Your Name. Pilgrimage Guide | Every Spot in Tokyo and Hida

How "Your Name." Supercharged the Anime Pilgrimage Movement

Released in 2016, Makoto Shinkai's film "Your Name." (Kimi no Na wa) shattered box-office records with over 25 billion yen in domestic gross, and brought anime pilgrimages into the mainstream like no title before it. Set across Tokyo and the Hida region, the film features numerous real-world locations, and fans from around the globe continue to visit them years after the premiere.

This article covers all the major pilgrimage spots, divided into a Tokyo section and a Hida section. You will also find access details, the best times to visit, and a suggested 2-day itinerary to help you plan your trip.

Tokyo Pilgrimage Spots

Tokyo's pilgrimage spots center on Taki's everyday world, with several locations where you can recreate the film's most memorable scenes.

Suga Shrine Stairs

This is the setting of the emotionally charged climax, where Taki and Mitsuha finally reunite. About a five-minute walk from Yotsuya-Sanchome Station, the view looking down from the top of the stairs matches the film frame for frame.

• Address: 5 Sugacho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
• Access: 5-minute walk from Yotsuya-Sanchome Station (Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line)
• Best time to visit: Early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds

Yotsuya Station Area

The station appears frequently as part of Taki's daily commute. The JR Chuo Line platform and the exterior of the station are faithfully depicted in the film. The red-railed Yotsuya Mitsuke Bridge is another recognizable spot nearby.

Shinjuku Gyoen

While best known as the setting of Shinkai's earlier film "The Garden of Words," Shinjuku Gyoen also appears in "Your Name." during Taki's date scene. The beautiful gardens are worth visiting in any season, pilgrimage or not.

• Admission: 500 yen (adults)
• Hours: 9:00 to 16:00 (varies by season)
• Recommended: Autumn foliage season and spring cherry blossom season

The National Art Center, Tokyo

This museum is depicted as the location Taki visits on a date with his senpai, Okudera Miki. The distinctive undulating glass facade designed by Kurokawa Kisho is beautifully reproduced in the film. Directly connected to Nogizaka Station for easy access.

Hida Pilgrimage Spots

The Hida region, which inspired the fictional town of Itomori where Mitsuha lives, has several locations that evoke the film's atmosphere in a powerful way.

Hida-Furukawa Station

This is the station where Taki arrives when he travels to Hida in search of Mitsuha. The taxi stand and bus terminal in front of the station are immediately recognizable from the film.

• Access: Get off at Hida-Furukawa Station on the JR Takayama Main Line
• Tip: Pick up a pilgrimage map at the tourist information center in front of the station

Keta Wakamiya Shrine

This shrine is believed to be one of the models for the Miyamizu Shrine where Mitsuha's family serves as caretakers. Surrounded by a hushed cedar forest, its solemn atmosphere mirrors the mystical world of the film. About a 15-minute walk from Hida-Furukawa Station.

Hida City Library

The library served as the model for the scene where Taki and his friends research the town of Itomori. Photography inside requires permission, but the staff are accustomed to pilgrimage visitors and you can request approval at the front desk.

• Address: 2-22 Honmachi, Furukawa-cho, Hida-shi, Gifu
• Hours: 9:00 to 20:00 (varies by day)
• Note: Ask at the counter for photography permission before taking photos inside

Best Times to Visit

Tokyo locations can be enjoyed year-round, but choosing the right season matters more for the Hida area.

• Spring (April -- May): Fresh greenery in Hida is beautiful, and the mild weather is perfect for exploring
• Autumn (October -- November): The fall foliage season in Hida is spectacular -- the closest match to the film's dreamlike atmosphere
• Winter (December -- February): Heavy snowfall in Hida can complicate travel, but the snowy landscapes are stunning in their own right
• Summer (July -- August): Festival season in Hida-Furukawa. Experience the lively energy of the town

Suggested 2-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Tokyo

| Time | Spot | Highlights | |------|------|------------| | 9:00 | Yotsuya Station | Walk Taki's commute route | | 10:00 | Suga Shrine Stairs | Recreate the iconic reunion scene in photos | | 11:30 | Shinjuku Gyoen | Stroll through the gardens and have lunch | | 14:00 | The National Art Center, Tokyo | Immerse yourself in the world of the film at the date-scene location | | 16:00 | Shinjuku Station area | Explore the pedestrian bridges and streetscapes from the film |

Day 2: Hida

| Time | Spot | Highlights | |------|------|------------| | 10:00 | Arrive at Hida-Furukawa Station | Pick up a pilgrimage map at the station | | 10:30 | Hida City Library | Get photo permission and explore inside | | 12:00 | Furukawa town walk + lunch | Stroll along the white-walled storehouses and Seto River canal | | 14:00 | Keta Wakamiya Shrine | Visit the model for the Miyamizu Shrine | | 15:30 | Depart from Hida-Furukawa Station | Pick up local sake or Hida beef as souvenirs |

From Tokyo, the most common routes to Hida-Furukawa are via Nagoya on the Tokaido Shinkansen, or by highway bus. Staying overnight in Takayama the night before gives you a relaxed start to your Hida-Furukawa explorations the next morning.

Making the Most of Your Pilgrimage

For more detailed location information on "Your Name.," check out the AnimeTrips anime list. The map view lets you see how all the spots relate to each other, which is invaluable for planning an efficient route.

You can also use the AI trip planner to generate an optimized itinerary based on your departure point and travel dates. Since public transportation options in the Hida area are limited, planning your route ahead of time is the key to a smooth pilgrimage.

Go see the beautiful landscapes that Makoto Shinkai brought to life on screen with your own eyes. A different kind of emotion awaits -- one you can only feel by being there in person.