Note: This article was written using ChatGPT. While we strive for accuracy, please understand that some English expressions may not be perfect.
This guide is based on recommendations from Japanese locals who love anime and want to share the magic of Japan with fans around the world.
Are you a fan of Japanese anime dreaming of visiting the places that inspired your favorite shows?
Japan is not only the birthplace of anime, but also home to many real-life locations that appear in popular series. These places are called anime pilgrimage sites, and visiting them can make your trip to Japan even more exciting and meaningful.
In this guide, we’ll introduce must-see destinations for fans of globally loved anime, including what to see, where to go, how to get there, what souvenirs to bring home, and how to prepare for your anime pilgrimage.
- 1. Jujutsu Kaisen – Sendai, Miyagi
- 2. Your Name (Kimi no Na wa) – Tokyo & Hida, Gifu
- 3. Demon Slayer – Asakusa (Tokyo) & Aso (Kumamoto)
- 4. Evangelion – Hakone, Kanagawa
- 5. Slam Dunk – Kamakura, Kanagawa
- 6. Attack on Titan – Hita, Oita
- 7. One Piece – Kumamoto Prefecture
- 8. Love Live! – Akihabara (Tokyo) & Numazu (Shizuoka)
- ✅ Preparing for Your Anime Pilgrimage: A Checklist
- 🚨 Things to Be Aware of When Traveling in Japan
- 🌸 Final Thoughts
1. Jujutsu Kaisen – Sendai, Miyagi
About the Anime:
Jujutsu Kaisen is a dark fantasy anime that follows high school student Yuji Itadori, who becomes involved in the world of curses and sorcerers. It’s known for its intense battles, supernatural elements, and emotional depth.
Why Visit:
The story takes place in Sendai, and the cityscapes often mirror real-life locations.
Top Spots:
- Sendai Station
- Jozenji-dori Avenue
- Aoba Castle Ruins
Access:
From Tokyo, take the Tohoku Shinkansen to Sendai (about 1.5 hours).
Nearby Attractions:
- Zuihoden Mausoleum
- Sendai Umino-Mori Aquarium
Recommended Souvenir:
Zunda mochi and limited-edition anime goods from Animate Sendai.
2. Your Name (Kimi no Na wa) – Tokyo & Hida, Gifu
About the Anime:
A romantic fantasy about two teenagers, Taki and Mitsuha, who swap bodies across time and space. Famous for stunning visuals and emotional storytelling.
Why Visit:
Makoto Shinkai based many scenes on real places.
Top Spots:
- Suga Shrine Stairs
- Yotsuya Station
- Hida-Furukawa
Access:
Tokyo spots: subway. Hida: Hokuriku Shinkansen → JR Hida Limited Express (~4 hrs)
Nearby Attractions:
- Hida Folk Village
- Local sake breweries
Recommended Souvenir:
Sarubobo dolls and film merchandise.
3. Demon Slayer – Asakusa (Tokyo) & Aso (Kumamoto)
About the Anime:
Set in the Taisho era, following Tanjiro’s battle against demons. A mix of tradition and supernatural.
Why Visit:
Asakusa resembles scenes from early episodes. Aso reflects Tanjiro’s training grounds.
Top Spots:
- Sensoji Temple
- Mount Aso
Access:
Asakusa: Tokyo Metro Ginza Line.
Aso: Fly to Kumamoto → Hohi Line to Aso Station.
Nearby Attractions:
- Kaminarimon Gate
- Aso Shrine
Recommended Souvenir:
Kimono accessories and anime merch.
4. Evangelion – Hakone, Kanagawa
About the Anime:
A sci-fi masterpiece where teens pilot giant mechs. Tokyo-3 is modeled on Hakone.
Why Visit:
Landmarks, scenery, and even themed stores connect to the anime.
Top Spots:
- Hakone-Yumoto Station
- Lake Ashi
- Evangelion Store Hakone
Access:
Odakyu Romancecar from Shinjuku (~90 min)
Nearby Attractions:
- Hakone Open-Air Museum
- Local hot springs
Recommended Souvenir:
Eva snacks, towels, and figures.
5. Slam Dunk – Kamakura, Kanagawa
About the Anime:
Classic basketball anime centered on Sakuragi Hanamichi. Loved across Asia.
Why Visit:
The opening scene crossing exists in Kamakura.
Top Spots:
- Kamakura Koko-mae Station
- Enoshima Island
Access:
JR Yokosuka Line → Enoden Line
Nearby Attractions:
- Great Buddha of Kamakura
- Hasedera Temple
Recommended Souvenir:
Slam Dunk prints and beachside snacks.
6. Attack on Titan – Hita, Oita
About the Anime:
Humanity vs. Titans. Dark, dramatic, and iconic.
Why Visit:
Hometown of creator Hajime Isayama. Full of AOT statues and tributes.
Top Spots:
- Titan Statues near Hita Station
- Isayama Manga Museum
Access:
JR Kyudai Line from Fukuoka (~2 hrs)
Nearby Attractions:
- Hita Old Town
- Mameda-machi Street
Recommended Souvenir:
Titan goods and local bamboo crafts.
7. One Piece – Kumamoto Prefecture
About the Anime:
Pirate epic following Luffy and his crew. Legendary status worldwide.
Why Visit:
Creator Eiichiro Oda is from Kumamoto. Statues of Straw Hat crew across the region.
Top Spots:
- Luffy Statue
- Zoro, Chopper, etc.
Access:
Fly to Kumamoto → rent car or take bus
Nearby Attractions:
- Kumamoto Castle
- Suizenji Jojuen Garden
Recommended Souvenir:
Kumamon x One Piece items, local sweets.
8. Love Live! – Akihabara (Tokyo) & Numazu (Shizuoka)
About the Anime:
Idol groups (μ’s and Aqours) pursue dreams through music and friendship.
Why Visit:
Akihabara for μ’s. Numazu for Sunshine!!
Top Spots:
- Akihabara: Kanda Shrine, anime cafes
- Numazu: Uchiura Bay, Awashima Marine Park
Access:
Akihabara: JR Yamanote Line
Numazu: JR Tokaido Line (~2 hrs)
Nearby Attractions:
- Numazu Port
- Mount Fuji views
Recommended Souvenir:
Idol goods, seafood snacks, limited merch.
✅ Preparing for Your Anime Pilgrimage: A Checklist
- Passport & Visa
- JR Pass or Regional Rail Pass
- Pocket Wi-Fi or SIM card
- IC Card (Suica, Pasmo)
- Cash & Credit Card
- Translation App (Google Translate)
- Comfortable Shoes
- Seasonal Clothes
🚨 Things to Be Aware of When Traveling in Japan
- Quiet in Public Transport: Speak softly on trains and buses.
- No Tipping: Tipping is not part of Japanese culture.
- Shoes Off Indoors: Be prepared to remove shoes in homes and traditional places.
- Garbage Separation: Trash sorting rules are strict—follow the labels!
- Respect Personal Space: Japan values politeness and boundaries.
- Don’t Take Photos Without Permission: Especially near schools or homes.
🌸 Final Thoughts
Whether you’re drawn to the romantic cityscapes of Your Name, the action of Attack on Titan, or the heartwarming journey of Love Live!, Japan offers anime fans an unforgettable travel experience.
Recommended by Japanese anime fans, this guide helps you step into the world of your favorite stories. Plan well, be respectful, and get ready for the anime adventure of a lifetime.
Your anime journey awaits. Are you ready to step into the story?
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