Top 25 Must-Visit Anime Sacred Spots: The Ultimate Otaku Pilgrimage Guide 

July 5 2025 Paul S.

Japan's Anime Tourism Association has officially designated 88 anime "sacred spots" (seichi) across the country, creating the ultimate pilgrimage route for anime fans worldwide. These locations are selected annually through fan voting from Japan and overseas, with the association operating as a public-private partnership to promote anime tourism. From the bustling streets of Tokyo to remote mountain villages, these locations offer fans a chance to step directly into the worlds of their favorite anime series.

Here are the top 25 most iconic and must-visit locations from the official 88 sacred spots list.

Tokyo Metropolitan Area (11 Spots)

1. Akihabara - STEINS;GATE

Location: Chiyoda, Tokyo
 Anime: STEINS;GATE (2011)

The electric town of Akihabara serves as the heart of the time-travel thriller STEINS;GATE. Known as "Anime Heaven," this district is where Okabe Rintarou conducted his experiments at the Future Gadget Laboratory. The area perfectly captures the blend of cutting-edge technology and otaku culture that defines the series.

Must-see: Radio Kaikan building, UPX building, various electronics stores, and the exact locations where pivotal time-travel scenes occurred.

Sacred seal location: EDOCCO Studio, EDOCCO Edo Culture Complex B1F (2-16-2 Sotokanda, Chiyoda City)

2. Kanda Shrine - Love Live!

Location: Chiyoda, Tokyo
 Anime: Love Live! School Idol Project (2013)

This historic shrine became synonymous with the Love Live! franchise, particularly during the 400th anniversary of the Kanda Festival in 2015 when a special collaboration was held. The shrine's connection to the series has made it a pilgrimage destination for idol anime fans.

Must-see: The shrine grounds, the famous slope leading to the shrine, Love Live! merchandise displays, and seasonal collaboration events.

Sacred seal location: EDOCCO Studio, EDOCCO Edo Culture Complex B1F (2-16-2 Sotokanda, Chiyoda City)

3. Shibuya Crossing - Multiple Anime

Location: Shibuya, Tokyo
 Anime: Various series including Digimon, The World Ends with You

Perhaps the most famous intersection in the world, Shibuya Crossing has appeared in countless anime series and represents the beating heart of Tokyo's youth culture. The surrounding area is packed with anime merchandise stores and themed cafes.

Must-see: The iconic scramble crossing, Hachiko statue, Tower Records, and the Tokyo Anime Center.

Sacred seal location: Tokyo Anime Center in DNP PLAZA SHIBUYA (Shibuya MODI 2F, 1-21-3 Jinnan, Shibuya City)

4. Ikebukuro - Durarara!!

Location: Toshima, Tokyo
 Anime: Durarara!! (2010)

The bustling commercial district of Ikebukuro comes alive in this urban supernatural series. The area's mix of shopping centers, parks, and street corners creates the perfect backdrop for the series' mysterious happenings.

Must-see: Naka-Ikebukuro Park, Sunshine City, various street corners where the Dollars congregated, and the underground passages.

Sacred seal location: Toshima City Tourist Information (Notoya Build. 3F, 1-19-7 Nishi-Ikebukuro, Toshima City)

5. Suga Shrine - Your Name

Location: Yotsuya, Tokyo
 Anime: Your Name (Kimi no Na wa) (2016)

The famous staircase at Suga Shrine became an instant pilgrimage site after the release of Makoto Shinkai's blockbuster film. The stairs represent the emotional climax of the movie and offer a stunning view of Tokyo.

Must-see: The iconic staircase, shrine grounds, and panoramic views of Tokyo from the top.

Sacred seal location: Suga Shrine office

6. Minami-Nagasaki - Tokiwaso Museum

Location: Toshima, Tokyo
 Anime: Various manga/anime history

The legendary Tokiwaso apartment building where manga masters like Osamu Tezuka, Fujio Akatsuka, and Shotaro Ishinomori once lived has been recreated as a museum, celebrating the birthplace of modern manga and anime.

Must-see: Full-size replica of the historic apartment, manga creator exhibits, and interactive displays.

Sacred seal location: Toshima City Tokiwaso Museum (Minami-Nagasaki Park, 3-9-22 Minami-Nagasaki, Toshima City)

7. Suginami Animation Museum - Accel World

Location: Suginami, Tokyo
 Anime: Accel World (2012)

Home to Japan's only animation-focused museum, Suginami serves as both a real-world location for Accel World and a celebration of anime history. The museum offers comprehensive exhibits on animation techniques and industry history.

Must-see: Animation Museum exhibits, production displays, and various locations throughout the district.

