Pilgrimage Guide to Popular Anime Locations: A Journey to Visit Places that Inspired Your Favorite Anime Works

The Global Influence of Japanese Anime

Japanese anime is now a beloved form of entertainment worldwide, and its influence is immeasurable. With its intricate artwork, evocative stories, and unique characters, anime fascinates many across language and cultural barriers. Anime events are held globally, and cosplay has become a platform for international exchange. Anime represents Japanese pop culture and plays a crucial role in increasing interest in Japan. For anime fans, “pilgrimage” is a special act to deepen their love for the works.

What is a Pilgrimage?

“Pilgrimage” involves visiting places that appear in anime, manga, games, or their model locations. While it originally had religious connotations, it is now widely used in subcultural contexts.

The appeal of pilgrimage lies in offering an immersion in the world of the work that differs from mere sightseeing. By experiencing the landscapes seen in anime firsthand and following in the footsteps of characters, fans can deepen their understanding and affection for the work. Interaction with other fans and discovering new insights are also the joys of pilgrimage.

Why Conduct Pilgrimages in Japan?

As the birthplace of anime and manga culture, Japan is the “home ground” for pilgrimages. Japan’s beautiful scenery and diverse locations (cities, nature, historical buildings) make it appealing as an anime setting. Additionally, numerous anime production companies and related facilities (museums, art galleries) offer additional enjoyment. Japan’s well-developed transportation infrastructure, safety, and hospitality culture make it reassuring for foreign travelers. A pilgrimage in Japan can be an unforgettable experience with a special meaning for anime fans.

Preparing for a Pilgrimage

Information Gathering

• Official Information: Check reliable sources like anime official sites, tourism association sites, and local government sites for event information, limited edition goods, and collaboration projects.
• Fan Sites, Blogs, SNS: Refer to experiences from previous pilgrims, detailed maps, photos, and points to watch out for. Use hashtag searches such as #聖地巡礼, #[WorkName]聖地巡礼, #AnimePilgrimage.
• Note: Be cautious of the freshness and reliability of information. Personal blogs should be used as references only.

Travel Planning

• Timing: Consider event schedules and seasons (cherry blossoms, autumn leaves). To avoid crowds, weekdays or off-seasons are ideal.
• Duration: Allow for a relaxed schedule if visiting multiple sites. Consider travel time.
• Budget: Pre-calculate transportation, accommodations, food, and souvenir costs.
• Accommodation: Reserve hotels, inns, guesthouses around pilgrimage sites. Some may offer special anime-themed rooms.
• Transportation:
  • Japan Rail Pass: A pass for unlimited JR line travel throughout Japan for foreign visitors.
  • Others: Seishun 18 Ticket (seasonal), highway buses, rental cars (international license required), rental cycles.

Essentials & Other Items

• Essentials: Smartphone (for maps, translation, photos), mobile battery, cash, IC transportation card (Suica, PASMO, etc.), writing tools, over-the-counter medicine.
• Optional But Useful: Anime merchandise, foldable umbrella, comfortable shoes, hat, sunscreen (summer), warm clothes (winter).
• Others: Japanese language learning, translation apps, Wi-Fi router, travel insurance.

Enjoying and Mindful Conduct in Pilgrimage

Enjoying the Experience

• Photography: Recreate anime scenes, take photos with character goods, and capture the scenery. Posting on SNS is part of the fun (utilize hashtags).
  • Tips: Take photos from the same angle, use goods, cosplay (permission may be required).
• Local Cuisine: Enjoy dishes featured in anime and site-specific delicacies. Asking locals for recommendations is recommended.
• Participate in Events: Join regional events collaborating with anime or voice actor talk shows.
• Interaction with Locals: Converse with local people or write messages in pilgrimage notebooks.

Points of Caution & Manners

• Consideration for Locals: Avoid making noise, littering, or entering private properties.
• Photography: Don’t photograph people without permission; avoid shooting in prohibited areas. Obtain permission for store or private property photography.
• Cosplay: Avoid changing clothes in public spaces and excessive exposure.
• Safety: Follow traffic rules, avoid walking alone at night, and be cautious about weather and attire in nature.

