Benares (now Varanasi), a sacred city in India featured in JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure, is where Joseph Joestar was attacked by the stand “Empress,” which appeared as a grotesque face on his arm. With its chaotic energy and dense atmosphere, especially around the Dashashwamedh Ghat, the real-world location strikingly mirrors the anime. This article will explore the rich details of this iconic setting from a JoJo fan’s perspective.
The City Where Joseph’s Human-Faced Tumor Appeared: What Is Varanasi?
Varanasi is considered the most sacred place for Hindus, a spiritual hub where people seek liberation from the cycle of life and death. With over three thousand years of history, the city retains its ancient traditions and mysticism.
In JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Stardust Crusaders, Joseph Joestar is attacked by the stand “Empress,” which manifests as a grotesque tumor on his arm. The backdrop features the Ganges River, crowded marketplaces, and ash-filled skies, vividly capturing the real Varanasi’s essence. Walking through the city today feels like stepping directly into a scene from the series.
The Spiritual Center of Pilgrimage: Dashashwamedh Ghat
One of the most memorable places in the series is Dashashwamedh Ghat, a riverbank stone staircase alive with spiritual rituals. This sacred space is also a bustling center of commerce, drawing tourists, locals, and monks alike. It’s the perfect fusion of sacred and profane—exactly like the chaotic atmosphere of JoJo.
Here’s a breakdown of JoJo-related elements and how you can experience them in real life:
| Experience | Related to JoJo | Actual Tourist Activity |
|---|---|---|
| Cremation Smoke | Symbol of life and death | Observe cremations at Manikarnika Ghat |
| Noise and Crowds | Backdrop of stand battles | Explore markets filled with people and cows |
| Boat by the River | Joestar group’s movement | Take a sunrise boat cruise on the Ganges |
| Aarti Ritual | Spiritual ambiance in JoJo | Attend the night flame ceremony on the ghat |
Feeling the JoJo World Through Real Experience
“You breathe the JoJo world”—that’s what many fans say after visiting Varanasi. It’s not just the visuals, but the smell of spices, blaring horns, thick humidity, and the feeling of grit in the air that make the experience truly immersive.
Fans have said they got chills when standing on the same ghats that resemble the show’s scenery. The heat and sweat mirror the intensity of stand battles, and wandering monks resemble characters from JoJo’s spiritual encounters.
Below is a table of JoJo fans’ most memorable moments and emotional triggers:
| Moment | Emotional Resonance |
|---|---|
| Standing on the ghat steps | Perfect visual match with the anime |
| Drinking chai at a street stall | Evoked Joseph’s stroll through town |
| Watching cremation smoke rise | Symbolized the JoJo theme of mortality |
| Seeing cows at the temple | Chaos perfectly embodied |
Getting There and Travel Tips for Varanasi
Varanasi is accessible by domestic flights from cities like Delhi and Mumbai. Varanasi International Airport is about a 40-minute taxi ride from the city. First-time visitors are advised to fly, as the train experience can be overwhelming.
Important travel information:
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Entry Requirements | Passport and e-visa (apply via Indian government site) |
| Best Season | October to March (dry and pleasant) |
| Clothing Tips | Modest clothing: long sleeves and pants are ideal |
| Food Safety | Avoid tap water; prefer hot, cooked street food |
| Safety Tips | Beware of pickpockets; avoid walking alone at night |
Toilets are rare in public areas. Use hotel or restaurant facilities whenever possible.
Recommended Cultural Activities in Varanasi
Beyond the JoJo connections, Varanasi offers authentic cultural experiences that deepen your appreciation of the city and its role in the story.
| Cultural Experience | Description | Recommended for Travelers |
|---|---|---|
| Join the Aarti Ceremony | Participate in a riverside flame ritual | Highly recommended (moving experience) |
| Talk with a Sadhu Monk | Learn about ascetic life and spirituality | Medium (requires English or guide) |
| Boat Tour on the Ganges | Glide across the sacred river at sunrise | Highly recommended (Instagram-worthy) |
| Try on Traditional Attire | Wear a sari or kurta for photos | High (popular on social media) |
Engaging in these activities allows you to see Varanasi beyond fiction, offering a memorable and layered travel experience.
Conclusion
Varanasi is not just a backdrop in JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure. It is the living, breathing world that perfectly aligns with the show’s themes of chaos, spirituality, and fate. The scene where Empress attaches to Joseph’s arm is just one part of a broader mystical environment that still exists today.
Every step you take in this city brings you closer to the fictional journey you once watched or read. That moment when fiction and reality blend—it happens here, in the dusty streets and riverfront rituals of Varanasi.
If you’re a JoJo fan, this is more than a destination—it’s a pilgrimage. Let your senses guide you through the unforgettable world of JoJo, now brought to life in the sacred city of India.