Sacred seal location: Suginami Animation Museum (Suginami Ward Welfare Hall 3F, 3-29-5 Kamiogi, Suginami City)

8. Nozoki-zaka Slope - Saenai Heroine no Sodatekata

Location: Toshima, Tokyo
 Anime: Saenai Heroine no Sodatekata (How to Raise a Boring Girlfriend) (2015)

One of Tokyo's steepest slopes, this location features prominently in the romantic comedy series. The challenging climb between Gakushuin-shita and Kishibojin-mae stations on the nostalgic Toden Arakawa Line offers both anime connections and historical charm.

Must-see: The dramatic slope itself, nearby traditional shrines and temples, and the vintage streetcar line.

Sacred seal location: Zoshigaya Tourist Information Center (3-19-5 Zoshigaya, Toshima City)

9. Chofu - GeGeGe no Kitaro

Location: Chofu, Tokyo
 Anime: GeGeGe no Kitaro (Multiple seasons)

This suburban area celebrates the beloved yokai series with themed decorations throughout the city. The connection to creator Shigeru Mizuki and the supernatural world of Japanese folklore makes this a unique cultural experience.

Must-see: Kitaro Chaya tea house, themed manhole covers, character monuments, and nearby Jindaiji Temple.

Sacred seal location: Kitaro Chaya (5-12-8 Jindaiji-Motomachi, Chofu City)

10. Tachikawa - Kaiju No. 8

Location: Tachikawa, Tokyo
 Anime: Kaiju No. 8 (2024)

One of the newest additions to the sacred spots, Tachikawa gained prominence as a key location in the monster-fighting series. The area around the station features collaboration displays and themed events.

Must-see: Collaboration displays around Tachikawa Station, character installations, and themed promotional events.

Sacred seal location: Tachikawa Station area

11. Tama City - Sanrio Puroland

Location: Tama, Tokyo
 Anime: Hello Kitty and Friends (Various)

While not traditional anime, Sanrio Puroland celebrates beloved characters that have become integral to Japanese pop culture and anime aesthetics. The indoor theme park offers year-round entertainment with character shows and attractions.

Must-see: Character shows, themed attractions, exclusive merchandise, and seasonal events.

Sacred seal location: Entertainment Hall, Sanrio Puroland (1-31 Ochiai, Tama City)

Kanagawa Prefecture (3 Spots)

12. Kamakura - Slam Dunk

Location: Kamakura, Kanagawa
 Anime: Slam Dunk (1993-1996)

The Kamakura Kokomae No.1 Railroad Crossing became a globally recognized pilgrimage site thanks to its appearance in the opening scene of the legendary basketball anime. This oceanside location offers breathtaking coastal views and nostalgic anime memories.

Must-see: The iconic railway crossing where fans recreate the famous opening scene, sweeping coastal views, and the charming Enoshima Electric Railway (Enoden) line.

Access: Take the Enoden Line from Kamakura Station (18 minutes, 260 yen) or from Fujisawa Station to Kamakurakokomae Station.

Sacred seal location: Kamakurakokomae Station area

13. Hakone - Neon Genesis Evangelion

Location: Hakone, Kanagawa
 Anime: Neon Genesis Evangelion (1995)

The mountain resort town of Hakone serves as the inspiration for Tokyo-3 in the iconic mecha series. The area's dramatic mountain scenery and hot springs create the perfect backdrop for the series' apocalyptic themes.

Must-see: Lake Ashi, Mount Fuji views, hot springs, and various locations that inspired the series' backgrounds.

Sacred seal location: Hakone Visitor Center

14. Yokohama - Mobile Suit Gundam

Location: Yokohama, Kanagawa
 Anime: Mobile Suit Gundam (1979)

Yokohama's futuristic skyline and the iconic Gundam Factory featuring the massive moving RX-78-2 Gundam statue make this a must-visit destination for mecha anime fans.

Must-see: Life-size moving Gundam statue, Gundam Factory Yokohama, Cosmo World, and the futuristic Minato Mirai district.

Sacred seal location: Gundam Factory Yokohama

Central Japan (4 Spots)

15. Takayama - Hyouka

Location: Takayama, Gifu
 Anime: Hyouka (2012)

This historic mountain town served as the inspiration for the mystery series Hyouka. The beautifully preserved Edo-period streets and traditional architecture create an authentic Japanese atmosphere that perfectly matches the series' aesthetic.

Must-see: Traditional wooden buildings, historic sake breweries, morning markets, and the locations that inspired the Classic Literature Club's adventures.

