is very much intertwined with cultural aspects of the city and its culture makes it a very enjoyable watch for anime fans alike.

The anime itself is filled with metaphor, and each of the three heroes has a connection they want to make but feel that they aren't able to. The LGBTQ+ aspects of the anime shows a beautiful relationship being made and imagines a better future for queer love stories. The show itself is set in the very real Tokyo district of Asakusa, an old town with a heavy connection to Kappa legends.

Jujutsu Kaisen (2020)

Jujutsu Kaisen follows high school student Yuji Itadori as he joins a secret organization of Jujutsu Sorcerers in order to kill a powerful Curse named Ryomen Sukuna, of whom Yuji becomes the host. It has both powerful characters and dangerous villains making it a worthwhile watch.

The show also has some epic fight scenes and also delves deep into the human psyche and the humorous relationship between Yuji and his sensei, Goji Satoru really sets the tone of the anime. It is set in the Kanagawa Prefecture, part of the Greater Tokyo Area, and showcases some beautiful locations.

Demon Slayer (2020)

The anime Demon Slayer focuses on a boy named Tanjiro Kamado and his attempt to help his younger sister, Nezuko, who was recently turned into a demon. He tries to help Nezuko become human again and in the process, he becomes part of the Demon Slayer Corps, a group created to protect the city from these demons.

The show has aspects of comedy and some pretty heartfelt scenes while keeping viewers on the edge of their seats throughout. The visual presentation of the show is uniquely stunning. The show is set in early 1900s Tokyo which makes for some interesting backdrops and character styles.

One Punch Man (2005)

Most anime fans will likely recognize Saitama or One-Punch Man for his signature yellow suit and red cape, but his regular, nondescript appearance disguises the fact that he keeps on saving Z-City undercover without others noticing Saitama's good deeds and powerful stunts.

The anime has a strong theme of obsessions and desires, and their obsessions became them. Keen-eyed fans have spotted that some locations in Z-City look strangely reminiscent of iconic Tokyo landmarks. The visuals, including Saitama's apartment, are reminiscent of some buildings in Setagaya, Tokyo. This is a realistic take on an apartment location in a big city, proving that his superhero life is not so different from the rest of the world.

Mitsuboshi Colors (2018)

Mitsuboshi Colors is delightfully colorful, full of fun and follows the cheerful lives of 3 elementary schoolgirls named Yui, Sat-chan, and Kotoha as they try to protect the peace of Ueno, Tokyo as different "Colors". It isn't as gripping and action-packed as some other animes on this list, but this slice-of-life show is a welcomed change.

It largely takes place in the Ueno Onshi Park in Tokyo which is where the girls have their hideout. The park reflects their personalities, with its bright colors and green spaces. The heartwarming story of these 3 friends set on a backdrop of serene Tokyo life is truly one to watch.

Steins;Gate (2011)

If there was a ranking for best time travel anime, Steins;Gate would be a top contender. The show follows self-proclaimed mad scientist, Okabe Rintarou whose friends discover a way to send messages back through time, but their numerous attempts don't always go completely to plan.

The title of the anime has no meaning, and neither does the setting but as the show progresses, the significance is gained through experiences, and the strange phrases spoken by the character named Okabe have more meaning at the end. Steins;Gate has some crazy plotlines and mostly stays in one neighborhood, Akihabara, which is a town made famous by its anime culture and gaming cafés.

Tokyo Revengers (2021)

The story follows Takemichi Hanagaki as he discovers time travel, through some pretty strange means. He plans on using this newfound power to save his middle school ex-girlfriend and her brother from being murdered by the Tokyo Manji Gang. But his new power brings about unforeseen problems in his path.

The whole main focus of the show is to showcase the beauty of friendship within the violence and has a good soundtrack, and interesting storylines which make the audience feel shocked and excited. The show also accurately portrays everyday life in Tokyo, and even includes a Denny's.

Next: 10 Most Controversial Anime Endings Of The Past Decade