Niche Japan Guide

An Animator’s Pilgrimage: Visiting the Real-Life Locations of Your Favorite Ghibli and Shinkai Films

6月 14, 2025 投稿者: admin 0

Japanese animation, or anime, has completed a remarkable journey over the past few decades. Once a niche hobby for a dedicated few outside of Japan, it has exploded into a global cultural phenomenon, a dominant force in modern entertainment that captivates millions. Streaming platforms like Crunchyroll and Netflix now broadcast the latest series to over 200 countries simultaneously, while blockbuster films from visionary directors regularly shatter box office records not just in Japan, but worldwide. Anime is no longer just a medium; it is a shared global language of art, emotion, and storytelling.

What makes anime so universally compelling is its profound ability to transport us. It takes us to fantastical worlds of bathhouses for spirits, ancient forests guarded by wolf gods, and sprawling cities where the weather itself can be bent to one’s will. The magic of these worlds feels so tangible, so deeply realized, that it sparks a powerful desire in the hearts of fans: the desire to step through the screen and experience them firsthand.

This desire has given birth to a unique form of tourism, a modern-day pilgrimage. For countless fans, a trip to Japan is not just about visiting temples and tasting sushi; it’s about finding the real-world magic that inspired their favorite stories. It’s about standing in the exact spot where a character made a life-changing decision, feeling the same rain, or seeing the same sunset.

This guide is dedicated to that pilgrimage. We will journey through the breathtaking landscapes and bustling cityscapes that have been immortalized by two of the most celebrated forces in modern animation: the legendary Studio Ghibli and the master of light and distance, Makoto Shinkai. We will provide you with a map, both literal and figurative, to 20 sacred sites where the line between fiction and reality blurs, and where you can connect with your favorite films on a level you never thought possible.

Studio Ghibli: The Architects of Wonder

Founded in 1985 by the visionary directors Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata, and producer Toshio Suzuki, Studio Ghibli is more than just an animation studio; it is a cultural institution. The name “Ghibli” refers to a hot desert wind, symbolizing the studio’s desire to “blow a new wind through the anime industry.” They have more than succeeded.

Ghibli’s films are characterized by their stunning, hand-drawn animation, a painstaking process that imbues every frame with a sense of life and warmth. Their stories reject simple black-and-white morality, instead exploring complex themes of environmentalism, pacifism, childhood, and the struggle to live a meaningful life in a complicated world. From the feisty, independent heroines of Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind and Kiki’s Delivery Service to the profound anti-war sentiment of Grave of the Fireflies and The Wind Rises, Ghibli films resonate with a timeless, humanistic quality.

Miyazaki, the studio’s most famous director, often draws inspiration from the natural world, European architecture, and his own deeply held beliefs. His works, including the Academy Award-winning Spirited Away, the enchanting My Neighbor Totoro, and the epic Princess Mononoke, are not just movies; they are entire worlds, rich with detail, folklore, and an unparalleled sense of wonder that has captured the hearts of generations.

Makoto Shinkai: The Poet of Light and Longing

If Ghibli is the master of fantastical, hand-crafted worlds, Makoto Shinkai is the master of hyper-realistic, emotionally charged reality. Rising to global fame with his 2016 mega-hit Your Name (Kimi no Na wa), Shinkai has become known for his breathtakingly beautiful depictions of the real world, often rendered with more detail and emotional resonance than reality itself.

Shinkai’s films are defined by a distinct visual style: dramatic lens flares, glistening raindrops, impossibly detailed cityscapes, and skies filled with swirling clouds and streaking comets. His stories are intimate and often melancholic, exploring poignant themes of distance (kyori), longing, missed connections, and the bittersweet nature of first love. Works like 5 Centimeters per Second, The Garden of Words, and Weathering with You are visual poems that capture the quiet, deeply felt emotions of everyday life.

Unlike Ghibli’s often fantastical settings, Shinkai’s locations are almost always real, identifiable places in Japan. He and his team conduct exhaustive location scouting, taking thousands of photographs to perfectly recreate train stations, street corners, parks, and shrines. This dedication to realism is what makes his films so relatable and what makes a pilgrimage to his locations so incredibly rewarding. Standing in a spot from a Shinkai film feels less like finding an inspiration and more like stepping directly into a memory.

The Culture of “Seichi Junrei”: A Holy Pilgrimage for Fans

To understand the journey you are about to embark on, you must first understand the concept of Seichi Junrei (聖地巡礼).

