We discovered new hidden gems in Japan due to Anime!
For all of the weebs and otakus on the market, I gotchu! As an avid anime lover, Japan is all the time my go-to when I’ve the prospect to journey. Other than shopping for merch or collaborating in anime occasions, you’ll be able to truly go to real-life places which can be used as settings for anime works. While there’s an abundance of them, this information covers a few of my favourites!
If you like Japan, you may discover some hidden gems, and if you happen to love anime as nicely, it is a signal to embark on an anime pilgrimage!
Pre-trip Checklist Entering Japan
With Japan’s borders not too long ago opened to Singaporean travellers, listed below are some fast tricks to make your life simpler ✈️:
1) Register on Japan Web upfront to skip the lengthy airport queue like skipping anime openings.
2) Digital Vaccination Certificate through Notarise — minimal of 3 vaccination doses to skip PCR take a look at
3) Bring ample masks — most points of interest and buildings require you to put on one
4) Get Travel Insurance with Covid protection — non-compulsory however advisable
Getting round Japan
There are loads of methods to get round inside and throughout cities to fit your journey wants even if you happen to do not need a Toyota Trueno or swagger like Takumi ????.
Public transport will get you to most locations inside the metropolis however renting a automotive provides you extra entry to the agricultural or mountainous areas like Mt Fuji.
If you’re travelling by prepare, the JR Pass, take a look at our JR Pass information for recommendations on navigating and maximising it.
1) Suga Shrine Staircase (Tokyo) — Your Name
“Haven’t we… Have I met you somewhere before?” — Nope, I exist in the true world in contrast to you.
The well-known blockbuster film, Your Name, by Makoto Shinkai, ends with an emotional and touching ending scene the place the principle characters Taki and Mitsuha meet after the meteor incident on this legendary staircase resulting in Suga Shrine in Yotsuya. Alight at Yotsuya Station, make your approach by the serene neighbourhood and you can be greeted with this nostalgic sight. While no Taki/ Mitsuhas had been discovered ????, it’s frequent to seek out guests taking pictures at this iconic spot to recreate the very scene.
Nearest prepare station exit: Yotsuya Sanchome Exit 3
Address: Japan, 160-0018 Tokyo, Shinjuku City, Sugacho, ５
2) Lake Motosu (Yamanaka) — Yuru Camp
Photo credit (real-life picture): animetourism88.com
If there’s one picture that symbolises the heartwarming anime Yuru Camp, it’s this very image of Lake Motosu! To summarise, Yuru Camp is concerning the protagonist, Rin, and her pals travelling throughout numerous campsites in Japan. When visiting Mt Fuji, it’s paramount to go to the Five Fuji Lakes as they provide a few of the greatest views and movie spots for Mt Fuji. Did you already know that Lake Motosu is on the again of the ¥1,000 notice ?????
*Pro tip: Check the 24-hour reside streams of Mt Fuji to see if it’s definitely worth the journey because it’s typically hiding behind clouds!
Photo credit: sightseeandsushi.com
If you’d wish to camp right here like Rin and her buddies, you could possibly head to Koan Camping Ground to spend an evening there and benefit from the serene and peaceable environment whereas gazing on the stars amidst a ¥1,000 view.
Address: 2926 Nakanokura, Minobu, Minamikoma District, Yamanashi 409-3104, Japan
3) Shirakawago (Takayama) — Higurashi When They Cry
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is definitely the inspiration for Hinamizawa, the village the place the horror/homicide thriller franchise, Higurashi When They Cry, is about. Far from being cursed (hopefully), this stunning village options places such because the Hachiman Shrine and Wada House.
The idyllic conventional village is gorgeous throughout all seasons with its distinctive constructing fashion often known as gasshō-zukuri in opposition to the backdrop of mountains and foliage. Personally, I just like the snowy white backdrop most so I’ll positively be visiting once more in winter ☃️!
Address: Ogimachi, Shirakawa, Ono District, Gifu 501-5627, Japan
4) Dogo Onsen (Ehime) — Spirited Away
Photo credit: japan-guide.com
Tucked in Ehime Prefecture, Dogo Onsen Honkan is among the must-visit anime places in northwest Shikoku. It’s the inspiration for Aburaya, the bathhouse owned by Yubaba, the witch in Spirited Away. Aside from its reputation due to the movie, it’s additionally hailed because the oldest scorching spring in Japan ♨️.
Photo credit: thejapantimes
Wash all of your fatigue away as you marvel on the conventional but aesthetic inside of this tub home. The better part is that it’s tremendous inexpensive at ~$6 for a shower!
