Best Movies, TV Shows, and Documentaries About Japan | Top Picks for Japan Lovers

If you’re preparing for a trip to Japan or simply want to immerse yourself in the culture from home, these carefully selected movies, TV shows, anime, documentaries, and music videos offer a perfect introduction. From heartfelt dramas and iconic animation to food-focused travel shows, each piece reveals a unique side of Japanese life, tradition, and creativity.

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Movies

Drama and Comedy

• Tampopo Often referred to as a “ramen western,” this cult favorite by Itami Juzo is a comedic masterpiece that explores Japan’s deep relationship with food. With scenes ranging from tender to absurd, Tampopo weaves together multiple storylines centered on the pursuit of the perfect bowl of ramen. A celebration of culinary obsession, it’s also a brilliant satire on life and culture. Love Tampopo? Be sure to check out Itami’s other smart, quirky films: A Taxing Woman and The Funeral.

• Jiro Dreams of Sushi This visually stunning documentary profiles Jiro Ono, an 85-year-old sushi master who runs a 3-Michelin-star restaurant tucked inside a Tokyo subway station. More than just a film about food, it’s a philosophical exploration of discipline, dedication, and the Japanese pursuit of perfection in craft.

• Lost in Translation Directed by Sofia Coppola and starring Bill Murray and Scarlett Johansson, this quiet, emotional film captures the dislocation and wonder of being in Japan for the first time. Set mainly in Tokyo with a beautifully filmed side trip to Kyoto, it’s a reflective look at connection and alienation through a foreign lens.

• The Handmaiden Though Korean, this lush thriller is set during Japan’s occupation of Korea and richly details the cultural and political complexities of the era. With stunning cinematography and shifting narratives, it’s a sensual and gripping story that rewards close attention.

• Shall We Dance (Japan) A warm, humorous portrayal of an emotionally repressed Tokyo salaryman who finds joy and self-expression through ballroom dancing. A commentary on social norms and personal fulfillment in modern Japan. Skip the Hollywood remake and enjoy the subtle charm of the original.

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Anime

• Doraemon A beloved figure in Japanese pop culture, Doraemon is a robot cat from the future who helps his timid human friend Nobita navigate life. These films, which combine moral lessons with inventive science-fiction, are ideal for kids and adults alike. Over 35 films have been released, many of which are available online in English.

• My Neighbor Totoro Perhaps the most iconic film from Studio Ghibli, this gentle tale follows two young sisters who befriend a magical forest spirit. It’s a timeless story that captures rural Japan’s tranquility, the innocence of childhood, and the comfort of the fantastical.

• Ponyo Inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s The Little Mermaid, this is Miyazaki’s take on ocean mythology. Set in the picturesque town of Onomichi, it blends wonder and warmth with stunning animation that celebrates the sea, family, and the natural world.

• Spirited Away A modern fairy tale that follows a young girl trapped in a spirit world while her parents are transformed into pigs. With scenes inspired by the historic Dogo Onsen bathhouse, it’s a richly layered film that comments on consumerism, resilience, and tradition.

• Porco Rosso This offbeat aviation adventure stars a pig-faced pilot navigating a fantastical 1920s Europe. It’s both fun and profound, capturing themes of identity and loss. The island hideout was inspired by Minami-jima in the Ogasawara archipelago.

• The Wind Rises Miyazaki’s most realistic and politically aware film tells the story of a brilliant aircraft designer. A moving look at innovation, war, and the beauty of dreams, with scenes that travel from Tokyo to the highlands of Karuizawa.

• Laputa: Castle in the Sky A grand adventure that blends steampunk aesthetics with mythical storytelling. The floating city of Laputa is one of Studio Ghibli’s most magical settings. This is classic Miyazaki and a perfect entry point into anime.

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TV Shows

• Parts Unknown – Tokyo (Season 2, Episode 7) In this unforgettable episode, the late Anthony Bourdain shares his awe and confusion at encountering Tokyo for the first time. His reflections offer cultural insights and emotional resonance for anyone about to visit Japan.

• Parts Unknown – Back to Japan (Season 8, Episode 6) Bourdain returns with famed chef Masa Takayama, exploring Japan’s culinary elite. From local delicacies to elegant Kaiseki meals, this episode celebrates Japanese food at its finest.

• Amazon Prime Japan A highly recommended 10-episode documentary series diving deep into Japanese culinary and cultural practices—from ramen and sushi to ryokan stays and sake brewing. Perfect for travelers looking to deepen their understanding before visiting.

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Music Videos

For something a little different, check out World Order, a Japanese dance/music project led by Genki Sudo. Dressed in sharp suits and performing robotic routines in public spaces, their videos are both hypnotic and thought-provoking.

• Mind Shift Filmed at a Japanese temple, this piece blends dance and symbolism in a mesmerizing tribute to balance and mindfulness.

• 2012 A surreal yet rhythmic experience filmed in Mexico City. The long arm sequence and garden choreography are highlights in an already mind-bending display.

• Aquarius Shot entirely in Kyoto, this video is a visual love letter to the city’s timeless beauty and a great way to relive your trip—or get excited for one.

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Want to go deeper? Browse my Favorite Books on Japan for more cultural insight and travel inspiration.

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