Translated literally as “Holy Land Pilgrimage,” the term was originally used for traditional religious pilgrimages to sacred shrines and temples. In the context of modern pop culture, it has been adopted by fans to describe the act of visiting the real-life locations featured in their favorite anime, manga, or video games. These locations are the “seichi”—the sacred sites.

This is not mere tourism; it is an act of devotion and participation. A true pilgrimage involves more than just taking a photo. Fans will often try to replicate the exact camera angles from the anime, a practice known as “frame hunting.” They bring character merchandise with them to photograph on-site. At shrines, they will purchase ema (wooden prayer plaques) and, instead of writing a wish, draw beautiful illustrations of the characters as an offering.

The rise of seichi junrei has had a significant cultural and economic impact. Previously unknown rural towns have become international tourist destinations overnight after being featured in a hit anime. Local governments and businesses now actively collaborate with production committees, creating special maps, merchandise, and events to welcome the influx of pilgrims.

Embarking on a seichi junrei is to engage in a living, breathing aspect of modern Japanese culture. It is a way to connect with the story, the artists, and a global community of fans who share your passion.

A Ghibli Pilgrimage: 10 Sacred Sites of Inspiration and Wonder

A Ghibli pilgrimage is often a journey of the imagination. Hayao Miyazaki rarely copies a location one-to-one; instead, he absorbs the essence, atmosphere, and architectural details of a place and weaves them into his fantastical creations. Visiting these sites is about capturing a feeling, not just a photograph.

1. Yakushima, Kagoshima: The Ancient Forest of Princess Mononoke

The Film Connection: This is perhaps the most famous and definitive Ghibli pilgrimage site. The dense, ancient, moss-covered forests of Yakushima Island were the direct inspiration for the primordial forests where the Wolf God Moro and the Forest Spirit reside in Princess Mononoke. Miyazaki and his team spent significant time here, and the film’s powerful environmental message feels deeply connected to this UNESCO World Heritage site.

The Real-World Experience: Yakushima is a subtropical island off the southern coast of Kyushu. It’s a hiker’s paradise, home to some of Japan’s oldest living trees, the Yakusugi (cedars), some of which are thousands of years old. The Shiratani Unsuikyo Ravine, specifically its “Moss Forest” (Koke-musu mori), is the place to go. As you walk among the gnarled roots and glowing green moss, with mist filtering through the canopy, you will feel as though you’ve stepped into the world of Ashitaka and San.

Pilgrim’s Tip: This is a serious natural environment. Wear proper waterproof hiking gear and be respectful of the protected ecosystem. The trails can be challenging, so plan your route according to your fitness level.

2. Sayama Hills, Saitama/Tokyo: The Real “Totoro’s Forest”

The Film Connection: The idyllic countryside setting of My Neighbor Totoro, with its rice paddies and forested hills, was inspired by the Sayama Hills area where Hayao Miyazaki himself once lived. This connection is so strong that a local conservation movement to protect the area from development named itself “Totoro’s Homeland National Trust.”

The Real-World Experience: Located on the border of Tokyo and Saitama prefectures, the area is a charming escape from the city. You can explore “Totoro’s Forest” (トトロの森), a series of nature trails preserved by the trust. The star attraction is the “Kurosuke’s House” (クロスケの家), an old Japanese house that serves as a small visitor center, complete with a giant Totoro sitting inside, waiting for a photo. It’s a wonderfully charming and wholesome experience for families and fans.

Pilgrim’s Tip: Kurosuke’s House has limited opening hours (typically Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays). Check the official website before you go.

3. Seiseki-Sakuragaoka, Tokyo: The Neighborhood of Whisper of the Heart

The Film Connection: Unlike many Ghibli films, the setting of Yoshifumi Kondō’s masterpiece, Whisper of the Heart, is a direct and loving recreation of a real Tokyo neighborhood. The film follows Shizuku as she explores her hometown, and fans can follow her exact path through the hills of Seiseki-Sakuragaoka, a suburb along the Keio Line.

The Real-World Experience: This is a dream pilgrimage. You can pick up a map from the local tourist information center and trace Shizuku’s steps. Key sites include the Iroha-zaka slope with its steep staircase, the Konpira-gu Shrine she visits, and most famously, the traffic circle with the antique shop “Chikyu-ya.” While the shop itself doesn’t exist, a local pastry shop, “Nobilier,” has embraced its role as a sacred site for fans. The view from the top of the hill is exactly as it is in the film.

