This 15-day journey is designed for anime lovers who want to experience the real places that inspired their favorite series, not just shopping districts in Tokyo. Traveling across Japan, you’ll explore coastal towns, historic cities, and dramatic northern landscapes that served as the settings or inspirations for iconic anime. From legendary sports anime locations to historical backdrops and culturally rich regions, this trip blends anime pilgrimage with authentic regional travel.
Itinerary by
Momiji Kashiwa
Starting from
Tokyo
Starting from
Tokyo
Tokyo
Akihabara & Asakusa - Anime Goods and Tokyo’s oldest Buddhist temple
Explore Akihabara, Tokyo’s anime center, with stops at Radio Kaikan and Animate Akihabara for figures, manga, and character goods. In the afternoon, visit Asakusa’s Senso-ji Temple and stroll Nakamise Street, offering a traditional contrast to the modern anime culture of the morning.
Akihabara, Taito City, Tokyo 110-0006, Japan
1-chōme-15-16 Sotokanda, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 101-0021, Japan
4-chōme-3-1 Sotokanda, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 101-0021, Japan
2-chōme-3-1 Asakusa, Taito City, Tokyo 111-0032, Japan
Tokyo
Yokohama – Bungou Stray Dogs
Begin at Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse, a historic waterfront area featured prominently in Bungou Stray Dogs. Continue along the harbor to Yamashita Park, a scenic seaside promenade overlooking the port. From here, enter Yokohama Chinatown for vibrant streets and local food, then walk uphill to Motomachi Shopping Street, known for its stylish boutiques and relaxed atmosphere. End the day at Cosmo Clock 21 in Minato Mirai, where the illuminated Ferris wheel offers iconic city views.
1-chōme-1-1 Shinkō, Naka Ward, Yokohama, Kanagawa 231-0001, Japan
279 Yamashitachō, Naka Ward, Yokohama, Kanagawa 231-0023, Japan
Yamashitacho, Naka Ward, Yokohama, Kanagawa 231-0023, Japan
1-chōme-8 Motomachi, Naka Ward, Yokohama, Kanagawa 231-0861, Japan
Japan, 〒231-0001 Kanagawa, Yokohama, Naka Ward, Shinkō, 2-chōme−8−1 よこはまコスモワールド
Tokyo
Kamakura – Slam Dunk
Begin at Hasedera Temple, known for its hillside views and serene atmosphere. Continue to Kotoku-in, home of the Great Buddha of Kamakura, one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. End the day at Yuigahama Beach, where the oceanfront scenery and relaxed coastal vibe echo the nostalgic setting seen in Slam Dunk.
3-chōme-11-2 Hase, Kamakura, Kanagawa 248-0016, Japan
4-chōme-2-28 Hase, Kamakura, Kanagawa 248-0016, Japan
Kamakura Yuigahama Beach, 4 Chome Yuigahama, Kamakura, Kanagawa 248-0014, Japan
Tokyo
Ikebukuro – Durarara!!
Start at Animate Ikebukuro, the flagship anime store and a central hub for fans. Step outside to explore Otome Road, lined with specialty shops and cafés. Continue to Sunshine City, a large complex featured in Durarara!!, home to shopping, attractions, and observation areas. Finish at Ikebukuro Nishiguchi Park, a key real-world setting from the anime and a great spot to experience the neighborhood’s urban atmosphere.
1-chōme-20-7 Higashiikebukuro, Toshima City, Tokyo 170-0013, Japan

Animate St, 1-chōme-15 Higashiikebukuro, Toshima City, Tokyo 170-0013, Japan
3-chōme-1-2 Higashiikebukuro, Toshima City, Tokyo 170-8630, Japan
1-chōme-8-26 Nishiikebukuro, Toshima City, Tokyo 171-0021, Japan
Hakone
Hakone – Neon Genesis Evangelion
Begin at the Evangelion Store in Hakone to see franchise-themed displays and merchandise tied to the Tokyo-3 setting. Continue to the Hakone Ropeway for dramatic volcanic scenery, then travel down to Lake Ashi for views of the surrounding mountains. End the day at Hakone Shrine, set along the lakeshore, where the iconic torii gate creates a striking and atmospheric finale.
707-1 Yumoto, Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa 250-0311, Japan
1300 Sengokuhara, Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa 250-0631, Japan
Lake Ashi, Motohakone, Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa 250-0522, Japan
80-1 Motohakone, Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa 250-0522, Japan
Hakone
Hakone – Art & Nature
Start the day at the Hakone Open-Air Museum, where large-scale sculptures are set against mountain scenery, blending art and nature. Continue to Hakone Gora Park, a peaceful landscaped garden with seasonal flowers and views over the surrounding hills where you will find a replica of the Spear of Longinus .
1121 Ninotaira, Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa 250-0493, Japan
1300 Gōra, Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa 250-0408, Japan
507 Kowakudani, Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa 250-0406, Japan
Kyoto
Kyoto – Historic Anime Atmosphere
Begin at Fushimi Inari Taisha, walking through its iconic red torii gates that inspired countless historical and fantasy anime scenes. Continue to Kiyomizu-dera, a hillside temple offering panoramic views over Kyoto. In the afternoon, explore Gion, Kyoto’s preserved geisha district, where traditional streets and wooden townhouses capture the atmosphere seen in many period and Taisho-era anime like Demon Slayer and Inuyasha.
68 Fukakusa Yabunouchichō, Fushimi Ward, Kyoto, 612-0882, Japan
1-chōme-294 Kiyomizu, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0862, Japan
Gion, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, Japan
Kyoto
Kyoto – Arashiyama & Scenic Riverside
Spend the day exploring the charming district of Arashiyama. Begin at the Rilakkuma Tea House, a cozy themed café perfect for fans of cute Japanese characters, surrounded by a variety of small souvenir and character shops. Continue through the famous Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, before visiting Tenryu-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its beautiful Zen garden. Walk toward Togetsukyo Bridge, the historic centerpiece of Arashiyama with views of the surrounding mountains and river. From there, hike up to Arashiyama Monkey Park, where visitors can observe and feed wild Japanese macaques. End the day at Kimono Forest, an artistic installation of colorful kimono-pattern pillars illuminated in the evening.
15 Sagatenryūji Kitatsukurimichichō, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-8374, Japan
Sagaogurayama Tabuchiyamacho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-8394, Japan

Japan, 〒616-8385 京都府京都市右京区嵯峨天龍寺芒ノ馬場町68

1-5 Sagatenryūji Susukinobabachō, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-8384, Japan
Japan, 〒616-0004 Kyoto, Nishikyo Ward, Arashiyama Nakaoshitachō, 61−61

20-2 Sagatenryūji Tsukurimichichō, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-8384, Japan
Kyoto
Nara – Day Trip from Kyoto
Take a short trip from Kyoto to Nara, Japan’s first permanent capital and a city known for its historic temples and friendly deer. Begin at Nara Park, where hundreds of freely roaming deer have become a symbol of the city. These famous deer are also referenced in anime such as My Deer Friend Nokotan, which playfully features the iconic Nara deer. Continue to Todai-ji Temple, home to the Great Buddha and one of the largest wooden structures in the world. Nearby, visitors can also see Kofuku-ji Temple, whose striking five-story pagoda appears in the anime Lucky Star during the characters’ school trip to Nara. End the visit by strolling through the traditional streets of Naramachi, a historic merchant district filled with small cafés, local shops, and preserved townhouses.

Nara, Japan
406-1 Zōshichō, Nara, 630-8587, Japan
48 Noboriōjichō, Nara, 630-8213, Japan

Naramachi, Nara, Japan
Kyoto
Kyoto – Jujutsu Kaisen & Historic Kyoto
Spend the day exploring locations connected to Kyoto’s historical atmosphere, which inspired elements of Jujutsu Kaisen. Begin at Heian Shrine, dedicated to the emperors of the Heian period, the era when the powerful cursed spirit Ryomen Sukuna is said to have lived in the series’ lore. Continue to Nanzen-ji Temple, a large Zen temple complex whose traditional buildings and forested surroundings closely resemble the setting of Kyoto Jujutsu High School in the anime. Nearby, Shoren-in Temple is another site often noted by fans for its quiet grounds and architecture reminiscent of the school’s secluded training environment. End the day with a walk along the Philosopher’s Path, a peaceful canal-side route lined with temples and gardens, offering a scenic and reflective finish to your time in Kyoto.

97 Okazaki Nishitennōchō, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, 606-8341, Japan
86 Nanzenji Fukuchichō, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, 606-8435, Japan

Shishigatani Teranomaecho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, 606-8426, Japan
Osaka
Osaka – Universal Studios Japan (Full Day)
Spend a full day at Universal Studios Japan, one of Japan’s most popular theme parks. Alongside its major themed areas and attractions, the park regularly features special anime collaborations and immersive experiences, including titles such as Jujutsu Kaisen, SPY×FAMILY, One Piece, and Demon Slayer. From thrilling rides to limited-time shows and themed food, USJ offers a fun and energetic day for anime fans and theme park lovers alike.

2-chōme-1-33 Sakurajima, Konohana Ward, Osaka, 554-0031, Japan
2-chōme-1-33 Sakurajima, Konohana Ward, Osaka, 554-0031, Japan
2-chōme-1-33 Sakurajima, Konohana Ward, Osaka, 554-0031, Japan
Osaka
Osaka – Dotonbori & Shinsekai
Spend the day exploring Osaka’s vibrant entertainment districts, known for their neon lights, street food, and energetic atmosphere. Begin in Dotonbori, the city’s most famous area, whose colorful canal district inspired Sotenbori in the Yakuza / Like a Dragon game series. Walk along the river, see the iconic Glico sign, and sample Osaka’s famous street foods. Continue to Shinsekai, a retro neighborhood centered around Tsutenkaku Tower, known for its nostalgic charm and local restaurants. Osaka is also closely associated with Detective Conan, where the character Heiji Hattori represents the Kansai region and frequently investigates cases in the city.
1 Chome-9 Dotonbori, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 542-0071, Japan
1-chōme-10-4 Dōtonbori, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 542-0071, Japan

2 Chome-5 Ebisuhigashi, Naniwa Ward, Osaka, 556-0002, Japan

1-chōme-18-6 Ebisuhigashi, Naniwa Ward, Osaka, 556-0002, Japan
Tokyo
Tokyo & Chichibu – Your Name and Anohana
Begin the day in Tokyo at the Suga Shrine stairs, the iconic meeting place featured in the final scene of Your Name. Afterwards, enjoy a short scenic walk through the Yotsuya neighborhood. Later, travel to Chichibu in Saitama Prefecture, the setting of Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day. After arriving at Seibu-Chichibu Station, begin with a walk to Chichibu Bridge, a recognizable location featured in Anohana. Continue to Hitsujiyama Park, known for its scenic views and peaceful atmosphere. Next, visit Chichibu Shrine, an important cultural site in the town. End the walk along Banba Street, where traditional shops and cafés celebrate Chichibu’s connection to the anime.
5-6 Sugachō, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0018, Japan
Japan, 〒368-0056 Saitama, Chichibu, Terao, 国道299号線

6360 Ōmiya, Chichibu, Saitama 368-0023, Japan

1-3 Banbamachi, Chichibu, Saitama 368-0041, Japan

16-8 Banbamachi, Chichibu, Saitama 368-0041, Japan
Tokyo
Tokyo – Shibuya & Harajuku (Jujutsu Kaisen)
Begin at Shibuya Crossing, the iconic intersection featured prominently in the Jujutsu Kaisen Shibuya Incident Arc. From Shibuya, walk toward Cat Street, a stylish pedestrian route connecting Shibuya and Harajuku, known for its boutiques and relaxed urban vibe. Continue to Yoyogi Park for a green break in the heart of the city, then finish on Takeshita Street, Harajuku’s colorful shopping street famous for youth fashion and pop culture.
2 Chome-1 Dogenzaka, Shibuya, Tokyo 150-0043, Japan

21 Udagawacho, Shibuya, Tokyo 150-0042, Japan
Cat St, Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan

2-1 Yoyogikamizonochō, Shibuya, Tokyo 151-0052, Japan

1-chōme-16-6 Jingūmae, Shibuya, Tokyo 150-0001, Japan
Tokyo
Nakano – Last Minute Anime Shopping
Spend the day at Nakano Broadway, a paradise for anime fans specializing in secondhand figures, rare collectibles, vintage manga, and idol goods. After exploring Nakano, stop by Don Quijote, Japan’s famous discount megastore, for souvenirs, snacks, cosmetics, and last-minute shopping.

5-chōme-52-15 Nakano, Nakano City, Tokyo 164-0001, Japan
5-chōme-68-5 Nakano, Nakano City, Tokyo 164-0001, Japan
Starting from