15-day Anime Pilgrimage

🗓 Day by day

1. Akihabara & Asakusa - Anime Merchandise and Tokyo’s Oldest Temple

   Explore Akihabara, the hub of Tokyo's anime culture, with stops at Radio Kaikan and Animate Akihabara for figures, manga, and character merchandise. In the afternoon, visit Asakusa’s Senso-ji Temple and stroll through Nakamise Street, which offers a traditional contrast to the modern anime scene of the morning.

2. Yokohama – Bungou Stray Dogs Locations

   Start the day at Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse, a historical waterfront location prominently featured in Bungou Stray Dogs. Proceed along the harbor to Yamashita Park for a scenic seaside walk overlooking the port. Next, explore Yokohama Chinatown's vibrant streets and local cuisine, then ascend to Motomachi Shopping Street, known for its stylish boutiques. Conclude the day at Cosmo Clock 21 in Minato Mirai, where the illuminated Ferris wheel showcases views of the city.

3. Kamakura – Locations from Slam Dunk

   Your day starts at Hasedera Temple, famous for its hillside views and tranquil environment. Next, you’ll head to Kotoku-in, home of Kamakura's Great Buddha, an iconic landmark. Conclude your day at Yuigahama Beach, where you can board the Enoshima Electric Railway (Enoden) featured in Slam Dunk.

4. Ikebukuro – Durarara!! Exploration

   Kick off your day at Animate Ikebukuro, the prominent anime store serving as a fan hub. Step outside to wander Otome Road, filled with specialty shops and cafés. Continue to Sunshine City, a large complex shown in Durarara!!, hosting shops, the Sunshine Aquarium, and Kinoca Minolta Planetarium, often featuring collaborations with renowned anime voice actors. Wrap up at Ikebukuro Nishiguchi Park, a significant location from the anime and a vibrant spot to soak in the neighborhood vibe.

5. Hakone – Evangelion Themes

   Begin at the Evangelion Store in Hakone, where you can browse franchise-themed displays and items linked to the Tokyo-3 setting. Afterwards, ride the Hakone Ropeway for breathtaking volcanic views, then head to Lake Ashi for panoramic sights of the nearby mountains. Conclude your day at Hakone Shrine on the lakeshore, where the iconic torii gate enhances the atmospheric end of your visit.

6. Hakone – Art and Nature

   Begin with a visit to the Hakone Open-Air Museum, where expansive sculptures are set against beautiful mountain landscapes, merging art with nature. Afterward, head to Hakone Gora Park, a serene garden featuring seasonal flowers and lovely vistas, where you will also find a replica of the Lance of Longinus.

7. Kyoto – Anime Inspirations in History

   Start at Fushimi Inari Taisha, walking through its iconic red torii gates that inspired numerous historical and fantasy anime scenes. Next, visit Kiyomizu-dera, a temple perched on a hillside, offering sweeping views of Kyoto. In the afternoon, explore Gion, the traditional geisha district, where the preserved streets and wooden houses evoke the ambiance depicted in many period anime, including Demon Slayer, Inuyasha, and My Happy Marriage.

8. Kyoto – Exploring Arashiyama

   Spend the day in the picturesque Arashiyama district. Start at the Rilakkuma Tea House, a cozy café ideal for fans of adorable Japanese characters, surrounded by various small shops. Continue through the renowned Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, then visit Tenryu-ji Temple, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site due to its exquisite Zen garden. Walk towards Togetsukyo Bridge, the historic heart of Arashiyama featuring views of the mountains and river. Conclude your day with a visit to Kimono Forest, a visual installation of illuminated kimono-patterned pillars.

9. Nara – Day Trip from Kyoto

   Travel a short distance from Kyoto to Nara, recognized as Japan’s first permanent capital and known for its historic temples and friendly deer population. Start at Nara Park, home to hundreds of deer that rove freely and symbolize the area, which are also featured in the anime My Deer Friend Nokotan. Continue to Todai-ji Temple, housing the Great Buddha and among the world’s largest wooden edifices. Nearby, Kofuku-ji Temple, with its impressive five-story pagoda, appears in the anime Lucky Star during the characters' excursion to Nara. Wind up your visit by exploring the historic streets of Naramachi, a former merchant neighborhood filled with charming cafés and preserved townhouses.

10. Kyoto – Jujutsu Kaisen & Historical Kyoto Sites

    Spend the day investigating locations tied to Kyoto’s historical setting, inspiring elements in Jujutsu Kaisen. Begin at Heian Shrine, honored to the emperors from the Heian period, the era when the fearsome cursed spirit and sorcerer, Ryomen Sukuna, ruled the Jujutsu realm. Continue to Nanzen-ji Temple, a vast Zen temple complex whose historical architecture and lush surroundings echo the Kyoto Jujutsu High School backdrop in the anime. Nearby, Shoren-in Temple is also recognized by fans for its tranquil grounds and architecture reminiscent of the training environment depicted in the series. Finish your day with a gentle stroll along the Philosopher’s Path, a scenic canal route framed by temples and gardens, providing a reflective close to your time in Kyoto.