{"id":4744,"date":"2024-06-13T11:33:25","date_gmt":"2024-06-13T03:33:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/?p=4744"},"modified":"2025-06-10T11:06:14","modified_gmt":"2025-06-10T03:06:14","slug":"8-famous-anime-sacred-sites-to-visit","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/8-famous-anime-sacred-sites-to-visit\/","title":{"rendered":"8 Famous Anime \u201cSacred Sites\u201d to Visit!"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"\"
Wisteria at Ashikaga Flower Park. Photo by \u03a364<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Ever wondered whether anime is real?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Of course it is! The backgrounds, at least!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Barring fantastical settings, many of your favourite anime with Japanese settings are actually inspired by real life locales!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Not only do they ground the fictional world of anime in reality and make it more believable, they also showcase the mundane, almost invisible beauty of everyday Japan, far beyond tourist traps (they still pop up occasionally though).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The rail crossing in front of Kamakura High School is a famous anime pilgrimage spot. Photo by Rom\u00e9o A.<\/a> on Unsplash<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

In fact, there\u2019s an entire subculture of visiting these sites in so-called \u201csacred site pilgrimages\u201d or \u8056\u5730\u5de1\u793c(seichi junrei), with local businesses and governments even promoting their association officially!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Despite problems with overtourism<\/a> and the behaviour of tourists, these pilgramages are still popular among local and overseas anime fans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, while making sure to obey local laws and respect the people who live there, why not join in on your very own pilgrammage?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your Name<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Tateishi Park & Lake Suwa (Nagano)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
Lake Suwa inspired the look of Mitsuha’s hometown. Photo by Irvin<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Location: \u7acb\u77f3\u753a-10399 Kamisuwa, Suwa, Nagano 392-0003, Japan (Google Maps<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Makoto Shinkai\u2019s smash 2016 hit Your Name<\/em> takes place in both rural and urban settings, with the Lake Suwa region and the Tokyo metropolitan area featuring heavily as inspirations. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Lake Suwa region was the inspiration for Mitsuha\u2019s fictional decimated hometown of Itomori in the film and its crater lake, though it\u2019s not quite the same without the steep hills and mountains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Photo by Yosuke Ota<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

To get a great bird\u2019s eye view of the lake, head up to Nagano City\u2019s Tateishi Park. Though the park is a simple one with a set of stairs leading down to a small, grassy open area, it opens up to a million-dollar view of Nagano City and Lake Suwa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to Get There<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Board the Azusa 53 Limited Express Matsumoto Train on the Chuo Line to Kami-Suwa Station. Then take a 10-minute taxi ride up to the park.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other Stuff to Check Out<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Check out and learn about the live geyser at Suwa Lake Geyser Center<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Take a dip in a hot spring fed by Lake Suwa<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Admire the Yaegaki Princess statue in the lake<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stairs to Suga Shrine, Yotsuya (Tokyo)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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The famous stairs. Photo by goen-meguri.com<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Location: 5-6 Sugacho, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0018, Japan (Google Maps<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This iconic set of stairs closes the end of the film as the two leads Taki and Mitsuha reunite, it also shows up in promotional posters for the movie.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Photo by Tim Depickere<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Sadly, the buildings on the right don\u2019t quite match the height and angle of the poster versions, but everything else almost matches perfectly, particularly the red railings and the buildings in the background.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to Get There<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Take the Marunouchi Line train to Yotsuya-sanchome Station, then take a 10-minute walk to the flight of stairs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stuff to Check Out<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Offer a prayer at the Suga Shrine or Shokoji Shrine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Take a stroll and admire the blooms at the Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Learn a little something at the Fire Museum or Tokyo Toy Museum<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Slam Dunk<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Kamakura High School Front Station Crossing (Kanagawa)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Photo by TABIFLEEEEEK<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The anime based on the smash hit sports manga Slam Dunk<\/em> by Takehiko Inoue features one of the most photogenic shots in Kanagawa, whether you\u2019re a fan of the show or not!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the anime\u2019s opening, the delinquent Hanamichi Sakuragi, with schoolbag slung over his shoulder, catches sight of his love interest Haruko Akagi against a backdrop of the wide, blue, gleaming ocean right after a train whizzes past.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Photo by Tsukada Kazuhiro<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

