Japan is home to some of the most iconic anime locations in the world, and for many fans, visiting these places is a dream come true. From the bustling streets of Tokyo to the picturesque landscapes of rural Japan, anime locations in Japan offer something for everyone. With the rising popularity of Japanese anime in the world, more and more people are coming to Japan every year to see the places that inspired their favorite anime.
In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the best anime locations in Japan, including popular ones from hit anime movies and series like “Your Name“, “Demon Slayer“, “Death Note“, “Princess Mononoke“, “Slam Dunk“, “Jujutsu Kaisen“, and more. If you love anime, keep reading and make sure to add these locations to your list on your next visit to Japan!
Table of Contents
Why Japan is a popular destination for anime fans
Japan is the birthplace of manga and anime. It offers a wide variety of locations that have been used as an inspiration for both, from the urban metropolis of Tokyo to the tranquil countryside. Additionally, Japan’s rich culture and history have also played a major role in shaping the worlds of many anime series.
Table of contents
- Suga shrine staircase – Yotsuya, Tokyo (Your Name)
- Asakusa – Tokyo (Demon Slayer)
- Hibiya Park – Tokyo (Death Note)
- Shibuya – Tokyo (Tokyo Revengers/Jujutsu Kaisen)
- Yakushima Forest – Kagoshima Prefecture (Princess Mononoke)
- Kamakura – Kanagawa Prefecture (Slam Dunk)
- Odaiba – Tokyo (Mobile Suit Gundam)
- Dogo Onsen – Ehime Prefecture (Spirited Away)
- Ittoseki Split Boulder – Nara Prefecture (Demon Slayer)
- Lake Ashi – Hakone (Neon Genesis Evangelion)
Suga shrine staircase – Yotsuya, Tokyo (Your Name)
Suga Shrine Stairs in Yotsuya, Tokyo (Photo by Marine Press Japan/Aflo Images)
The Suga Shrine Stairs in Yotsuya, Tokyo, are a real-life location that was featured in the popular anime movie “Your Name” (Kimi no Na Wa) directed by Makoto Shinkai. The stairs leading up to the Suga Shrine, a small Shinto shrine in Yotsuya, were used as a location in the movie for where the main characters Taki and Mitsuha meet for the first time. The stairs were also featured prominently in the movie’s promotional materials and became a popular spot for fans to visit.
The movie was a huge success both in Japan and internationally, and many fans visit Yotsuya to see this real-life location, take in the beautiful views of the surrounding area, and imagine the iconic scenes from the film.
Asakusa – Tokyo (Demon Slayer)
Overhead view of Asakusa Kaminarimon (Photo by Aflo Images)
“Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba” is a popular anime series worldwide. Although its story begins in the mountains of Japan in the Taisho-era, we are soon transported to Tokyo’s iconic Asakusa district. It is here that Tanjiro first encounters Muzan, the series main villain while visiting the surrounding streets, shops and restaurants.
Located in the northeastern part of Tokyo, Asakusa is famous for its historical and cultural significance, and home to the Senso-ji Temple, one of the most popular tourist attractions in Tokyo. Visitors can also explore the surrounding streets and traditional shops, many of which sell goods such as kimonos, fans, and other souvenirs. A visit to Asakusa in real life today is a stark reminder of how much has changed and how much has stayed the same.
Hibiya Park – Tokyo (Death Note)
Hibiya Park with cherry blossoms in full bloom (Photo by Masato Tsubaki/Aflo Images)
Hibiya Park appears in the popular anime and manga series “Death Note”. The park, located in the central part of Tokyo, not too far from the Tokyo Tower and the Imperial Palace, is one of the oldest and most famous public parks in Japan.
In the anime, the protagonist Light Yagami is shown meeting with the character L in the park to discuss their ongoing battle. In the series the park is portrayed as a peaceful and serene location, in contrast to the intense and dramatic action of the series. The series is set in winter and uses a lot of dark colors, which doesn’t make the park look like an appealing place to visit. However, in real life it is actually very beautiful, especially in spring when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom.
Year-round, Hibiya Park is a nice place to take a walk and relax in the middle of the city. It’s also close to the Tokyo International Forum which is a convention center that features a variety of events and exhibitions.
