With only three episodes dropped on July 9, 2024, Netflix’s groundbreaking Japanese reality dating show, The Boyfriend, has already captivated viewers with its honest portrayal of same-sex relationships. Japan’s first such show, The Boyfriend has been shot entirely in the picturesque seaside town of Tateyama. Curious to know more? Let’s delve into the subtle beauty of this quaint town, the filming location of The Boyfriend.
Located in Japan’s Chiba Prefecture, the seaside town of Tateyama is ideal for a relaxing staycation. With its hot springs, beautiful beaches, and vibrant local culture, it’s no wonder The Boyfriend‘s producers chose this charming Japanese town as the filming location.
Also, read our story on the things to know before visiting an onsen in Japan.
The Boyfriend: Cast and crew
The Netflix reality show features nine men in their twenties and thirties seeking love. As the show progresses, viewers can witness their emotional upheavals alongside stories of love and friendship during their stay at the gorgeous seaside property nicknamed the ‘Green Room’. The Boyfriend beautifully captures the essence of Japan’s Tateyama, its sole filming location.
While the first batch of three episodes premiered on Netflix on July 9, three more batches comprising episodes 4-6, 7-8, and 9-10 will be dropped on July 16, 23 and 30, respectively.
The show’s hosts include Megumi, Chiaki Horan, Thelma Aoyama, Durian Lollobrigida, and Yoshimi Tokui. The nine male contestants come from diverse backgrounds, including Shun (an artist), Taeheon (a designer from Korea), Usak (a go-go dancer), Ikuo (a food service industry worker), Gensei (a hair and makeup artist from Taiwan), Dai (a university student), Alan (an IT company employee from Brazil), Kazuto (a Japanese cuisine chef), and Ryota (a model and barista).
Watch the trailer of The Boyfriend here:
Watch The Boyfriend on Netflix.
Exploring Tateyama, the filming location of Japanese reality show The Boyfriend
How to reach the coastal town of Tateyama in Japan
Located in eastern Japan’s Bōsō Peninsula, Tateyama is approximately 64 km from the Tokyo Haneda Airport. You can book a cab or take the 80-minute direct express bus to reach Tateyama. For further insights, click here.
While you can explore Chiba Prefecture all year round, choose to visit during the spring for vibrant cherry blossoms from March to May or in autumn for breathtaking fall foliage between September and November. Both seasons promise pleasant weather and little rain. Also, read our copy on the best places in Asia to witness fall foliage.
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Places to visit and things to do in Tateyama, Japan’s coastal gem
Tateyama is home to many iconic tourist attractions and hidden gems, some of which have been wonderfully captured in The Boyfriend too. Let’s explore the places to visit and things to do in Japan’s Tateyama.
Relax and rejuvenate at Shiroyama Onsen Satomi no Yu: Featuring a diverse variety of bathing options like open-air, carbonated, and jet baths, Shiroyama Onsen Satomi no Yu is ideal for that ultimate relaxation during a vacation. It also boasts a sauna, a bedrock bath, a comic book corner, and a restaurant serving delectable dishes including fresh produce from the local fishing port.
Marvel at the beauty of Shiroyama Park: A beautiful park nestled amidst verdant valleys, Shiroyama Park is home to the Tateyama City Museum, Tateyama Castle, a tea house, a playground for children, and a sprawling lawn. Visit the Hakkenden Museum inside Tateyama Castle for enriching insights into the town’s history.
Experience peace at Myo-on-in Temple: Nestled amidst lush greens, the Myo-on-in Temple offers much-needed peace and tranquillity for spiritual seekers. Travellers can partake in various calming workshops like coping sutras (30 minutes) or blending incense (60 minutes).
Explore the underwater realms of Nishikawana Ocean Park: Explore life underwater at Nishikawana Ocean Park and marvel at the diverse fish species and other marine creatures. Kue (locally called Moroko), a creature emblematic of Nishikawana, can also be spotted here.
Hop on to the Nokogiriyama Ropeway: Chiba Prefecture’s only ropeway is located on Mt. Nokogiriyama in Kanaya. Very popular among visitors, the observatory at the hilltop station offers a mesmerising bird’s-eye view. You can head to the Nihon-ji temple from here.
Visit the Tateyama Bird Sanctuary: Housing a gift shop, an exhibition room that recreates a local forest, a digital corner, and a handicraft experience area, the Tateyama Bird Sanctuary is the perfect place to spend a day with your family and kids.
Head to the Aloha Garden Tateyama: Chiba Prefecture’s largest botanical garden, this enclosure features a series of greenhouses. Perfect for nature lovers, it is also home to the Aloha Zoo. Small animals including guinea pigs, capybaras, and otters can be spotted here. You can also partake in their petting events.
Pick strawberries at Tateyama Strawberry Picking Centre: Open from January to early May, you can experience strawberry picking and savour the freshly plucked fruits here. Two of the most popular varieties of strawberries found here are Benihoppe and Akihime.
Stay Ocean Tateyama: ‘The Green Room’ of Japanese reality show The Boyfriend
According to a report in The Cinemaholic, the reel Green Room featuring as the main filming location of the Japanese show The Boyfriend is a real homestay called Stay Ocean Tateyama. The beautiful property is close to many iconic attractions that can be explored easily.
Boasting ten bedrooms, a lavish pool and gorgeous shared spaces, Stay Ocean Tateyama is open to bookings and perfect for family get-togethers or special occasions with a capacity to accommodate over 16 people.
Explore more with our selection of luxurious celebrity-owned Airbnbs.
Address: Vacation STAY 10171, 1207-33 Menuma, Tateyama, Chiba 294-0221, Japan
Book your stay at Stay Ocean Tateyama on Airbnb
(Feature image credit: Tudum by Netflix)
This article first appeared here
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Some other reality dating shows like ‘The Boyfriend’ are ‘Love Is Blind’ (2020), ‘Say I Do’ (2020), ‘Love Island’ (2021), and ‘The Circle’ (2023).
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