Calling all otakus!
Anime and manga are important aspects of Japan’s pop culture and have quite a presence in global pop culture as well. Their influence is undeniable, as they have inspired even non-Japanese creatives to create their own, from Nickelodeon’s Avatar: The Last Airbender to Netflix’s Castlevania!
Animes are often set in fictional worlds, like the vibrant locales of Violet Evergarden or the bleak dark fantasy lands of the late Kentaro Miura’s Berserk.
But there are a fair share of titles that are inspired by real-life locations, such as the port city of Yokohama in Bungo Stray Dogs and Shibuya, where one of the craziest story arcs of Jujutsu Kaisen takes place.
My fellow anime fans, I’ve prepared a short list of some of the real-life Japan anime places you can go to when you visit Japan! I hope that you can experience the joy and excitement you’ve had watching and reading some of your favourite titles as you explore their settings in real life!
Watch your fave anime then see it IRL with Klook x Crunchyroll 🧡
While planning your anime-inspired trip to Japan, we’ve got a special deal for you! We’re partnering up with anime streaming site Crunchyroll, so you can enjoy both travel and streaming perks.
This covers fan-favourite titles like Fruits Basket, Naruto, and Tokyo Ghoul. It’s the perfect way to rewatch your favourite scenes before visiting the real-life locations.
Here’s how it works:
- Spend $40 AUD or more on any Japan booking via Klook
- Get 1 month FREE Crunchyroll subscription
- Promo runs from April 13 to May 12, 2026
- Redeem your code by May 31, 2026
1. Yokohama - Bungou Stray Dogs (2016)
Yokohama Museum of Art featured in Bungo Stray Dogs setting | Photo from Kakidai on Wikimedia
Yokohama is located in Kanagawa Prefecture on Tokyo Bay just south of Tokyo. As I mentioned earlier, it’s the main setting for Bungo Stray Dogs, and several of the city’s most popular attractions were featured in the anime.
The Yokohama Museum of Art is one such attraction. This museum is one of Japan’s largest art institutions, and it houses an extensive collection of modern and contemporary artworks both from Western artists and locals!
If you’re a fan of artists such as Salvador Dali and Pablo Picasso, you’ll be delighted to know that you can find some of their works there, such as Dali’s “Fantastical Landscapes” and Picasso’s “Woman Sleeping in a Chair.”
As for local artists, you should definitely check out Kazuo Hyodo’s oil paintings, the sculptures of Denchu Hiragushi, and the photo-based landscape paintings of Mana Konishi.
If you recall the episode where Atsushi takes Kyouka out for some sightseeing, you can also visit the areas they’ve been to!
Yokohama Chinatown
Yokohama Chinatown street near Bungou Stray Dogs locations | Photo by Yu Kato on Unsplash
Yokohama is home to the largest Chinatown in the country and Asia as a whole! It’s lined with hundreds of Chinese restaurants and stalls, so if you’re looking for some chow, you’ll be spoiled for choice here because there’s a wide variety of delicious snacks and meals to choose from!
Photo credit: sakkanan11 on Pixabay
One of the delights you shouldn’t miss out on is the panda steam bun of Rouishin! The buns come in different flavors, like matcha and your typical pork steam buns.
Red Brick Warehouse
Red Brick Warehouse Yokohama waterfront anime-inspired spot | Photo from Kakidai on Wikimedia
The Red Brick Warehouse is another real-life area that can be seen during Atsushi and Kyouka’s date! The warehouse is a shopping complex. It’s also a popular photo stop because it was built with bricks, which is a rarity in The Land of the Rising Sun.
Inside, you’ll find all kinds of independent shops, cafes, and even an event hall that plays host to concerts and theatrical productions from time to time. If you visit during the Christmas season, there will be a Christmas market waiting for you!
2. Kofu (Yamanashi) & Kyoto - Fruits Basket (2001/2019)
Kofu city view with Mount Fuji, Fruits Basket inspiration | Photo from 名古屋太郎 on Wikimedia
The gentle world of Fruits Basket is inspired by the peaceful surroundings of Kofu in Yamanashi Prefecture. With its quiet neighbourhoods, scenic mountains, and traditional homes that match the anime’s warm and comfy tone, walking around here feels like you’re living in Tohru Honda’s everyday life.
This is one of the best places to go in Japan for anime fans who want something calm and meaningful. The slower pace gives you time to reflect, just like the series itself. Visit local shrines and enjoy the seasonal scenery; spring and autumn are especially beautiful!
And if you remember the school trip that Tohru and her friends went on, you can actually visit real-life counterparts in Kyoto! Spots like Kinkaku-ji Temple and Arashiyama Bamboo Forest bring that same peaceful scenery and memorable moments from Fruits Basket to life.
If you want to visit both without the stress of planning, this Kyoto highlights tour makes it easy to fit them into one day.
3. Tokyo - Tokyo Ghoul (2014)
Kabukicho nightlife district in Shinjuku, Tokyo
Dark, intense, and full of mystery, Tokyo Ghoul is deeply rooted in Tokyo’s urban landscape. Areas like Shinjuku and Shibuya capture the same moody vibe seen in the anime. Walking through these districts at night gives you a look into Kaneki’s world.
You can visit the Shinjuku Station East Exit, where Kaneki meets Touka early in the series. Another familiar spot is Kabukicho Crossing, where he walks alone through the crowd. These Tokyo Ghoul locations are ideal if you’re drawn to the city’s fast pace with a slightly darker tone.
