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Hello fellow anime lovers! We know that at least once, we’ve all dreamed of stepping into the world of these legendary anime. No longer just drawings on the screen, Japan actually boasts countless breathtaking locations, which served as prototypes or inspirations for these blockbuster hits.
This journey to discover these real-life locations is often called “Seichi Junrei” (Pilgrimage to the Holy Land) by young people. Let’s pack our bags, prepare the appropriate transportation, and begin our adventure exploring 5 amazing Japanese anime locations below!
Kamakurakōkō-Mae Train Station – The Glorious Youth of Slam Dunk
Classic Film Setting
[Kamakura Day Trip] Kamakura High School & Kamakura Great Buddha & Enoshima
When mentioning Slam Dunk, any die-hard fan will immediately remember the scene at the railway crossing with the Enoden train passing by, and the azure Shonan coastline in the distance. This Japanese anime location is near Kamakurakōkō-mae train station on the classic Enoden train line in Kanagawa Prefecture. It’s not only a symbol of basketball but also a symbol of passionate youth.
How to Get to the Train Station
[Kamakura | Tram Experience] Kamakura Great Buddha & Kamakura Tram Experience..
From Tokyo, it only takes about an hour to travel. You can take a train from Shinjuku Station to Kamakura Station, then transfer to the Enoden line (Enoshima Electric Railway). The journey from Kamakura Station to Kamakurakōkō-mae Station takes about 17 minutes, with a one-way ticket costing around 260 yen. Sitting on a retro-style train that runs through small neighborhoods and along the coast, you’ll feel like you’re gliding through the pages of a manga.
Instagrammable Photo Tips
Kamakura | Great Buddha & Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine & Enoshima Benzaiten Nakamise-dori Street
To get a photo exactly like the opening scene of the movie, you should time it so the blue Enoden train glides across the tracks near the station. We have a tip: because this is a super popular spot, you should arrive early before 8 am or go on a weekday to avoid long queues. Remember to maintain order, don’t stand in the middle of the road, don’t step on the tracks, and don’t obstruct locals to ensure traffic safety!
Suga Shrine’s Red Staircase – Touching Every Scene from Your Name
Emotional Reunion Scene
If you cried your eyes out watching Your Name (Kimi no Na wa), then the steep staircase with red handrails near Suga Shrine is a must-see location. This is where Taki and Mitsuha reunite in the final scene after many years apart. This location has become one of the most frequently checked-in anime-themed spots on Instagram in Japan.
Directions
This location is right in the heart of bustling Tokyo, specifically in the Yotsuya district. Simply take the Marunouchi subway line to Yotsuya-sanchome station, then walk for about 10 minutes through the peaceful, narrow alleyways of Japan to reach it. You can also walk from Yotsuya station. The feeling of walking among the quiet houses will give you a different perspective on Tokyo.
Photo Tips
The best angle is to photograph from the bottom of the stairs looking up, capturing the moment the two characters look at each other. The ideal time is at sunset when the golden sunlight casts shadows on the steps, creating a shimmering effect reminiscent of director Shinkai Makoto’s graphic style.
Dogo Onsen Hot Springs – The Gateway to Spirited Away
Inspired by Spirited Away
Shikoku Ehime Dogo Onsen Experience in Matsuyama
Do you remember the public bath of the witch Yubaba in Spirited Away? Dogo Onsen Honkan in Ehime Prefecture is said to be one of the locations that inspired the bathhouse architecture in the film. It is one of the oldest hot spring resorts in Japan, with a history estimated to be around 3,000 years old.
Latest Update 2026
Great news for fans: after more than 5 years of preservation and renovation, Dogo Onsen Honkan officially opened its doors on July 11, 2024. Now you can enjoy traditional bathing spaces with wooden walkways and rooms that retain their ancient charm.
As of 2026, the basic bathing fee at Kami-no-yu is 700 yen for adults, with a maximum usage time of approximately 60 minutes. Packages including accommodation, yukata, or tours of special areas will have higher prices.
A Must-Try Experience Here
Sendai Zao Fox Village & Ginzan Onsen Full-Day Tour
After bathing, put on a traditional yukata, slip on wooden sandals, and stroll around the Dogo shopping district. The chimes from the nearby Botchan Karakuri clock tower will make you feel like you’ve just stepped into the mystical world of Chihiro.
Shirakawa-Go Ancient Village – Hinamizawa’s Love Song in Higurashi
A Real-Life Fairy Tale Village
Shirakawa-go, Gujo Hachiman, and Hida Takayama Day Trip
For those who love the mystery and horror genre in Higurashi When They Cry, Hinamizawa village is built based on many familiar images and scenes in Shirakawa-go, especially the Ogimachi village in Gifu Prefecture. With its thatched-roof houses in the gassho-zukuri architectural style, this UNESCO World Heritage site possesses a pristine beauty, isolated from the hustle and bustle of urban life.
