Kimi No Na Wa (Your Name) – Anime Based on Real Life Locations

Makoto Shinkai’s new film, “Your Name. (Kimi no Na wa.)” premiered in Japan August, 2016 and is popular among all ages. Famous landmarks were used throughout the movie because the audience can easily recognize the locations.

Landmarks Used in the Movie “Your Name.” Directed by Makoto Shinkai

1. NTT DOCOMO YOYOGI BUILDING – TOKYO

This theater is in Shinanomachi and the location was used for the sunrise during the opening scene.

 

2. PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE AT SHINANOMACHI STATION – TOKYO

This pedestrian bridge is located at Shinanomachi station and was used for the scene when Taki was calling Mitsuha.

 

3. SUGA SHRINE – TOKYO

Suga Shrine is located in Tokyo and was used for the very last scene when Mitsuha and Taki pass each other on the stairs.

 

4. THE UNDERPASS IN SHINJUKU – TOKYO

This underpass or intersection is located in Nishi-shinjuku and was also used in the first trailer.

 

5. THE NATIONAL ART CENTER, TOKYO – TOKYO

This is located in Roppongi and was used for the scene when Taki takes Miki on a lunch date. Miki is a stylish university student who is also working at the same Italian restaurant as Taki. The name of the restaurant is “Brasserie Paul Bocuse Le Musée” and it is on the 3rd floor.

6. AOGASHIMA ISLAND – TOKYO

Aogashima is a volcanic island and is located south of Hachijojima. This island is said to be the model of one part of Itomori town, Mitsuha’s hometown and it is important place for Mitsuha and Taki to reach the truth. Since the island is such as remote location, just getting there is an adventure. There is only one helicopter that goes to and from the island and it seats only nine passengers. The best way to get to Aogashima is take an airplane from Haneda airport to Hachijojima island. Then transfer to a helicopter there. If you decide to go by boat, there is only a 50% chance that you will actually make it there. This is due to the lack of beaches and natural bays on this island which makes docking any vessels risky and dangerous.

 

7. HIDA-FURUKAWA STATION – GIFU

This station is located in Gifu and was used when Taki and his friends were traveling to Itomori, Mitsuha’s hometown.

8. HIDA-SANNOGU HIE SHRINE – GIFU

This shrine is located in Gifu and was used as the model for the Miyamizu Shrine, which is the symbolic shrine in Itomori. This is where Mitsuha performs a Japanese traditional dance with her little sister. This shrine is actually used for the Takayama festival, one of biggest Japanese traditional festivals, so you might be surprised by the difference in size between the real thing and the animated version.

9. LAKE SUWA – NAGANO

This lake is located in Nagano and was used as the symbolic lake in Itomori. It is important place for Mitsuha and Taki to discover the truth. There are many sightseeing spots in Suwa other than Lake Suwa. In Suwa City Kohan Park, visitors can enjoy the spectacular view of the Japan Alps while soaking their feet in a footbath. Tateishi park overlooks the whole city and it is surprising how much the real scenery and the scene from the movie resemble each other. There is also Suwa Taisha Shrine and Takashima castle. Around Lake Suwa there are several hot springs so if walking gets too tiring, visitors can relax in a bath while looking at Mt. Fuji. During the summer at Lake Suwa there are several firework shows.