One Piece: Unveiling 10 Real-Life Islands that Inspired the Epic Anime

Part of the allure of One Piece lies in the numerous destinations visited by Luffy and the Straw Hat pirates. It comes as no surprise that many of these locations are inspired by real-world places that fans of the series can actually experience. Unlike other popular Shonen series, One Piece takes its audience on a thrilling global adventure. These locations are not mere pit stops, but vibrant settings that allow readers to further delve into the depths of Luffy's world.

Similar to any talented artist, the creator of One Piece, Eiichiro Oda, draws inspiration from reality to shape the universe he has envisioned. While some places in the series are entirely fictional and lack any clear real-world references, most draw inspiration from actual locations or cultures. By doing so, readers can form a tangible preview of each visited place simply by knowing its real-world counterpart.

10 Rommel Kingdom - London, England

Rommel Kingdom made its debut in chapter 734 of One Piece, as well as in episode 666 of the anime. Within this fragmented setting, a captivating tale unfolded, centered around an enigmatic assailant known as Hakuba, who ruthlessly targeted innocent people throughout the city. With its clear resemblance to London, particularly evident in the iconic clock tower, Big Ben, Rommel Kingdom drew inspiration from the renowned city. Furthermore, the narrative also seemed to draw inspiration from the infamous Jack the Ripper murders that occurred in London during the 19th century.

9 Zou Island - Elephant Rock, Iceland

Zou Island, one of the most visually distinct islands in the series thus far, is perched atop the back of a colossal elephant named Zunesha. This incredible creature traverses the seas on its astonishingly long legs, providing protection to the inhabitants who call the island home. The island's relationship with its residents is truly unique. While the notion of elephants carrying worlds on their backs is not a new concept in literature, Zou Island draws inspiration from Iceland's Elephant Rock, sporting a similar green and grey color scheme and cavernous eyes. This parallel makes it easy to envision how perfectly Zou Island fits into the adventurous world of Luffy and his crew on their maritime escapades.

8 Gray Terminal Of Dawn Island - Smokey Mountain, Philipines

Dawn Island, known by fans as the birthplace of some of the most beloved characters in One Piece, is a diverse and captivating destination. Among its various locales, Gray Terminal stands out as the residence of Sabo and other citizens who seek hidden treasures amidst the debris. However, it is important to note that Smokey Mountain, situated in the slums of Manila, Philippines, is a contentious location. The accumulation of waste and discarded items creates a massive garbage mountain, perpetually shrouded in smoke from ongoing wood burning.

7 Dressrosa - Park Guell, Spain

Dressrosa, an island at the pinnacle, became the battleground for the Straw Hat Pirates as they faced off against its ominous and despotic leader, Donquixote Doflamingo. Despite its vibrant, checkered buildings and inhabitants comprising both humans and sentient toys, the island concealed a shocking underbelly ruled by a merciless dictator. In the real world, Park Güell in Barcelona, Spain, serves as its counterpart. The park boasts lush gardens, mosaic artworks, and architectural marvels designed by Antoni Gaudi, a renowned figure in the Modernism movement. This magnificent fusion creates one of Spain's most visually captivating destinations, perfectly capturing the intense clash between Luffy and Doflamingo in one of the most thrilling episodes of One Piece.

6 Mary Geoise - Chateu De Chambord, France

5 Amazon Lily - Hanging Temple, China

: Housed amidst the stunning Grand Line, this fictional capital serves as the meeting grounds for the World Government, united in their pursuit to eliminate the numerous pirates plaguing the seas. Behind its captivating marble façade, this city conceals a den of corruption, an ominous shadow of its former resident, Doflamingo. Drawing inspiration from the mesmerizing Chateau de Chambord, a renowned manor steeped in history, this UNESCO World Heritage Site showcases exquisite French Renaissance architecture, once owned by illustrious French monarchs.

After being struck by Kuma's powerful attack and sent flying into the horizon, Luffy finds himself crash-landing on an island inhabited solely by women. However, these women are not your ordinary inhabitants, as they happen to be skilled and formidable warriors in the One Piece world. Initially, Luffy faces a challenging situation without the support of his crew. Nevertheless, he seizes the opportunity to explore the breathtaking landscape surrounding him. The magnificent temple and architectural structures integrated into the towering cliffs of Amazon Lily draw inspiration from temples found in China's Shanxi Province. Originating from the 6th century, this island served as a haven for individuals dedicated to studying various traditional Chinese philosophies.

4 Alabasta Kingdom - Egypt

3 Water 7 - Venice, Italy

During Luffy's early adventures, he ventured into the Alabasta Kingdom, marking one of the most significant story arcs in the early stages of One Piece. In this captivating arc, Luffy not only encountered Nico Robin, who eventually joined his crew, but also reunited with his long-lost brother, Ace. However, their journey also brought them face to face with one of the most formidable adversaries in the series: Crocodile, a cunning crime boss endowed with the power to manipulate and control sand. Set in a fictional kingdom inspired by the captivating wonders of Egypt, with its majestic ancient pyramids and the flowing banks of the Nile, these locations, along with Crocodile's menacing criminal empire, contributed to some of the most exhilarating episodes within the first 130 installments of One Piece.

Water 7, recognized for its interconnected canals, serves as the primary mode of transportation for its residents. This prominent city is renowned for its shipbuilding industry, making it a crucial destination for the Straw Hats' journey to restore their ship, Going Merry, to its former glory. Drawing inspiration from the captivating city of Venice, with its scenic canals and distinctive transportation vessels, Water 7 exudes an undeniable charm. Built upon a collection of islands, Venice has captivated audiences worldwide through its appearances in various television shows and films, solidifying its status as a prominent source of inspiration.

2 Punk Hazard - Iceland

1 Wano Kuni - Ninja Kingdom, Japan

Punk Hazard, the island where battle between Kuzan and Sakazuki took place, became a fiery yet icy terrain. Their clash of elemental powers resulted in a massive crater ocean at the center, preventing either side from overpowering the other. Drawing inspiration from the unique geography of Iceland, this island made an intriguing addition to the list. With its combination of volcanic activity and snowy landscapes, the simultaneous presence of fire and ice created a visually captivating and extraordinary One Piece island. It became the focal point of one of the oddest story arcs in the entire One Piece series.

Wano Kuni, an island with a strong Japanese influence, once served as the home of the Beast Pirates, who were ruled by the formidable and towering villain, Kaido. Prior to his reign, Wano boasted breathtaking landscapes and extravagant locations. One intriguing source of inspiration for Wano could be the Ninja Kingdom, a theme park in Japan. This park features a life-sized replica of Azuchi Castle and immerses visitors in the Edo Period of Japan. It is plausible that this park played a role in influencing the creation of Wano. Given its recreation of the Japanese warrior and ninja era, it wouldn't be surprising if this inspired Kaido's epic clash against a group of samurai and stylized fighters as well.

One Piece's fictional world may not exist in reality, but its locations draw inspiration from various real-world places scattered across the globe. The remarkable range of locations speaks to Oda's talent as an artist, as each island or geographical point possesses its own unique visual flair while maintaining a seamless integration within the overall world of One Piece. These real-world inspired locations contribute greatly to the series' greatness and iconic status.