Pilgrim’s Tip: Start at Seiseki-Sakuragaoka Station. The walk involves some very steep hills, just like Shizuku experienced, so wear comfortable shoes.

4. Dogo Onsen, Ehime: The Bathhouse of the Gods in Spirited Away

The Film Connection: The magnificent, multi-layered Aburaya bathhouse in Spirited Away is an architectural marvel. While it has many influences, one of the most significant and visually striking models is the Dogo Onsen Honkan in Matsuyama, Ehime. Its complex wooden structure, labyrinthine corridors, and layers of balconies are strongly echoed in Yubaba’s establishment.

The Real-World Experience: Dogo Onsen is one of Japan’s oldest and most famous hot spring resorts. The Honkan (main building), built in 1894, is a stunning piece of Meiji-era architecture and a designated Important Cultural Property. Seeing it lit up at night, you’ll immediately feel the connection to the film. (Important Note: As of mid-2025, the Honkan has been undergoing major preservation and repair work for several years, with limited operations. Check the official website for the most current status before visiting.)

Pilgrim’s Tip: Even if the main building has limited access, the entire Dogo Onsen area is charming, with shopping arcades, other bathhouses (like the modern Asuka-no-Yu), and a lively atmosphere.

5. Tomonoura, Hiroshima: The Seaside Town of Ponyo

The Film Connection: Hayao Miyazaki and his team stayed in the picturesque port town of Tomonoura in Hiroshima Prefecture for two months while developing Ponyo. The town’s charming atmosphere, its crescent-shaped bay, the small houses clinging to the hillside, and the gentle rhythm of boat life were all directly infused into the film’s setting.

The Real-World Experience: Visiting Tomonoura is like stepping into a living Ghibli film. It’s a beautifully preserved fishing village with a nostalgic, Showa-era feel. You can see the small boats Ponyo runs across, the winding narrow streets, and the iconic Joyato Lighthouse, a symbol of the town. The gentle, peaceful atmosphere is the perfect antidote to the bustle of modern life.

Pilgrim’s Tip: Rent a bicycle to explore the town and its surroundings at a leisurely pace. Be sure to try the local seafood.

6. Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum, Tokyo: The Streets of Spirited Away

The Film Connection: When designing the strange, abandoned town Chihiro wanders into, Miyazaki drew heavily from the buildings preserved at this wonderful open-air museum. The old-timey storefronts, the public bathhouse (sento) with its grand facade, and the stationery shop with its wooden drawers all have direct visual parallels in the film.

The Real-World Experience: Located in Koganei Park, Tokyo, this museum relocates, preserves, and exhibits historic buildings from Japan’s past. You can walk into these structures and experience the atmosphere of the Meiji and Showa eras. Look for the “Kodera Shoyu” shop (a soy sauce store) and the “Takei Sanshodo” (a stationery store) for some serious Spirited Away vibes. The “Kagiya” izakaya (pub) is also said to be an inspiration for Chihiro’s parents’ restaurant.

Pilgrim’s Tip: Miyazaki is a huge fan of this museum. Visit with a keen eye, and you’ll see Ghibli inspiration everywhere. Allow at least half a day to explore thoroughly.

7. Tomogashima Island, Wakayama: The Ruins of Castle in the Sky

The Film Connection: The image of a floating island, Laputa, reclaimed by nature is one of Ghibli’s most powerful. The real-world location that most closely resembles the ruined forts and overgrown brickwork of Laputa is Tomogashima, an abandoned and uninhabited island in Wakayama Prefecture that was once a secret military base.

The Real-World Experience: Accessible by a short ferry ride, the island is a paradise for adventurers and photographers. You can explore the abandoned red-brick military forts and batteries, which are now completely entwined with nature. Walking through the dark, vine-covered tunnels and emerging into a courtyard of crumbling forts feels exactly like discovering a piece of Laputa that has fallen to earth.

Pilgrim’s Tip: The ferry service is infrequent and can be cancelled due to bad weather. Check the schedule carefully and bring your own food and water, as there are very limited facilities on the island.

