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 at all times my go-to when I’ve the prospect to journey. Apart from shopping for merch or collaborating in anime occasions, you’ll be able to really go to real-life areas which can be used as settings for anime works. Whereas there’s an abundance of them, this information covers a few of my favourites!
Should you love Japan, you may discover some hidden gems, and if you happen to love anime as properly, this can be a signal to embark on an anime pilgrimage!
Pre-trip Guidelines Coming into Japan
With Japan’s borders just lately opened to Singaporean travellers, listed below are some fast tricks to make your life simpler ✈️:
1) Register on Japan Net prematurely to skip the lengthy airport queue like skipping anime openings.
2) Digital Vaccination Certificates through Notarise — minimal of 3 vaccination doses to skip PCR check
3) Convey enough masks — most points of interest and buildings require you to put on one
4) Get Journey Insurance coverage with Covid protection — optionally available however really useful
Getting round Japan
There are many methods to get round inside and throughout cities to fit your journey wants even if you happen to wouldn’t have a Toyota Trueno or swagger like Takumi 😎.
Public transport will get you to most locations inside the metropolis however renting a automobile offers you extra entry to the agricultural or mountainous areas like Mt Fuji.
Should you’re travelling by practice, the JR Go, take a look at our JR Go information for recommendations on navigating and maximising it.
1) Suga Shrine Staircase (Tokyo) — Your Identify
“Haven’t we… Have I met you someplace earlier than?” — Nope, I exist in the true world in contrast to you.
The well-known blockbuster film, Your Identify, by Makoto Shinkai, ends with an emotional and touching ending scene the place the primary 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 manner by way of the serene neighbourhood and you’ll be greeted with this nostalgic sight. Whereas no Taki/ Mitsuhas had been discovered 😔, it’s frequent to seek out guests taking images at this iconic spot to recreate the very scene.
Nearest practice station exit: Yotsuya Sanchome Exit 3
Handle: Japan, 160-0018 Tokyo, Shinjuku Metropolis, Sugacho, ５
2) Lake Motosu (Yamanaka) — Yuru Camp
Picture 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 in regards to the protagonist, Rin, and her mates travelling throughout varied campsites in Japan. When visiting Mt Fuji, it’s paramount to go to the 5 Fuji Lakes as they provide a few of the finest views and movie spots for Mt Fuji. Do you know that Lake Motosu is on the again of the ¥1,000 be aware 🗻?
*Professional tip: Examine the 24-hour stay streams of Mt Fuji to see if it’s well worth the journey because it’s usually hiding behind clouds!
Picture credit: sightseeandsushi.com
Should you’d prefer to camp right here like Rin and her friends, you might head to Koan Tenting Floor to spend an evening there and benefit from the serene and peaceable environment whereas gazing on the stars amidst a ¥1,000 view.
Handle: 2926 Nakanokura, Minobu, Minamikoma District, Yamanashi 409-3104, Japan
3) Shirakawago (Takayama) — Higurashi When They Cry
This UNESCO World Heritage Web site is definitely the inspiration for Hinamizawa, the village the place the horror/homicide thriller franchise, Higurashi When They Cry, is about. Removed from being cursed (hopefully), this stunning village options areas such because the Hachiman Shrine and Wada Home.
The idyllic conventional village is gorgeous throughout all seasons with its distinctive constructing type generally known as gasshō-zukuri towards the backdrop of mountains and foliage. Personally, I just like the snowy white backdrop most so I’ll undoubtedly be visiting once more in winter ☃️!
Handle: Ogimachi, Shirakawa, Ono District, Gifu 501-5627, Japan
4) Dogo Onsen (Ehime) — Spirited Away
Picture credit: japan-guide.com
Tucked in Ehime Prefecture, Dogo Onsen Honkan is without doubt one of the must-visit anime areas in northwest Shikoku. It’s the inspiration for Aburaya, the bathhouse owned by Yubaba, the witch in Spirited Away. Except for its recognition due to the movie, it’s additionally hailed because the oldest scorching spring in Japan ♨️.
Picture credit: thejapantimes
Wash all of your fatigue away as you marvel on the conventional but aesthetic inside of this bathtub home. The very best half is that it’s tremendous inexpensive at ~$6 for a shower!
Entrance charge: From ~S$6/pax
Opening hours: 6AM – 11PM
Handle: 5-6 Dogoyunomachi, Matsuyama, Ehime 790-0842, Japan
5) Lake Shikaribetsu (Hokkaido) — Spirited Away
Picture credit: kawatabi-hokkaido.com
I’m positive each Spirited Away fan would bear in mind the mysterious practice station located in the midst of a lake that extends throughout the horizon. Lake Shikaribetsu is legendary for its practice tracks spanning into the crystal-clear lake, wanting as whether it is straight out of a fairytale.
Nonetheless, I don’t suppose I might be working within the icy chilly Hokkaido waters barefooted simply to be Chihiro 🥶.
Handle: Kitaurimaku, Shikaoi, Kato District, Hokkaido 081-0344, Japan
6) Yakushima (Kagoshima) — Princess Mononoke
Picture 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’s 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 referred to as yakushika which is not any marvel why the forest spirit in Princess Mononoke, also referred to as shishigami (deer god) or night-walker, is modelled after it 🦌!