To really feel that atmosphere, go to Shinjuku after sunset. The neon lights glow brighter, and the whole area takes on a different energy once the crowds start to thin. If you want a deeper look beyond the main streets, join this Shinjuku night walking tour that guides you through hidden backstreets and local hangouts most visitors wouldn’t find on their own.
While you’re in the area, you can also stop by the Tokyo Anime Center in Shibuya to see exhibits, events, and merch tied to other popular anime series like Doraemon.
4. Tokyo & Sendai - Jujutsu Kaisen (2020)
Shibuya Crossing, Tokyo, featured in a Jujutsu Kaisen arc
If you’ve been searching for Jujutsu Kaisen real-life locations, Tokyo and Sendai are your go-to spots. Many scenes in the anime are inspired by real neighbourhoods, schools, and urban settings in these cities, such as the KFC branch in Nishi-Shinjuku where (spoiler alert!) Gojo and Geto separated ways.
In Jujutsu Kaisen, the Shibuya Incident Arc shows thousands of cursed spirits taking over Shibuya Crossing and the inside of Shibuya Station, turning one of Tokyo’s busiest areas into something tense and unsettling. In the anime, the streets feel empty and heavy, but in real life, these same spots are filled with people and bright lights.
Klook Tip: Get a top view of the Shibuya Crossing, ideally at night, from the rooftop of MAGNET by Shibuya109!
5. Awaji Island - Naruto (2002)
Naruto-themed park statues on Awaji Island, Japan
Looking for iconic Naruto locations in real life? Head to Awaji Island, home to the Naruto & Boruto Shinobi-Zato theme park. This is where the ninja world comes alive with interactive attractions, life-sized characters, and themed missions.
Fans of the series will love the attention to detail. From ramen shops to training zones, everything feels immersive. Plus, the nearby Naruto whirlpools add a natural wonder to your trip!
6. Kawagoe - Kamisama Kiss (2012)
Kawagoe old town streets from Kamisama Kiss inspiration
Kawagoe, often called “Little Edo," is the perfect match for Kamisama Kiss. Its traditional streets, shrines, and nostalgic charm bring the anime’s setting to life.
As you walk through the old town, you’ll see Kurazukuris (old clay houses) and candy shops along Candy Alley, which dates back to the Meiji era. It’s easy to imagine Nanami’s story unfolding here. This spot is ideal if you enjoy romance and folklore-inspired anime!
To make your visit even more memorable, try wearing a kimono as you walk through Kawagoe’s historic streets. It adds to the old-town atmosphere and makes the experience feel closer to Kamisama Kiss. You can easily rent one for the day with this kimono rental experience, so you can walk around shrines and traditional alleys in style.
7. Hida & Tokyo - Kimi no Nawa (Your Name)
Tokyo stairs scene from Kimi no Nawa real-life location | Photo from Hisagi on Wikimedia
Few films have captured hearts like Kimi no Nawa. The famous staircase scene at Suga Shrine in Tokyo is a must-visit, while Hida offers the countryside setting that inspired the fictional town of Itomori.
If you want to make your Kimi no Nawa trip even easier, join this Makoto Shinkai anime pilgrimage tour around Tokyo. It takes you to well-known spots from the film, including the traffic light near Shinjuku Police Station featured briefly in the timelapse when Mitsuha and Taki switched bodies.
FAQs about real-life anime locations in Japan
Which anime are based on real places in Japan?
Many anime draw inspiration from real locations across Japan. Popular examples include Fruits Basket, Naruto, Tokyo Ghoul, and Kimi no Nawa. These shows often use real cities, shrines, and landscapes as references.
Where can I find Naruto-inspired locations in Japan?
One of the best Naruto locations is Awaji Island, where the Naruto & Boruto theme park is located. It’s designed specifically for fans and offers immersive experiences. You can also spot Naruto-inspired elements in other parts of Japan, but Awaji is the most interactive.
Where can I experience anime culture in Tokyo?
Tokyo is full of anime hotspots like Akihabara, Shibuya, and Ikebukuro. You’ll find themed cafés, shops, and exhibitions. Try activities like a manga drawing workshop to get a full behind-the-scenes experience!
Are there guided tours for anime locations in Japan?
Yes, there are several guided tours available, especially in Tokyo, like the Makoto Shinkai anime tour. These tours help you visit multiple spots efficiently while learning more about the anime connections. Options include walking tours, private experiences, and themed pilgrimages. They’re great if you want a deeper and more organised trip.
When is the best time to visit anime locations in Japan?
Japan is a year-round destination, but spring and autumn are especially popular. Cherry blossoms and autumn leaves add extra beauty to these locations. However, each season offers something unique, so it really depends on your travel style.
More Japan guides for your anime-inspired itinerary 🇯🇵
What is Klook?
Klook is a leading pan-regional experiences platform in Asia Pacific, purpose built to digitalize experiences and make them accessible to every traveler.
Our mission is to build the digital infrastructure for the global experience economy — empowering merchants to share their passions and travelers to discover the heartbeat of each destination. We operate a mobile-first, curated platform featuring diverse experiences across global destinations.
![[Updated] Complete List Of Official Nationwide MCO SOP 2021](https://res.klook.com/image/upload/fl_lossy.progressive,q_85/c_fill,w_160,h_104/v1633858858/blog/iso56uzsphmdguixkvzh.jpg)
![[Updated] Complete List Of Official Nationwide MCO SOP 2021](https://res.klook.com/image/upload/fl_lossy.progressive,q_85/c_fill,w_410,h_264/v1633858858/blog/iso56uzsphmdguixkvzh.jpg)
