Travel Tips

8 Real-life places in Japan that look straight out of anime!

Think anime worlds only exist on screen? Here are 8 real-life locations in Japan that inspired some of your favorite anime scenes.

Think anime worlds only exist on screen?

Japan is home to some seriously surreal places that don’t just look like anime, they inspired some of your favorite series. We are talking about the moss-draped forests of Studio Ghibli and the neon-lit streets that form the backdrops for your favorite shōnen adventures.

Japan anime spots offer some of the most unique Japanese travel experiences and photo opportunities that make it look like you’ve teleported to a fantasy realm!

So, if you’ve ever wanted to live inside your favorite animated world, here are Japan’s eight anime-inspired destinations.

In this article

Shirakawa-go village (Gifu): Higurashi When They Cry

Nestled in the mountains of Gifu is Shirakawa-go, a picturesque village that is the real-life inspiration for Hinamizawa in Higurashi. The series’ creator took filtered photographs of this stunning Japanese mountain village to use as backgrounds in the anime.

You’ll find many recognizable landmarks from Higurashi here, including the steps of the Furude Shrine, the bridge, and the Sonozaki Estate, which all appear in several key suspenseful scenes.

The real-life village of Shirakawa-go is renowned for its UNESCO World Heritage-listed Gassho-zukuri farmhouses. In the winter, the steep, thatched roofs of these traditional wooden houses get dusted in pristine white snow. This, along with smoke curling from chimneys and the soft glow of street lanterns transforms this cute mountain village into a surreal, storybook panorama.

Otaru Canal (Hokkaido): Golden Kamuy

Otaru Cana, one of the most whimsical spots in Hokkaido, makes several appearances in Golden Kamuy, most memorably in Tsurumi’s plotting scenes, where the snowy streets and glowing lamplight reflect off the still water.

It also features in Hijikata’s path sequences, adding a touch of atmosphere to the story’s Meiji-era intrigue. Author Noda Satoru even visited the Otaru City Museum, located right next to the canal, to research the era and gather inspiration for the anime.

In the winter, the real-life Otaru Canal gets dusted with snow. The golden glow of the lamps against the deep twilight sky creates a dreamy, cinematic scene, just like those captured in Golden Kamuy.

Yakushima forest (Kagoshima): Princess Mononoke

The mossy cedar forests of Yakushima, a small subtropical island in the Kagoshima Prefecture, directly inspired the mystical woods in Princess Mononoke.

It’s here that you’ll recognize the dreamlike groves where Ashitaka rides Yakul through the mist, and the ethereal greenery that set the stage for San’s encounters with the forest spirits. Hayao Miyazaki himself spent time exploring Yakushima’s trails to capture its otherworldly atmosphere for the film.

In real life, Yakushima is home to some of Japan’s most ancient cedar trees, many over 1,000 years old. As the sunlight filters through the canopy, this fern-filled undergrowth gives off an otherworldly, magical vibe.

Plus, if you follow the Shiratani Unsuikyo Trail, you’ll encounter endless anime-like photo opportunities, from gigantic cedars dripping with moss to crystal-clear mountain streams.

Ebisucho (Osaka): Azumanga Daioh

In Azumanga Daioh, the character nicknamed “Osaka” is introduced as a quirky transfer student from the city, a playful nod to the real-life energy of Osaka itself. Her character evokes the bright, bustling vibe of Den Den Town, with its glowing signboards and lively backstreets.

Ebisucho, better known as Den Den Town, is Osaka’s anime and manga district — a bustling shopping district packed with manga shops, figure stores, and themed cafes. Here, neon signs buzz overhead, narrow streets are lined with quirky bars and glowing storefronts, and every corner seems alive with motion and color.

Hitachi Seaside Park (Ibaraki): Girls und Panzer

In Girls und Panzer, much of the story is set in Ibaraki Prefecture, with Oarai’s wide-open fields and rolling hills resembling the sweeping landscapes of the real-life Hitachi Seaside Park. The anime draws on the region’s scenery to ground its tank battles in a surprisingly picturesque setting.

In real life, the scenery of Hitachi Seaside Park changes with each season. In the springtime the rolling fields explode with bright blue nemophila (baby blue eyes). In the autumn, the park turns red as the kochia blooms.

These pretty blooms, combined with the perfectly manicured hills and winding paths, create a dreamlike scene!

Ine no Funaya (Kyoto): Detective Conan

Ine no Funaya is a traditional fishing village in Kyoto that might remind you of Detective Conan.

In ‘The Glassy Water’s Surface,’ a thrilling chase unfolds across the calm waters in front of Ine’s iconic floating boathouses, capturing the village’s unique charm and serene atmosphere.

The anime perfectly mirrors the reflections of the village’s iconic funaya (traditional wooden boathouses) that are built right along the water’s edge. When the bay is calm, you can see the reflection of these distinctive houses in the water, which makes them look like they are floating.

Some funaya have been converted into guesthouses, meaning you can stay in one and feel like you’re in your own Anime episode!

Kawagoe Old Town (near Tokyo): Tsuki ga Kirei

Kawagoe, known as “Little Edo,” is a scenic town about 30 minutes from Tokyo. In Tsuki ga Kirei, Kawagoe’s historic streets are featured in tender scenes where the main couple walks home together under cherry blossoms. The anime highlights the Edo-period architecture and cobblestone lanes that give the series its heartfelt, slice-of-life feel.

Kawagoe retains many original kurazukuri (clay-walled warehouse-style buildings) to this day, dating back to the 17th century. These iconic buildings, along with the wooden shops, cozy lanes, and clock towers, will give you endless anime-inspired photo opportunities.

Ashikaga Flower Park (Tochigi): Demon Slayer

In Demon Slayer, the wisteria-covered mountains where demon hunters seek refuge from Muzan’s forces are inspired by the cascading blooms of the real-life Ashikaga Flower Park.

The anime mirrors the park’s magical wisteria tunnels, capturing the surreal beauty and magical atmosphere of the wisteria in full bloom.

Known as one of the best spots to see wisteria flowers in Japan, the Ashikaga Flower Park in Tochigi (90 minutes from Tokyo) explodes with over 150 violet, pink, and white blossoms every spring. As you stroll beneath these enchanting flowers, their vivid tones and fragrant petals create a surreal, almost otherworldly atmosphere.

Pro tips for capturing anime-like photos in Japan

When heading to these Japan anime places, make sure you pack the right tools for the most cinematic anime-like shots. For example, a wide-angle lens can capture sweeping streets or flower fields, and a sturdy tripod will help bring neon lights to life at night.

Drones can capture breathtaking perspectives, but Japan has strict flying rules and no-fly zones, so if you plan to bring one, check local regulations first.

Getting around is just as crucial as getting the right shot. Whether you’re in Osaka, Kyoto, or Hokkaido, pick up a Japan IC tourist card for easy tap-and-go access on trains and buses.

And if you want to expand your itinerary beyond these anime-like spots, check out our guide to the best places to visit in Japan for more incredible destinations.

Stay connected as you explore Japan’s anime-inspired locations with Holafly

Whether chasing anime-inspired scenes and snapping photos of locations straight out of your favorite series, reliable internet is a must.

With a Holafly eSIM, you’ll get unlimited data and instant setup. No need to buy a SIM at the airport or hunt for WiFi, just seamless connection while streaming clips or following Google Maps to make sure you’re standing in the right spot.

Check out Holafly’s eSIM for Japan here.

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