If you are a fan of anime, you might be delighted to know that some places in Japan cater to scenes and characters from anime films. Why not visit those places next time you go to Japan?
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Real-life anime locations in Tokyo
Anime is a vast subculture in Japan that exists not only domestically but has expanded throughout the world. From manga to games, cosplays, and even the animation industry of Japan—all these are referred to as anime.
An anime tour in Japan takes you through iconic museums, theme parks, and miniature or life-size anime statue collections. You can even see real-world locations became an inspiration for some of the most iconic scenes, all in the country of origin—Japan.
You can find hundreds of anime scenes and settings in actual locations around Japan—especially in Tokyo. As the biggest city in the world, it features anything, from robots to maid and animal cafes and animation studios. You can even see actual anime settings with life-size anime figures.
Kimi no Na Wa, also known for its English title, Your Name, is the 2016 anime film directed by Makoto Shinkai. It is a romantic drama between a boy in Tokyo and a girl in the fictional town of Itomori who are trying to cope with their own problems. There is an underlying theme of threaded fate between the two protagonists, making it one of the most recognized anime films.
The movie features several popular locations, and the iconic routes of the film’s climax are actual routes that you can see in Shinjuku City, Tokyo. While both routes end with the Suga Shrine staircase, the path that Taki (the male character) takes from Yotsuya Station ends at a low angle at the bottom of the stairs. As you walk around the streets of Yotsuya, you can also see the roads, signages, and postboxes glimpsed in the film. As this is a residential area, please refrain from talking loudly or visiting late at night, and please keep in mind to respect the privacy of the residents when taking pictures.
How to get to Yotsuya Station: Take the Keikyu Railways from Haneda Airport to Sengakuji Station. Walk 15 minutes to Shirokane Takanawa Station, and take Namboku Line (Subway) to Yotsuya Station.
・Location: 1 Yotsuya, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0004
How to get to Suga Shrine: From Yotsuya Station, walk 15 minutes to Suga Shrine (the Suga Shrine staircase is approximately 20 meters from the shrine).
・Location: 5 Suga-chou, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0018
・Contact Details: +81-33-351-7023
・Opening Hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Odaiba is a large man-made island in Tokyo Bay, notable for having scenes in popular anime, such as Digimon and Weathering with You. It is also a popular tourist destination as an entertainment and shopping district with unique anime shops and cafes. However, its most famous attraction is the life-size Gundam Unicorn Statue (standing 19.7 meters tall) that “transforms” at different times during the day, with its armor plates shifting from Unicorn mode to Destroy mode.
The word “Gundam” is a reference to the original anime Mobile Suit Gundam, an extensive military science fiction franchise consisting of giant humanoid robots with a cockpit and a pilot. Common collectibles you can buy at the Gundam Base in Odaiba are model kits Gunpla) that turn into action figures.
How to get to Gundam Odaiba statue: Take the bus from Haneda Airport and get off at Seaside Station. Transfer to the Rinkai Line subway, then ride to Tokyo Teleport Station. From there, walk 10 minutes to Gundam Unicorn Statue.
・Location: DiverCity Tokyo Plaza 2F Festival Square, 1-1-10 Aomi, Koto-ku, Tokyo 135-0064
・Show Hours: 11:00 AM, 1:00 PM, 3:00 PM, 5:00 PM
Kimetsu No Yaiba, also known as Demon Slayer, follows the story of Tanjiro, a young boy, and his adventures with the Demon Slayer Corps. This exciting anime adaptation is set in the Taisho Era of Japan. What makes Asakusa so popular is that this stretch is where Tanjiro and Muzan (Tanjiro’s nemesis) first encounter each other.
While the anime has no actual shops or locations, you can still visit Asakusa and imagine what it might have looked like in the past. See the streets through Tanjiro’s eyes when you walk past the Kaminarimon (Kaminari Gate) and through the Nakamise shopping district, a long path of food stalls, souvenir shops, toys, and many more. It ends at Hozomon Gate, the entrance to Senso-ji Temple, Tokyo’s most famous temple.
How to get to Asakusa: Take the Keikyu Railways Train from Haneda Airport to Sengakuji Station. Transfer to Asakusa Line, and ride to Asakusa Station. From there, walk about five minutes until you reach the Kaminari Gate.
・Location: 2-3-1 Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo 111-0032
・Opening Hours: Opening hours of Nakamise shops may vary; Senso-ji Temple is open from 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM (April to September) or 6:30 AM to 5:00 PM (October to March)
Akihabara is a common name for the district surrounding Akihabara Station. While being a colorful setting of densely-packed buildings and various shops, it has a rich culture and history. These days, however, it is more known as the “Electric Town” of Tokyo and the home of otakus (anime enthusiasts).
You will find an assortment of this otaku culture in Akhibara—from maid cafes to vintage and retro game shops. You’ll be surprised at the cosplay-specific shops and the shops selling collectible anime action figures and cards. Aside from anime merch, you can also find movies, software, CDs, and even primary electronics sold throughout Akihabara—thus earning itself the name of “Electric town.” Whatever you may think of, you may be able to find it in Akihabara.
You’ll be able to find anime and manga-centered merchandise in Akihabara, such as Cowboy Bebop, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, Fate, and Attack on Titan, to name a few. There is a wide variety of anime merchandise in Akihabara, just waiting to be discovered by anime-lovers. Now and then, cafes themed cafes pop out in different areas, so always be on the lookout for them as some of them close after a few months or years.
How to get to Akihabara Station: From Haneda Airport, take the Tokyo Monorail to Hamamatsucho Station. Transfer to Yamanote Line or Keihin Tohoku Line and get off at Akihabara Station.
・Location: 1 Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0021
With anime being a popular form of entertainment and an iconic subculture of Japan, it’s no wonder that various events cater to the large fan base across Japan. You may have heard of some manga artist signing, video game conventions, and even cosplays. These events vary from anime genres to specific franchises and studio productions.
Comiket is the world’s largest comic event held in Japan when it comes to selling the self-published works or doujinshi of the artists. Since 1996, Comiket has been a semi-annual event held in Tokyo Big Sight during summer and winter (August and December). Doujin circles sell their self-published work (doujinshi) during this event. These derivative artworks may vary from manga to anime to artwork, games, and other forms. While a majority of the booths in Comiket are held by self-published amateurs who sell fan base art, both amateurs and professionals participate in the event to showcase their original work and admire the work of others.
You will need to buy tickets in advance if you want to participate in the event.
How to get to Tokyo Big Sight: From Haneda Airport, take the Airport Limousine bus to Tokyo Big Sight.
・Event Dates: August and December (dates change yearly)
・Location: 3-11-1 Ariake, Koto-ku, Tokyo 135-0063
・Operating Hours: 10:30 AM to 4:00 PM
World Cosplay Summit is an annual cosplay event promoting the Japanese pop culture of anime, manga, and video games. Held during the first week of August, the summit happens in different locations across Nagoya, Aichi. You can see commercial booths featuring popular anime, manga, and video games set up at various locations. The event also features cosplay parades, cosplay picture taking, and talk shows with special guests.
The highlight of this summit, the World Cosplay Championship, is held in Aichi Prefectural Art Theater. Participants worldwide represent their countries with their cosplay performances on stage to determine who is the champion for the year.
・Event Dates: First week of August (dates vary per year)
Whether you are an avid anime enthusiast or are just beginning to watch some movies and read some manga, there are a lot of places in Japan that cater to this fascinating subculture. Check out the real-life locations, visit the shops with anime collectibles, go to an event or two—and enter the wonderful world of anime.
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