Yes, Ebisugaoka in Silent Hill f is indeed inspired by a real-life location in Japan. The developers drew heavy inspiration from Kanayama in Gifu Prefecture, reimagining the town with a distinct 1960s twist to fit the game’s distinct style.
This blending of real-world settings with Silent Hill‘s signature horror aesthetic gives Ebisugaoka an unsettling authenticity, which many of us find endearing. If you’re interested in learning more, we’ve crafted this piece with interesting facts about the development of Silent Hill f.
Exploring Kanayama, the Town on Which Silent Hill f Is Based On
Silent Hill f writer, Ryukishi07, chose Kanayama as the location because of its architecture and “labyrinthine” alleyways. To make it horror-esque for the game, the development team took multiple photo references to bring their dark twist.
To heighten the realism, the team didn’t just rely on visuals; they also recorded sound references from real locations. Since their material was drawn from modern-day Kanayama, they conducted extensive research in the 1960s to recreate the atmosphere of that era authentically.
Even though the fictional town of Ebisugaoka looks scary, in real life, Kanayama is quite the opposite. The view of the town is serene, with beautiful hills and mountains, full of lush forests.
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The town is especially famous for its hot springs and still preserves its traditional charm, with old-fashioned bathhouses and historical architecture standing strong in 2025. But if the fog rolls in and you’ve already played Silent Hill f, then you might just find yourself experiencing a scene that feels straight out of the game.
How Does the Town of Kanayama Fit Into the Story of Silent Hill f?
In reality, the town of Kanayama was historically known for its gold mines, thus the name itself directly translates to “gold mountain.” The developers drew inspiration from this real-world lore but reimagined it with their own twist for Silent Hill f.
Within the game, Ebisugaoka’s prosperity came from coal mining and dam construction, industries that once fueled its growth. At its peak, the grand iron bridge stood as a proud symbol of better times. But as the years passed, the town slipped into decline. Eventually, the once-thriving settlement became shrouded in fog, setting the stage for Hinako Shimizu’s harrowing story.
That’s everything you needed to know about Kanayama, on which the fictional town of Ebisugaoka in Silent Hill f is based. Do you think NeoBards did an excellent job at recreating the town with a horror twist? Share with us in the comments below.
