Many anime depict actual buildings and land, and some even go so far as to introduce local specialties in detail, vividly demonstrating their community-based support. If you're an anime fan, you've probably thought, "I'd love to visit places like that someday!" Also, if you're not sure where to travel, maybe remembering that particular anime was really fun could be one factor in deciding on a location. So, today we'll be introducing a ranking of anime that will make you want to make a pilgrimage to their local locations after watching them!
Ranking of Anime I Want to Visit on a Pilgrimage: #5: Zombie Land Saga
Set in Saga Prefecture
The story follows a group of zombie girls who become idols and liven up Saga. It's a very local anime, showcasing various Saga specialties. The cute illustrations, followed by the sudden death of the main character, make a big impact. Watching zombies who died in completely different eras come together and work as idols was a thrilling experience. Plus, the quality of each song is incredible! This anime really reminded me of how amazing voice actors are.
Recommended Spots
Zombie Land Saga featured many famous spots in Saga Prefecture, even featuring a commercial that actually aired in Saga. My top recommendation is Ureshino Onsen, featured in episode 4. It's said to leave your skin feeling silky smooth, and is known as one of Japan's three most beautiful hot springs. Ureshino Onsen, where the word "ureshii nou" (happy) originates, is said to be the origin of the Japanese phrase. The surrounding area is home to Siebold's Bath, a foot bath, and Toyotamahime Shrine, which also features a catfish, all of which are featured in Zombie Land Saga. Why not soothe your fatigue in a hot spring?
Anime Pilgrimage Ranking: #4: JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Golden Wind
Set in Italy
The story of Giorno, a young man who dreams of becoming a gangster. This is the fifth installment in the JoJo series. Golden Wind is my favorite of all the JoJo stories. Giorno is just so cool. Giorno joins a gang in Naples, Italy. From there, he travels across Italy with his friends on the orders of his boss. Unfortunately, as the story progresses, some characters die...
Recommended Spots
Giorno and his friends are hiding out in a vineyard with Triche, but Boss orders them to go to the ruins of Pompeii. The ruins of Pompeii are located in Naples. Pompeii is an ancient city that is said to have been destroyed by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius during Japan's Yayoi period. The dead were buried in ashes, which later created hollow spaces. Plaster statues of Pompeians are now on display, filled with plaster. In the story, this is also the place where Apacchio first activates his Stand. Why not visit and see for yourself?
Sarazanmai: #3 on the Anime Pilgrimage Ranking
Set in Asakusa
The story follows three kappa protagonists who have transformed into kappa, fighting zombies in a field of desire and extracting their shirikodama. While depicting kappa and otters in contrast, the story also makes us think about how the two are closely related. Set in Asakusa, the story also features familiar tourist spots like the Skytree and Kaminarimon Gate. Why not stop by during your Tokyo sightseeing?
Recommended Spots
A recommended spot is Kappabashi. Kappabashi is famous for its hardware stores and candy toys. It's one of the few remaining shopping arcades in Tokyo, a place that's rarely seen these days. Among them is the actual bronze statue where Keppi was sealed away. It stands in the shopping arcade, and the pose of the real thing is different, giving the impression of being closer to Kotoge. There's also an otter police box nearby (though it's not a police box).
Ranking of anime I'd like to visit on a pilgrimage: No. 2: We Still Don't Know the Name of the Flower We Saw That Day.
Set in Chichibu City, Nagasaki Prefecture
This work realistically depicts the daily lives, fatigue, and rhythms of life of high school students living in the countryside. Childhood friends had become estranged after Meiko's death. However, one day, Meiko comes before Jinta and asks him to grant her a wish. Her arrival brings the six friends together again in this moving story. This story is set in Chichibu City. Various locations in the city are depicted.
Recommended Spots
A recommended spot is the moss phlox at Hitsujiyama Park. It appears in Jinta's flashback. The scene in the opening where "Poppo" sits on a fence is also at Hitsujiyama Park. In spring, the park is filled with blooming flowers, creating a carpet-like effect. This season is popular with tourists, so it's best to visit first thing in the morning. I've been there myself, and there were quite a few people there.
Ranking of anime I want to visit for a pilgrimage: #1 Girls und Panzer
Set in Oarai City, Ibaraki Prefecture
This anime depicts the battles of girls who blaze their trails in tank warfare. Its innovative theme of girls and tanks, combined with its comical portrayal of the unique characteristics of each country, makes it a truly fascinating anime. Not only are the main characters adorable, but the battle scenes and psychological battles are beautifully depicted, making it a truly fascinating anime. Girls und Panzer is set in Oarai City, and of course, various locations within the city are depicted.
Recommended Spots
Speaking of Girls und Panzer, I recommend taking a tour of Oarai! The town itself is very supportive of Girls und Panzer, and you can still see posters and tank signs everywhere. When I visited, even the town hall had stickers of the bombardment holes from the anime, showing just how thorough it was. I highly recommend taking a tour around the area!
Recommended Sites for Pilgrimages
I generally don't join tours, but instead book hotels and flights myself, using various websites. I occasionally use flight and accommodation packages, but I generally focus on keeping costs down by checking prices on comparison sites. I'd like to introduce some of the sites I frequently use. Please try using them when you travel.
trivago
When booking hotels, I recommend Trivago. I book all my hotels there. In Japan, prices are per person, but overseas, they're usually per room. It's easy to use, and because it's a comparison site, it's incredibly easy to find the lowest prices. For more details, please see our related article about Trivago.
[st-card id=36238]
Skyticket
This site covers all domestic and international flights and hotels, and is very easy to navigate even on a smartphone. You can easily search by price and rating. I often use it to arrange international flights.
Sakura Travel
This is the site I use when I suddenly decide to go on a trip. I often use it when tickets are available for same-day purchase or when I have sudden plans. Since it specializes in domestic travel, if you mainly only travel domestically, you might want to register as a member here and earn points.
