Maps of Movies

Letters from Iwo Jima (2006)

Where Letters from Iwo Jima says it takes place, and where it was really shot.

A story set on one island in Japan, mostly filmed in California and Iceland.

Scenes and places

Archaeologists find something in the tunnels (2005)

In 2005, Japanese archaeologists explore tunnels on Iwo Jima and find something buried. The film then goes back to 1944 to show who buried it.

Set in Iwo Jima tunnels (2005 excavation) — The film opens in 2005 with Japanese archaeologists exploring tunnels on Iwo Jima.

Digging trenches on the beach (1944)

Saigo, a conscripted baker who misses his family, digs beach trenches with his platoon. Lieutenant General Kuribayashi arrives and saves him from a beating, which sets up the man he will follow.

Set in Iwo Jima beach — Saigo's platoon digs beach defence trenches when the new commander arrives. Google Maps · Apple Maps

Filmed at Iwo Jima (beaches and towns, island-level point) — Minor scenes were filmed on Iwo Jima itself, including beaches and towns. The page does not say which scene was shot where. Google Maps · Apple Maps

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Kuribayashi orders the tunnels (1944)

Kuribayashi orders the garrison to tunnel defences throughout the island, against officers who want to hold the beaches. Saigo watches the officers clash over a plan that depends on the men digging.

Set in Garrison command and tunnel defences — Kuribayashi takes command and orders underground defences across the island.

The Marines land (1944)

After several days of bombardment, U.S. Marines land and, despite heavy casualties, secure a beachhead. The defenders now face the attack the tunnels were built for.

Set in Marine landing beach — The U.S. Marines land after days of bombardment and secure a beachhead.

Filmed at Iceland (battle scenes, country-level point) — Most of the battle scenes were filmed in Iceland. The page names no beach or town, so the pin is the country centre, not a place. Google Maps · Apple Maps

How to get there:

Mount Suribachi (1944)

Saigo carries a message to Colonel Adachi and overhears Kuribayashi's retreat order on the radio. Adachi orders his men to commit suicide; Saigo talks Shimizu into disobeying and retreating.

Set in Mount Suribachi — The mountain the Marines attack and the soldiers are ordered to leave. Google Maps · Apple Maps

Filmed at Mount Suribachi, Iwo Jima — Mount Suribachi was used for filming, and Ken Watanabe shot part of his scenes on location on Iwo Jima. The page does not say which scene. Google Maps · Apple Maps

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Flight from Suribachi and the ambush (1944)

Saigo and Shimizu run from Mount Suribachi and survive a Marine ambush that kills many others. Reaching safety, they are accused of cowardice and nearly executed until Kuribayashi confirms his retreat order.

Set in Retreat route from Mount Suribachi — Saigo and Shimizu flee the mountain and survive a Marine ambush.

Kuribayashi's headquarters (1944)

Saigo flees with others to Kuribayashi's headquarters. Kuribayashi orders a counter-attack and tells Saigo to stay behind and destroy vital documents, saving his life for a third time.

Set in Kuribayashi's headquarters — Saigo reaches the headquarters, where Kuribayashi plans the counter-attack.

Filmed at Barstow, California — Island and battle scenes (scene not specified) Google Maps · Apple Maps

Filmed at Pisgah Crater, California — Battle scenes (scene not specified) Google Maps · Apple Maps

Filmed at Bakersfield, California — Battle scenes (scene not specified) Google Maps · Apple Maps

Characters

• Saigo — A conscripted baker who misses his family and digs trenches with his platoon.
• Kuribayashi — The lieutenant general who takes command of the garrison and orders defence by tunnels.
• Shimizu — A superior private Saigo suspects of being a spy sent to report on disloyal soldiers.