Entrance price: From ~S$6/pax
Opening hours: 6AM – 11PM
Address: 5-6 Dogoyunomachi, Matsuyama, Ehime 790-0842, Japan
5) Lake Shikaribetsu (Hokkaido) — Spirited Away
Photo credit: kawatabi-hokkaido.com
I’m positive each Spirited Away fan would keep in mind the mysterious prepare station located in the midst of a lake that extends throughout the horizon. Lake Shikaribetsu is known for its prepare tracks spanning into the crystal-clear lake, wanting as whether it is straight out of a fairytale.
However, I don’t assume I might be working within the icy chilly Hokkaido waters barefooted simply to be Chihiro ????.
Address: Kitaurimaku, Shikaoi, Kato District, Hokkaido 081-0344, Japan
6) Yakushima (Kagoshima) — Princess Mononoke
Photo credit: thejapantimes
The island of Yakushima is residence to a fairy-tale forest so magical that it impressed Hayao Miyazaki, the genius behind Studio Ghibli, to incorporate it in his animated masterpiece, Princess Mononoke. It is famously identified for yaku sugi – a few of the most historical residing bushes on the planet.
The island additionally has an indigenous sub-species of deer known as yakushika which is not any surprise why the forest spirit in Princess Mononoke, also called shishigami (deer god) or night-walker, is modelled after it ????!
Address: Yakushima, Kumage District, Kagoshima, Japan
7) Kamakurakoko-Mae Station (Kanagawa)— Slam Dunk
Photo credit: zekkeijapan.com
How I want my journey to work might have a view like this ????. This railway crossing at Kamakurakokomae Station with its huge ocean views and clear blue skies was used because the mannequin for a scene within the upbeat opening theme for Slam Dunk, a basic sports activities anime that wants little introduction.
Being one of many first animes I’ve watched with my household, it is among the most nostalgic scenes for me!
Address: 1-chōme-1 Koshigoe, Kamakura, Kanagawa 248-0033, Japan
8) Oyama Dam (Hita City) — Attack on Titan
Photo credit: tabimaniajapan.com
The first set up of the mission “Attack on Titan in HITA” was setting up life-sized statues of the principle characters Eren, Mikasa, and Armin in entrance of the 93 metres tall Oyama Dam which served because the inspiration for Wall Maria. With the encircling view reduce off by this huge construction, it makes you’re feeling like a bit of hen in a cage — possibly that’s what made Eren obsessive about the thought of freedom????.
This was additionally the well-known scene of despair, the place the Colossal Titan made its sudden look earlier than breaking a gap in Wall Maria.
Address: Oyamamachi Nishioyama, Hita, Oita 877-0201, Japan
9) Akihabara (Tokyo) — Steins;Gate
Akihabara is a must-visit for any Japanese pop-culture fan merely due to the sheer variety of anime and manga outlets. Bonus factors if you’re a Steins;Gate fan, as Akihabara can be the premise of this highly-rated collection.
Akihabara Radio Kaikan
Akihabara Radio Kaikan is well essentially the most recognisable landmark in all of the Steins;Gate. Both the start and finish of the franchise occur on this very constructing, with key occasions such because the “murder” of Kurisu and the time machine crashing into the constructing.
You might additionally strive the “intellectual’s drink” Dr Pepper, from one of many merchandising machines outdoors. Honestly, it simply tastes like Coke to me ????.
Opening hours: 10AM – 8PM
Address: 1 Chome−15−16, Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0021
Akihabara Station
There had been many notable interactions and heart-wrenching scenes between predominant characters Okabe and Kurisu (Christina) on this space − her throwing a bottle of Dr Pepper earlier than disappearing from view, and the each of them standing head to head.
Address: 1 Chome Sotokanda, Chiyoda City, Tokyo, Japan
10) Asakusa (Tokyo) — Demon Slayer
The premise of the 2018 hit, Demon Slayer, begins within the mountains of Taisho-era Japan. Still, we’re quickly transported to Tokyo’s Asakusa district the place Tanjiro was despatched on a mission to confirm the rumours of a demon lurking round. After briefly sitting down for a bowl of udon, he caught a whiff of a powerful demonic scent which led him to fulfill Muzan (insert Michael Jackson’s “heehee”), the principle antagonist of the collection on this crowded and vigorous road.
Although the city seems fairly totally different in comparison with the previous, the vacationer and locals donning their kimonos positively add to the Taisho-era vibe amidst the ever-lively Nakamise road and Sensoji temple.