Sacred seal location: Takayama Tourism Information Center

16. Numazu - Love Live! Sunshine!!

Location: Numazu, Shizuoka
 Anime: Love Live! Sunshine!! (2016)

This coastal city near Mount Fuji became a pilgrimage destination for Love Live! Sunshine!! fans. The combination of beautiful coastline, Mount Fuji views, and dedicated anime tourism infrastructure makes it a model for anime-based regional revitalization.

Must-see: Numazu Port, Awashima Island, various school locations, and stunning views of Mount Fuji.

Sacred seal location: Numazu Tourism Information Center

17. Shirakawa-go - Higurashi When They Cry

Location: Shirakawa-go, Gifu
 Anime: Higurashi When They Cry (2006)

The UNESCO World Heritage site of Shirakawa-go, with its traditional thatched-roof houses, inspired the fictional village of Hinamizawa in the horror mystery series. The remote mountain location adds to the series' atmospheric tension.

Must-see: Traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses, mountain scenery, and the serene village atmosphere that transforms the horror series' setting.

Sacred seal location: Shirakawa-go Tourism Information Center

18. Hida - A Place Further Than the Universe

Location: Hida, Gifu
 Anime: A Place Further Than the Universe (2018)

The mountainous Hida region serves as the hometown setting for this acclaimed series about high school girls preparing for an Antarctic expedition. The rural mountain scenery captures the series' themes of adventure and friendship.

Must-see: Mountain landscapes, traditional villages, and the peaceful rural atmosphere that contrasts with the series' grand adventure themes.

Sacred seal location: Hida Tourism Information Center

Kansai Region (3 Spots)

19. Osaka - Summertime Render

Location: Osaka
 Anime: Summertime Render (2022)

While the anime is set on a fictional island, Osaka connections and the urban atmosphere contribute to the series' modern mystery elements. The city's vibrant culture and food scene make it a pilgrimage destination for fans.

Must-see: Osaka Castle, Dotonbori district, various urban locations, and the city's famous food culture.

Sacred seal location: Osaka Tourism Information Center

20. Nara - Koe no Katachi (A Silent Voice)

Location: Nara
 Anime: A Silent Voice (2016)

The ancient capital of Nara, with its historic temples and famous deer park, provides the backdrop for this emotional drama about redemption and communication. The peaceful atmosphere contrasts beautifully with the series' intense emotional themes.

Must-see: Todaiji Temple, Nara Park with its famous deer, Kasuga Taisha Shrine, and traditional architecture.

Sacred seal location: Nara Tourism Information Center

21. Nishinomiya - The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya

Location: Nishinomiya, Hyogo
 Anime: The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya (2006)

This suburban city became a pilgrimage site for fans of the influential light novel adaptation. The realistic depiction of everyday Japanese school life and suburban settings made specific locations instantly recognizable to fans.

Must-see: Nishinomiya Kita High School area, local shopping districts, and residential areas featured in the series.

Sacred seal location: Nishinomiya Tourism Information Center

Northern Japan (2 Spots)

22. Oshidomari - Wake Up, Girls!

Location: Oshidomari, Miyagi
 Anime: Wake Up, Girls! (2014)

This location in Miyagi Prefecture, affected by the 2011 tsunami, became part of the recovery effort through anime tourism. The series' themes of perseverance and community rebuilding resonate with the region's recovery story.

Must-see: Coastal recovery areas, community centers, and locations that showcase the region's rebuilding efforts.

Sacred seal location: Local Tourism Information Center

23. Chichibu - Anohana

Location: Chichibu, Saitama
 Anime: Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day (2011)

This small mountain city became famous for its detailed representation in the emotional drama about childhood friendship and loss. The rural setting and traditional festivals create an authentic Japanese experience.

Must-see: Chichibu Shrine, local festivals, mountain scenery, and specific locations from the series' emotional scenes.

Sacred seal location: Chichibu Tourism Information Center

Special Locations (2 Spots)

24. Narita Airport - Anime Tourism Gateway

Location: Narita, Chiba
 Anime: Multiple series

Narita International Airport serves as "Fudasho Spot 0" of the 88-Site Anime Pilgrimage, functioning as the official starting point for international visitors beginning their anime tourism journey. The airport features dedicated anime tourism information services.

Must-see: Anime Tourism Information Center, anime-themed displays, and travel planning resources.

Sacred seal location: Anime Tourism Information Center, Narita Airport

25. Studio Ghibli Museum - Multiple Ghibli Films

Location: Mitaka, Tokyo
 Anime: Multiple Studio Ghibli films

While not technically part of the 88 sacred spots (as it's more of a museum than a story location), the Studio Ghibli Museum represents the pinnacle of anime tourism for fans of Hayao Miyazaki's masterpieces.

