What Is anime pilgrimage? — From the Real World to the World of Anime!!
Anime pilgrimage refers to the act of fans visiting real-life locations that served as settings or inspirations for anime, manga, movies, or TV dramas. Originally, the term “seichi” (literally “holy place”) had religious connotations, but in recent years it has come to mean “a special place for fans.” In Japanese, this activity is commonly called seichi meguri（聖地巡り）or seichi junrei (pilgrimage to sacred places)（聖地巡礼）. Many fans enjoy experiencing the world of their favorite anime in real life, often taking commemorative photos with merchandise from the series at these iconic spots. Spoiler Alert— We recommend watching the film first.
The animated film Suzume (released on November 11) © 2022
Suzume（すずめの戸締まり） Pilgrimage Sites
Released in 2022, Suzume is a film directed by Makoto Shinkai. The story follows Suzume, a 17-year-old high school girl living in a quiet town in Kyushu. One day, she encounters a mysterious young man named Sota, who tells her he is searching for a door. When she follows him, she discovers an old, weathered door. Out of curiosity, she opens it—unleashing a chain of events that leads her on a grand journey to close doors that bring disaster into the world.
This journey takes place across various regions of Japan, featuring locations that closely resemble real-world places.
Let’s explore the real-life settings that inspired the film.
The animated film Suzume (released on November 11) © 2022 “Suzume” Production Committee
◆Miyazaki Prefecture
📍Nichinan City
The town where Suzume lives with her aunt.
📍Aburatsu Port
The place where Suzume and Sōta first meet. This is also the port where Suzume boarded the ferry.
Makoto Shinkai’s latest film Suzume (in theaters November 11) © 2022 “Suzume” Production Committee
At the “Nangō” roadside station in Nangō Town, Nichinan City, a mysterious door from the film has been installed.
It was created through a collaboration between the Miyazaki Prefecture Association of Architects and local high school art clubs.
◆ Oita Prefecture
📍Former Bungomori Roundhouse
This location served as the model for the first scene where Suzume closes a door.While its position may differ from that in the anime, the depiction is strikingly similar.
It’s a 5-minute walk from Bungomori Station.
Suzume © 2022 “Suzume” Production Committee
Makoto Shinkai’s latest film Suzume (in theaters November 11) © 2022 “Suzume” Production Committee
Former Bungomori Roundhouse Source: KUNIO MIURA, from Wikipedia
◆ Ehime Prefecture
The animated film Suzume (released on November 11) © 2022
📍Former Terminal of Yawatahama Port
The place where Suzume steps off the ferry.The port shown in the film is the old terminal, which has since been demolished due to aging. However, many locations that closely resemble scenes from the movie still remain.
📍JR Yawatahama Station
The platform where Suzume waited for the train. Scenes near the ticket gate inside the station also appeared in the film. It’s about a 20-minute walk from the port.
📍JR Iyo-Ozu Station
The station that served as the model for the one where Daijin was seen wearing a station staff hat. It appeared in a social media post within the film.
The station next to Yawatahama Station. The ride takes approximately 13 minutes.
◆ Hyogo Prefecture: Kobe City
📍Akashi Kaikyo Bridge
The bridge Daijin crosses in the film, drawing so much attention that the sighting made it onto the news. A section of the bridge features a skywalk and an observation deck offering panoramic views.
📍McDonald’s Route 2 Suma Branch
The spot where Suzume and Rumi went through the drive-thru.
The building’s orientation and shape match the film, and even the post office next door is the same!!
Suzume © 2022 “Suzume” Production Committee
📍Kobe Oogui-no-Kuni (Fairyland Kobe)
This amusement park served as the model for the abandoned “Kobe Dreamland” in the film. It is located within the “Michi-no-Eki Kobe Fruit & Flower Park Ozo” roadside station and is still in operation today with free admission.
Suzume © 2022 “Suzume” Production Committee
📍JR Shin-Kobe Station
The second-floor rotary with Shinkansen ticket gates is the setting for the farewell scene where Suzume parts with Rumi before heading to Tokyo. It is depicted in the film almost exactly as it appears in real life.
The animated film Suzume (released on November 11) © 2022
◆Tokyo
📍Hijiribashi
The bridge from which Suzume leaps toward the giant Worm. The underground tunnel where the Worm appears can be seen from here. It’s right next to Ochanomizu Station, just a 3-minute walk away.
Suzume © 2022 “Suzume” Production Committee
音楽を担当したRADWIMPSの野田洋次郎さんに初稿の脚本が届いたのは2020年の春。「過去作とは決定的に違う質感になっていて、しかも今回は日本をめぐる話でファンタジー要素も強い」とコメント。ロードムービーや廃墟が好きな野田さんは何回も脚本を読み込み、とてもワクワクしたそうです。 pic.twitter.com/GuADd87W34
— アンク＠金曜ロードショー公式 (@kinro_ntv) April 5, 2024
📍Ochanomizu Station
Appears in scenes where Suzume and Sōta transfer from the Shinkansen and head toward Sōta’s apartment. Exiting from the Ochanomizubashi Exit leads to the starting point of their car trip home!
Suzume © 2022 “Suzume” Production Committee
◆Miyagi Prefecture
📍Michi-no-Eki Otani Kaigan (Otani Coast Roadside Station)
This roadside station served as the model for the rest stop where the characters take a break while Serizawa is driving them toward Suzume’s hometown.
The food the three of them are seen eating in the film is actually available for purchase here.
◆Iwate Prefecture
Director Makoto Shinkai has stated, “Although it’s not explicitly mentioned, Suzume’s hometown was envisioned to be in Iwate.” There are many places in the area that resemble scenes from the film, including 📍Orikasa Station and various scenic photo spots.
Tourism information for Yamada Town in Iwate Prefecture can be found here.☞（https://www.yamada-kankou.jp/suzume-tojimari/）
Bonus: Where Are the Pilgrimage Sites for Your Name. ?
◆Tokyo
📍Suga Shrine Otoko-zaka in Yotsuya
This location serves as the setting for the emotional final scene where the two main characters reunite. The view from the top of the slope is also featured in the film’s key visual.
Your Name. © 2016 Your Name. Production Committee
📍The National Art Center, Tokyo
In the film, this is the location where Taki goes on a date with his admired senior, Okudera, from his part-time job.The restaurant is depicted almost exactly as it is in real life. Just a 5-minute walk from Nogizaka Station.
The National Art Center, Tokyo has three cafés and one restaurant, each named after its unique interior layout and design.
Located on the third floor of the National Art Center, Tokyo and overlooking the Center’s vast entrance hall, Brasserie Paul Bocuse Musée is a full-fledged… pic.twitter.com/5kw0tnoO8x— 国立新美術館 The National Art Center, Tokyo (@NACT_PR) June 26, 2025
There are still many pilgrimage sites we couldn’t include here. We encourage you to look up your favorite anime and go on your own “anime pilgrimage”!
— written by Miki Inoue