Handle: Yakushima, Kumage District, Kagoshima, Japan
7) Kamakurakoko-Mae Station (Kanagawa)— Slam Dunk
Picture credit: zekkeijapan.com
How I want my journey to work may 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 without doubt one of the most nostalgic scenes for me!
Handle: 1-chōme-1 Koshigoe, Kamakura, Kanagawa 248-0033, Japan
8) Oyama Dam (Hita Metropolis) — Assault on Titan
Picture credit: tabimaniajapan.com
The primary set up of the challenge “Assault on Titan in HITA” was developing life-sized statues of the primary characters Eren, Mikasa, and Armin in entrance of the 93 metres tall Oyama Dam which served because the inspiration for Wall Maria. With the encompassing view reduce off by this large construction, it makes you are feeling like slightly chicken in a cage — perhaps 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.
Handle: 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 retailers. Bonus factors in case you are a Steins;Gate fan, as Akihabara can be the premise of this highly-rated collection.
Akihabara Radio Kaikan
Akihabara Radio Kaikan is definitely essentially the most recognisable landmark in all of the Steins;Gate. Each the start and finish of the franchise occur on this very constructing, with key occasions such because the “homicide” of Kurisu and the time machine crashing into the constructing.
You may additionally strive the “mental’s drink” Dr Pepper, from one of many merchandising machines exterior. Actually, it simply tastes like Coke to me 😅.
Opening hours: 10AM – 8PM
Handle: 1 Chome−15−16, Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0021
Akihabara Station
There have been many notable interactions and heart-wrenching scenes between primary 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.
Handle: 1 Chome Sotokanda, Chiyoda Metropolis, Tokyo, Japan
10) Asakusa (Tokyo) — Demon Slayer
The premise of the 2018 hit, Demon Slayer, begins within the mountains of Taisho-era Japan. Nonetheless, 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 primary antagonist of the collection on this crowded and full of life road.
Though the city appears fairly totally different in comparison with the previous, the vacationer and locals donning their kimonos undoubtedly add to the Taisho-era vibe amidst the ever-lively Nakamise road and Sensoji temple.
Handle: 2 Chome-3-1 Asakusa, Taito Metropolis, Tokyo 111-0032, Japan
11) Chichibu Bridge (Saitama) — Anohana
Picture credit (proper): locobee.com
The beloved cult favorite anime Anohana: The Flower We Noticed That Day is about in Chichibu Metropolis, Saitama, a quiet space on the northwestern fringe of Tokyo. Throughout 11 episodes, we change into intimately conversant in town, its landmarks and its characters 😢.
Essentially the most outstanding of those landmarks is the Previous Chichibu Bridge, a pedestrian bridge crossing the Arakawa River that seems in posters, trailers, and the anime’s opening credit.
Handle: 8-15 Kumaki, Chichibu, Saitama 368-8686
12) Yokohama (Kanagawa) — Bungo Stray Canine
Virtually everything of Bungo Stray Canine is about in Yokohama, a port metropolis with a mix of contemporary 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 language-themed eating places and retailers promoting scrumptious snacks and meals! 🤤
Handle: Yamashitacho, Naka Ward, Yokohama, Kanagawa 231-0023
Yokohama Crimson Brick Warehouse
Picture credit: japantravel.com
One other location featured in Atsushi and Kyoukai’s date is the Yokohama Crimson Brick Warehouse. This buying centre is legendary for its brick building, small unbiased retailers, and cafes that are nice for taking a breather!
The warehouse is consistently internet hosting occasions all through the seasons, resembling a Christmas market in winter and a seashore occasion in summer time. Try their web site for the occasion schedule earlier than heading there!
*Notice: It’s briefly closed for renovation until Dec 2022
Handle: 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 reproduction of Konoha Village, you might 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 charge: ~S$30/pax
Opening hours: 9AM – 6PM
Handle: 5 Chome-6-1 Shinnishihara, Fujiyoshida, Yamanashi 403-0017, Japan
Learn additionally: Fuji Q Highland Information — The Finest Curler Coasters Most Vacationers Miss in Japan
Different anime spots value testing
Picture credit: tokyotokyo.jp
Here’s a “Taisho Period Secret” if you happen to’ve learn till right here! The Anime Tourism Affiliation pushes out yearly 88-spots that embrace real-life anime areas, museums and even cosplay summits! A few of these areas have memorial stamps too which you might hold as a memento.
Helpful Japanese phrases to 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. Nonetheless, a few of these locations are onerous to achieve just like the staircase from Your Identify 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) – Good day
- 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) – The place is __?
- Dono Densha? (どの電車？) – Which practice?
- 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)
Need particular itineraries for any of those cities in Japan? Listed below are some that you just may discover helpful:
Tokyo/ Mt Fuji: 7D Japan Itinerary For S$1.3k — A Tokyo and Mount Fuji Journey
Kansai area (Osaka, Kyoto): 7D Japan Itinerary Underneath S$1.3k — Osaka and Different Epic Cities within the Kansai Area
Hokkaido: 8-Day Hokkaido Itinerary — Spring Highway Journey Underneath S$1k
Share with us which of those anime areas you’d like to go to most within the feedback under!
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