Must-see: Exclusive short films, detailed exhibits on animation techniques, the famous Catbus, and beautiful architectural details throughout the museum.

Access: Advance reservations required through Lawson convenience stores.

Planning Your Anime Pilgrimage

Sacred Seal Collection

Each official spot offers scarlet seal stamps (similar to temple stamps) that visitors can collect as proof of their pilgrimage. These stamps are available at designated locations and often feature unique designs related to the specific anime.

Official Resources

Transportation Tips

Cultural Considerations


👇 Full List Below 👇

The Complete Guide to Japan's 88 Anime Sacred Spots: The Ultimate Otaku Pilgrimage

The Anime Tourism Association (ATA), founded on September 16, 2016, is a public-private partnership that operates out of Fujimi, Chiyoda, Tokyo, under the current presidency of famed mecha anime designer Shoji Kawamori, who succeeded Gundam creator Yoshiyuki Tomino on October 8, 2024. The association has created the most comprehensive anime pilgrimage route in the world by designating 88 "sacred spots" (seichi) across Japan, updated annually based on fan voting from both domestic and international anime enthusiasts.

Understanding the 88 Sacred Spots System

The 88 anime sacred spots are designated to encourage tourism using train stations, school campuses, rural shrines and other everyday places where popular manga and anime characters are depicted. The number 88 draws inspiration from the famous 88-temple pilgrimage route in Shikoku, one of Japan's most sacred Buddhist pilgrimages, but adapted for the modern anime age.

Selection Process

The association regularly unveils updated lists with new locales added from recent anime series, ensuring the destinations remain current and relevant to contemporary anime culture. Recent additions have included locations from Love Live! Nijigasaki High School Idol Club, Love Live! Superstar!!, When They Cry - Higurashi, and the Evangelion series.

Complete Regional Breakdown of All 88 Spots

Tokyo Metropolitan Area (20+ Spots)

Chiyoda District

Shibuya District 5. Shibuya Crossing - The World Ends with You, Digimon 6. Meiji Shrine - Various spiritual/supernatural anime 7. Yoyogi Park - Multiple slice-of-life series 8. Tokyo Anime Center - General anime culture hub

Shinjuku District 9. Shinjuku Station - Your Name (Kimi no Na wa) 10. Kabukicho - Various urban anime 11. Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building - Multiple series 12. Suga Shrine - Your Name (Kimi no Na wa)

Harajuku/Omotesando 13. Takeshita Street - Multiple idol and youth anime 14. Omotesando Hills - Fashion-themed anime 15. Meiji-jingu-mae Station - Various contemporary series

Toshima District 16. Ikebukuro - Durarara!!, Ikebukuro West Gate Park 17. Sunshine City - Multiple series 18. Nozoki-zaka Slope - Saenai Heroine no Sodatekata 19. Tokiwaso Museum - Manga/anime history 20. Zoshigaya - Various historical anime

Other Tokyo Areas 21. Ueno Park - Multiple series 22. Asakusa - Traditional anime settings 23. Odaiba - Gundam, Digimon Adventure 24. Suginami Animation Museum - Accel World 25. Chofu - GeGeGe no Kitaro 26. Tama City - Sanrio Puroland 27. Tachikawa - Kaiju No. 8

Kanagawa Prefecture (8 Spots)

Kamakura Area 28. Kamakura Kokomae Railway Crossing - Slam Dunk 29. Enoshima - Tsuritama, Elfen Lied 30. Kamakura High School - Slam Dunk

Yokohama Area 31. Yokohama Chinatown - Multiple series 32. Minato Mirai - Gundam series 33. Cosmo World - Various anime 34. Gundam Factory Yokohama - Mobile Suit Gundam

Hakone Area 35. Lake Ashi - Neon Genesis Evangelion

Saitama Prefecture (5 Spots)

Chiba Prefecture (4 Spots)

Central Japan Region (15 Spots)

Gifu Prefecture 45. Takayama - Hyouka 46. Shirakawa-go - Higurashi When They Cry 47. Hida-Furukawa - Your Name (Kimi no Na wa) 48. Ogaki - The Anthem of the Heart

Shizuoka Prefecture 49. Numazu - Love Live! Sunshine!! 50. Izu Peninsula - Wasabi, Tokyo Magnitude 8.0 51. Atami - Various hot spring anime 52. Hamamatsu - K-On! Movie

Yamanashi Prefecture 53. Minobu - Laid-Back Camp (Yuru Camp) 54. Kawaguchi-ko - Various Mount Fuji anime 55. Kofu - Laid-Back Camp