Introducing Pilgrimage Spots by Region

Kanto Region

• Features: Diverse pilgrimage sites around Tokyo, from urban to nature-rich locations.
• Access: Well-developed transportation in the metropolitan area, making travel by train and bus convenient.
• Examples:
  • Tokyo 23 Wards:
    • Love Live! (Akihabara)
      • Highlights: Akihabara UDX (live scenes), AKIHABARA Gamers head office (shop visited by μ’s), Shohei Bridge (training spot), Kanda Shrine (wish spot).
      • Access: Short walk from JR Akihabara Station Electric Town exit (for each facility).
      • Area Info: Anime shops, maid cafes, Electric Town.
      • Note: In-store photography requires permission. Crowded on weekends.
    • STEINS;GATE (Akihabara)
      • Highlights: Radio Kaikan (time machine), building model of Future Gadget Laboratory.
      • Access: Short walk from JR Akihabara Station Electric Town exit (Radio Kaikan).
      • Area Info: Electric Town, anime shops.
      • Note: Entry to the building is prohibited for non-related persons.
    • Tokyo Ghoul (Ikebukuro, Ueno, etc.)
      • Highlights: Cafe model of Anteiku (location undisclosed, fan-identified), Ueno Park.
      • Access: Around Ikebukuro Station, Ueno Station.
      • Note: Although the cafe is identified, harassment is strictly prohibited.
    • Weathering with You (Shinjuku, Yoyogi)
      • Highlights: Crossroads behind Shinjuku Police Station, Keioshisha Shrine (Koenji Hikawa Shrine), Yoyogi Kaikan (demolished).
      • Access: Shinjuku Station, Koenji Station on various lines.
      • Note: Yoyogi Kaikan is demolished.
    • Your Name. (Shinjuku, Yotsuya, etc.)
      • Highlights: Suga Shrine (stairs), Shinjuku Gyoen.
      • Access: Walk from JR Yotsuya Station (Suga Shrine), walk from Shinjuku Gyoenmae Station (Shinjuku Gyoen).
      • Note: Shinjuku Gyoen requires admission fee.
  • Tokyo Suburbs:
    • My Neighbor Totoro (Tokorozawa City)
      • Highlights: Totoro’s Forest (Sayama Hills, trails), the model of Shichikokuyama Hospital (Shin-Yamate Hospital, exterior only).
      • Access: Bus from Seibu Railway Kotesashi Station (Totoro’s Forest), bus from Hachioji Station (Shin-Yamate Hospital).
      • Note: Entry to the hospital is prohibited, exterior only.
    • The Anthem of the Heart (Yokoze Town, etc.)
      • Highlights: Hitsujiyama Park (moss phlox), Old Chichibu Bridge.
      • Access: Walk from Seibu Railway Yokose Station (Hitsujiyama Park), walk from Seibu Chichibu Station (Old Chichibu Bridge).
  • Kanagawa Prefecture:
    • Slam Dunk (Kamakura Koko-mae Station)
      • Highlights: Crossing from anime OP.
      • Access: Right at Enoshima Electric Railway Kamakura Koko-mae Station.
      • Note: Be careful not to obstruct traffic during photography.
    • TARI TARI (Enoshima)
      • Highlights: Enoshima Benten Bridge, Enoshima Shrine.
      • Access: Walk from Enoshima Station on Enoshima Electric Railway.
    • Bungo Stray Dogs (Yokohama)
      • Highlights: Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse, Yamashita Park, Yokohama Chinatown.
      • Access: Walk from each Minatomirai Line station.
    • Saitama Prefecture:
      • Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day (Chichibu City)
        • Highlights: Old Chichibu Bridge, Jorinji Temple, Chichibu Shrine.
        • Access: Walk from Seibu Railway Seibu Chichibu Station or Chichibu Railway Chichibu Station or by bus.

