ExploreJapan.aiAnime & Gaming Pilgrimage in Japan
Stand on the real shrine steps, street corners and forest trails behind the anime, films and games you love — then weave them into a trip that still hits the best of Japan.
What is seichi junrei?
Seichi junrei (聖地巡礼) literally means “sacred-site pilgrimage.” Borrowed from Japan’s religious pilgrimage tradition, fans now use it for something more playful: travelling to the real-world places that inspired — or literally appear in — their favourite anime, manga, films and video games.
It might be a staircase in Tokyo that bookends a Makoto Shinkai film, the mossy forests of Yakushima that shaped Princess Mononoke, the ancient shrines and castle towns whose mood runs through The Legend of Zelda, or the eerily empty Shibuya Scramble of Alice in Borderland. Half the joy is the match cut: lining up a frame you know by heart with the place in front of you.
Who it’s for
You don’t need to be a superfan. These itineraries work if you:
- want a trip with a theme and a sense of discovery, not just a checklist of sights;
- love one series and want a day or two built around it, alongside Tokyo and Kyoto classics;
- are travelling with friends or family who each have a different fandom to chase.
The Pilgrimages
Ready-made, day-by-day guides to the niche’s most rewarding routes.
Zelda Pilgrimage to Japan: A 7-Day Itinerary for Real-Life Hyrule Fans
What if you could step inside the world of The Legend of Zelda—exploring hidden shrines, majestic temples, and ancient forests that feel like they're straight out of Hyrule?
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Super Nintendo World & the Ultimate Nintendo Pilgrimage in Japan
From Mario Kart at Super Nintendo World in Osaka to Pokémon Centers, Nintendo's home city of Kyoto, and Akihabara's arcades — how to build a Nintendo pilgrimage into a real, balanced Japan trip.
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Studio Ghibli Pilgrimage to Japan: A 7-Day Itinerary for Spirited Travellers
From the mossy forests of Yakushima that inspired Princess Mononoke to the bustling streets of Dogo Onsen that echo Spirited Away, Japan is full of real-world locations that feel like they've been lifted straight from a Studio Ghibli film.
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Walking Through Borderland: An Alice in Borderland Pilgrimage Itinerary
Step into the surreal world of Netflix's Alice in Borderland. Follow in the footsteps of Arisu and Usagi through Tokyo's neon-lit streets, from the real Shibuya Scramble to its eerie replica, exploring the line between reality and the game.
Read the guidePlanning your own pilgrimage
- Cluster by region. Most locations sit on the Tokyo–Kyoto–Osaka corridor; group nearby stops so a single rail hop covers several.
- Respect real places. Many spots are working shrines, schools or quiet neighbourhoods — keep voices down, don’t block paths, and follow posted photo rules.
- Mind the JR Pass maths. Long hops between regions are where a pass earns its keep — check before you commit with the JR Pass calculator.
- Leave room for the unplanned. The best pilgrimage moments — a side-street café, a view that matches a frame — rarely make the itinerary.