Seichi-junrei: Real-Life Locations from Anime & Manga
ShinobuSeichi-junrei, involves visiting real locations throughout Japan that appear in popular manga and anime, taking photos, and immersing oneself in the world of the works.
Some of us has spent days shedding tears over Naruto's growth, feeling moved by Luffy's loyalty to his friends, and being saved by Tanjiro's kindness.
We will explore the charm of “holy site pilgrimage” by visiting the real-life locations featured in popular works such as “Slam Dunk,” “Your Name,” “Spirited Away,” “Naruto,” “One Piece,” “Demon Slayer,” and “Captain Tsubasa,” which are also highly popular in the West.
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- Tips of Pilgrimage to Sacred Sites "Seichi-junrei"
- Dragon Ball: Exploring the Origins of Toriyama's World
- Slam Dunk: The Sea Breeze of Shonan and Memories of Youth
- Your Name: Walking Through the Miracles of Tokyo and Hida
- Spirited Away: The Fantasy of Dogo Onsen and Kanaguya
- NARUTO：Ninja Training on Awaji Island!
- One Piece: An Adventure Journey to Kumamoto and Nagasaki
- Demon Slayer: The Breathing of Kamado Shrine and Kusatsu Onsen
- Captain Tsubasa: Where the Dream of Soccer Begins
- Summary : The Appeal of Seichi-junrei
1. Tips of Pilgrimage to Sacred Sites "Seichi-junrei"
Seichi-junrei, visiting real life locations of anime and manga, makes 2D locations become a “reality.”
Visiting the actual locations in Japan featured in popular anime and manga, taking photos, and deepening connections with others can provide an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the works.
The warmth of the local people, their understanding and empathy for the works, and the diversity of culture—these elements make the pilgrimage to sacred sites a truly special journey.
2. Dragon Ball: Exploring the Origins of Toriyama's World
Takahama City in Aichi Prefecture, the birthplace of Akira Toriyama, creator of Dragon Ball, is officially being promoted as the “home of Dragon Ball.”
JR Takahama Station features fan art-style decorations and signs inspired by the world of the series.
Shirakawa-go in Gifu Prefecture is said to resemble the mountain village where Goku spent his childhood, attracting fans from around the world.
Being able to perform the “Kamehameha Wave” under the actual Japanese sky is truly a dream-like experience.
Access:
Takahama City: 40 minutes by Meitetsu Mikawa Line from Nagoya Station
Shirakawa-go: 1 hour by bus from Takayama Station
Notes:
Takahama City is more of a residential area than a tourist destination, so please behave appropriately to avoid causing inconvenience to the local community.
Shirakawa-go is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, so please follow the preservation rules when visiting.
Dragon Ball Official Website
3. Slam Dunk: The Sea Breeze of Shonan and Memories of Youth
The railroad crossing at Kamakura-Kōkō-Mae Station on the Enoden Line is a symbolic scene from Slam Dunk.
On spring days, fans from around the world gather in front of the crossing to take photos imitating the poses of Sakuragi Hanamichi and Rukawa Kaede.
The blue sea and Enoshima Island in the background further highlight the memories of youth.Local residents are accustomed to the fans and greet them with a warm smile, saying, “Thank you for coming from so far away.”
Access:
Take the JR Yokosuka Line from Tokyo to Kamakura Station, then transfer to the Enoden Line for about 10 minutes.
Notes:
As this is a popular tourist spot, it is important to follow proper etiquette and avoid obstructing pedestrians or vehicles.
Especially around the crossing, be mindful not to linger too long.
Slam Dunk Official Website
4. Your Name: Walking Through the Miracles of Tokyo and Hida
The stairs of Suga Shrine in Yotsuya, Tokyo, and Furukawa in Gifu Prefecture are the settings for Your Name.
The moment you stand on the stairs you saw so many times in the movie, you will be overcome with the feeling that “Taki and Mitsuha were here...”
On the other hand, Furukawa is a peaceful and pristine town along the river.
The scenery you saw in the movie spreads out before your eyes, and you will find yourself moved to tears.
Access:
Suga Shrine is about a 10-minute walk from JR Yotsuya Station.
Hida Furukawa is approximately 3 hours by JR Limited Express “Hida” from Nagoya via Takayama.
Notes:
Hida has unpredictable weather, so be sure to check the weather forecast in advance.
Please be considerate of local residents when visiting the staircase area.
Your Name Official Website
5. Spirited Away: The Fantasy of Dogo Onsen and Kanaguya
The Dogo Onsen Main Building in Ehime Prefecture and the Kanaguya Ryokan in Shibu Onsen, Nagano.
Both are architectural models for “Aburaya,” and their nighttime illumination is magical.