8. The Ghibli Museum, Mitaka, Tokyo: The Heart of the Dream

The Film Connection: This is not an inspiration for a film, but rather a physical manifestation of the Ghibli spirit itself. Designed by Hayao Miyazaki, the museum is a whimsical, labyrinthine building filled with exclusive exhibits, a small cinema showing original short films, and countless charming details.

The Real-World Experience: “Let’s get lost together” is the museum’s motto, and it’s a fitting one. There is no set path. You are encouraged to wander and discover its secrets. Highlights include the life-sized robot from Castle in the Sky on the rooftop garden, a giant Catbus for children to play in, and exhibits explaining the process of animation. It is a place of pure joy and creativity.

Pilgrim’s Tip: Tickets are notoriously difficult to get. They are not sold at the museum. They must be purchased online, in advance, for a specific date and time. Sales typically open on the 10th of each month for the following month. Plan far ahead!

9. Shima Onsen Sekizenkan, Gunma: The Red Bridge of Spirited Away

The Film Connection: While Dogo Onsen is a model for the bathhouse building, the iconic red bridge that Chihiro holds her breath to cross at the beginning of her adventure has a striking real-life counterpart at Shima Onsen in Gunma Prefecture. The Sekizenkan Ryokan, with its red bridge connecting its various historic buildings, is widely believed to be a key inspiration.

The Real-World Experience: Shima Onsen is a charming, old-fashioned hot spring town nestled in a valley. The Sekizenkan is one of Japan’s oldest wooden ryokan (traditional inns) and a cultural property. Seeing the red bridge against the backdrop of the beautiful, multi-tiered inn, especially when it’s lit up at night, is an unforgettable experience that will instantly transport you to the world of the spirits.

Pilgrim’s Tip: For the ultimate experience, consider staying a night at the Sekizenkan Ryokan to fully immerse yourself in the atmosphere.

10. Shiodome’s Ghibli Clock, Tokyo: The Magic of Howl’s Moving Castle

The Film Connection: While Howl’s Moving Castle is primarily inspired by European towns, Hayao Miyazaki designed a huge, steampunk-esque clock that perfectly captures the film’s aesthetic. Officially named “NI-TELE Really BIG Clock,” it’s a piece of Ghibli art hidden in plain sight in the city.

The Real-World Experience: Located on the facade of the Nittele Tower in the modern business district of Shiodome, this massive copper clock, designed by Miyazaki and built by sculptor Kunio Shachimaru, comes to life several times a day. Little mechanical figures emerge, gears turn, and music plays in a charming performance that lasts about three minutes. It feels like a small piece of Howl’s castle has been embedded in the side of a skyscraper.

Pilgrim’s Tip: The show runs before noon, 3 PM, 6 PM, and 8 PM on most days (with an extra 10 AM show on weekends). Arrive a few minutes early to get a good spot.

  • Address: 1-6-1 Higashishinbashi, Minato-ku, Tokyo 105-7444, Japan
  • Website: (No official site, but part of the Nittele Tower complex)
  • Map: Google Maps Link

A Shinkai Pilgrimage: 10 Sacred Sites of Hyper-Realistic Beauty

A Makoto Shinkai pilgrimage is a quest for perfect replication. His locations are real, and the joy comes from finding the exact spot, matching the camera angle, and seeing his beautifully enhanced version of reality with your own eyes.

1. Suga Shrine Stairs, Yotsuya, Tokyo: The Fateful Climax of Your Name

The Film Connection: This is arguably the most famous single location in modern anime history. The red-railed staircase where Taki and Mitsuha finally, fatefully reunite in the closing moments of Your Name is a real staircase leading up to Suga Shrine in a quiet residential neighborhood of Yotsuya.

The Real-World Experience: Visiting these stairs is a surreal experience. They are exactly as depicted, and the view looking down the street is identical. You will almost certainly find other fans there, patiently waiting their turn to take a photo from the iconic angles. The shrine itself is a small, peaceful local shrine, offering a moment of calm after the excitement of finding the stairs.

Pilgrim’s Tip: The location is a quiet residential area. Please be respectful of the local residents—keep your voice down and do not block traffic or doorways.

  • Address: 5-banchi Sugacho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0018, Japan
  • Website: (Suga Shrine does not have an official website)
  • Map: Google Maps Link

2. Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, Tokyo: The Shelter of The Garden of Words

The Film Connection: The entirety of The Garden of Words takes place almost exclusively within the lush, serene confines of Shinjuku Gyoen. This is the rainy-season sanctuary where Takao and Yukino meet. The specific gazebo where they talk, the beautiful ponds, and the verdant greenery are all lovingly recreated.

