Best Video Games Set In Japan

Video games are an excellent way to learn about history, science, and even other cultures. It’s getting easier and easier to find fascinating games with unique visuals, great stories, and moving characters that take their players around the world. The same is true when it comes to Japan. Gaming fans can easily travel to and around Japan thanks to these fun and complex games that let their players explore everything from modern Tokyo to Feudal Japan. Some of the best game anime options even introduce gamers not only to various parts of Japan but also to its gigantic and renowned anime industry.

The allure of exploring Japan and its many facets via the immersive medium of video games can’t be stated enough. Players can get lost in these open worlds as they explore well-known locations, interact with familiar Japanese tropes, and explore both the urban and rural locales of the areas present in Japan through an authentic lens that cuts no corners.

Updated January 7, 2024, by Hamza Haq: Games set in Japan can be roughly divided into three distinct categories. First are the games that use the ‘high school’ setting, which use the heavily romanticized version of teen drama popularized by anime. Second are the ones that lean into historical Japan, involving Samurai, Warlords, and rural areas. And third are the ones that dive into the Yakuza fantasy, gangsters in Tokyo roughing up locals with their own brand of honor and justice. Of course, there are games that fall outside of these three major tropes, but they are few and far between.

28

One Night, Hot Springs

A Relaxing Journey Through Japan’s Tranquil Onsens

Gaming fans who love playing with relaxing visual novels on Steam will love the heartwarming world of One Night, Hot Springs. This charming game focuses on the world of Japanese onsens.

Players will control a young transgender woman named Haru who simply wants to enjoy the hot springs of Japan. While it’s a simple and relaxing game it also explores important current issues that transgender people have to face on a daily basis. Thanks to its captivating storytelling and charming art style players can embark on a calming yet thought-provoking adventure.

27

In The Rural Village Of Nagoro

A Poignant Tale of Japan’s Fading Rural Charms

In The Rural Village of Nagoro is one of the most fun side-scrolling games set in Japan that lets players explore Shikoku island’s charming village called Nagoro. It’s a simple and minimalist game that’s also a great choice for beginners and casuals alike.

During their short but relaxing adventure, players will get to engage with the inhabitants of the village and witness the transformation of the once-thriving community. It’s an emotional and meditative experience with educational insights into the beautiful Nagoro village and its evolution over the years.

26

Senren＊Banka

Step into a World of Tradition and Fantasy in Rural Japan

Senren＊Banka is one of the most family-friendly Japanese sim games that’s a great choice for beginner and more advanced gamers as well. This feel-good sim has a cute design, a fun story, and a wide range of characters.

Even though Senren＊Banka‘s story is fantasy-inspired, it’s still a great choice for all gamers who are looking for video games about Japan since, during their adventures, players get a chance to learn more about Japanese history, architecture, as well as about Japan’s customs, traditions, and mythology. They can explore a charming rural Japanese village and build relationships with the divine beings who live there as they uncover the mysteries of the village’s past and present.

25

Akiba’s Trip: Undead And Undressed

A Zany, Over-the-Top Journey Through Akihabara’s Heart

Anime fans have a love/hate relationship with fan service, as it is an ever-present reality in almost all anime, whether or not the tone suits it. What would happen if someone created a game based entirely around fan service? Akiba’s Trip is here to answer that very question.

Players control Nanashi, an otaku-turned-vampire-turned-freedom fighter. Freedom from what? Clothes! The goal of the good guys, in so far as there is a goal, is to undress as many residents of Akihabara (modern-day Japan) as possible by literally beating it off of them. It’s funny, it’s chaotic, and mindless fun. It has the same over-the-top, balls-to-the-walls feeling as the Like a Dragon series’ most unhinged moments but with no seriousness in between. Understanding the premise of why we’re doing what we’re doing can take some time to wrap one’s head around, but it’s explained suitably well, all things considered.

24

Trek To Yomi

A Gripping Tale of Honor and Revenge Amidst Japan’s Past

Trek to Yomi is another action-filled video game that transports its players back in time and takes them on an epic adventure filled with bloody battles. This cinematic action-adventure game not only has beautiful graphics but a gripping story and chilling soundtrack.

Trek to Yomi steps into the shoes of a young swordsman named Hiroki and embarks on a dangerous journey as the lone samurai fights against demons to protect those he loves the most. It’s a deep dive into feudal Japan, as well as the traditional weapons that samurai warriors used. Casuals can check out useful beginner tips for Trek to Yomi to get started with the game more easily.

23

Shadow Tactics: Blades of the Shogun

Master Stealth and Strategy in Japan’s Edo Period

Set in the early Edo period of Japan, Shadow Tactics: Blades of the Shogun is a top-down stealth strategy game where players take on heavily defended fortresses and encampments using only a couple of fighters of their own. It has clear inspirations from the Commando series, from way back in the day, and shows that even though that style of game has fallen out of mainstream favor, there is still fun to be had if it is made by the right developer.