Address: 2 Chome-3-1 Asakusa, Taito City, Tokyo 111-0032, Japan
11) Chichibu Bridge (Saitama) — Anohana
Photo credit (proper): locobee.com
The beloved cult favorite anime Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day is about in Chichibu City, Saitama, a quiet space on the northwestern fringe of Tokyo. Across 11 episodes, we grow to be intimately accustomed to the town, its landmarks and its characters ????.
The most distinguished of those landmarks is the Old Chichibu Bridge, a pedestrian bridge crossing the Arakawa River that seems in posters, trailers, and the anime’s opening credit.
Address: 8-15 Kumaki, Chichibu, Saitama 368-8686
12) Yokohama (Kanagawa) — Bungo Stray Dogs
Almost everything of Bungo Stray Dogs is about in Yokohama, a port metropolis with a combination of recent and historic buildings.
Yokohama Chinatown
Featured in episode 9 is Yokohama’s Chinatown, the place Atsushi takes Kyouka out on a date! It’s additionally the most important Chinatown in Asia with over 200 Chinese-themed eating places and outlets promoting scrumptious snacks and meals! ????
Address: Yamashitacho, Naka Ward, Yokohama, Kanagawa 231-0023
Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse
Photo credit: japantravel.com
Another location featured in Atsushi and Kyoukai’s date is the Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse. This buying centre is known for its brick development, small unbiased outlets, and cafes that are nice for taking a breather!
The warehouse is continually internet hosting occasions all through the seasons, akin to a Christmas market in winter and a seaside occasion in summer time. Check out their web site for the occasion schedule earlier than heading there!
*Note: It is briefly closed for renovation until Dec 2022
Address: 1 Chome-1 Shinko, Naka Ward, Yokohama, Kanagawa 231-0001
13) Fuji Q Highland (Yamanaka) — Naruto/Boruto
I used to be today-years-old once I realised Fuji Q Highland hosts a Naruto-themed theme park ????! Designed as a miniature duplicate of Konoha Village, you could possibly pose with life-sized collectible figurines of your favorite Naruto characters like taking part in chess with Shikamaru, and go to the Ichiraku Ramen store for a bowl of Naruto’s iconic favorite ramen.
After exploring Naruto’s crib, take a look at the world-record coasters close by too ????.
Entrance price: ~S$30/pax
Opening hours: 9AM – 6PM
Address: 5 Chome-6-1 Shinnishihara, Fujiyoshida, Yamanashi 403-0017, Japan
Read additionally: Fuji Q Highland Guide — The Best Roller Coasters Most Tourists Miss in Japan
Other anime spots price trying out
Photo credit: tokyotokyo.jp
Here is a “Taisho Era Secret” if you happen to’ve learn till right here! The Anime Tourism Association pushes out yearly 88-spots that embrace real-life anime places, museums and even cosplay summits! Some of those places have memorial stamps too which you could possibly maintain as a memento.
Useful Japanese phrases in your anime pilgrimage
Travelling to those locations hit near my coronary heart as they impressed a few of my favorite animes and rekindled a few of my childhood recollections. However, a few of these locations are exhausting to achieve just like the staircase from Your Name which is hidden in a dense neighbourhood. So listed below are some helpful Japanese phrases if you happen to need assistance getting round ????!
- Konnichiwa (こんにちは) – Hello
- Sumimasen (すみません) – Excuse me
- __ o Kudasai (__をください) – I would really like __, please
- __ wa Doko Desu ka? (__はどこですか) – Where is __?
- Dono Densha? (どの電車？) – Which prepare?
- Excuse me: Sumimasen (すみません)
- Sorry: Gomen (ごめん)
- Please: Onegai shimasu (おねがいします)
- I don’t perceive: Wakarimasen (わかりません)
- English: eigo (英語)
- I don’t perceive Japanese: Nihongo ga wakarimasen (にほんごがわかりません)
Want particular itineraries for any of those cities in Japan? Here are some that you just may discover helpful:
Tokyo/ Mt Fuji: 7D Japan Itinerary For S$1.3k — A Tokyo and Mount Fuji Adventure
Kansai area (Osaka, Kyoto): 7D Japan Itinerary Under S$1.3k — Osaka and Other Epic Cities within the Kansai Region
Hokkaido: 8-Day Hokkaido Itinerary — Spring Road Trip Under S$1k
Share with us which of those anime places you’d like to go to most within the feedback under!
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