Hello Godzilla

10.2.2024

Recently, the Official Godzilla social media account asked “How far would you travel to see Godzilla?” I’ll go anywhere anytime to find my favorite monster. I’ve traveled around the world to the land of the rising sun almost thirty times in thirty years since 1994. Over the years finding Godzilla was hit or miss for me. So I cherish every encounter with the king. After years of trampling Japan leaving trails of destruction, Godzilla settled down as a citizen of Japan. So these days Godzilla can be found just about everywhere across Japan. Finding Godzilla is easier than ever. He can be found in amusement parks, conventions, department stores, expos, events, exhibits, festivals, malls, museums, parks, playgrounds, popup shops, squares, stores, studios, theaters and more. Here are the spots I have gone to get a glimpse of our favorite guy.

Every fan must go to Godzilla’s official place of residence in Shinjuku where he looks down on Tokyo from Hotel Gracery. Tourists flow up and down Godzilla Road taking pictures and waiting for the King waiting for him to roar and spew his flame. But don’t stay outside, head up to the eighth floor where you can meet him unclose and personal. On the way up and outside the elevator on the 8th floor, Godzilla movie posters and history are on display. In addition, Godzilla suits and props are on exhibit along with other Toho kaiju like Kiryu from Godzilla Against MechaGodzilla (2002). When you turn the corner the Godzilla Head is looking out from the roof. Go take a selfie and look around at the various reliefs visitors. And don’t miss the opportunity to touch his skin and make him grawl. After having a Godzilla meal while gazing at the giant before leaving the hotel. Or return to the Godzilla Room if you are lucky enough to book it in advance. Godzilla will greet you at the door. Inside there is a surprise experience, gifts and his giant hand waiting to snatch up as you sleep.

Staying in Shinjuku, take a short walk to the first Godzilla Store. Although it’s small, it was the first store. It never disappoints. You won’t walk away without some goodies. During my last visit for the release of Godzilla -1.0, Godzilla 2023 stands at the door to greet customers. Several years ago, A larger Godzilla Store opened in Osaka where Godzilla stands at the entrance drawing visitors into his lair. Recently another shop was opened in Umeda where an atomic breath version of Godzilla 2023 stands guard.

If fans don’t start at the Godzilla Head in Shinjuku, then they should head over to Godzilla Square in Hibiya where Shin Godzilla took the stand as the center of attention after his stomp through Ginza. This is the home base for Godzilla Day on November 3. Toho Cinemas is located in the Chanter department store where the old Heisei Godzilla statue can be seen guarding the entrance to the theater where Godzilla movie events are held. In July 2024, I saw Godzilla (1954) there which was a part of the Godzilla Theater series. Godzilla exhibits take place there as well. On the lower floor can be found the imprint of Godzilla’s hand along with those of Toho’s star actors. In 2023, Toho’s 150th anniversary exhibit was held on the upper floor where the Godzilla 1954 statue was stationed.

The other places to see Godzilla are at the various events, exhibits and expos that popup through the year in Tokyo and across Japan. Godzilla suits, props and movie history is on display at expos and exhibits like the Tokusatsu DNA Exhibit, Godzilla Expo and Aria Yao Godzilla Showcase. Such events occur in department stores and museums. Godzilla also makes appearances at Wonder Fes, a semi-annual event in Tokyo for kit and toy makers to show off their creations. In July of 2024, I saw Godzilla 2023 on display at Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi Department Store.

Every fan must make the pilgrimage to Toho Studios, located in an upscale quiet Japanese community in Setagaya only broken by chirping cicadas. Descending from the winding road the facility is guarded by the famous Heisei Godzilla statue and towering mural. No visit to Japan is complete with a visit. Then take a short bus ride to Setagaya Literary Museum where visitors have lunch with the Godzilla 2000 suit.

Before there was a Godzilla Store Godzilla could be found at parks and on playgrounds across Japan. In 2019, my dear friend took me to see the well-known Kanagawa Godzilla slide at Kurihama Flower Park. From there we headed to Tatara Beach in Yokosuka, which is very reminiscent of Odo Island. There “Godzilla” once stood but now left his mark is left his footprint.

Godzilla is at home in Japan. And you will find him in big spaces and unexpected locations. Godzilla might be on the back of a truck, towering on the side of a building or wading in the waters of Mirai Tower in Nagoya. When you see him you won’t want to leave him. Godzilla fans will go to the end of the world to see the King of the Monster. Let the journey begin. And when you see him, say hello for me.