Real-life anime locations in Japan: a fascinating experience between fiction and reality
Ponyo on the Cliff is inspired by the fishing village of Tomonoura
Wikimedia Commons - Studio Ghibli
Anime and Japanese pop culture attract many fans around the world, who dream of discovering the real-life locations that inspired their favorite works. Visiting these iconic places has become a real trend in Japan, a form of tourism that combines cultural discovery and immersion in the world of anime. Discover breathtaking landscapes, fascinating cities and places steeped in history that have served as models for Japan's greatest anime films.
The exceptional natural landscapes that inspired the greatest animated films
Some of the most beautiful anime settings draw their inspiration from Japan's breathtaking natural landscapes. Such is the case of Yakushima Island, famous for its dense forests and thousand-year-old cedars, which served as the model for the spellbinding atmosphere of Hayao Miyazaki's film Princess Mononoke. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Yakushima Island invites you to enjoy unforgettable hikes in the heart of unspoilt nature.
The forest on the island of Yakushima bears a striking resemblance to that in Princess Mononoke.
kabacchi
Princess Mononoke and its sets inspired by Yakushima Island
Studio Ghibli
The mountainous landscapes of Gifu prefecture inspired the fictional village of Hinamizawa in the anime Higurashi no naku koro ni. The village of Shirakawago and the surrounding Shirakawago villages, a UNESCO World Heritage site, feature traditional thatched-roof houses in a natural setting.
For a romantic getaway in the footsteps of Your Name, head for Lake Motosu in Yamanashi Prefecture. This stunningly beautiful lake, with Mount Fuji as its backdrop, inspired many scenes in the film.
Hinamizawa village, largely inspired by Shirakawa-go, in Gifu prefecture
Studio Deen
Shirakawago, a world heritage village typical of the Japanese Alps
©JNTO
Tokyo, a key setting for the plots of many famous anime series
Tokyo is an inexhaustible source of inspiration for anime. TheAsakusa district, for example, was the setting for the anime Demon Slayer, which features a faithfully reconstructed Asakusa from the Taishō era. Follow in Tanjirō's footsteps as you stroll from Sensō-ji temple to Nakamise street, not forgetting the many traditional stalls. To get there, get off at Asakusa station on the Tokyo Metro Ginza, Tōei Asakusa or Tōbu Skytree lines.
The famous "steps of Your Name", where Taki and Mitsuha finally meet, are located at the Suga temple in Tokyo. Since the film's release, these 26 steps have attracted thousands of visitors who come to recreate the famous scene.
One of the most emblematic scenes in Your Name, on the stairs
CoMix Wave Films
The steps leading up to Suga Shrine
Flickr - Hideya Hamano
Akihabara, a neighborhood emblematic of otaku culture, serves as the backdrop for the anime Steins;Gate. Explore the electric streets of this must-see district from Akihabara station. Here you'll find numerous electronics and anime stores, as well as cult locations from the series, such as Okabe's office or the temple where Lukako works.
Finally, it's impossible to miss the Tokyo Tower, featured in countless anime series such as Sailor Moon and Detective Conan. At 333 meters in height, it remains one of the capital's must-see symbols. Go to 4 Chome-2-8 Shibakoen, Minato City, Tokyo to admire it and enjoy the breathtaking view over Tokyo.
Ran Mōri (Detective Conan) standing in front of Tokyo Tower
TMS Entertainment
The Tokyo Tower, built in 1958, was inspired by the Eiffel Tower
©Pumidol Leelerdsakulvong/123RF
Tokyo Tower in a desolate city in Tokyo Magnitude 8.0
Bones, Kinema Citrus
The Tokyo Tower as featured in the Sailor Moon anime
Toei Animation
Spiritual and historic places magnified by Japanese animation
Matsuyama's Dōgo Onsen was the direct inspiration for the baths in Chihiro's parents' establishment in Chihiro's Journey. This historic onsen, founded over 1,000 years ago, is one of the oldest in Japan. Its main wooden building, the Dōgo Onsen Honkan, built in 1894, will immerse you in the very special atmosphere of the film. To get there, go to 5-6 Dōgoyunomachi, Matsuyama, Ehime 790-0842, Japan.
