Anime series are a fantastic way for fans to step into other worlds. With diverse characters, endless plots, and beautiful settings, it's no wonder so many people enjoy watching. Many of these worlds are fantastical, and while fans wish to visit them, doing so is simply not possible. However, there are several series that take real locations throughout Japan and use those as the inspiration for their own setting.
Dedicated fans traveling to Japan may choose to visit one or two locations, while others go across the country to see as many places as possible. Some of these locations are massive and hard to miss, such as Tokyo, while others such as remote villages are easy to overlook. However, regardless of how big the site is, visiting these places in real-life is a huge treat for any fan. While it may not be possible to go on excursions now, fans can still put together their bucket lists for the future.
10 Several Of Akiharaba's Lively Settings Are Featured In Steins;Gate
The popular anime Steins;Gate is set in Akihabara, Japan. This busy district is a hub for anime and pop culture goods, as well as electronics and video games, shopping, and even maid cafés. The anime features several locations that closely mimic the real-world setting.
Possibly the most iconic featured location is the Radio Kaikan, a building with ten floors of trading cards, toys, and more, which is prominently displayed behind the characters in several shots. Other real locations include the bustling Akihabara Station, Tokyo Times Tower, and Yanagimori Shrine, all of which can be visited in real life.
9 Yuwaku Onsen Inspired The Setting For Hanasaku Iroha
Hanasaku Iroha takes place primarily in Kissuiso, a hot spring inn set in a rural town. However, this inn is based on a real location, Yuwaku Onsen, a ryokan in Kanazawa Japan which has been gaining popularity since the anime aired.
This lovely inn is a hit with fans, as they get to enjoy the slower pace of the rural area, the beautiful scenery, and, of course, soak their troubles away in an onsen. The breathtaking scenery of the anime is true-to-life as this little town offers a picturesque view and a relaxing atmosphere.
8 Numazu's Many Landmarks Are Mirrored In Love Live! Sunshine!!
Fans voted for the setting of Love Live! Sunshine!! to be a city on the water, and Uchiura, part of Numazu in the Shizuoka prefecture, became the real-life inspiration for the anime. There are many parallels between the anime and the actual city, and fans with a keen eye are quick to catch the little details that mimic the real-life setting.
The buildings, beaches, and even the hamburger and café restaurant the girls pass as they chase Yoshiko are all real locations fans can visit. The lovely seaside city offers many things to do and is a must-see place for any Love Live! Sunshine!! fan in Japan.
7 Zombieland Saga Is Bringing Attention To Saga Prefecture
Japan's Saga prefecture is experiencing a large spike in popularity thanks in large part to the hit anime Zombieland Saga's focus on the area. The anime not only uses Saga as its setting but incorporates it into the plot as the girls of Franchouchou try to bring attention to the prefecture through their idol activities despite being zombies.
The real Saga prefecture is a busy place with lots to do. However, one of the most popular spots to visit for fans is the Drive-In Tori restaurant featured in one of the episodes. This restaurant is very popular and often has a line, but for fans of the anime, it is likely worth it to try some of their famous chicken.
6 Hyouka's Charming Setting Is Influenced By Takayama, Japan
Hyouka's setting takes place in Takayama in the Gifu prefecture in Japan. This rural setting features older buildings and a slower-paced lifestyle, but there are plenty of things for fans to do. Some places to visit include Hida Senior High School, the inspiration for Kamiyama High School in the anime, as well as Hiejinja Shrine, and Yayoihashi Bridge.
Fans may also enjoy exploring the older town and buildings, visiting the morning market each day, and, if they're lucky, they may even get to participate in the Takayama Festival, which is held in the Spring and Fall for two days each year.
5 Lucky Star's Creator Used His Life In Saitama As Inspiration For The Setting
Saitama is the setting for the long-loved series Lucky Star. This anime focuses on the main crew of Konata, Kagami, Tsukasa, and Miyuki as they enjoy their everyday lives. Saitama has embraced its appearance in the anime and offers many shoutouts to Lucky Star throughout the prefecture.
Fans can enjoy visiting many of the sites from the anime, such as the Washinomiya Shrine or one of the schools in the area, Kasukabe Kyoei, which is the inspiration for Lucky Star's high school and is also the school that the author, Kagami Yoshimizu attended.
4 Enoshima & Fujisawa Landmarks Are Everywhere In Rascal Does Not Dream Of Bunny Girl Senpai
There are two predominant areas featured in the hit supernatural anime Rascal Does Not Dream of Bunny Girl Senpai: Enoshima and Fujisawa. Fans will see several areas which look nearly identical to real-life throughout the anime. In fact, there are so many borrowed settings that Crunchyroll published a 3-part series with side-by-side anime and real images to show just how meticulous the anime is in this regard.
Fans can visit everywhere from the JR Train Station to Benny's restaurant, which is part of the Denny's chain in real life. Within the station, fans can even visit the Maple Show Bakery. However, unlike Mai, fans can order and enjoy a custard bun with no trouble.
3 Yakushima Island Is Princess Mononoke's Hidden Paradise
The beautifully forested area of Yakushima Island is the inspiration for the classic Studio Ghibli movie, Princess Mononoke. Fans can be up-close with nature in the quiet woods or can enjoy a more leisurely long stroll on the walking paths. While this forest is not the same as the animated movie shot-for-shot, Miyazaki has stated that it is the major inspiration for the setting.
This forest is said to feel different from others, as the trees and plants grow so thick that noise does not carry, making even the songs of birds disappear. In such a place, it would not be surprising to see a Kodama or two peeking out from the trees.
2 Anohana Memorabilia Is Everywhere In The Small Town Of Chichibu
The beautiful and heartbreaking series Anohana takes place in a small city called Chichibu. To reach it, fans need to take a train into the countryside from Tokyo, but it is well worth the price. This city is beautiful and is a must-see for fans of the series. Chichibu has embraced Anohana, so seeing merchandise and imagery for the series is common in stores in the area.
Fans can also visit many of the places from the series, most notably the large bridge seen in the promo art. While Menma will not be walking on the railing in real life, fans may feel like they've stepped into the anime while exploring everything the city has to offer.
1 Shirakawa-go Is Nearly Identical To Higurashi's Setting Of Hinamizawa
Shirakawa-go is a small village in the mountains and is the inspiration for Hinamizawa, the setting of the popular horror series Higurashi: When They Cry. This village is very traditional with several gassho-style houses, a small convenience store, and several landmarks nearly identical to the ones in the anime.
Fans can visit the Wada house, the inspiration for the Sonozaki household, as well as the real-life Furude Shrine, and can even brave the climb to get a view of the whole town. Not only can fans enjoy the Higurashi experience, but the amazing local food is worthy of a trip itself! Unlike the anime, nothing bad will happen to fans who visit... probably.