Real-life anime locations in Japan: a fascinating experience between fiction and reality

Anime and Japanese pop culture attract many fans around the world, who dream of discovering the real-life locations that inspired their favorite works. Visiting these iconic places has become a real trend in Japan, a form of tourism that combines cultural discovery and immersion in the world of anime. Discover breathtaking landscapes, fascinating cities and places steeped in history that have served as models for Japan's greatest anime films.

 

Some of the most beautiful anime settings draw their inspiration from Japan's breathtaking natural landscapes. Such is the case of Yakushima Island, famous for its dense forests and thousand-year-old cedars, which served as the model for the spellbinding atmosphere of Hayao Miyazaki's film Princess Mononoke. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Yakushima Island invites you to enjoy unforgettable hikes in the heart of unspoilt nature.

Yakushima Forest

The forest on the island of Yakushima bears a striking resemblance to that in Princess Mononoke.

kabacchi

Princesse Mononoke et ses décors inspirés de l'île de Yakushima

Princess Mononoke and its sets inspired by Yakushima Island

Studio Ghibli

Read more // Yakushima Island

The mountainous landscapes of Gifu prefecture inspired the fictional village of Hinamizawa in the anime Higurashi no naku koro ni. The village of Shirakawago and the surrounding Shirakawago villages, a UNESCO World Heritage site, feature traditional thatched-roof houses in a natural setting.

For a romantic getaway in the footsteps of Your Name, head for Lake Motosu in Yamanashi Prefecture. This stunningly beautiful lake, with Mount Fuji as its backdrop, inspired many scenes in the film.

Le village de Hinamizawa, très largement inspiré de Shirakawa-go, dans la préfecture de Gifu

Hinamizawa village, largely inspired by Shirakawa-go, in Gifu prefecture

Studio Deen

Shirakawago Unesco world heritage village in Japanese Alps

Shirakawago, a world heritage village typical of the Japanese Alps

©JNTO

Read more // Shirakawa-go

The famous "steps of Your Name", where Taki and Mitsuha finally meet, are located at the Suga temple in Tokyo. Since the film's release, these 26 steps have attracted thousands of visitors who come to recreate the famous scene.

L'une des scènes les plus emblématiques de Your Name, sur les escaliers

One of the most emblematic scenes in Your Name, on the stairs

CoMix Wave Films

Les marches qui mènent au sanctuaire Suga

The steps leading up to Suga Shrine

Flickr - Hideya Hamano

Finally, it's impossible to miss the Tokyo Tower, featured in countless anime series such as Sailor Moon and Detective Conan. At 333 meters in height, it remains one of the capital's must-see symbols. Go to 4 Chome-2-8 Shibakoen, Minato City, Tokyo to admire it and enjoy the breathtaking view over Tokyo.

Ran Mōri (Détective Conan) se tenant devant la Tokyo Tower

Ran Mōri (Detective Conan) standing in front of Tokyo Tower

TMS Entertainment

Tokyo tower and Roppongi cultural district

The Tokyo Tower, built in 1958, was inspired by the Eiffel Tower

©Pumidol Leelerdsakulvong/123RF

La Tokyo Tower dans une ville désolée dans Tokyo Magnitude 8.0

Tokyo Tower in a desolate city in Tokyo Magnitude 8.0

Bones, Kinema Citrus

La Tokyo Tower telle que présentée dans l'animé Sailor Moon

The Tokyo Tower as featured in the Sailor Moon anime

Toei Animation

Read more // Tokyo Tower

Spiritual and historic places magnified by Japanese animation

Matsuyama's Dōgo Onsen was the direct inspiration for the baths in Chihiro's parents' establishment in Chihiro's Journey. This historic onsen, founded over 1,000 years ago, is one of the oldest in Japan. Its main wooden building, the Dōgo Onsen Honkan, built in 1894, will immerse you in the very special atmosphere of the film. To get there, go to 5-6 Dōgoyunomachi, Matsuyama, Ehime 790-0842, Japan.

Les bains du voyage de Chihiro, lieu principal de l'intrigue

The baths of Chihiro's voyage, the main plot location

Studio Ghibli

Japan Visitor - dogo-onsen-2017-1.jpg
Read more // Le Dôgo Onsen

In another genre, the Ōtsu Ōmi-jingū shintō shrine is the setting for the anime Chihayafuru, which features a team playing karuta, the traditional Japanese card game. In fact, this shrine hosts the national karuta championship every year, just like in the manga. The area around the shrine is full of stores and restaurants offering local specialities and Chihayafuru souvenirs. Go to 1-1 Jingucho, Otsu, Shiga 520-0015, Japan to visit this Mecca of karuta and anime.

Chihaya faisant face à l'Omi Jingu, l'endroit où elle peut devenir Queen au karuta

Chihaya facing the Omi Jingu, the place where she can become a karuta Queen

Madhouse

omi-jingu-otsu

Otsu's Omi junge temple is a contemporary temple founded in 1940

Wikimedia

Find out more (article in English) // Omi Shrine (Omi Jingu) Shiga

The port town of Tomonoura was the model for the village of Ponyo on the Cliff. This charming, unspoilt port offers a journey back in time with its cobbled lanes, traditional wooden houses and colorful little fishing boats. Also visit the Ankoku-ji temple, near which stands a house resembling Sōsuke's in the film. The port of Tomonoura is accessible by bus from Fukuyama station.

Le village où se déroule Ponyo sur la falaise, largement inspiré du village de Tomonoura

The village where Ponyo on the Cliff is set, largely inspired by the village of Tomonoura

Studio Ghibli

Port de Tomonoura

View of Tomonoura harbor.

DR

Read more // Le port de Tomonoura

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