The Real-World Experience: Shinjuku Gyoen is a stunning oasis in the middle of Tokyo’s busiest district. It combines English Landscape, French Formal, and Japanese Traditional garden styles. You can easily find the gazebo (the “Taiwan Pavilion” or “Kyu Goryo Tei”) and sit where the characters did, listening to the rain (if you’re lucky). It’s a beautiful, contemplative experience.

Pilgrim’s Tip: There is a small entrance fee to the park. Note that alcoholic beverages and playing with sports equipment are not allowed. It’s a place for quiet enjoyment. The greenhouse is also a must-see.

3. Lake Suwa, Nagano: The Model for Itomori in Your Name

The Film Connection: While the town of Itomori is fictional, the stunning lake it’s built around was modeled directly on Lake Suwa in Nagano Prefecture. The view from the “Kataware-doki” (twilight) scene, where Taki and Mitsuha briefly meet, is based on the view from Tateishi Park overlooking the lake.

The Real-World Experience: Lake Suwa is the largest lake in Nagano. To get the iconic view, you must make your way up to Tateishi Park. The sight of the two towns nestled on opposite sides of the lake is immediately recognizable. Visiting at sunset to experience your own “kataware-doki” is a truly magical and highly recommended experience for any fan.

Pilgrim’s Tip: Accessing Tateishi Park via public transport can be tricky. Taking a taxi from Kami-Suwa Station is the easiest option.

  • Address (Tateishi Park): 10399 Suwa, Nagano 392-0003, Japan
  • Website: (Local tourism websites cover the park)
  • Map: Google Maps Link

4. The National Art Center, Tokyo: Taki’s Date Spot in Your Name

The Film Connection: This is where Taki has his somewhat awkward lunch date with his senior, Okudera-senpai. The museum’s stunning, wave-like glass facade and its chic, circular restaurant on a concrete cone are perfectly replicated in the film.

The Real-World Experience: Located in Roppongi, The National Art Center is one of Japan’s most important and beautiful art museums. You don’t need a ticket to an exhibition to enter the main atrium and see the iconic architecture. You can visit the cafe (Brasserie Paul Bocuse Le Musée) where Taki and Okudera sat, though it’s a high-end restaurant, not the casual cafe depicted.

Pilgrim’s Tip: The architecture itself is the main attraction. Visit on a sunny day to see the beautiful play of light and shadows through the glass facade, a very Shinkai-esque effect.

5. Hida-Furukawa Area, Gifu: The Other Half of Your Name

The Film Connection: When Taki goes searching for Mitsuha, his journey takes him to the Hida region of Gifu Prefecture. Many of the locations he visits are real places in and around the charming town of Hida-Furukawa. These include the train station, the town library where he does his research, and the bus stop where he interviews locals.

The Real-World Experience: Hida-Furukawa is a beautiful, well-preserved town with traditional storehouses and carp-filled canals. The train station and the Hida City Library are instantly recognizable. The library has fully embraced its role as a seichi, with a dedicated corner for Your Name fans (photography is allowed after getting permission at the front desk). You can also try the local gohei-mochi (grilled rice cakes) that Taki eats.

Pilgrim’s Tip: The tourist information center provides pilgrimage maps to help you find all the key spots from the film.

6. Asahi Inari Shrine, Ginza, Tokyo: The Rooftop Shrine in Weathering with You

The Film Connection: The mysterious, abandoned rooftop shrine where Hina received her powers as the “sunshine girl” is based on a real, and equally hidden, shrine. The Asahi Inari Shrine is located on the rooftop of the Daiko Asahi Building in the heart of the luxurious Ginza district.

The Real-World Experience: Finding this shrine is an adventure in itself. You have to enter an unassuming office building, take the elevator to the 8th floor, and then follow a small path and staircase up to the roof. The contrast between the serene, traditional shrine and the surrounding modern skyscrapers is jarring and magical, perfectly capturing the feeling of the film.

Pilgrim’s Tip: This is on private property, but it is open to the public for worship. Be quiet, quick, and respectful during your visit.

