One Piece locations inspired by the real world: 13 One Piece locations inspired by the real world, ranked least to most similar

Eiichiro Oda's One Piece locations are inspired by real-world architecture and geography, showcasing his world-building talent. The manga and anime series takes readers and viewers to islands and kingdoms similar to real ones.

Oda draws inspiration from both ancient civilizations and modern buildings. This article lists 13 One Piece locations, ranked from level one (least like the real world) to level four (most like the real world), highlighting the connections between the fictional and real worlds.

Disclaimer: This article reflects the writer's opinion,

Dressrosa, Water 7, and other One Piece locations inspired by the real world

13. Zou Island - Elephant Rock, Iceland

Zou Island (Image via Toei Animation, One Piece)

Zou Island in One Piece, a colossal elephant-shaped island, is loosely inspired by Elephant Rock in Iceland. While the resemblance is mainly in name and concept, the similarities are minimal. Zou Island is a living, moving elephant with a civilization, forests, and ecosystems on its back.

In contrast, Elephant Rock is a static formation shaped by erosion. The fantastical elements of Zou Island, including its Mink tribe and role in the Wano arc, highlight Eiichiro Oda's imaginative world-building, transforming a simple rock formation into a unique, memorable location.

12. Punk Hazard - Iceland

The Third Laboratory in Punk Hazard (Image via Toei Animation, One Piece)

Punk Hazard, the experimental island in One Piece, shares some loose similarities with Iceland's diverse landscape. Both feature a stark contrast between fiery and icy terrains, though Punk Hazard takes this to an extreme. The island's division into a burning side and a frozen side reflects Iceland's nickname as the "Land of Fire and Ice," known for its volcanic activity and glaciers.

However, Punk Hazard's landscape is the result of a climactic battle between admirals Akainu and Aokiji, creating an unnatural and dangerous environment. The reference mentions that Iceland's geography was indeed an inspiration for Punk Hazard, with its volcanic activity and snow-covered areas.

11. Amazon Lily - Hanging Temple, China

Amazon Lily (Image via Toei Animation, One Piece)

Amazon Lily, the island of the Kuja tribe in One Piece, draws some inspiration from the Hanging Temple in China. Both locations feature impressive structures built into cliffs, defying gravity and architectural norms. The Kuja Palace, perched high on the island's central mountain, echoes the precarious positioning of the Hanging Temple.

According to the reference, the temples built into the cliffs of Amazon Lily are based on temples situated in the Shanxi Province in China, which were originally built in the 6th century. However, Oda greatly expands on this concept, creating an entire island nation of warrior women with a unique culture and snake-themed motifs, making Amazon Lily a highly fictionalized interpretation of its architectural inspiration.

10. Drum Island - Drumheller, Canada

Drum Island (Image via Toei Animation, One Piece)

Out of all One Piece locations, Drum Island, the winter kingdom, shares its name with Drumheller, a town in Alberta, Canada. However, the similarities are superficial. Drum Island is characterized by its perpetual winter climate, towering mountains, and unique cherry blossom snow. It's known for its advanced medical knowledge and the tragic reign of the tyrant Wapol.

The reference mentions that Drum Island's distinctive elongated mountains, called Drum Rockies, may be inspired by the hoodoos found in Drumheller. While both locations have a connection to unusual geological formations, Oda's Drum Island is a fantastical winter wonderland that bears little resemblance to the arid, fossil-rich valley of Drumheller.

9. Tequila Wolf - Kanchanaburi, Thailand

Tequila Wolf (Image via Toei Animation, One Piece)

Tequila Wolf, the massive bridge project in One Piece, shares thematic elements with the infamous Burma Railway in Kanchanaburi, Thailand. Both structures represent massive engineering projects built through forced labor under oppressive regimes. The reference confirms this connection, stating that Tequila Wolf is likely inspired by the Burma Railway constructed during World War II between Thailand and modern-day Myanmar.

Also known as the Death Railway, the bridge was built by prisoners of war and Southeast Asian civilians who were forced into labor. Oda amplifies this historical tragedy, extending Tequila Wolf's construction over 700 years and making it a symbol of the World Government's oppression.

8. Gray Terminal of Dawn Island - Smokey Mountain, Philippines

Gray Terminal of Dawn Island (Image via Toei Animation, One Piece)

The Gray Terminal on Dawn Island is one of the One Piece locations that bears a striking resemblance to the former Smokey Mountain landfill in Manila, Philippines. The reference confirms this inspiration, stating that Smokey Mountain is the slums of Manila, consisting of a mountain of garbage and unwanted goods often covered in smoke due to the burning of wood.

Both locations are massive garbage dumps on the outskirts of more prosperous areas, serving as home to impoverished communities. Oda uses this real-world inspiration to create a powerful symbol of class struggle and corruption in the One Piece world, adding layers of political commentary through the storylines of characters like Sabo and the terminal's eventual destruction by fire.

7. Rommel Kingdom - London, England

Rommel Kingdom (Image via Toei Animation, One Piece)

The Rommel Kingdom is one of the One Piece locations that draws inspiration from London, England, particularly in its architectural style and atmosphere. The reference confirms that Rommel Kingdom was inspired by London, especially with the iconic clock tower reminiscent of Big Ben.

