One of the reasons why One Piece is so appealing is the variety of locations that Luffy and the Straw Hat pirates explore, many of which are based on real-world places that fans of the series can actually visit.
Compared to other popular Shonen series, One Piece offers a global adventure that goes beyond mere pit stops. These locations not only provide fun experiences but also allow for a deeper exploration of the world.
Eiichiro Oda, the creator of One Piece, often draws inspiration from reality to shape his fictional world. While some locations in the series are purely imaginative and lack a direct real-world reference, many are influenced by actual places and cultures. This technique allows readers to have a clear understanding of what to anticipate from each visited location based on its real-world counterpart.
Iceland, Elephant Rock (Zou Island)

Zou Island is visually unique in the series. It sits on the back of a large elephant named Zunesha. The elephant travels across the sea on long legs. Zou Island protects inhabitants from attackers and has a special relationship with the civilization living on it.
The concept of elephants carrying worlds on their back is not new in literature. Zou Island is inspired by Iceland’s Elephant Rock. It shares the same green and grey color scheme and cave-like eyes. It fits well into Luffy and his crew’s sea-faring adventures.
Philippines, Smokey Mountain (Gray Terminal of Dawn Island)

Dawn Island is known as the home island to several main characters from One Piece. Gray Terminal was where Sabo and others lived, searching for trinkets and treasures among the trash. Smokey Mountain, located in the Philippines, is a controversial place. It is a mountain of garbage and unwanted goods, often covered in smoke from burning wood in the slums of Manila.
France, Chateau De Chambord (Mary Geoise)

This fictional capital is located on the Grand Line. It serves as a meeting place for the World Government to discuss pirates and their actions. Despite its beautiful appearance, it is inhabited by corrupt individuals and was once Doflamino’s home.
The building is inspired by the Chateau de Chambord, a famous manor house in France. This UNESCO World Heritage Site showcases French Renaissance architecture and was owned by several French Kings.
England, London (Rommel Kingdom)

Rommel Kingdom appeared briefly in One Piece chapter 734 and episode 666 of the anime. It served as the backdrop for a story about a mysterious attacker named Hakuba. The setting clearly drew inspiration from London, particularly the famous clock tower Big Ben. The historical events of Jack the Ripper’s murders in 19th-century London also seemed to influence the narrative.
Spain, Park Guell (Dressrosa)

The Straw Hat Pirates faced Donquixote Doflamingo on Dressrosa, a unique island with colorful buildings and a mix of people and sentient toys. Despite its appearance, the island was ruled by a ruthless leader.
The real-world counterpart of Dressrosa is Park Güell in Barcelona, Spain. The park, designed by Antoni Gaudi, features lush gardens, mosaic designs, and Modernist architecture. It became a visually striking location and the setting for a thrilling battle between Luffy and Doflamingo in One Piece.
Japan, Ninja Kingdom (Wano Kuni)

Wano Kuni is a Japanese-inspired island. It was ruled by the Beast Pirates and their leader, Kaido. Before Kaido’s rule, Wano was a beautiful country. One possible inspiration for Wano is a theme park in Japan called the Ninja Kingdom.
The park features a full-sized replica of the Azuchi Castle and is set in the Edo Period of Japan. This era of Japanese warriors and ninjas may have influenced the storyline of Kaido dueling against samurai and stylized fighters.
Iceland (Punk Hazard)

Kuzuan and Sakazuki clashed on Punk Hazard, causing fire and ice to engulf the island. Their elemental powers created a crater ocean in the center, preventing either side from defeating the other. Iceland’s geography inspired this One Piece island, with its volcanic activity and snowy regions.
The combination of fire and ice creates a visually stunning and unique landscape. This island was the setting for one of the most bizarre story arcs in One Piece.
China, Hanging Temple (Amazon Lily)

After being transported by Kuma, Luffy landed on an island with only women. These women are powerful warriors in One Piece. Without his crew, Luffy struggled. However, he enjoyed exploring the beautiful setting of Amazon Lily and the company of warlord Boa Hancock.
The temple and architecture on the cliffs of Amazon Lily were inspired by temples in China’s Shanxi Province. The temple was built in the 6th century and was a place for studying traditional Chinese philosophies.
Italy, Venice (Water 7)

Water 7 is famous for its canals and shipbuilders. The Straw Hats went there to fix their ship, Going Merry. Venice inspired this location, with its canals and boat style. Venice, built on islands, is a popular Italian city that has inspired many shows and movies.
Egypt (Alabasta Kingdom)

In the early adventures of Luffy, he arrived at the Alabasta Kingdom, which was one of the biggest arcs in One Piece. During this arc, Luffy gained a new crew member, Nico Robin, and reunited with his brother Ace. However, they also faced a major antagonist, Crocodile, who was a crime boss with the power to control sand.
The fictional cities and towns in the kingdom were inspired by real landmarks in Egypt, such as the ancient pyramids and the banks of the Nile. These locations, along with Crocodile’s criminal empire, made for some of the best episodes in the early days of One Piece.
One Piece incorporates real-world locations into its fictional world, showcasing the diversity and skill of Oda as an artist. The visually distinct islands and geographical points add to the series’ greatness and iconic status.