When it comes to open-world games, few can rival the meticulous and immersive world-building of the Yakuza/Like A Dragon series. With its faithful recreation of real-life cities and their districts, the franchise offers players an experience that blurs the line between the virtual and the real.
Let's take a closer look at some of the standout cities in the Yakuza/Like a Dragon franchise that have left a lasting impression on players.
1 Kineichō
An Ex-Baseball Star's Home Ground
- Based on: Sakae, Nagoya
- Appeared in: Yakuza 5
Kineichō, based in Nagoya, stands out as one of the most underrated cities in the series. Despite being the penultimate setting in Yakuza 5, it offers a rich gaming experience with its clear streets, engaging substories, and notable landmarks like the TV Tower and Oasis 21 Mall.
2 Isezaki Ijinchō
A Fresh City For A Fresh Start
- Based on: Isezakichō, Yokohama
- Appearances: Yakuza: Like A Dragon, Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth, Lost Judgment
Isezaki Ijinchō, the new home city in Yakuza: Like a Dragon, offers a diverse range of sights, including a vibrant Chinatown and a scenic port with a green park, providing players with a fresh and dynamic urban landscape to explore.
3 Onomichi
Small Town, Big Adventure
- Based on: Onomichi, Hiroshima Prefecture
- Appeared in: Yakuza 6: The Song of Life
Onomichi, designed as a quieter and more laid-back setting, offers a unique experience with its picturesque streets, beautiful sea view, and engaging substories that bring the town to life with its charm and character.
4 Honolulu
East Meets West
- Based on: Waikiki, Honolulu, Hawaii
- Appearances: Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth
Honolulu in Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth marks the series' first foray abroad, offering players a meticulously recreated Waikiki district with a mix of scenic beach views and a deeper exploration of the city beyond its tourist attractions.
5 Sōtenbori
Where Life Is A Cabaret
- Based on: Dōtonbori, Osaka
- Appeared in: Yakuza 2, Yakuza 5, Yakuza 0, Yakuza Kiwami 2, Yakuza: Like A Dragon, Like A Dragon Gaiden, Kurohyō 2
Sōtenbori, with its bustling streets and diverse activities, has become a beloved city in the series, offering players a vibrant and lively urban setting filled with memorable experiences and entertaining minigames.
6 Kamurochō
The Home Of The Dragon
- Based on: Kabukichō, Tokyo
- Appeared in: Yakuza 1-6, Yakuza: Dead Souls, Yakuza Kiwami 1-2, Yakuza: Like A Dragon, Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth, Judgment, Lost Judgment, Kurohyō,Kurohyō 2
Kamurochō, as the iconic city that has evolved over the series, continues to captivate players with its ever-changing landscape, offering a familiar yet evolving urban environment that invites players to explore its rich history and dynamic transformations.