Nagano Prefecture 56. Omachi - Encouragement of Climb 57. Ueda - Summer Wars 58. Matsumoto - Orange

Aichi Prefecture 59. Okazaki - Azuki-chan

Kansai Region (12 Spots)

Kyoto Prefecture 60. Fushimi Inari Shrine - Inari, Konkon, Koi Iroha 61. Arashiyama - Various historical anime 62. Kiyomizu-dera - Multiple series 63. Uji - Kyoto Animation series

Osaka Prefecture 64. Osaka Castle - Various historical anime 65. Dotonbori - Multiple urban anime 66. Sumiyoshi Taisha - Chihayafuru

Hyogo Prefecture 67. Nishinomiya - The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya 68. Kobe - Various series 69. Awaji Island - Neon Genesis Evangelion

Nara Prefecture 70. Nara Park - A Silent Voice (Koe no Katachi) 71. Todaiji Temple - Various historical anime

Northern Japan (10 Spots)

Iwate Prefecture 72. Hanamaki - Kenji Miyazawa anime adaptations 73. Morioka - Various rural anime

Miyagi Prefecture 74. Oshidomari - Wake Up, Girls! 75. Sendai - Various series 76. Iwanuma - Wake Up, Girls!

Yamagata Prefecture 77. Yonezawa - Uesugi historical anime

Fukushima Prefecture 78. Aizuwakamatsu - Historical anime 79. Sukagawa - Various series

Akita Prefecture 80. Yokote - Regional anime

Western Japan (8 Spots)

Hiroshima Prefecture 81. Onomichi - Kamichu! 82. Hiroshima City - In This Corner of the World

Okayama Prefecture 83. Kurashiki - Various traditional anime

Kagawa Prefecture 84. Takamatsu - Utawarerumono

Ehime Prefecture 85. Matsuyama - Various series

Kochi Prefecture 86. Kochi City - Bakumatsu anime

Kyushu Region 87. Kumamoto - One Piece (Kumamoto revival project) 88. Oita Prefecture - Various regional anime

Featured Anime Series and Their Locations

Studio Ghibli Connections

While not officially part of the 88 sacred spots, Studio Ghibli locations are integral to anime tourism:

Major Anime Franchises

Love Live! Series

Gundam Series

Evangelion Series

Makoto Shinkai Films

Sacred Seal Collection System

How the System Works

Each of the 88 locations offers special commemorative stamps called "scarlet seals" (similar to traditional temple stamps):

Stamp Locations by Region

Planning Your Complete 88-Spot Pilgrimage

Transportation Strategy

JR Pass Options:

Regional Passes:

Accommodation Planning

Hub Cities for Multi-Day Stays:

Seasonal Considerations

Spring (March-May):

Summer (June-August):

Fall (September-November):

Winter (December-February):

Cultural Impact and Economic Benefits

Regional Revitalization

The project highlights Japan's recent push to make tourism a valuable boon for a stagnant economy, with many rural areas experiencing renewed economic activity through anime tourism.

Success Stories:

International Recognition

The 88 sacred spots have gained global recognition as:

Resources for Complete Pilgrimage Planning

Official Resources

Unofficial Resources

Essential Apps

Conclusion: The Ultimate Anime Journey

The 88 anime sacred spots represent more than just tourist destinations—they're cultural landmarks that celebrate the profound impact anime has had on Japanese society and the world. This public-private partnership delivers information to overseas and domestic fans of Cool Japan content, creating a unique form of cultural tourism that benefits both visitors and local communities.

Whether you choose to visit all 88 spots in an epic pilgrimage or focus on specific regions and series, each location offers a unique opportunity to connect with beloved anime while experiencing authentic Japanese culture. The annual updates ensure that the list remains fresh and relevant, incorporating new series alongside timeless classics.

From the bustling streets of Tokyo to remote mountain villages, from historic temples to modern pop culture meccas, the 88 anime sacred spots offer an unparalleled journey through the landscapes that have inspired some of the world's most beloved stories. Each stamp collected and each location visited becomes part of your own personal anime narrative—one that bridges the gap between fiction and reality, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Start planning your pilgrimage today, and discover how these remarkable locations bring the magic of anime into the real world, one sacred spot at a time.

Note: The 88 sacred spots are updated annually by the Anime Tourism Association. Always check the official website at animetourism88.com for the most current list, special events, and any changes to locations or stamp collection points.


Plan Your Anime Pilgrimage

Check the official Anime Tourism Association 88 Navi for maps, travel tips, and the most up-to-date list of certified anime spots. Whether you’re a seasoned otaku or a casual fan, these destinations promise a magical journey through the heart of anime culture4123.