Hinamizawa Discovery Journey
Nagoya Shirakawa-go & Hida Takayama One-Day Tour
The most convenient way to get here is by bus from Takayama or Kanazawa station. Standing on the observation deck overlooking the Ogimachi village, you’ll immediately recognize many familiar filming locations from the anime. Although the anime has a slightly eerie feel to it, Shirakawa-go is actually incredibly peaceful and picturesque.
Best Time to Visit
Takayama & Shirakawa-go One Day Tour from Takayama
Winter is when the ancient village is at its most beautiful, with thick white snow covering the thatched roofs, creating a magical scene under the warm yellow lights. However, the winter lighting event is only held on certain days and usually requires reservations; it doesn’t take place every night during the snowy season.
If you want to experience the typical summer heat and cicada sounds from the anime, visit in June or July!
Chichibu City – Rediscovering Childhood Memories with Anohana
Small Corners Full of Memories
The Essential Fuji Tour: Visit 6 Most-Rated Scenic Spots in One Day
The anime Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day brought tears to many with its story of the Super Peace Busters. Most of the familiar settings in the film are based on Chichibu City and the surrounding area in Saitama Prefecture. This is a Japanese anime location quite close to Tokyo, perfect for a day trip.
Must-Visit Check-In Spots
The first stop should be the Old Chichibu Bridge, associated with many familiar scenes of Menma and her friends. Next is Jorinji Temple, one of the places frequently visited by Anohana fans. Here, you can find or purchase wooden prayer beads (ema) printed with images of characters from the anime, depending on availability at the time of your visit.
Additionally, Chichibu Shrine and Hitsujiyama Park are also familiar locations that have appeared in or inspired scenes in anime.
Travel Notes
The Essential Fuji Tour: Visit 6 Most-Rated Scenic Spots in One Day
Chichibu is quite large, so we recommend renting a bicycle in the area in front of Seibu-Chichibu Station for easy transportation between points. The service usually operates from around 9 am to 5 pm and may stop accepting customers early if all bikes are taken. This city is also famous for its handmade soba noodles, so don’t forget to refuel after exploring the anime locations!
Tips for a Perfect “Seichi Junrei” Trip
To make your Japanese anime location hunting trip complete, we have a few tips for you:
Choosing the Right Train Pass: Because these locations are scattered from Tokyo all the way to Shikoku and use many different transportation systems, the Japan Rail Pass isn’t always the most economical option. Enoden, Seibu Railway, and some local bus routes are not covered by the JR Pass. You should compare the price of individual tickets with regional passes, such as the Enoden day pass, Enoshima-Kamakura Freepass, or Shikoku passes, depending on your personal schedule.
Prepare Pocket WiFi or SIM/eSIM: Navigating the narrow alleys of Japan can sometimes be tricky, so always have internet access to check Google Maps, train schedules, and find the right photo spots.
Respect the locals: Many anime locations are residential areas, busy streets, or sacred temples. Remember to be quiet, don’t litter, don’t block pathways, and ask permission before taking photos of locals to preserve the local cultural space.
Bring extra batteries: Trust us, you’ll be taking photos and videos constantly because every spot is picture-perfect. Don’t let your phone run out of battery while you’re busy taking photos at the red staircase of Suga Shrine or Kamakurakōkō-mae train station!
Japan always knows how to please anime fans with its stunning scenery and wonderful hospitality. Hopefully, the 5 Japanese anime locations that we just shared will help you realize your long-held dream of stepping into the world of animation.
So what are you waiting for? Let’s plan your unforgettable trip with Living Nomads now!
Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, to and from Tokyo you can refer to
- Mt Fuji & Hakone Day Tour: Lake Ashi & Ropeway Day Trip from Tokyo
- Nikko Cultural Day Tour from Tokyo
- Tokyo Subway Ticket (24, 48, or 72 Hours)
- Shuttle Bus Transfers (One Way/Round Trip) from Shinjuku/Ikebukuro to Tokyo Disneyland or Tokyo DisneySea
- Tokyo Disney Resort Park Ticket
- Klook Pass Greater Tokyo
- SHIBUYA SKY Ticket
- Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo – The Making of Harry Potter Ticket
- Skyliner Narita Airport Express Ticket
- TeamLab Planets Ticket
- TOKYO SKYTREE® Ticket
- Limousine Bus Narita or Haneda Airport to Tokyo
- Skyliner Narita Airport Express With Tokyo Subway Ticket
- JR Tokyo Wide Pass
- Sky Hop-on and Hop-off Bus Pass
- 4G Prepaid Sim Card (JP Airports Pick Up) for Japan
- JR Pass for Whole Japan (7, 14, or 21 Days)
Are you looking for more Tokyo travel guide and top things to do in Tokyo: Tours, activities, attractions and other things? Read more: Tokyo itinerary 3 days — What to do in Tokyo in 3 days?
