Takodana

"I didn't think there was this much green in the whole galaxy."

- Rey

Takodana was a planet located in the Mid Rim, though it fell in the southwestern region of the galaxy known as the Western Reaches.

Description
Covered in lush forests and small lakes, Takodana was a popular departure point that offered easy access to trade routes that connected the Inner and Outer Rim. For those heading outwards toward the galactic periphery, the planet was seen as a last taste of civilization, while those heading Corewards saw it a last grasp of frontier living. Travelers found the planet's neutrality and distance from galactic politics appealing, and as a result Takodana became a haven for fugitives, smugglers, and explorers. Takodana was known as the long-time home of Maz Kanata's castle that served as an open port to spies and dubious travelers alike.

History
Thousands of years prior to the conflict between the First Order and the Resistance, a battle between the Jedi and Sith occurred on the planet, while Maz Kanata's castle would eventually be built over the ancient battleground.

Thirty years after the end of the Battle of Endor, Takodana was the meeting place of Han Solo, Rey, and Finn with Maz Kanata and her associates. While at the castle, Rey uncovered Skywalker's lightsaber, which called out to her in the Force. Not long afterward, their presence was reported to the First Order by Bazine Netal and a battle ensued between the Order and the Resistance, who had earlier been alerted to the presence of BB-8 by undercover serving droid GA-97. Finn took up Luke Skywalker's old saber and fought for a short time in the area surrounding Maz Kanata's castle.

Behind the scenes
Landscape shots of Takodana were filmed in the Lake District, in the north west of England, UK in July 2014. "The Landscape of Takodana" is a digitally modified view from over Watendlath Fell (54°31′12.74″N, 3°05′56.36″W) looking north across a digitally-enlarged Derwent Water, which is shown as contiguous with Bassenthwaite Lake (which it was, briefly, in reality in December 2015 after serious flooding). The large mountain on the skyline to the right is recognisably Skiddaw, the fourth highest summit in England.

"The Millenium Falcon arriving at Maz Kanata's castle" is a view south west across the face of Walla Crag (54°35′14.06″N, 3°07′12.50″W) which overlooks the town of Keswick. Maz Kanata's castle is digitally added to the real Derwent Water, and the fells of Cat Bells and Maiden Moor are clearly recognisable.

Forest scenes for Takodana, where Rey and BB-8 first encouter Kylo Ren, were filmed at Puzzlewood, Gloucestershire, UK []

Appearances

 * Star Wars: Commander
 * "The Face of Evil"
 * "A Recipe for Death"
 * Star Wars: Episode VII The Force Awakens
 * Star Wars: The Force Awakens novel
 * Star Wars: The Force Awakens: A Junior Novel

Non-canon appearances

 * LEGO Star Wars: The Force Awakens
 * LEGO Star Wars: The Force Awakens