Shibuya – Tokyo (Tokyo Revengers/Jujutsu Kaisen)
Shibuya scramble crossing from above (Photo by Tetsuro Sato/Aflo Images)
Located in the center of Tokyo, Shibuya is one of the most famous areas of Tokyo and Japan, with its bustling shopping and entertainment district and the famous Shibuya Crossing, one of the busiest pedestrian intersections in the world. It is portrayed in many movies, manga and anime, and almost feels like a character itself.
In “Tokyo Revengers” this is the area that is under the control of the Tokyo Manji gang (Toman for short). Many scenes are set at Shibuya Station, and the gang also has a photo shot in the middle of the famous Scramble Crossing, with Building 109 in the background.
Shibuya area also serves as the background for the so-called “Shibuya Incident Arc” in the “Jujutsu Kaisen” manga. One of the longest and most important chapters of the story, spanning a whopping fifty-eight chapters, it is set to be part of season 2 of the animated version of the franchise in 2023.
When visiting Shibuya, we also recommend exploring the surrounding streets and shops, many of which are trendy and fashionable. Shibuya is also known for its nightlife, with a variety of bars, nightclubs and restaurants that stay open all night.
Yakushima Forest – Kagoshima Prefecture (Princess Mononoke)
Deer at Yakushima forest (Photo by Aflo Images)
Yakushima Forest, located in the southern island of Yakushima, was used as inspiration for the setting of the popular Studio Ghibli animated movie “Princess Mononoke”. The forest is known for its ancient cedar trees and its picturesque landscapes, and it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1993.
In the movie the forest is depicted as a magical and mystical place, with ancient cedar trees and a variety of wild animals, a place where nature and humans coexist, and it also highlights the importance of protecting the environment.
The famous Jomon-sugi cedar tree (Photo by Hiroyuki Yamaguchi/Aflo Images)
Visitors can explore the forest by hiking on the many trails that wind through the ancient cedar trees, and see a variety of wildlife, including monkeys, deer, and wild boars. The forest is also home to several waterfalls and also the famous Jomon-sugi cedar tree which is believed to be over 7,000 years old.
Kamakura – Kanagawa Prefecture (Slam Dunk)
The Enoden line train passing by the famous crossing at Kamakurakokomae station (Photo by Tetsuro Sato/Aflo Images)
“Slam Dunk” has had huge success both in Japan and worldwide since the 1990s. In the series, the Shohoku High School basketball team is based in the Kamakura area in Kanagawa Prefecture, just outside of Tokyo. It is here that the main characters attend school and play basketball.
Many locations around the area are featured in the anime, but it’s fair to say Kamakurakōkōmae Station is at the top of every Slam Dunk pilgrimage list. One of the first things you see in the opening theme of every episode, from the railroad crossing to the green Enoden train and the backdrop of the ocean, this is a beautiful and iconic place, not just for “Slam Dunk” lovers but for tourists in general. Due to its beauty, the station is recognized as one of the best stations in the Kanto region.
Kamakura is known for its historical and cultural significance, and hosts many temples and shrines, such as the Kotoku-in shrine, home of the Great Buddha of Kamakura (Kamakura Daibutsu). Visitors can also enjoy the beach, and the beautiful views of the ocean.
Odaiba – Tokyo (Mobile Suit Gundam)
The Unicorn Gundam statue in Odaiba (Photo by Rodrigo Reyes Marin/Aflo Images)
Released in 1979, and with many adaptations for TV, movie and games, “Mobile Suit Gundam” is arguably one of the most famous anime series of all time, both in Japan and worldwide. Its story takes place in a futuristic world where giant robots, known as “mobile suits,” are used for warfare. Odaiba serves as a major inspiration for some of the locations in the series, with several scenes taking place in the futuristic city that is depicted on the island. Odaiba is portrayed as a high-tech metropolis, with towering skyscrapers, advanced technology, and a high-speed transportation system.
Odaiba is a man-made island located in Tokyo Bay, known for its futuristic architecture, shopping, and entertainment venues. Visitors can explore the surrounding streets and buildings, many of which are designed in a futuristic style, and they can also find many Gundam-related attractions, such as a life-size replica of the RX-0 Unicorn Gundam statue.