Kanaguya Ryokan has a maze-like wooden corridor and is enveloped in the scent of traditional hot springs, making me feel as if I had entered a thousand-foot-deep abyss.
Access:
Dogo Onsen: Approximately 40 minutes by bus from Matsuyama Airport.
Kanaguya: Approximately 1 hour by Nagano Electric Railway from Nagano Station, plus a 10-minute walk.
Notes:
Please move quietly in the hot spring town, and be mindful that photography may be restricted in certain areas.
Permission may be required for photography inside the facilities.
Spirited Away Official Website
6. NARUTO：Ninja Training on Awaji Island!
At “NARUTO & BORUTO Shinobi Village” on Awaji Island in Hyogo Prefecture, you can experience the village of Konohagakure.
From training athletics to mystery-solving events, there is something for everyone from children to adults to enjoy.
Fans from overseas competed in “Naruto running” and took photos with each other, looking just like classmates at the academy.
Access:
Approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes by express bus from Shin-Kobe Station or Sannomiya Station.
Notes:
Advance reservations are recommended for admission.
During the summer, the sun is strong, so don't forget to bring a hat and stay hydrated.
Comfortable clothing is also essential.
NARUTO Official Website
7. One Piece: An Adventure Journey to Kumamoto and Nagasaki
In Kumamoto Prefecture, there are bronze statues of each member of the Straw Hat Pirates, and fans will definitely want to try to see them all.
In Nagasaki's Huis Ten Bosch, you can enjoy a cruise on the Thousand Sunny.
This trip, where you can immerse yourself in the world of One Piece, which is themed around adventures with friends, is truly moving.
Access:
Kumamoto Prefecture: Renting a car from Kumamoto Station is convenient.
Huis Ten Bosch is about an hour by bus from Nagasaki Airport.
Notes:
Since the statues are scattered across different areas of Kumamoto, renting a car is the most practical option.
In rural areas, English may not be widely understood, so it's advisable to learn some basic Japanese phrases for peace of mind.
One Piece Official Website
8. Demon Slayer: The Breathing of Kamado Shrine and Kusatsu Onsen
Kamado Shrine in Fukuoka Prefecture and Kusatsu Onsen in Gunma Prefecture are popular destinations for fans of Demon Slayer.
At Kamado Shrine, you can feel the solemn atmosphere that reminds you of the bond between Tanjiro and Nezuko.
While in the hot spring town of Kusatsu, the steam rising from the hot springs and the tranquility of the mountains evoke the world of the Infinity Train arc.
Access:
Kamado Shrine: Approximately 1 hour by Nishitetsu train and bus from Hakata Station.
Kusatsu Onsen: Approximately 3.5 hours by Shinkansen and bus from Tokyo.
Notes:
Kusatsu is at a high altitude, so proper winter gear is essential in winter.
Please observe proper photography etiquette at the shrine.
When receiving a shrine stamp, please follow proper etiquette.
Demon Slayer Official Website
9. Captain Tsubasa: Where the Dream of Soccer Begins
The Yotsugi area of Katsushika Ward, Tokyo, is the birthplace of Yoichi Takahashi, the author of Captain Tsubasa, and is also the setting for the story.
Murals and statues of characters from the story can be found throughout the town, and at Yotsugi Tsubasa Park, visitors are greeted by a bronze statue of Tsubasa.
Officially, it is Katsushika Ward, Tokyo, but Shizuoka Prefecture is said to have influenced the depiction of the natural scenery and landscape in “Captain Tsubasa,” such as during the match between “Nankatsu Middle School” and “Toho Academy.”
It might be fun to verify which locations in the series are depicted as sacred sites.
Seeing local children kicking soccer balls, I felt my heart warm at the thought that “the dream is being passed on.”
Any fan would want to shout “Drive Shoot!” in front of the goal.
Access:
Get off at Yotsugi Station on the Keisei Oshiage Line.
Notes:
As it is a residential area, avoid visiting early in the morning or at night.
Please be considerate of other park users.
Captain Tsubasa Official Website
10. Summary: The Appeal of Seichi-junrei
The warmth of the local people, their understanding and empathy for the works, and the diversity of cultures—these are what make pilgrimages to sacred sites such special journeys.
Through these pilgrimages, you can naturally experience Japan's regional cities, cultural heritage, and traditional food culture.
Encountering the “everyday life of Japan” that serves as the backdrop for the works, such as the local cuisine of Hida Furukawa, horse sashimi in Kumamoto, and hot spring eggs in the Dogo Onsen district, is also a major attraction.
May your journey of “seichi-junrei” through the settings of anime become an adventure that enriches your life!
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