Yuki the thief excels at being sneaky and using her knife to execute enemies from the shadows. In contrast, Mugen the Samurai can use his sword to devastating effect and take down groups of enemies in a flurry of sword slices that allow for no retaliation. More crew members are unlocked as time goes on, introducing new facets to the strategy as the encounters start scaling up in difficulty. Every level is a puzzle requiring the player to figure out which enemies to take out when and which character to use. It’s an addictively fun brain teaser that fans of these sorts of games can enjoy for dozens upon dozens of hours.

22

Tokyo Jungle

Navigate a Dystopian Japan Where Nature Reigns Supreme

Tokyo Jungle is a fun survival horror game that takes its players to a post-apocalyptic Japan where humans have gone extinct. Tokyo looks like a deserted wasteland populated by only wild animals. The graphics are beautiful in their own way, and a wide variety of animals can be controlled.

To unlock more and more animals, gamers have to complete various fun challenges. It’s a great game with a dystopian feel, exotic animals, as well as household pets who all fight each other to stay alive in the wild. The game can be difficult at times, but thanks to its unique world, it keeps everyone entertained until the very end.

21

Rise of the Ronin

A Free-Roaming Samurai Adventure in 19th Century Japan

Rise of the Ronin is an open-world samurai action RPG set in the historical setting of mid-19th century Japan. The game has incredibly satisfying combat, with the protagonist having several different weapon types at their disposal, besides just the standard katana. The gameplay is fun and addictive, and the vast map is filled with collectibles, pickups, and knick-knacks of all varieties. The only aspect where this game falls short of expectations is the graphics.

Rise of the Ronin draws natural comparisons to Ghost of Tsushima, the de facto king in this category, as both games promise the samurai fantasy. However, the similarities between the two titles are only on the surface level. Ghost of Tsushima takes a somber, realistic approach to storytelling and world design, whereas Rise of the Ronin is a much more lighthearted, Yakuza-esque game.

20

Judgment

Uncover the Dark Underbelly of Tokyo’s Crime Scene

Judgment is the spinoff of the popular Yakuza series, and it quickly became just as beloved by gaming fans. Judgment is one of the newest video games set in Japan with epic fight scenes, just like Yakuza 8. It’s one of the most cinematic crime games where Tokyo’s darkest alleys can be explored while investigating a twisted crime mystery.

Players will get to test their combat skills as well as their critical thinking skills if they want to survive the brutal underworld of Tokyo and uncover the dark mystery. It’s a more difficult but deeply atmospheric game with an immersive story which makes it perfect not only for avid gamers but beginners and casuals who are looking for a highly entertaining challenge.

19

NEO: The World Ends With You

Battle for Survival in the Vibrant Streets of Shibuya

NEO: The World Ends with You is one of the newest action JRPGs set in Japan that’s also one of 2022’s most celebrated games. This colorful and fun game takes its players on a battles-filled and emotional adventure during which they will have to compete in the Reapers’ Game.

It’s a beautifully animated game experienced from the point of view of Rindo, who has to learn to use his sudden psychic powers while battling against other players of the Reapers’ game in the streets of modern-day Shibuya, Tokyo. It’s a perfect choice for beginners and more experienced gamers who like action games with great storytelling.

18

Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE Encore

Experience Tokyo’s Pop Culture Explosion in a Unique RPG

Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE Encore is a strategy JRPG game with beautiful anime aesthetics and is set in modern-day Tokyo. The game centers around Japan’s iconic idol culture, so it has plenty of amazing OSTs. The story follows Itsuki and his friends, who are members of an idol talent agency and have to fight against hostile beings from another world.

It’s a really fun and considerably easy game that lets its players learn about modern-day Tokyo and pop culture at the same time. Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE Encore also feels light but fun and has great storytelling, lots of acting, dancing, singing, fast combat, fun characters, and of course, powerful friendships.

17

Like A Dragon: Ishin!

A Deep Dive into Japan’s Feudal Conflicts and Heroism

Like a Dragon: Ishin! is one of the most realistic Japanese video games with beautiful graphics and a thrilling story. Players get to travel back in time to the 1860s and step into the shoes of a legendary Samurai. It’s a nice look into Japanese history and martial arts. However, Like a Dragon: Ishin! also has brilliant characters and a fascinating open world where players get to join a revolution to fight for justice and try to restore their honor.

While this action-adventure JRPG can be challenging for beginners, there are plenty of amazing guides to the best weapons in Like a Dragon: Ishin! that can help casuals make their experience more enjoyable from the start. It’s an amazing spin-off that lets players have a great time with a new take on familiar Yakuza characters near the end of the Edo period.

16

Steins;Gate

A Gripping Sci-Fi Tale in Tokyo’s Iconic Akihabara

Steins;Gate is a beautiful adventure sci-fi visual novel game that’s perfect for all types of gamers, even beginners. The game, just like the original anime series, is set in Tokyo’s geekiest district, Akihabara, and it mostly follows the anime’s story, but it’s possible to achieve multiple endings. The setting of modern Japan elevates the narrative chops of this series, with the focus on mature themes like PTSD being done tastefully.

The game also has the same stunning and unique visuals, but thanks to the changes, there are some ways the visual novel game is better than the anime. It’s about a group of students who discover and develop new technology that lets them change the past. Steins;Gate is praised by critics and fans alike, who find it one of the most moving, thrilling visual novel games of all time that’s able to make its players cry.