The baths of Chihiro's voyage, the main plot location
Studio Ghibli
In another genre, the Ōtsu Ōmi-jingū shintō shrine is the setting for the anime Chihayafuru, which features a team playing karuta, the traditional Japanese card game. In fact, this shrine hosts the national karuta championship every year, just like in the manga. The area around the shrine is full of stores and restaurants offering local specialities and Chihayafuru souvenirs. Go to 1-1 Jingucho, Otsu, Shiga 520-0015, Japan to visit this Mecca of karuta and anime.
Chihaya facing the Omi Jingu, the place where she can become a karuta Queen
Madhouse
Otsu's Omi junge temple is a contemporary temple founded in 1940
Wikimedia
Following in the footsteps of anime heroes in Japan's towns and villages
The small town of Ōarai in Ibaraki prefecture has become a popular place of pilgrimage for fans of Girls und Panzer, which follows the wacky daily lives of high-school girls with a passion for tanks. Numerous stores sell related products, and even the local shrine sells ema (wooden plaques) featuring the characters!
Higashi-Koganei, a peaceful Tokyo suburb, inspired the neighborhood where the heroines of Whisper of the Heart, Yoshifumi Kondō's touching film produced by Studio Ghibli, live. Stroll through the residential streets to recapture the film's distinctive atmosphere, and admire the view of Tokyo from Hiyoshi Park, as in the final scene.
The port town of Tomonoura was the model for the village of Ponyo on the Cliff. This charming, unspoilt port offers a journey back in time with its cobbled lanes, traditional wooden houses and colorful little fishing boats. Also visit the Ankoku-ji temple, near which stands a house resembling Sōsuke's in the film. The port of Tomonoura is accessible by bus from Fukuyama station.
The village where Ponyo on the Cliff is set, largely inspired by the village of Tomonoura
Studio Ghibli
View of Tomonoura harbor.
DR
Anime events and attractions: an immersive experience for fans
Anime fans can also enjoy events and attractions dedicated entirely to them. Such is the case at the Ghibli Museum in Mitaka, near Tokyo, which offers a unique experience based on the work of the animation studio. Or the Sanrio Puroland theme park, dedicated to Hello Kitty and friends.
For even more immersion, visit one of the many themed cafés that recreate the atmosphere of an anime. Tokyo's Pokémon Café or the many maid cafés will give you an unforgettable moment in the shoes of your favorite characters!
Last but not least, don't miss the giant Gundam statue on Tokyo's Odaiba Island. At 19.7 meters high, this impressive remote-controlled replica of the RX-0 Unicorn mobile armor is a delight for fans of the saga.
Anecdotes and practical information for a successful anime pilgrimage
To help you organize your trip to your favorite anime locations, "anime pilgrimage maps" are often available from local tourist offices. Don't hesitate to ask for them, so you can easily spot the must-see spots!
If you're worried about the language barrier, don't be: more and more anime-related signs are translated into English. Japanese people are delighted to talk to foreign tourists about their shared passion for these works.
Finally, if you'd like to take home a souvenir, most locations have stores selling limited-edition goodies. Railway stations and airports also sell a wide range of merchandise. You'll be spoilt for choice when it comes to pleasing your loved ones... or yourself!
The rise of anime tourism and its impact on Japanese regions
Anime tourism, also known as "anime pilgrimage" or "seichi junrei" in Japanese, has boomed in recent years. In 2018 alone, it's estimated that over 8 million tourists visited places linked to their favorite anime.
This phenomenon has a very positive impact on the economy of regions, particularly rural areas. The influx of visitors keeps the hotel, restaurant and local business sectors going. The economic spin-offs are such that some municipalities no longer hesitate to team up with manga publishers or animation studios to promote their territory.
Beyond the financial aspect, this type of tourism also helps to revitalize certain declining or little-known areas. It puts the spotlight on the local natural and cultural heritage, attracting a public that might not otherwise have visited. Exchanges between locals and tourists around this shared passion create social ties.
Last but not least, by encouraging fans to discover new places, this form of tourism helps to spread the flow of visitors within Japan. An original way to discover the archipelago in a different way, while taking advantage of the international craze for Japanese anime!