Kansai Region

• Features: Historical cityscapes like Kyoto, Osaka, and Hyogo, and charming urban landscapes.
• Access: Well-developed transportation with Shinkansen, trains, and buses.
• Examples:
  • Kyoto Prefecture:
    • K-On! (Around Shugakuin Station)
      • Highlights: Former Toyosato Elementary School building complex (model of Sakuragaoka High School, open for tours), Shugakuin Station.
      • Access: Walk from Eizan Railway Shugakuin Station. For Toyosato Elementary School, walk from Omi Railway Toyosato Station.
    • The Eccentric Family (Shimogamo Shrine, Demachi Masugata Shopping Street, etc.)
      • Highlights: Shimogamo Shrine, Demachi Masugata Shopping Street.
      • Access: Walk from Keihan Demachiyanagi Station (Shimogamo Shrine, shopping street).
    • Sound! Euphonium (Uji City)
      • Highlights: Uji Bridge, Uji Shrine, Byodoin Temple.
      • Access: Walk from JR Uji Station, Keihan Uji Station.
  • Hyogo Prefecture:
    • The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya (Nishinomiya City)
      • Highlights: Along Hankyu Koyo Line, Nishinomiya North High School (exterior), Cafe Dream (model cafe).
      • Access: Various Hankyu Koyo Line stations.
      • Note: Entry to the high school is prohibited.
  • Osaka Prefecture:
    • Hypnosis Mic (America-Mura, Dotonbori)
      • Highlights: Sankaku Park, Dotonbori Glico sign.
      • Access: Walk from Namba and Shinsaibashi Osaka Metro stations.

Chubu Region

• Features: Rich nature including seas, mountains, and hot springs.
• Access: Use Shinkansen, trains, and buses.
• Examples:
  • Shizuoka Prefecture:
    • Love Live! Sunshine!! (Numazu City, Uchiura)
      • Highlights: Mito Beach, Nagaisaki Middle School (model), Yasudaya Ryokan (model).
      • Access: Bus from JR Numazu Station (toward Uchiura).
  • Nagano Prefecture:
    • Summer Wars (Ueda City)
      • Highlights: Ueda Castle Ruins Park, Ueda Electric Railway Bessho Line.
      • Access: Walk from JR Ueda Station (Ueda Castle Ruins Park).
  • Aichi Prefecture:
    • Hypnosis Mic (Nagoya Sakae)
      • Highlights: Oasis 21.
      • Access: Nagoya Subway Sakae Station.

Hokkaido

• Features: Vast nature and unique culture.
• Access: Use New Chitose Airport, Hakodate Airport, etc. Use JR, buses, rental cars within Hokkaido.
• Examples:
  • Throughout:
    • Golden Kamuy
      • Highlights: Abashiri Prison Museum (model of Abashiri Prison), Hokkaido University (model of Sapporo Agricultural School), Otaru Canal, Hakodate Goryokaku, etc.
      • Access: Use JR, buses to visit each area.
  • Hakodate City:
    • Love Live! Sunshine!!
      • Highlights: Hakodate Arena, Goryokaku Tower.
      • Access: Use trams, buses, etc.
  • Toyako Town:
    • Celestial Method
      • Highlights: Lake Toya, Toyako Onsen.
      • Access: Bus from JR Toya Station to Toyako Onsen.
  • Haboro Town:
    • Kimi ni Todoke (From Me to You)
      • Highlights: Model of Haboro High School (location), Haboro Shrine.
      • Access: Take a highway bus to Haboro Town from Sapporo.

Conclusion

A pilgrimage is a special journey where one can experience the anime world in reality. It deepens attachment to the works, and brings new discoveries and inspirations. Please prepare thoroughly, observe manners, and enjoy a safe pilgrimage using this guide as a reference. Create your greatest memories.

We will continue to provide information on pilgrimages on this blog. We plan to update regularly with the latest and event information. Please check back often. We also share information on SNS (Twitter, Instagram, etc.). Search for hashtags “#聖地巡礼” “#AnimePilgrimage”.

Appendix

Pilgrimage Glossary

• Sacred Site: A location that appears in anime, manga, or games, or served as their model.
• Pilgrimage: Visiting a sacred site.
• Pilgrim: Someone who visits sacred sites.
• Pilgrims’ Notebook: A notebook for pilgrims to write messages.
• Itasha: Cars decorated with anime or game characters.
• Location Identification: Determining the real location depicted in anime.

Q&A

• Q: Can I enjoy a pilgrimage alone?
  • A: Yes, you can enjoy it alone at your own pace, exploring sacred sites and interacting with other fans through pilgrims’ notebooks.
• Q: What attire is recommended for a pilgrimage?
  • A: Comfortable shoes and casual attire are recommended. In summer, bring a hat and sunscreen, and in winter, wear warm clothes.
• Q: How much does a pilgrimage cost?
  • A: Costs vary depending on personal plans, including transportation, accommodation, meals, and souvenirs. Make a budget in advance.
• Q: Is it okay if I don’t speak the language?
  • A: Knowing basic Japanese is useful. Use translation apps and gestures effectively.