Although the saying is "Life imitates art far more than art imitates life", it's not uncommon for creators to draw on the inspiration of real life locations for their work, especially if it's set in a location that actually exists. In particular, it's common to see locations in anime and manga either take inspiration from the world around or for a series to be so popular, that a location or attraction is created to pay homage to it. Either way, this gives anime and manga fans quite the opportunity.
For those planning a trip to Japan, or even those simply curious about the places their favorite series might take inspiration from, there are plenty of beautiful sights to be seen. These inspired sights also feature a variety of attractions of their own, offering unique experience for those who seek them out.
10 Yakushima Island – Princess Mononoke
Those who have seen the Studio Ghibli film Princess Mononoke are abundantly aware that the forest itself is one of the main settings in this popular film. The Cedar Forest, or The Forest of the Forest Spirit, was inspired by Yakushima. More specifically, the forests that can be found at the Shiratani Unsuikyo Ravine.
This verdant park features a series of hiking trails where visitors can bear witness to gorgeous mossy landscapes, ancient cedar trees, and Yakushima's largest cedar tree, Jomon Sugi. With its oldest cedar tree being between 2000–7000 years old and its landscape teeming with greenery, it's easy to see why this location would serve as inspiration to the home fo mythical forest spirits.
9 Dogo Onsen – Spirited Away
Dogo Onsen is one of Japan oldest and most well-known hot springs that is thought to be the inspiration behind the bathhouse in Miyazaki's Spirited Away. Aburaya, which is the fictional onsen run by the witch Yubaba, that plays host to spirits looking to relax and is seen in many iconic scenes.
This gorgeous dark wood exterior bathhouse with occasional iconography can be found in Matsuyama, which is the largest city on the island of Shikoku. There, visitors can experience the baths, temples and shrines, a shopping arcade, and Dogo Park, which is said to be a great spot for seeing cherry blossoms in the right season.
8 Tomonoura – Ponyo
Located at the south end of Fukuyama City in the Hiroshima Prefecture, Tomonoura is a scenic port town that is believed to be the inspiration behind the harbor town in Miyazaki's Ponyo.
Within the charming scenery of Tomonoura, visitors can find gorgeous views of the surrounding sea at Fukuzenji Temple, a popular café that serves delicious desserts, or try out some of the local brew with Homeishu liqueur. You can also take in the sight of the Tomonoura's old lighthouse, which has been present at the port since 1859.
7 Yufuin Floral Village – Kiki's Delivery Service
This particular location is less one that inspired the location scene in the anime and more one created due to inspiration from an animated film. Seemingly straight out of Kiki's Delivery Service, those who travel to Yufuin Floral Village in Japan's Oita Prefecture will be able to visit a real life Kiki's Bakery.
With a little Jiji plush waiting for visitors by the entrance, this charming bakery sells numerous baked goods that are inspired by the film. Most of Yufuin Floral Village looks like a small town reminiscent of the European countryside, so an actual bakery inspired by the film feels like the perfect fit in this adorable locale.
6 Lake Ashi – Neon Genesis Evangelion
Lake Ashi is a beautiful deep blue crater lake located in Hakone of Kanagawa Prefecture, where one can enjoy beautiful views of Mount Fuji. In the story of Neon Genesis Evangelion, viewers learn that the Japanese government decides to dub Hakone as Japan's new capital under the name of Tokyo-3.
Lake Ashi is a long-standing symbol of Hakone, created by Mount Hakone's last volcanic eruption several thousands of years back, and is visible in a few different scenes from Evangelion. Over the years, a shop selling Evangelion merchandise and several Evangelion-themed vending machines have been installed for fans of the series to partake in. Otherwise, visitors can enjoy a host of other activities including sightseeing via boat, visiting local hot springs, staying in traditional Japanese ryokan, and much more.
5 Ikebukuro – Durarara!!
Ikebukuro is a central location in the anime Durarara!! and home to the series' protagonists. All around Ikebukuro, there are many locations travelers can visit that are also showcased throughout the series.
These include notable streets and locations like Sunshine 60 Street, East Ikebukuro Central Park, and Sunshine City, to name a few. While sight-seers are making their way through Ikebukuro to see the anime sights, there's plenty to add onto the itinerary as well. There's an aquarium, a variety of shops, cafés, and restaurants, arcades, and more.
4 Asakusa – Demon Slayer
In Demon Slayer, Nezuko and Tanjiro spend a period of time in Asakusa, where they have a run-in with the series' big bad, Muzan Kibutsuji. Although Demon Slayer takes place many years prior, Asakusa's current visage still retains that appearance of a more traditional ambiance.
Asakusa is located in Tokyo and is home to Tokyo's oldest temple, Sensoji Temple, which is an incredibly popular destination among many. Other nearby landmarks include the Tokyo Skytree and the attached shopping complex and aquarium, a host of temples and shrines like Asakusa temple and Kaminari Gate, and the Nakamise and other shopping streets.
3 Stairs to Suga Shrine, Tokyo – Your Name
Anyone making their way to the Suga Shrine in Shinjuku City, Tokyo might recognize one particular staircase from Makoto Shinkai's hit film Your Name. There are actually a lot of different locations from the film that you can visit, such as the National Art Center in Minato City or the Yunika Vision screen in Shinjuku.
This red rail staircase that leads visitors up the path to Suga Shrine is the scene of an emotional reunion between an older Taki and Mitsuha after the events of the film transpire and is also shown in the promotional imagery. There are obviously plenty of other attractions, including the opportunity to visit Suga Shrine itself, for anyone who takes the opportunity to trek up the steps.
2 Kamakura Kokomae Station – Slam Dunk
The well-known sports anime Slam Dunk has a scene in the opening which shows main character Hanamichi Sakuragi at a train crossing facing the ocean. Said train crossing can be found near Kamakura Kokomae Station in Kamakura City in Japan's Kanagawa prefecture and is home to stunning views of the sparkling Sanami Bay.
In addition to its gorgeous views, Kamakura is a seaside resort town with a lot to offer. Only 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 Otsu City of Japan's Shiga prefecture which hosts several karuta tournaments throughout the year. In a series centered on main protagonist Chihaya Ayase's karuta-playing journey, Omi Shrine makes multiple appearances in Chihayafuru.
Not only can tourists visit Omi Shrine and see the enchanting bright-red structures, but it hosts a number of events and attractions for all to see. There is a water clock festival held in June, as this location was home to the first Japanese water clock, and also a clock museum displaying the history of clocks in Japan among many different festivals and events.
Whether a fan is looking to relive the scenery of their favorite moment in a series or specifically wants to go out and see landscapes that played a role in inspiring various creators, there are a lot of options available. These stunning locales definitely offer their own that make them even more exciting for fans to explore.
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