Traveling to Anime Locations: Discovering "That World" Through Seichi-junrei
ShinobuThe allure of Japan's "seichi junrei," or "sacred site pilgrimage" culture, lies in visiting the very places where anime characters walked, the landscapes that served as the setting for their stories, and locations where you can feel their presence.
Welcome to the slightly mysterious and exciting world of anime pilgrimages, where reality and fiction intersect.
1. Attack on Titan
Hita City, Oita Prefecture: Where You Can Hear the Footsteps of a Titan
Oita's Hita City is the hometown of Attack on Titan creator Hajime Isayama, making it a true "sacred site" for fans.
The city is home to the Attack on Titan in HITA Museum, which displays original manuscripts, setting sketches, and character figures.
In front of JR Hita Station, you'll find life-sized bronze statues of Eren, Mikasa, and Armin, with a backdrop of mountains that evoke Wall Maria, the series' iconic wall.
The Oyama Dam where the statues are located is a must-see for fans.
The dam's massive wall looks just like the "wall" from the series, giving you the thrilling sensation that a Titan could appear at any moment.
- Access: Approximately 1.5 hours by train from Hakata Station to Hita. From Hita Station, it's about a 15-minute drive.
- Recommendation: Don't miss the "Titan bread" from the local bakery, Yamada-ya!
Attack on Titan Official Website
2. Princess Mononoke
Yakushima, Kagoshima Prefecture: The Forest of the Gods
The setting for Studio Ghibli's masterpiece, Princess Mononoke, was inspired by Yakushima in Kagoshima Prefecture.
The lush, moss-covered forests of Shiratani Unsuikyo and the "Mononoke Forest" evoke the same fantastical atmosphere where Ashitaka and San first met.
Walking through Yakushima and experiencing the world of this film, with its powerful message of "Live," is a truly unique experience.
The moment you step into the forest, you are surrounded by damp air and the pulse of life, making you feel as if you might just run into San herself.
- Access: Fly or take a ferry from Kagoshima Airport to Yakushima. From there, take a bus to the trailhead.
- Good for beginners: Shiratani Unsuikyo is relatively easy to access and its trails are well-maintained.
Princess Mononoke Official Website
3. Haikyu!!
Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture: Where the Wind of Karasuno High Blows
The story of boys dedicating their youth to volleyball, Haikyu!!, is set in the real-life city of Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture, and its surroundings.
The fictional Karasuno High School is said to be modeled after Izumi High School (now Sendai Municipal Izumi High School), as the school building and gym exterior are very similar.
The model for Aoba Johsai High is believed to be Sendai Daini High School.
Famous "sacred sites" for the anime include Sendai Station and Kotodai Park.
The cityscapes from the opening credits and the scenery from the post-match reflection scenes are real locations, making them irresistible for fans.
- Access: Approximately 1.5 hours by bullet train from Tokyo. From Sendai Station, you can access various locations by bus or subway.
- Pilgrimage Maps Available: Sendai's official tourism site offers maps for a Haikyu!! pilgrimage.
4. Ghost in the Shell
Yokohama & Hong Kong: The Border Between the Near Future and Reality
The setting for Ghost in the Shell is the fictional "Niihama City."
This city is modeled after Yokohama's Bay Area and Kowloon City in Hong Kong.
The urban landscapes from the film, with their reflections on the water, perfectly match the night view of Yokohama's Minato Mirai area.
Just a short walk around the Red Brick Warehouse and Landmark Tower area, and you'll feel the Ghost in the Shell atmosphere.
Although Hong Kong's Kowloon City has been demolished, its chaotic, unplanned urban structure evokes the "deeper layers of the city" where Motoko Kusanagi operates.
- Access: Many of the real-life locations are within walking distance of Yokohama Station. Visiting at night enhances the cyberpunk atmosphere.
- A Photographer's Dream: This location is a must-visit for cyberpunk enthusiasts.
Ghost in the Shell Official Website
5. Kaguya-sama: Love Is War
Kamakura & Keio Senior High School: The Setting for a Psychological Battle of Love
Kaguya-sama: Love Is War is a romantic comedy set at the fictional "Shuchiin Academy," but its locations often feature the Tokyo and Kamakura areas.
The Shuchiin Academy building is said to be inspired by the architecture of private schools in the Tokyo metropolitan area, such as Keio Senior High School and Gakushuin High School.
The movie's date locations include Asakusa, Tokyo Skytree, and Odaiba, making it a great guide for Tokyo sightseeing.
The Kamakura High School Crossing—also famous from Slam Dunk—featured in the ending credits, is a popular spot for fans to visit.
- Access: About an hour by train from central Tokyo to Kamakura.
- For Wishing for Love: Consider a visit to Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine for a wish for success in love!
Kaguya-sama: Love Is War Official Website
6. DEATH NOTE
Tokyo: Ikebukuro & Shibuya: Where Darkness and Justice Intersect
Death Note is set primarily in Tokyo. Behind the story's suspense and intellectual battles, there are many real-life backdrops.
For example, the bustling streets of Ikebukuro appear in the scene where Light first tests the Death Note, and the Shibuya Scramble Crossing is often seen in his confrontations with L.
Parks like Shinjuku Gyoen, courthouse-like buildings, and modern high-rises are all part of the Death Note world.
The live-action films also feature locations like the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building and Toyosu, where modern Tokyo is portrayed as the "border between justice and evil."
- Access: You can easily tour various locations in Tokyo using the Yamanote Line and the subway.
7. Steins;Gate
Tokyo: Akihabara
Finally, there's Steins;Gate, where science and fate collide.
The setting is Akihabara, a quintessential destination for anime pilgrimages.
Locations like the Akihabara Radio Kaikan (old building), UDX Building, and Maid Cafe May Queen+Nyan2 remain much as they were in the anime.
The scenery is incredibly faithful to the real Akihabara, making you feel like you've time-leaped just by walking around.
Many fans take photos from the same angles as in the anime, and it's very popular with tourists from abroad.
- Access: You can tour the area on foot from Akihabara Station on the Yamanote Line.
- Mutter as You Walk: If you mutter "El Psy Kongroo" while walking, you might feel just like Rintaro Okabe.
8. Anime Pilgrimages: A Journey to "Touch" the Story
By standing in the real locations that served as a backdrop, you get to have a special experience of feeling the characters' presence and the emotions of the story.
What's truly wonderful is how ordinary, everyday life in Japan's various regions can be transformed into a completely different world through the lens of anime.
9. Summary: Which story will you meet on your next journey?
Through an anime pilgrimage, you can naturally discover local cities, cultural heritage sites, and traditional food.
Finding the "everyday Japan" that serves as the backdrop to the stories is a huge part of the appeal.
See you at the next destination!
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