Anime has long been an integral part of Japanese culture, mesmerizing viewers with intricate storylines, memorable characters, and stunning visuals. One of the most fascinating aspects of anime is how it often draws inspiration from real-world locations.

Anime Tourism

Anime tourism has become a popular way for fans to explore the real-life locations that inspired their favorite series, immersing themselves in the worlds they love. This form of travel has gained immense popularity, inspiring an entire community of bloggers who specialize in uncovering the captivating parallels between “anime vs real life.”

Our article dives deep into this fascinating niche, spotlighting various bloggers who have embarked on anime tourism expeditions across Japan. They’ve explored iconic settings, from bustling urban centers to serene countryside vistas, all in pursuit of those magical moments where the lines between anime and reality blur.

Through their lens, you’ll experience firsthand the allure and emotional resonance of standing in the very spots that inspired legendary anime scenes. Whether you’re an anime aficionado or a casual viewer, our comprehensive guide offers a unique blend of travel inspiration and fan-focused insights.

Your Name (Kimi no Na wa)

A 2016 Japanese animated romantic fantasy film directed by Makoto Shinkai that has captured the hearts of millions worldwide, becoming the highest-grossing animated film of all time. The story follows high school students Taki Tachibana and Mitsuha Miyamizu, who suddenly begin to swap bodies despite having never met, causing chaos in each other’s lives. 

The film’s stunning visuals and intricate details of real-life locations in Tokyo and Hida-Furukawa in Gifu Prefecture have attracted fans to visit these places, contributing to its popularity. Some of the real-life locations featured in the film include the National Art Centre, Yotsuya Station, Suga Shrine, and the steps of Suga Shrine, which are iconic in the movie. 

The film’s success can be attributed to its breathtaking animation, engaging storyline, and the emotional journey of its characters.

Bunny Girl Senpai

Also known as “Rascal Does Not Dream of Bunny Girl Senpai,” is a popular anime and light novel series that gained a significant following after its anime adaptation debuted in 2018. 

The story revolves around high school student Sakuta Azusagawa, who encounters a wild bunny girl that seems to be invisible to others. The anime is set in the city of Fujisawa and features many real-life locations in the Kanagawa prefecture, such as Enoshima Island, Benten Bridge, Enoshima Shrine, The Enoshima Sea Candle, and Enoshima Aquarium. 

These real-life locations have attracted fans of the series, contributing to its popularity. The anime has been praised for its intriguing story, witty protagonist, and the way it addresses the challenges of adolescence, such as insecurity, bullying, and depression.

Sound! Euphonium

An anime and light novel series that follows the story of a high school concert band’s journey to achieve musical excellence, focusing on a girl named Kumiko Oumae who joins the band as a euphonium player. 

The series is set in the city of Uji, Japan, and features various real-life locations that have attracted fans to visit and explore. Some of these locations include Keihan Rokujozo Station, Hatoyama Park, and Todoh Senior High School, which served as the inspiration for the fictional Kita Uji High School in the anime. 

The city of Uji is also famous for its matcha (a type of green tea), which adds to its charm and appeal for visitors. The anime’s popularity can be attributed to its authentic portrayal of the intricacies of music and the dynamics within a high school band, as well as the personal growth and friendships that develop among the characters.

Terror in Resonance (Zankyou No Terror)

A psychological thriller anime and television series that has garnered attention for its captivating plot and realistic portrayal of modern-day Tokyo. The story revolves around a terrorist attack in Tokyo, with the only clue to the culprits being a bizarre video uploaded to the internet. 

The series is set in an alternate version of present-day Tokyo and features various real-life locations, such as the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building. The creators of the anime put significant effort into location scouting and background work to make the show as realistic as possible. The popularity of “Terror in Resonance” can be attributed to its intriguing storyline, unique premise, and the way it delves into the complexities of terrorism and societal issues.

Tokyo Ghoul

A dark fantasy manga and anime series that has gained a significant following due to its unique premise, engaging storylines, and complex characters. Set in an alternate version of Tokyo where humans coexist with ghouls, beings who look like humans but can only survive by eating human flesh, the series follows the life of Ken Kaneki as he transforms from an innocent student into a vengeful ghoul.

The anime features various real-life locations in Tokyo, such as Shinjuku City, Shibuya Crossing, and Chiyoda Ward, which have attracted fans to visit and explore. 

The creators of “Tokyo Ghoul” put a great deal of effort into accurately portraying these real-life locations, adding to the series’ appeal and popularity.

Your Lie in April

A romantic drama anime and manga series that has captured the hearts of many fanswith its emotional story and engaging characters. The series follows Kousei Arima, a former pianist who, after meeting violinist Kaori Miyazono, rediscovers his passion for playing the piano. 

The anime is set in the Nerima Ward of Tokyo, featuring various real-life locations such as Shakuji Park, Shakuji River Sakura Trees, Nerima Bunka Center (Towa Hall), and Nerima Hikarigaoka Hospital.

These real-life locations have attracted fans of the series to visit and explore, adding to its popularity. The series has been praised for its beautiful animation, well-developed characters, and the emotional journey it takes viewers on.

Steins;Gate

A popular anime and visual novel series set in Akihabara, Tokyo, in 2010, following the story of Rintaro Okabe, a self-proclaimed “mad scientist” who accidentally discovers the ability to send text messages back in time. 

The series has gained a significant following due to its engaging storyline and complex characters, as well as its real-life inspired locations. Akihabara, a district in Tokyo known for its electronics, gaming, and anime culture, serves as the primary setting for the series, featuring real-life locations such as Akihabara Station, Radio Kaikan, and Tokyo Times Tower. 

Fans of the series have been drawn to visit these locations, contributing to the anime’s popularity. The success of “Steins;Gate” can be attributed to its unique premise, intriguing plot, and the way it explores themes such as time travel and the consequences of altering the past.

Tokyo Revengers

a popular manga and anime series that has gained widespread attention for its engaging storylines and unique premise. The story follows Takemichi, who is sent back in time to his high school days and joins a gang called “The Tokyo Revengers”.

Set in Tokyo, the anime features various real-life locations, such as Parthenon Tama, Tama River, Shibuya-bashi, Shibuya Crossing, and Eggs’n Things. These real-life locations have attracted fans of the series to visit and explore, contributing to its popularity.

The success of “Tokyo Revengers” can be attributed to its action-packed story, intriguing plot, and the way it delves into the complexities of gang culture and time travel.

Jujutsu Kaisen

A highly popular manga and anime series that has gained widespread attention for its engaging storylines and unique premise. The story follows high school students who are part of a secret group that practices jujutsu sorcery, with most scenes set in Tokyo. 

Due to its setting, the anime features various real-life locations in Tokyo, such as Harajuku Station, Aoyama Cemetery, Meiji Shrine Station, and Takeshita Street. These real-life locations have attracted fans of the series to visit and explore, contributing to its popularity.

The success of “Jujutsu Kaisen” can be attributed to its captivating plot, complex characters, and the way it delves into the world of jujutsu sorcery.

Demon Slayer

A dark fantasy manga and anime series that has gained immense popularity since its anime adaptation began in 2019. The story follows Tanjiro Kamado, a young demon slayer who seeks to avenge his family’s death and cure his sister Nezuko, who has been turned into a demon. 

The series is set in various real-life locations in Tokyo, such as Asakusa and Yoshiwara, which have attracted fans to visit and explore. The creators of “Demon Slayer” have put significant effort into accurately portraying these real-life locations, adding to the series’ appeal and popularity. 

The success of “Demon Slayer” can be attributed to its engaging storyline, complex characters, and the high-quality animation by Studio Ufotable.