Japan is a dreamland for anime fans, offering countless destinations that inspired iconic scenes and settings. Known as seichi junrei or “anime pilgrimage,” visiting these real-life locations allows fans to step into the worlds of their favorite series. From bustling cities to serene countryside towns, Japan has anime spots that blend culture, history, and nostalgia. Here’s a guide to the top 10 anime pilgrimage destinations every otaku should explore.
1. Ikebukuro, Tokyo – “Durarara!!” and “Tiger & Bunny”
Ikebukuro, a bustling district in Tokyo, is a paradise for anime enthusiasts. Known for its massive shopping centers and entertainment hubs, it is prominently featured in the supernatural urban anime Durarara!! Fans can explore Sunshine City, the iconic shopping complex that appears throughout the series, or wander around Otome Road, a haven for anime, manga, and cosplay merchandise. Ikebukuro also appears in Tiger & Bunny, making it a must-visit for fans who want to see real-world inspiration behind their favorite action-packed scenes. Beyond anime, Ikebukuro offers countless themed cafés, stores, and events, making it perfect for a full-day otaku adventure.
2. Oarai, Ibaraki – “Girls und Panzer”
Oarai, a coastal town in Ibaraki Prefecture, is synonymous with Girls und Panzer, the popular anime about high school girls in tank battles. The town embraces the anime fully, with murals, statues, and tank replicas scattered throughout Oarai. Visitors can explore Oarai Sun Beach, the Oarai Marine Tower, and various local shops that sell limited-edition anime merchandise. Every year, Oarai hosts the “Oarai Anime Carnival,” attracting fans from across Japan and the world. For those looking to immerse themselves in a unique seaside anime experience, Oarai is the perfect combination of scenic beauty and pop culture fandom.
3. Washinomiya Shrine, Saitama – “Lucky Star”
Washinomiya Shrine in Saitama Prefecture is a pilgrimage site for fans of the slice-of-life anime Lucky Star. The quaint Shinto shrine became famous after the series depicted it as a central location for the characters’ daily lives. Visitors can enjoy seasonal festivals, traditional ema boards, and local sweets while walking the paths once imagined in the anime. During New Year’s celebrations, the shrine is especially lively, echoing scenes from the show. Beyond anime, Washinomiya offers a serene, traditional atmosphere that provides a peaceful escape from the hustle of nearby Tokyo.
4. Kawagoe, Saitama – “Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day”
Kawagoe, often called “Little Edo” for its preserved Edo-period architecture, serves as the backdrop for the emotional anime Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day. Fans flock to Kawagoe to visit the bell tower, traditional streets, and charming candy shops reminiscent of the series’ nostalgic settings. The town’s historical ambiance perfectly complements the anime’s themes of memory and childhood friendships. Walking along the Kurazukuri streets, you can almost feel the anime’s heartfelt story come alive, making Kawagoe a perfect pilgrimage spot for fans seeking a mix of culture, history, and sentiment.
5. K-On! Café in Toyosato, Shiga – “K-On!”
Toyosato, a small town in Shiga Prefecture, became famous as the real-life inspiration for the high school in K-On!. The Toyosato Elementary School building, a classic example of early 20th-century Japanese architecture, is open to visitors and decorated with anime displays, photos, and themed exhibitions. Fans can relive their favorite scenes, from the music club room to the hallways featured in the anime. Beyond the school, Toyosato offers quiet rural landscapes that evoke the warm, laid-back feeling of the series. Visiting Toyosato is a nostalgic journey for K-On! fans, blending education, music, and anime culture.
6. Hida-Furukawa, Gifu – “Your Name (Kimi no Na wa)”
The picturesque town of Hida-Furukawa in Gifu Prefecture inspired many scenes in Makoto Shinkai’s globally acclaimed anime film Your Name (Kimi no Na wa). Known for its traditional wooden houses, scenic canals, and charming old streets, Hida-Furukawa captures the quiet, intimate atmosphere seen in the movie. Fans can explore the quaint train station, peaceful streets, and local cafes while imagining the fateful encounters of Taki and Mitsuha. The town also celebrates Shinkai’s work through guided tours and special exhibitions, making it a magical destination for anime lovers and photographers alike.
7. Mitaka, Tokyo – “Ghibli Museum”
No anime pilgrimage is complete without visiting the Ghibli Museum in Mitaka, Tokyo. This museum, dedicated to Studio Ghibli’s legendary works, is a haven for fans of films like My Neighbor Totoro, Spirited Away, and Princess Mononoke. The museum features life-sized character models, detailed recreations of famous scenes, and exclusive short films not available anywhere else. Mitaka itself is charming, with leafy streets and local cafés perfect for a quiet stroll before or after exploring the museum. Booking tickets in advance is essential, but the experience is unforgettable for both children and adults enchanted by Ghibli’s timeless magic.
8. Kyoto – “Kyoto Animation Pilgrimage: K-On!, Sound! Euphonium”
Kyoto, a city known for its temples and traditional streets, is also a hotspot for anime pilgrimage. Kyoto Animation, the studio behind K-On! and Sound! Euphonium, often bases its anime settings on real-life locations around the city. Fans can visit local train stations, schools, and scenic streets that appear in these series. Walking through Kyoto allows pilgrims to experience the blend of modern life and historical charm that Kyoto Animation captures so vividly. Beyond anime, Kyoto’s breathtaking shrines, gardens, and tea houses make it a culturally rich destination, ensuring that even casual visitors find something to adore.
9. Numazu, Shizuoka – “Love Live! Sunshine!!”
Numazu, a coastal city in Shizuoka Prefecture, gained fame through the idol anime Love Live! Sunshine!!. The city embraces the series wholeheartedly, with murals, themed shops, and events dedicated to the Aqours group. Fans can explore the scenic port, local cafés, and seaside boardwalks that inspired key scenes in the anime. Numazu also hosts annual Love Live! festivals, attracting fans for live performances, merchandise, and cosplay events. The city’s relaxed seaside atmosphere, combined with its anime fame, makes Numazu a delightful pilgrimage spot for both sightseeing and fandom immersion.
10. Hakone, Kanagawa – “Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time”
Hakone, a picturesque town near Mount Fuji, is a must-visit for fans of Neon Genesis Evangelion and its latest film, Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time. Hakone’s landscapes, including hot springs, Lake Ashi, and scenic viewpoints, inspired several Evangelion scenes. The town celebrates its anime connection with themed cafés, statues, and exhibits that attract fans from across the globe. Beyond its anime significance, Hakone is renowned for traditional ryokan inns, scenic cable cars, and the breathtaking view of Mount Fuji. This combination of natural beauty and pop culture makes Hakone a unique and memorable destination.
Conclusion
Anime pilgrimages in Japan are more than just sightseeing; they are journeys into the worlds that shaped our favorite stories. From bustling districts like Ikebukuro to serene towns like Hida-Furukawa, these destinations offer immersive experiences for both casual fans and hardcore otaku. Each spot not only brings anime scenes to life but also provides a window into Japanese culture, history, and hospitality. Whether you are following the trails of Your Name, Love Live! Sunshine!!, or K-On!, these pilgrimage sites promise unforgettable memories and a deeper connection to the anime you love.
Anime fans planning a trip to Japan should consider these ten destinations essential stops. By walking the streets, visiting cafés, and exploring local shops, fans can turn the fantasy of anime into a tangible, real-world adventure. So grab your camera, pack your love for anime, and set out on the ultimate anime pilgrimage across Japan.