Odaiba is also a popular place for shopping and entertainment, with malls and attractions including the Tokyo Joypolis theme park. Visitors can also enjoy the beautiful sea view and many other attractions like the Miraikan National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation.
Dogo Onsen – Ehime Prefecture (Spirited Away)
Dogo Onsen, Matsuyama City, Ehime Prefecture (Photo by Masataka Ishi/Aflo Images)
Located in the city of Matsuyama in Ehime, Dogo Onsen was used as inspiration for the setting of the world-wide popular animated movie “Spirited Away” from Hayao Miyazaki. Dogo Onsen is one of the oldest hot springs in Japan, and it’s known for its beautiful traditional architecture, historical significance, and therapeutic properties.
In the movie by Studio Ghibli the main character, Chihiro, finds herself in a mysterious world of spirits and ghosts after her family becomes trapped in an abandoned amusement park. The onsen in the film is based on Dogo Onsen and it’s where Chihiro works as a bathhouse attendant for the spirits. The onsen in the film is depicted as a grand traditional building with many intricate details and a mix of traditional and fantastical elements.
The Dogo Onsen Honkan is the main building of the complex, it’s a beautiful example of traditional Japanese architecture and it’s been used as an onsen for over 3,000 years. It’s a great place to experience traditional Japanese culture.
Ittoseki Split Boulder – Nara Prefecture (Demon Slayer)
Ittoseki Split Boulder, Nara Prefecture (Photo by Tadao Yamamoto/Aflo Images)
Another iconic location featured in the popular “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba” Is the mysterious Ittoseki Split Boulder. This is where one of the protagonists of the series, Tanjiro Kamado, completes his training as a demon slayer by cutting the stone in half with his sword.
Located in Gojo, Nara Prefecture, and also known as the “Itto-seki” or “Itto Rock”, Ittoseki Split Boulder is a large boulder that is split in half. The Ittoseki is a natural wonder, said to have been created by erosion and weathering. The split in the rock is about 8 meters wide and 7 meters deep. Legend has it that this rock was split by Sekishusai (also known as Yagyu Munetoshi), a master samurai who spent part of his middle age in seclusion with the Yagyu clan, when fighting a tengu (a long-nosed yōkai).
Visitors can take a short hike to reach the boulder and take pictures. There is also a small shrine near the rock, and visitors can enjoy the beautiful nature of the surrounding area.
Lake Ashi – Hakone (Neon Genesis Evangelion)
View of Mount Fuji from lake Ashi, Hakone (Photo by Yamauchi Michio/Aflo Images)
“Neon Genesis Evangelion” is without a doubt one of the most famous anime of all time. The series is set in the futuristic fictional city of Tokyo-3, modeled after the Hakone area (futuristic skyscrapers aside). Many famous locations around Hakone are portrayed in the franchise, and one of the most iconic is lake Ashi. In the series the lake is the site of a secret underground facility where the Evangelion robots are developed and stored. It is also the location of the final battle between the protagonist Shinji and the Angel Ramiel.
Located in the city of Hakone in Kanagawa Prefecture, Lake Ashi, or Ashinoko, was formed in the caldera of Mount Hakone after the volcano’s last eruption 3000 years ago. Today, the lake with Mount Fuji in the background is the symbol of Hakone, and one of the most visited touristic spots around Mount Fuji.
Lake Ashi is a popular spot for outdoor activities, such as hiking, boating and cycling. Visitors can take a cruise on the lake and enjoy the beautiful views of Mount Fuji, Hakone Shrine, and the surrounding nature. The area is also known for its hot springs, museums and other tourist attractions.
Wrapping up
These are our 10 picks for best real-life anime locations in Japan. How many did you know already? Make sure to add these to your list of places to visit on your next trip!
Japan is a popular destination for anime fans, with many iconic locations that have been featured throughout hit anime series and films. From the bustling streets of Tokyo to the picturesque landscapes of rural Japan, anime locations offer a unique way for fans to immerse themselves in their favorite shows and movies.