Ramen is Japan’s soul food, a homey but deeply flavorful combo of broth and noodles. Ichiran is one of Japan’s most popular ramen franchises among locals and visitors alike. Its signature no-contact serving system allows customers to enjoy their bowls of ramen in solitude. In Sunny, Suzie and her husband, Masa, meet each other for the first time here as Suzie struggles to use the ticket machine.

Suzie walks back to her family home in Kyoto through Yasaka-dori. The stone-paved avenue leads up to the iconic pagoda built almost 600 years ago within Hogan-ji Temple. Yasaka-dori is filled with various shops and restaurants built into the traditional wooden homes of Kyoto.

Nestled in the lush greenery of Takaragaike Pond Park, the Kyoto International Conference Center (ICC Kyoto) is a gem of modern architecture. Designed with a unique blend of retro-futuristic vibes and Japanese tradition, it’s a fitting set for Masa’s employer, ImaTech, where he works as an engineer.

At this small shrine, the cherry blossoms, willow trees, and vibrant coral red of the lanterns accentuate its charm. Suzie cycles by Tatsumi Daimyojin Shrine as she makes her way back from paying respects to her oka-san, or mother-in-law.

Jiyugakuen Myonichikan, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, is located in the heart of Tokyo and is known for its classical stained-glass windows and sleek dark-wood interior. In Sunny, it stands in for the school where Suzie and Masa’s son, Zen, performs in the student production of “Momotaro” (“Peach Boy”), a famous Japanese folktale about a boy born from a gigantic peach.

Kazusa Okubo Station is an unmanned station in rural Chiba prefecture where iconic bicolor trains come and go. Suzie finds herself stranded at this station on the way to a friend’s hometown.

Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple is famous for its moss-covered stone sculptures of Rakan, otherwise known as Arhat. When Suzie finds a mysterious note at her home, she heads to the temple to find out more.

Known for its eye-catching, colorful doors, the SOHO is a shared office building by the Tokyo Bay. Its vibrant entryways face an open courtyard, where Suzie eventually finds herself knocking on doors in a desperate search.

Setsubun is a traditional event in Japan that takes place in early February each year. People celebrate by throwing soy beans at ogres to fend off evil. At Shojoko-ji Temple, also known as Yugyuo-ji Temple, Suzie looks for someone among the masked crowd at the Setsubun festival.

Public bath houses, called “sento,” are one of the quintessential places to relax in Japan after a long day. Takara Yu is frequented by Masa, and it has all the features of a classic bath house loved by locals. The highlight is the tile mural of Mt. Fuji right above the main bathtub.