Where was iCarly: iGo to Japan filmed?
2008
City Locations
California (USA)
Location Types
Film Studio
Location Styles
Asian, Hotel Style, Foreign, Modern Building, Retreat
About iCarly: iGo to Japan
Experience a wave of nostalgia with iCarly: iGo to Japan, based on the beloved TV show. The movie is a 2008 made-for-television movie directed by Adam Weissman and starring Miranda Cosgrove, Jennette McCurdy, Nathan Kress, and Jerry Trainor. Released in the same year as the series finale of the popular Nickelodeon series, this made-for-TV movie follows the lives of the show’s characters after they receive an invitation to Tokyo for the International Web Awards.
The plot revolves around Carly (Miranda Cosgrove), Sam (Jennette McCurdy), and Freddie (Nathan Kress) going on a wild journey filled with exciting experiences and peril. After receiving a nomination for an international web award in Tokyo, the group works on a skit titled Melanie Higgles: Space Cheerleader and plans to perform live on stage.
They encounter opposition from Kyoko (Ally Matsumura) and Yûki (Harry Shum Jr.), stars of a competing web show who attempt to sabotage iCarly's chance of winning the award. While in Tokyo, they also explore the city, from visiting a spa to shopping sprees.
The film received mixed reviews, but fans appreciated it as a great ode to the TV show. A highlight of the film is the ensemble cast reprising their roles and delivering compelling performances. The show's humor and clever exchanges between characters and their amusing escapades elicit laughter.
iCarly: iGo to Japan Locations
Nickelodeon On Sunset studios in Hollywood, California, provided the setting for most iCarly: iGo to Japan scenes. With a backdrop that boasts stunning city views and iconic landmarks such as the Walk of Fame and the Hollywood Sign, it is easy to see why the filmmakers chose this location for the project.
Despite being filmed in Los Angeles, the movie captured some signature landmarks and flavors of Japan. We can see shots featuring Mount Fuji set against a beautiful multi-colored sky and glimpses of bustling Tokyo streets full of life and energy. Other featured locations include Kyoto’s Kiyomizudera Temple, a historical site featuring breathtaking views, and Osaka’s Dotonbori area, renowned for its neon-lit nightlife culture.
The combination of various natural landscapes and vibrant urban settings provides a compelling reason for a sightseeing trip. While most spots do not exist in actual sense, given that a Hollywood studio housed the film sets, there are still plenty of opportunities for viewers to draw inspiration from the narrative to visit Japan.
Japan scenes in iCarly: iGo to Japan
Nickelodeon On Sunset, 231 W Olive Ave, Burbank, CA 91502, USA
Fans can recall when Kyoko (Ally Matsumura) and Yūki (Harry Shum Jr.) abandon Carly (Miranda Cosgrove), Sam (Jennette McCurdy), and Freddie (Nathan Kress) in the middle of an isolated highway outside Tokyo after staging a mock kung-fu fight.
Another memorable sequence is when the group gets caught and held in a utility room. Carly and Sam attempt to explain their saga by acting it out. Quick to his wits, Freddie records and broadcasts it, ultimately assisting the gang in winning the show.
Naturally, the final scene featured a humorous twist: The iCarly team, including Spencer (Jerry Trainor) and Marissa, find themselves returning to America on a fishing boat, much to their chagrin. Adding to the comedy, they mistakenly eat Japanese soap, thinking it's candy, and promptly spit it out.
Nickelodeon on Sunset studio in Los Angeles, California, is where the production team filmed all the Japan scenes. The studio, which officially goes by Nickelodeon on Sunset or Nick on Sunset, was used from 1997 to 2017 as the West Coast production site for live-action original series produced for Nickelodeon. The theater closed in 2017, but fans of the film and show can still visit this location and recall some classic moments from iCarly: iGo to Japan.
To reach this site, take public transportation or book a car service from Los Angeles International Airport or any other nearby destination. From downtown Los Angeles, the road will take around 15 minutes by car and about an hour by train.
Conclusion
iCarly: iGo to Japan is generally well-received. The film received praise for its fun and exciting adventure that appeals to fans of the original "iCarly" TV series. The actors delivered strong performances that embodied their characters from the original TV series, providing a sense of nostalgia.
The film is not a suspense-filled thriller, a drama-drenched spectacle, or a cult classic. Instead, its primary aim is to entertain younger audiences. It's a lighthearted, fun-filled adventure that takes the beloved characters of the iCarly series to Japan, providing viewers with plenty of laughs and engaging moments. The film’s focus on humor and light entertainment makes it a perfect watch for kids and young teens who are fans of the original TV show.
It also serves as a nudge for anyone considering visiting Japan to pack up and go. The references and sights of Tokyo in the film provide references to create an itinerary.
In summary, this film is recommendable for anyone seeking light and enjoyable entertainment, regardless of whether they are fans of the original series or have not watched it yet. It delivers a delightful and thrilling adventure that appeals to both young audiences and adults.