Additionally, the mysterious assailant cutting down people throughout the city in Rommel Kingdom's brief appearance seems to be inspired by London's Jack the Ripper murders in the 19th century. Oda uses this historical and architectural inspiration to create a backdrop for introducing new characters and plot elements while maintaining a familiar feel for readers.

6. Alabasta Kingdom - Egypt

Alabasta Kingdom (Image via Toei Animation, One Piece)

Among the other One Piece locations, The Alabasta Kingdom draws heavy inspiration from ancient Egypt, making it one of the more recognizable real-world parallels in the series. The reference confirms this, stating that despite the many cities and towns that make up this fictional kingdom, they are all inspired by the many landmarks that make up Egypt. Both share a desert climate, pyramid structures, and a rich history of pharaohs and dynasties.

Alabasta's capital, Alubarna, with its level-based architecture, echoes the stepped pyramid designs of ancient Egyptian cities. Oda uses this familiar setting to create one of the most memorable early arcs in One Piece, blending real-world inspiration with fantastical elements like Dance Powder and the Baroque Works conspiracy.

5. Flevance - Casale Monferrato, Italy

Flevance (Image via Toei Animation, One Piece)

Flevance, the tragic White City is one of the One Piece locations, shares a grim parallel with Casale Monferrato, Italy. Both locations suffered from the devastating effects of a harmful substance - Amber Lead in Flevance and asbestos in Casale Monferrato. The stories of these places revolve around industrial tragedy, government cover-ups, and the long-term health consequences for their inhabitants.

However, Flevance's story is more extreme and condensed, with the Amber Lead Syndrome causing visible physical changes and leading to the kingdom's destruction. Oda uses the tragedy of Flevance to explore themes of prejudice, government corruption, and the human cost of progress, amplifying the real-world issues faced by Casale Monferrato.

4. Mary Geoise - Chateau de Chambord, France

Mary Geoise (Image via Toei Animation, One Piece)

Mary Geoise, the holy land and seat of the World Government in One Piece, draws architectural inspiration from the Chateau de Chambord in France. The reference confirms this connection, stating that the inspiration for this particular building comes from the Chateau de Chambord, one of the most famous and visited manor houses in all of France.

The ornate design, multiple towers, and elevated position of Mary Geoise echo the Renaissance architecture of Chambord. However, Oda expands on the concept of a luxurious château to create a city-sized complex that floats above the rest of the world, emphasizing the disconnect between the ruling class and ordinary citizens in the One Piece world.

3. Dressrosa – Park Güell, Barcelona, Spain

Dressrosa (Image via Toei Animation, One Piece)

The Kingdom of Dressrosa with which Donquixote Doflamingo is associated is based in Barcelona, Spain – and Park Güell in particular. The reference supports this stating that Dressrosa has its real-world equivalent in Park Güell in Barcelona Spain.

The structures in Dressrosa, from the building designs to the clothing, are depicted as brightly checkered and very similar to Gaudí due to the curved lines, the mosaics, and wavy forms found within the architecture itself. That said, it depicts a visually appealing and realistic place, which the author transforms into one of the series' most memorable and thoroughly One Piece locations.

2. Water 7 - Venice, Italy

Water 7 (Image via Toei Animation, One Piece)

Out of all One Piece locations, Water 7 is one of the most immediately recognizable real-world inspirations, based in Venice in Italy, with the waterways as the roads and water-borne transport systems as the means of transport in both cities. This is big Water Seven, a city similar to the density of Venice and central squares in Italian fountains.

The existence of adventurous shipwrights in Water 7 can be linked to Venice being a large naval region. However, Oda builds on these characteristics to create a distinct One Piece locations, several of which incorporate the sea train or the Aqua Laguna occurrence.

1. Loguetown - Florence, Italy

Loguetown (Image via Toei Animation, One Piece)

Among One Piece locations, Loguetown, the city of the beginning and the end in One Piece draws significant inspiration from Florence, Italy. The reference confirms this similarity, stating that Loguetown bears many similarities to the city of Florence, particularly through its architecture. Florence's two most prominent landmarks, namely the dome of the Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral and the Palazzo Vecchio bell tower, appear in the background throughout the arc.

The buildings and streets also bear a close resemblance to those of Florence, with Italian store signs making cameo appearances. Most interestingly, the open square at which Gol D. Roger was executed in Loguetown appears to be modeled after the Piazza della Signoria in Florence, where Girolamo Savonarola was famously executed in 1498. This historical parallel adds depth to Loguetown's significance making it one of the most similar One Piece locations inspired by the real world on this list.

To Conclude

One great element that Eiichiro Oda has perfectly applied in the main One Piece locations is the use of common places and making them story-based. From the loosely inspired Zou Island to the strikingly similar Loguetown, all the One Piece locations add depth and richness.

These parallels between real life and One Piece locations not only make the series more relatable but also serve as a bridge between reality and the imaginative universe of the story.

Related Links: