Despite the saying “Life imitates art more than art imitates life”, it is not uncommon for creators to draw inspiration from real-life locations for their work, especially if the work is located in a location that actually exists. In particular, it is common to see locations in anime and manga that take inspiration from the world around them or make a series so popular that a place or attraction is created to pay homage to the with that location. Either way, this gives anime and manga fans a pretty big chance.
For those who are planning a trip to Japan, or even those who are simply curious about the places their favorite series could draw inspiration from, there are many beautiful scenery to admire. These awe-inspiring attractions also have many attractions of their own, providing a unique experience for those seeking them.
10 Yakushima Island – Princess Mononoke
Those who have seen Studio Ghibli’s Princess Mononoke know well that the forest is one of the main settings in this popular movie. The Cedar Forest, or Forest of the Gods, is inspired by Yakushima. More specifically, the forests can be found at Shiratani Unsuikyo Ravine.
This verdant park has many hiking trails where visitors can admire a beautiful mossy landscape, ancient cedars and Yakushima’s largest cedar, Jomon Sugi. With the oldest cedar trees dating back 2000–7000 years and a landscape filled with greenery, it’s easy to see why this site was the inspiration for the home of mythical forest spirits.
9 Dogo Onsen – The Land of Spirits
Dogo Onsen is one of Japan’s oldest and most famous hot springs, believed to be the inspiration behind the bathhouse in Miyazaki’s Spirited Away. Aburaya, a fictional hot spring run by the witch Yubaba, plays host to spirits who want to relax and is seen in many iconic scenes.
You can find this beautiful dark wood exterior bath with occasional imagery in Matsuyama, the largest city on the island of Shikoku. There, visitors can experience bathhouses, temples, shopping, and Dogo Park, which is said to be a great place to see cherry blossoms in season.
8 Tomonoura – Ponyo
Located at the southern end of Fukuyama City in Hiroshima Prefecture, Tomonoura is a beautiful port town said to be the inspiration behind Miyazaki’s port town of Ponyo.
In the charming setting of Tomonoura, visitors can enjoy stunning views of the surrounding sea at Fukuzenji Temple, a popular cafe serving delicious desserts, or sample some local beers with alcohol. Homeish smell. You can also admire the old lighthouse of Tomonoura, which has been in the port since 1859.
7 Yufuin Flower Village – Kiki .’s Delivery Service
This particular location is not a location inspired by the location setting in the anime, but rather a location created more as a result of being inspired by an anime movie. It seems that right from Kiki’s Delivery Service, those who go to Yufuin Flower Village in Japan’s Oita Prefecture will be able to visit the real-life Kiki Bakery.
With a little Jiji stuffed bear waiting for visitors at the entrance, this charming bakery sells a variety of movie-inspired baked goods. Most of the Yufuin Flower Village looks like a small town reminiscent of the European countryside, so an actual bakery inspired by the movie seems like the perfect fit in this lovely location.
6 Lake Ashi – Neon Genesis Mission
Lake Ashi is a beautiful deep blue crater lake located in Hakone in Kanagawa Prefecture where one can enjoy a beautiful view of Mount Fuji. In the story of Neon Genesis Evangelion, viewers learn that the Japanese government decided to name Hakone as the new capital of Japan under the name Tokyo-3.
Lake Ashi is a longstanding symbol of Hakone, created by the last volcanic eruption of Mount Hakone several thousand years ago and can be seen in a few different scenes from Evangelion. Over the years, an Evangelion merchandise store and several Evangelion-themed vending machines have been installed for fans of the series to join. In addition, visitors can enjoy a variety of other activities including boat tours, local hot spring tours, and vacations here. Traditional Japanese ryokan and more.
5 Ikebukuro – Durarara!!
Ikebukuro is the central location in the anime Durarara!! and is the home of the main characters of the series. Around Ikebukuro, there are many places visitors can visit that are also introduced throughout the series.
These include notable streets and locations such as Sunshine 60 Road, East Ikebukuro Central Park and Sunshine City, among others. While sightseers are making their way to Ikebukuro to see the anime’s attractions, there’s also plenty to add to the itinerary. There is an aquarium, a variety of shops, cafes and restaurants, domes, etc
4 Asakusa – Demon Slayer
In Demon Slayer, Nezuko and Tanjiro spend some time in Asakusa, where they encounter the series’ biggest villain, Muzan Kibutsuji. Although Demon Slayer takes place many years ago, the current image of Asakusa retains a more traditional atmosphere.
Asakusa is located in Tokyo and is home to Tokyo’s oldest temple, Sensoji Temple, a hugely popular destination for many. Other nearby landmarks include Tokyo Skytree, the adjacent shopping complex and aquarium, a variety of temples and shrines such as Asakusa Temple and Kaminari Gate, and Nakamise and other shopping streets.
3 Stairs to SUGA Shrine, Tokyo – Your Name
Anyone making their way to the SUGA Shrine in Shinjuku, Tokyo may recognize a particular staircase in Makoto Shinkai’s hit movie Your Name. In fact, there are many different locations in the film that you can visit, such as the National Arts Center in Minato City or the Yunika Vision screen in Shinjuku.
The red rail stairs that lead visitors up the path to SUGA Shrine is an emotional reunion scene between the elderly Taki and Mitsuha after the events of the movie and is also shown in the promotional image. Obviously there are plenty of other attractions, including the chance to visit SUGA Shrine itself, for anyone who gets a chance to climb the steps.
2 Kamakura Kokomae Station – Slam Dunk
The popular sports anime Slam Dunk has an opening scene that shows protagonist Hanamichi Sakuragi on a train crossing towards the sea. Said train line can be found near Kamakura Kokomae Station in Kamakura City in Japan’s Kanagawa prefecture and is home to stunning views of sparkling Sanami Bay.
In addition to the beautiful scenery, Kamakura is also a seaside resort town that has a lot to offer. Just an hour from Tokyo, Kamakura is home to numerous temples, shrines, hiking trails, beaches and islands for visitors to explore.
1 Omi Shrine – Chihayafuru
Omi Shrine is a Jingū Shinto in the city of Otsu, Shiga prefecture of Japan, which hosts several karuta tournaments throughout the year. In a series that focuses on protagonist Chihaya Ayase’s karuta journey, Omi Shrine appears several times in Chihayafuru.
Tourists can not only visit Omi Shrine and see the enchanting bright red structures, but it also hosts a number of events and attractions for all to see. There is a water clock festival held in June as the site is home to Japan’s first water clock and also a watch museum that showcases the history of watches in Japan and many festivals and events. different events.
Whether fans are looking to relive a scene from their favorite moment in the series or especially want to get out and see the landscapes that have inspired various creators, there’s plenty to offer. many choices. These stunning locations certainly have their own places that make it all the more exciting for fans to explore them.