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| Where Was Gimbap and Onigiri Filmed? A Complete Guide to the Drama’s Real-Life Locations in Japan (Photo: TV Tokyo) |
If you found yourself pausing Gimbap and Onigiri just to stare at the scenery, you’re definitely not alone. Beyond the soft romance and gentle storytelling, the Japanese–Korean drama has been quietly winning hearts with its grounded, lived-in locations. Rather than flashy landmarks, the series leans into everyday Japan spaces that feel warm, real, and deeply connected to the characters’ emotional journeys. That realism is exactly why fans have been so curious about where the drama was actually filmed.
Before diving in, it’s worth noting that not every filming location was publicly revealed during production. Several details were intentionally kept under wraps to avoid fans crowding the set and interrupting filming. Still, a good number of key spots are publicly accessible and have already made their way onto many viewers’ Japan travel wishlists.
Gimbap and Onigiri, officially titled キンパとおにぎり～恋するふたりは似ていてちがう～, is a TV Tokyo romance drama starring Kang Hye-Won and Eiji Akaso, alongside Mun Ji-Hu, Fukagawa Mai, Kataoka Rin, Fukuyama Shodai, and Seo Hye-Won.
The story follows Taiga Hasegawa, a former university athlete who now works part-time at a small eatery after stepping away from competitive sports. His quiet routine changes when Park Rin, a South Korean graduate student studying animation in Japan, walks into his life. Over simple meals and small conversations, two tired souls from different cultures begin to understand each other in ways they never expected.
Gimbap and Onigiri Filming Locations
Several memorable scenes from the drama were shot across Tokyo and nearby areas, blending residential streets with peaceful public spaces.
Former Asahiya Building
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— キンパとおにぎり〜恋するふたりは似ていてちがう〜 【テレ東公式】 (@tx_premiere23) January 12, 2026
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Once a long-running soba shop inside a local shopping street, this location was used as the exterior of the small restaurant featured in the drama.
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Although the shop closed in late 2024 and the building has since changed use, its façade remains instantly recognisable to viewers. The surrounding street also appears in scenes involving Park Rin being picked up by Jun Ho.
Japan Engineering College Kamata Campus
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The campus doubles as Tokyo Art University in the drama. Scenes showing Park Rin’s student life, including classrooms, lounges, and late-night work sessions, were filmed here.
Fans appreciated how the campus setting added realism to Rin’s struggles as an international student juggling deadlines and housing issues.
Mammy’s Kamiigusa Apartment Studio
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Used as the women’s dormitory in the series, this filming studio is designed to replicate various residential layouts. Its slightly cramped interiors perfectly match the atmosphere of student dorm life, making Rin’s exhaustion and pressure feel even more relatable.
Kobundo Stamp Shop
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This real stamp shop appears in a short but memorable scene where Rin buys a personal seal. Many viewers loved this detail, saying it highlighted everyday cultural moments that foreign residents in Japan often experience.
Shintoyohashi Bridge
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A quiet bridge used during a scene where Rin walks while on the phone. It’s a subtle location, but fans noted how it visually matched her emotional state at that point in the story.
Sumida Park Place Rooftop
One of the most talked-about locations, this rooftop space appears in a scene where Rin and Jun Ho read manga together.
With open skies and city views, it quickly became a favourite among viewers who enjoy calm, reflective moments in dramas.
Asukayama Park
This historic park hosts an emotionally charged meeting between Park Rin and Hase Taiga.
The scene where they shelter from the rain near a preserved tram car left a strong impression, especially among fans who love symbolic storytelling tied to quiet spaces.
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Online reactions to the filming locations have been largely positive, with many viewers praising the drama for choosing realistic settings instead of overused tourist spots.
Some fans said the locations made the romance feel more believable, while others admitted the series sparked sudden travel cravings for low-key neighbourhoods rather than famous landmarks.
A few netizens also appreciated that production didn’t overshare filming details during broadcast, calling it a respectful move that protected both cast and local residents. Of course, there were also playful debates about which location best captured the drama’s emotional core, with the rooftop and park scenes leading the conversation.
What makes Gimbap and Onigiri stand out isn’t just where it was filmed, but why those places were chosen. Each location reflects the characters’ internal states, quiet ambition, uncertainty, comfort, and slow healing. It’s a reminder that romance doesn’t always need grand backdrops to feel meaningful.
As more episodes air, fans will no doubt keep spotting familiar streets and hidden corners, turning casual scenes into shared discoveries.
If you’ve already added any of these places to your Japan bucket list or noticed a filming spot others missed, now’s the perfect time to join the conversation. Which location left the strongest impression on you, and where would you visit first if you had the chance?