Real Life Locations of ANIME

Many anime are based on real-life locations. Using real sites increases the authenticity of the anime and allows for more rich, realistic settings. As such, travel to these sites has become increasingly popular.

• Anime pilgrimages (anime tourism) date back to at least the '90s, with Sailor Moon being one of the first major "pilgrimages."

• Countless site-accurate anime have been produced, including many notable blockbuster anime. Anime tourism has become a major component of the Japanese tourism industry, with many cities, neighborhoods, and franchises forming active partnerships with anime. Some notable examples:

  • Cities: The city of Nishinomiya is the setting for the "Suzumiya Haruhi" anime, and sites from the show feature markers to remind viewers of their connection with the anime.

  • Neighborhood: The neighborhood (mini City) of Shinjuku has well documented walking tours of the anime movie "Your Name."

  • Franchises: Cafe Mai:lish in Tokyo proudly displays its tie-ins to the anime Steins;Gate, with both posters as well as menu items.

Note that anime pilgrimage sites are different than anime tie-ins, which are simply businesses or restaurants that adopt a theme from an anime but have nothing geographically in common with the work.