  • Address: 3-8-12 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-0061, Japan
  • Website: N/A
  • Map: Google Maps Link

7. Yoyogi Kaikan Vicinity, Shinjuku, Tokyo: Hina and Hodaka’s Base in Weathering with You

The Film Connection: The dilapidated, abandoned building where Hina, Hodaka, and Nagi live and run their sunshine business was the very real Yoyogi Kaikan. Its iconic, decaying facade near Shinjuku Station was a central visual of the film.

The Real-World Experience: IMPORTANT: The Yoyogi Kaikan building was demolished in 2019-2020. You can no longer see it. However, the location itself, right next to the JR train tracks just south of Shinjuku Station, is still a sacred site. Fans visit the area to see the spot where it once stood, imagining the iconic structure against the backdrop of the ever-present trains.

Pilgrim’s Tip: While you can’t see the building, you can get a great view of the train tracks and the general area from the Shinjuku Station South Exit bridge, which evokes many scenes from Shinkai’s films.

8. Sangubashi Park Area, Tokyo: The Cherry Blossoms of 5 Centimeters per Second

The Film Connection: The iconic and heartbreaking opening of 5 Centimeters per Second shows young Takaki and Akari parting ways at a railway crossing as cherry blossom petals fall like snow. This memorable scene is set at the rail crossings near Sangubashi Park in Tokyo.

The Real-World Experience: This pilgrimage is all about timing. Visiting during peak cherry blossom season (late March to early April) is essential to recapture the magic and melancholy of the film. You can find the specific crossings from the Odakyu Line near Sangubashi Station. It’s a quiet residential area, and the sight of the pink petals falling as a train passes is pure Shinkai poetry.

Pilgrim’s Tip: Be extremely careful around the train tracks. Do not trespass or stand in dangerous spots for a photo. Be respectful of the quiet neighborhood.

9. Bungo-Mori Roundhouse, Oita: The First Door in Suzume

The Film Connection: Suzume’s journey begins when she follows Souta to a mysterious, freestanding door in some ruins. These ruins are based on the Bungo-Mori Roundhouse in Oita Prefecture, Kyushu, a fascinating piece of industrial heritage.

The Real-World Experience: This is an abandoned railway roundhouse and turntable for steam locomotives. The skeletal concrete structure is incredibly atmospheric and photogenic. You can see why Shinkai chose this as the location for one of his mysterious “doors.” It has been preserved as a park, and you can walk right up to the ruins.

Pilgrim’s Tip: This location is quite rural. It’s best accessed by car or by taking the JR Kyudai Main Line to Bungo-Mori Station, from where it’s a short walk.

10. Shinjuku Station & Vicinity, Tokyo: The General Hub of Makoto Shinkai

The Film Connection: Shinjuku Station is more than just one location; it is the heart of Makoto Shinkai’s cinematic universe. Its sprawling complex, crowded platforms, and surrounding cityscape appear in nearly all of his films, symbolizing connection, separation, and the overwhelming scale of modern life. The distinctive Docomo Tower is a recurring landmark.

The Real-World Experience: Exploring Shinjuku is like a self-guided Shinkai tour. Key spots include the South Exit, the pedestrian bridges, the views of the skyline from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, and the crowded streets of Kabukicho (featured heavily in Weathering with You). The station itself, with its constant flow of people, perfectly captures the feeling of being one small story in a city of millions.

Pilgrim’s Tip: Don’t try to see it all at once. Pick one or two areas, like the South Exit (for views) or Shinjuku Gyoen (for calm), to focus on. Shinjuku Station is the busiest in the world and can be incredibly overwhelming.

  • Address (Shinjuku Station): 3-38-1 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0022, Japan
  • Map: Google Maps Link

A Journey Beyond the Screen

A pilgrimage to the sacred sites of Ghibli and Shinkai is a journey that enriches one’s love for their films in a profound and lasting way. It transforms abstract admiration into a tangible, sensory experience. It’s the feeling of the damp, mossy air of Yakushima on your skin; the taste of gohei-mochi in Hida-Furukawa; the sound of the trains passing at the Sangubashi crossing.

These journeys remind us that the magic we see on screen is not entirely fantasy. It is rooted in the real beauty, history, and emotion of Japan. It is born from an artist’s love for a quiet neighborhood, a bustling city, or an ancient forest. By visiting these places, we are not just seeing a movie set; we are seeing the world through the eyes of the creators themselves.

So, pack your bags, charge your camera, and re-watch your favorite film one more time. Your holy land awaits. It’s time to step into the story.

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