15

Yakuza: Like A Dragon

Experience a Joyful and Chaotic Yakuza Adventure in Japan

After six entries and a prequel featuring Kazuma Kiryu, most players weren’t sure if they could let go of this legendary figure in the series, especially after the Judgment prequels failed to make fans resonate with a new protagonist. However, unlike the joyless Takayuki Yagami, Ichiban Kasuga is a bundle of sheer, unfiltered joy who’s a blast to interact with.

Exploring Isezaki Ijincho, Kamurocho, and Sotenbori with Ichiban makes for a great time. The cultures of real Japanese districts are replicated beautifully in this game, making for a great time as players devour delectable pieces of Japanese cuisine, engage in pastimes that are pretty common in these areas, and familiarize themselves with locations that are present in real life.

14

PARANORMASIGHT: The Seven Mysteries Of Honjo

Solve Eerie Mysteries in a Hauntingly Beautiful Tokyo

PARANORMASIGHT: The Seven Mysteries of Honjo is a chilling and immersive horror game taking place in Tokyo, Japan. The game’s story is set in 20th-century Japan and is filled with unique characters, mysteries, and ghosts. Players will have to investigate a series of deadly curses and try to find out what caused a series of mysterious deaths including a high-school student’s suicide.

PARANORMASIGHT: The Seven Mysteries of Honjo not only has a chilling story but also immerses players into a Showa-era Japan setting and even features real-life 360° photographs of Sumida. It’s a wildly underrated adventure game that more players should check out if they love unique offerings in this genre.

13

Nioh 2

Battle Demons in a Dark, Mythical Japan

Nioh 2 takes place in late 1500s Japan, directly before the events of Nioh and the Siege of Osaka. Developed by Team Ninja, Nioh 2 is not a traditional Soulslike but shares quite a few similarities with the genre. The game isn’t afraid of showering the player with varied weapons with different playstyles, overpowered abilities, and armies of enemies to mow down. Veterans of Nioh will find Nioh 2 to be a harder game, with more difficult boss fights and a heavier emphasis on balancing player power and enemy strength.

Fans of Japanese history will find plenty to like in Nioh 2, as there are very few games like it that let players meet and interact with real historical figures from the Sengoku Era Japan, like Oda Nobunaga, Takenaka Shigeharu, Saito Dosan, and many more. More than just one-off NPCs, these characters are part of the main story. Some even accompany the player during missions and comment on the game’s events from their perspectives.

12

Yakuza 0

Witness the Origins of Japan’s Most Iconic Yakuza Legends

Yakuza 0 is a great fighting adventure game set in a stunning open-world environment that lets its players explore Tokyo and Osaka’s two most popular districts. It is one of the best visually stunning crime-based video games with great characters and is set in the 90s. Yakuza 0‘s story follows Kiryu and Majima, who are also the two playable characters of the game.

They get involved in a conflict between various families in the Tojo Clan that shapes both characters to become the legends that players are familiar with. Its interesting setting, fast-paced story, and brutal combat make it an easy game to get into, with the game set in Japan’s bubble era in the late 80s, which is reflected brilliantly in the title’s gameplay.

11

The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles

Unravel Complex Mysteries in a Cross-Cultural Legal Adventure

The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles is one of the highest-rated visual novel games set in Japan and England. Players will get to explore both countries while immersing themselves in this fun game’s story-rich world. It’s a beautifully animated game with an anime art style and gorgeous historical settings.

It’s perfect for those who like fun but twisty mystery games and wouldn’t mind testing their detective skills while collecting evidence and interrogating witnesses to solve the case as rookie lawyers. The plot focuses on Ryunosuke, who is just getting started with his career and has to uncover the dark details of a murder mystery.

10

Katamari Damacy REROLL

Roll Through a Whimsical, Colorful Japan

Katamari Damacy REROLL is one of the cutest but hardest games that’s even funny at times. The game is set in modern-day Japan, but it has a fantasy twist. The story follows the ridiculous adventures of the King and Prince of All Cosmos who try to restore the stars after the King accidentally destroyed them. The main character is the Prince, who has to find a way to put the stars back where they belong.

Once players get the hang of it, the game is actually quite relaxing and mood-boosting thanks to its charming visuals, silly story, and upbeat music. Like many things Japanese, Katamari Damacy REROLL is cute, crazy, weird, and a whole lot of fun.

9

Shin Megami Tensei 4

Battle Demons in a Twisted Version of Modern Japan

Shin Megami Tensei 4 is a third-person turn-based role-playing game following the tried and true Atlus formula seen before in the Persona and Shin Megami series. The game’s setting is a combination of European influences in the form of the Kingdom of Mikado and an alternate version of modern-day Tokyo. Tokyo has been overrun by demons and sealed completely to prevent the demons from taking over the rest of the world, while the Mikado kingdom is built directly on top of it.

The main character, Flynn, is a true-blooded Samurai with ideals of justice and honor brought up in Mikado, tasked with hunting down a Black Samurai who is turning people into demons, venturing into Tokyo in the process.