If you’ve ever dreamed of stepping into the worlds of your favorite anime, Japan is the place where fantasy meets reality.
From bustling city streets to quiet seaside towns, here’s a full travel guide with a custom Google My Map and suggested daily routes for an unforgettable anime pilgrimage.
Day 1 – Tokyo City Vibes
Route: Akihabara → Kanda Myojin Shrine → Evening in Shibuya/Ikebukuro
- Akihabara (Steins;Gate, Love Live!)
Arrive early and explore the Electric Town, anime shops, maid cafés, and Radio Kaikan.
Best photo: Radio Kaikan building entrance. - Kanda Myojin Shrine (Love Live!)
A 10-minute walk from Akihabara. Snap a photo at the main gate and check the anime-themed ema boards. - Evening Option:
Ikebukuro for the Otome Road or Shibuya for city night vibes.
🚆 Access Tip: JR Yamanote Line connects Akihabara, Ikebukuro, and Shibuya directly.
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Day 2 – Saitama Anime Shrines
Route: Washinomiya Shrine → Chichibu (Anohana)
- Washinomiya Shrince (Lucky☆Star)
Morning visit to avoid crowds. If you come during New Year’s, the atmosphere is electric with cosplay and anime art. - Chichibu (Anohana)
Afternoon train to Chichibu. Visit Chichibu Bridge, Old Chichibu Bridge, and Hitsujiyama Park (spring pink moss season is magical).
🚆 Travel Time:
Washinomiya → Chichibu: about 2 hrs by train with a transfer in Kumagaya.
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Day 3 – Gifu’s Cinematic Scenery
Route: Hida-Furukawa → Takayama
- Hida-Furukawa (Your Name)
Visit the station, the library, and riverside streets seen in the movie. - Takayama
Historic townscapes, morning market, and local Hida beef for lunch.
🚆 Access:
From Nagoya, take JR Hida Limited Express to Takayama (2.5 hrs), then 15 min local train to Hida-Furukawa.
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Day 4 – Toyama’s Hidden Gem
Route: Johana (true tears)
- Explore the festival floats and old shopping streets.
- If visiting in May, catch the Johana Hikiyama Festival.
🚆 Access:
From Toyama Station, JR Johana Line (1 hr).
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Day 5 – Shizuoka Seaside Adventure
Route: Numazu (Love Live! Sunshine!!)
- Visit Uchiura Bay, Numazu Port, and Awashima Marine Park.
- Try fresh seafood—local restaurants often have anime decorations.
🚆 Access:
From Tokyo, JR Tokaido Line to Numazu (2 hrs).
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Day 6 – Kyoto Iconic Shrine
Route: Fushimi Inari Taisha (Inari, Konkon, Koi Iroha)
- Walk through the Thousand Torii Gates.
- Start early morning or late afternoon for fewer crowds.
🚆 Access:
From Kyoto Station, JR Nara Line to Inari (5 min).
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Day 7 – Awaji Island Naruto/Boruto Park
Route: Awaji Island ( Naruto/Boruto Park)
- Anime theme park meets seaside getaway.
- Great for families or fans of mystery/action series.
🚆 Access:
Bus from Kobe Sannomiya (1 hr).
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Day 8 – Remote Island Escape
Route: Goto Islands (Barakamon)
- Relax on beaches, explore fishing villages, and meet friendly locals.
- Perfect final chapter for your pilgrimage.
🚆 Access:
From Nagasaki, ferry or high-speed boat to Fukue (1.5–3 hrs).
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Extra Travel Tips
- JR Pass: Worth it if covering multiple regions.
- Anime Scene Matching: Keep reference screenshots on your phone for fun photo comparisons.
- Local Souvenirs: Many towns sell exclusive anime goods you can’t get in Tokyo.
- Be Respectful: Remember, these are real neighborhoods where people live.