With such an iconic and memorable shot, it\u2019s no wonder Slam Dunk<\/em> fans and curious tourists alike make it a point to visit. Sadly, this brings its own set of overtourism problems<\/a> with some inconsiderate tourists wandering onto the active road instead of staying on the sidewalk. Remember to always respect the locals when you visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to Get There<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Take the Enoshima Electric Railway (Enoden) to Kamakurak\u014dk\u014d-Mae Station and then take a 5-minute walk to the crossing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stuff to Check Out<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Catch panoramic views of Sagami Bay at the Enoshima Sea Candle<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stroll on a beach at Cape Koyurugi or Shichirigahama Beach<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Explore the mysterious Enoshima Iwaya Caves<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Spirited Away<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Hayao Miyazaki\u2019s Academy Award-winning classic Spirited Away<\/em> mainly takes place in a supernatural inn, of which the design was partly inspired by the onsen ryokan or hot spring inns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Though there isn\u2019t one single inn that wholly inspired Miyazaki, there are actually several inns that each contributed in their own special way to the fantastical lodge that lead character Chihiro finds herself in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And where else should you start but the famous red bridge?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sekizenkan Onsen Ryokan (Gunma)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Red bridge and a hot spring inn? Check. Photo by sekizenkan.co.jp<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Location: , \u3012377-0601 Gunma, Agatsuma District, Nakanojo, Shima, \u6e29\u6cc9 \uff14\uff12\uff13\uff16(Google Maps<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Though not quite the same, the red bridge leading to the Sekizenkan Onsen Ryokan certainly does look the part.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Plus, being an onsen and all, this hot spring inn offers various facilities to soothe tired traveller such as baths, footbaths, lounges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to Get There<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

From JR Nakanojo Station, take the bus on the Shima Onsen Line to Kirinoki Daira and take a five-minute walk to the onsen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other Stuff to Check Out<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Take a dip at Oizumi Falls<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Play a tune at the Spirited Away Musical Road<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Admire the waters of Lake Okushima<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kanaguya (Nagano)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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The towering onsen ryokan facade of Kanaguya. Photo by Tabiyomi<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Location: 2202 Hirao, Yamanochi, Shimotakai District, Nagano 381-0401, Japan (Google Maps<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For the towering fa\u00e7ade that greets Chihiro when she arrives at the inn, look no further than the four-storey-high ryokan inn Kanaguya in the town of Hirao.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Besides looking splendid by day with its vintage construction and gentle eaves, at night the inn basks in a golden glow as its lights and lanterns come on!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to Get There<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

From the Nagano Electric Railway Yudanaka Station, take the Nagaden bus to the Shibu Onsen bus stop and take a 2-minute walk to the onsen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Demon Slayer<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Ashikaga Flower Park (Tochigi)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
A curtain of wisteria. Photo by rurubu.jp<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Koyoharu Gotouge\u2019s shonen fantasy Demon Slayer<\/em> features the fictional Mount Fujikasane, where prospective Demon Slayer candidates have to survive a night against the demons imprisoned there by the wisteria-covered hills.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There aren\u2019t any wisteria and demon-coverered hills in Japan (as far as I know), but wisteria can be found plenty enough throughout Japan, particularly in its many world-class parks such as Ashikaga Flower Park!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Photo by \u96f7\u592a<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Located just a few hours away from Tokyo by train, this park features a massive wisteria tree that sprawls outward. Supported by wooden frames, these far-reaching branches drape curtains of purple wisteria all over the park area, transforming it into a romantic refuge. And what\u2019s more, by night, these blooms are lit up by a dazzling display of lights!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re still hungry for flowers, there\u2019s also a wisteria tunnel along with plenty of other flowers to ooh and aah at here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to Get There<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Take a train on the JR Ryomo Line to the Ashikaga Flower Park Station<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5 Centimeters per Second<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Photo by syosaiyojohan<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Sangubashi Crossing (Tokyo)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Location 1: Near 5 Chome-59-1 Yoyogi, Shibuya City, Tokyo 151-0053, Japan (Google Maps<\/a>)
Location 2: Near Akariya by Light Shop, 4 Chome-8-1 Yoyogi, Shibuya City, Tokyo 151-0053, Japan (Google Maps<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Makoto Shinkai\u2019s use of real-life locations actually goes farther back than most people realize, especially in his second feature film 5 Centimeters per Second<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the film, a train crossing bookmarks the beginning and end of this heartrending tale of loss, unrequited love and moving on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are actually two real-life crossings featured in the movie, both located near Tokyo\u2019s Sangubashi Station.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The first one in the film\u2019s beginning is located to the south of Sangubashi<\/a>, while the second one at the end of the film is just a few minutes\u2019 walk away<\/a>. Don\u2019t forget to take a look around to catch some more sights from the movie<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to Get There<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

From Shinjuku Station, take the Odakyu Line to Sangubashi Station.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other Stuff to Check Out<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Stroll through the Meiji Jingu Park and visit the shrine<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Drop by Harajuku for some snacks and shopping<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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Of course it is! The backgrounds, at least! Barring fantastical settings, many of your…","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4744","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/7"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4744"}],"version-history":[{"count":36,"href":"https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4744\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4794,"href":"https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4744\/revisions\/4794"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4789"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4744"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4744"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4744"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}