Real-Life Locations Every Anime Fan Should Visit
When people think of anime culture in Japan, Akihabara is often the first place that comes to mind. But true fans know that the real magic happens when you step into the actual locations featured in your favorite shows.
This guide introduces 5 must-visit anime pilgrimage spots that go beyond the electric town of Akihabara—complete with travel tips and what to look out for.
1. 🎥 Shinjuku & Yotsuya (Tokyo) – Your Name / 君の名は
If you’ve watched Your Name (Kimi no Na wa), you’ve seen Shinjuku’s glowing skyline and a specific red staircase over and over again. These locations are real—and they’re right in central Tokyo.
📍 Key Locations:
- Suga Shrine staircase (Yotsuya Station): The iconic final scene
- NTT Docomo Yoyogi Building: Seen in multiple cityscapes
- Shinjuku Gyoen Park: Great for cherry blossom scenes
🗺️ Access: Walk from Yotsuya or Shinjuku Station
📸 Tip: Visit early morning for photos without crowds
2. 🏀 Kamakura (Kanagawa) – Slam Dunk / スラムダンク
The anime’s opening features a now-famous railway crossing with the ocean behind it—right next to Kamakura Kōkō Mae Station. Today, it’s a popular photo spot for Slam Dunk fans from around the world.
📍 Key Location:
- Kamakura Kōkō Mae Station crossing (Enoden Line)
🏖️ Bonus: Explore Kamakura’s temples, beaches, and local street food
🗺️ Access: 1 hour from Tokyo via JR Yokosuka Line + Enoden train
3. 🌸 Chichibu (Saitama) – Anohana / あの日見た花の名前を僕達はまだ知らない。
The emotional anime Anohana is set in the peaceful town of Chichibu. Many of the bridges, shrines, and schools in the anime exist in real life and are beautifully preserved.
📍 Key Locations:
🎐 Access: ~90 mins from Ikebukuro by Seibu Line
📸 Tip: Go in summer for the same atmosphere as the anime
4. 🕊 Washinomiya (Saitama) – Lucky Star / らき☆すた
This sleepy town exploded in popularity thanks to Lucky Star.
Washinomiya Shrine became the model for the shrine in the anime, and fans still visit every year—especially during New Year’s for a real-life Hatsumode experience.
👇Click here for a detailed guide on what Hatsumode is!👇
https://eitaroblog.com/hatsumode-new-year-japan/
📍 Key Location:
🗺️ Access: About 1.5 hrs from Ueno by JR Utsunomiya Line
🎭 Note: There are Lucky Star-themed festival events!
5. 🛡 Oarai (Ibaraki) – Girls und Panzer / ガールズ&パンツァー
A coastal town known for fishing and… tanks?!
Girls und Panzer takes place in a fictionalized version of Oarai. The town now embraces the anime, with shops displaying character posters and even tank-themed souvenirs.
📍 Key Locations:
🗺️ Access: ~2 hours from Tokyo by train
🎁 Bonus: Stop by the anime-themed shopping street!
🧭 Tips for Your Anime Pilgrimage
・🎫 Bring a JR Pass if you plan to visit multiple regions
Getting a transportation IC card such as Suica or PASMO will make your travels in Japan much smoother.
👇Click here for a detailed guide!👇
https://eitaroblog.com/japan-ic-card-guide/
・📸 Respect locals—these are real places, not theme parks
・🔍 Use Google Maps + screenshots from the anime for comparison
・🛍 Souvenir shops near locations often sell exclusive anime goods
👇Click here for information about souvenir shops!👇
https://eitaroblog.com/anime-souvenir-shops-japan/
・📅 Check for special events or pop-up cafes during your trip
✨ Final Thoughts
Anime pilgrimage isn’t just sightseeing—it’s a personal journey. Standing in the real locations where your favorite characters laughed, cried, or fell in love can be emotional and unforgettable.
So pack your camera, charge your phone, and follow in the footsteps of your favorite anime heroes.
Japan is waiting—and so are the stories.
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