Japanese culture is rich and endearing, and as good as any to be the setting of a game. In fact, some of the most popular games are set on this small island of a country. Ever sinceJapanese animeblew up in the US and other places, more and more people have started to take an interest in this country’s culture, and it’s no wonder that this has translated into more games being based in Japan.
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Some of these games accurately try to capture the history of this country, while others recreate the modern living experience in Japan. And yet others dip into Japanese mythology. Here are the best games that are located in Japan.
8Steins;Gate
Twisting Time in Akihabara
Steins;Gate
When it comes to visual novels, few have left a mark as profound asSteins;Gate. Set in the bustling streets of Akihabara, Tokyo’s hub for tech and anime culture, the game tells a gripping tale of time travel and its consequences. Players follow Rintarou Okabe, a self-proclaimed mad scientist, as he and his friends accidentally discover a way to send messages into the past, leading to a series of events that spiral out of control.
The game’s setting is meticulously crafted, capturing the energy and quirkiness of Akihabara while layering it with an atmosphere of mystery and tension. Withmultiple endingsto discover, every choice has a direct impact on the story that unfolds, and players won’t be able to help but bond with every single character in the story.
The Dark Souls From Japan
Set during the chaotic Sengoku period,Nioh 2plunges players into a dark, fantastical version of feudal Japan teeming with yokai (supernatural creatures) and legendary samurai. Players are in control of a customizable half-yokai warrior who must navigate a war-torn land while uncovering his own mysterious origins.
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The gameplay is where Nioh 2 shines, offering punishing but rewarding combat inspired by Dark Souls. The Japanese setting is alive in every detail, from the traditional architecture of rural villages to the eerie beauty of yokai-infested forests. The game’s depiction of historical figures like Oda Nobunaga and Tokugawa Ieyasu adds a layer of authenticity, even if it leans heavily into its supernatural elements.
A Slice of Life in 1980s Japan
Beforeopen-world gamesbecame the norm, there wasShenmue. This cult classic transports players to Yokosuka in 1986, following Ryo Hazuki’s quest to avenge his father’s death. What sets Shenmue apart is its attention to detail: it’s less about nonstop action and more about immersing players in a living, breathing world.
From buying snacks at local stores to practicing martial arts in quiet parks, every element of Yokosuka feels authentic. Plus, the game’s slower pace allows players to soak in the setting, and the NPCs have their own schedules, adding to the realism. While the main story is deeply personal, the game also paints a vivid picture of everyday life in Japan during the 1980s.
Serious and Hilarious at the Same Time
Yakuza 0is a masterclass in storytelling, balancing its gritty crime drama with hilariously absurd side content. Set in the neon-soaked streets of Kamurocho (a fictionalized Tokyo red-light district) and Sotenbori (inspired by Osaka’s Dotonbori), the game dives deep into Japan’s underworld during the economic boom of the 1980s.
Playing as both Kazuma Kiryu and Goro Majima, the game creates an intense, emotional narrative about loyalty, betrayal, and redemption. But it’s not all serious, as players can engage in everything from karaoke, which gave rise to Baka Mitai, one of themost popular gaming memesever, to cabaret club management. Fans adore Yakuza 0 for its richly detailed world and its ability to seamlessly blend drama and humor.
Painting the World Anew
Okamiis a masterpiece of art and storytelling, set in a mythical version of Japan inspired by traditional folklore. Players take on the role of Amaterasu, the sun goddess in the form of a white wolf, as she restores life and beauty to a land cursed by darkness.
The game’s cel-shaded art style mimics Japanese ink-wash painting, making every frame look like a work of art. Its gameplay revolves around the Celestial Brush, a mechanic that allows players to draw symbols to solve puzzles, defeat enemies, and rejuvenate the environment. From cherry blossom-filled fields to serene temples, Okami captures the beauty of Japan’s natural and spiritual landscapes. Thankfully, this gem was later remastered on modern platforms, making it accessible for a newer generation of players.
3Persona 4 Golden
A Murder Mystery in Rural Japan
Persona 4 Golden
While Persona 5 Royal and Persona 3 Reload are just as good as Persona 4 Golden, and even though all three of them are set in Japan, there is just something about the rural and quiet town of Persona 4’s Inaba that makes it a tad bit better than the others. The game mixes a murder mystery with the day-to-day life of a high school student, with the players balancing the chaotic life of battling supernatural creatures in the Midnight Channel while living a normal teenager’s life, building relationships and exploring the idyllic countryside.
The game captures the charm of small-town Japan, from its cozy shops to its local festivals. But it’s the characters and their bonds that make Persona 4 Golden unforgettable. Each member of the Investigation Team feels real, and their struggles and growth resonate deeply with players.
2Ghost of Tsushima
A Samurai’s Tale
Ghost of Tsushima
Set during the Mongol invasion of Tsushima Island in 1274,Ghost of Tsushimais a love letter to samurai cinema and Japanese history. Players step into the sandals of Jin Sakai, a samurai torn between upholding tradition and adopting unorthodox methods to protect his people.
The game’s open world is breathtaking, with rolling fields, dense forests, and misty mountaintops that look like they’ve been pulled straight from a Japanese painting. Combat is fluid and cinematic, whether players are engaging in honorable duels or stealthily dismantling enemy camps. While it takes some liberties with history, Ghost of Tsushima stays true to the spirit of feudal Japan, capturing the beauty, brutality, and honor of the samurai era.
1Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice
Death Will Come More Than Twice
Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice
FromSoftware’sSekiro: Shadows DieTwice is a test of patience, skill, and perseverance. Set in a fictionalized version of the Sengoku period, the game follows Wolf, a shinobi on a mission to rescue his kidnapped lord and avenge the betrayal of his clan.
The setting blends historical Japan with supernatural elements, featuring hauntingly beautiful locations like crumbling temples and moonlit battlefields. Since it’s a FromSoftware title, the combat isn’t a Dark Souls clone but emphasizes precision and timing while retaining the crushingly brutal difficulty of the Souls game.
Players will face some of the most difficult bosses that came from FromSoftware’s offices in Japan, and unless they learn to parry and counterattack early on, they are in for a world of pain. But difficulty aside, Sekiro is steeped in Japanese culture and is arguably one of the most satisfying journeys in a video game, ever.
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