Anime and Manga Pilgrimage: Visiting Real-World Locations

Seichi Junrei: Sacred Place Pilgrimage

Seichi junrei (sacred place pilgrimage) is the Japanese fan practice of visiting real-world locations that appear as settings in anime, manga, and light novels. The phenomenon has become a significant economic driver for rural and suburban towns that suddenly attract thousands of visitors after appearing in a popular series. Local governments and businesses increasingly cooperate with production studios, creating official pilgrimage maps, limited-edition merchandise, and character-themed signage.

The practice goes beyond sightseeing. Dedicated fans photograph the exact spots depicted in specific scenes, matching camera angles frame by frame with screenshots from the anime. The Japanese term butaitanbou (stage exploration) describes this systematic documentation. Websites and apps catalog thousands of locations with side-by-side comparisons of the animated and real versions.

Your Name (Kimi no Na wa) in Tokyo

Makoto Shinkai’s 2016 film “Your Name” (Kimi no Na wa) turned several Tokyo locations into pilgrimage destinations overnight. The Suga Shrine staircase in Yotsuya, a modest residential-area shrine near Yotsuya-Sanchome Station, became the most photographed spot after appearing in the film’s iconic poster scene. The stairs, ordinary in every way, now draw lines of fans recreating the scene where Taki and Mitsuha finally meet.

The pedestrian overpass at Shinanomachi Station provides the backdrop for another key scene, with the elevated walkway offering views over the Meiji Jingu Gaien area. Shinjuku Station’s south terrace and the National Art Center in Roppongi also appear. The film’s fictional town of Itomori drew inspiration from several locations in Gifu Prefecture, particularly Hida-Furukawa, where the train station and town layout match scenes closely enough to attract steady pilgrim traffic.

Studio Ghibli Connections

While Ghibli’s fantastical worlds are not direct location copies, several places claim strong connections. The Ghibli Museum in Mitaka (accessible from JR Mitaka Station via a Catbus-decorated shuttle) houses original animation cels, a rooftop robot soldier from “Castle in the Sky,” and a small theater showing exclusive short films. Tickets must be purchased in advance through Lawson’s Loppi terminals, typically selling out within minutes of release on the 10th of each month.

Yakushima Island in Kagoshima Prefecture provided the moss-covered ancient forest that inspired the setting of “Princess Mononoke.” Shiratani Unsuikyo Ravine, a hiking trail through thousand-year-old yakusugi cedar trees draped in luminous green moss, is the specific area most associated with the film’s Shishigami no Mori (Forest of the Spirit of the Forest). The trail takes two to four hours depending on the route chosen.

The Colmar-inspired streets of Howl’s Moving Castle find loose parallels in Yufuin, Oita Prefecture, which cultivates a European village aesthetic in its main shopping street. Tomonoura, a small port town in Hiroshima Prefecture reachable by bus from Fukuyama Station, served as Miyazaki’s inspiration while developing “Ponyo,” and its harbor, stone seawalls, and hilltop temple match the film’s coastal town atmosphere.

Regional Economic Impact

Oarai in Ibaraki Prefecture transformed its economy through “Girls und Panzer,” an anime about high school girls competing in tank warfare. The sleepy seaside town placed character cutouts in storefronts, hosted an annual Ankou Matsuri (anglerfish festival) with anime tie-ins, and saw tourist numbers increase dramatically. Local shops still display character panels years after the show aired, sustained by a loyal fan community.

Chichibu in Saitama Prefecture experienced a surge after “Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day,” with the Chichibu Bridge, Chichibu Shrine, and the hilltop overlooking the basin all serving as identifiable locations. The town printed commemorative bus passes and created walking maps linking key scenes. Numazu in Shizuoka became associated with “Love Live! Sunshine!!” and decorated its shopping arcades, manhole covers, and even public buses with character imagery.

Practical Tips for Pilgrimage

Research locations before visiting using sites that catalog anime pilgrimage spots with maps and GPS coordinates. Be respectful at residential locations: Suga Shrine is a functioning neighborhood shrine, and blocking the staircase for extended photo sessions frustrates local residents. Many locations are in suburban or rural areas accessible only by local trains or buses with limited schedules. Check return transport before heading out.

This content is for informational purposes only and reflects independent research. Details may change — verify current information before making travel plans.