Akira Kurosawa’s towering epic – a feudal warlord’s kingdom torn apart by his sons, retelling King Lear – was filmed among the real castles of Japan and on the volcanic plains of Mount Aso.
Where was Ran filmed?
Ran was filmed in Japan – at real castles and on the plains of Mount Aso.
Every Ran location, explained
1
The battle plains – Mount Aso
The epic battles used the volcanic slopes of Mount Aso in Kumamoto, Japan.
2
The castles – Himeji and Kumamoto
The lord’s strongholds used the real Himeji, Kumamoto and Nagoya castles.
3
The burning castle – Mount Fuji
A vast castle set was built and burned in the foothills of Mount Fuji.
4
Feudal Japan
The film recreates the warring domains of medieval Japan.
Planning a visit
Himeji Castle and Mount Aso in Japan – the film’s real settings – are magnificent, accessible destinations.
Ran Fun Facts
1
Filmed in Japan The epic used real Japanese castles and the plains of Mount Aso.
2
A retelling of King Lear Kurosawa reworked Shakespeare’s tragedy in feudal Japan.
3
A real castle burned A full-scale castle was built and set ablaze for the film.
4
A Kurosawa epic It was one of Akira Kurosawa’s grandest late works.
5
Oscar-winning costumes The film’s costumes won an Academy Award.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where was Ran filmed?
In Japan – at real castles and on the plains of Mount Aso.
Is it based on Shakespeare?
Yes – it reworks King Lear in feudal Japan.
Can you visit the locations?
Yes – Himeji Castle and Mount Aso are accessible.
Who directed it?
Akira Kurosawa.
When was it released?
1985.
