Many popular anime, such as Studio Ghibli’s masterpieces “My Neighbor Totoro” and “Whisper of the Heart,” as well as Makoto Shinkai’s “5 Centimeters per Second,” feature real-life cherry blossom spots as their models.
Walking under the fully bloomed cherry blossoms while recalling those moving scenes offers a special experience that goes beyond ordinary sightseeing. In this article, we introduce 10 anime locations famous for their beautiful cherry blossoms. Why not embark on a “Cherry Blossoms × Anime Pilgrimage” trip, where you can enjoy a uniquely Japanese spring while feeling the world of anime?
*If you purchase or reserve products introduced in this article, a portion of the proceeds may be returned to FUN! JAPAN.
My Neighbor Totoro | Sayama Hills (Saitama & Tokyo)
Directed by Hayao Miyazaki and released in 1988, Studio Ghibli’s “My Neighbor Totoro” is a heartwarming story set in 1950s Japan, where the young sisters Satsuki and Mei encounter the mysterious creature Totoro. One of the real-life inspirations for this beloved film is believed to be Sayama Hills, which stretches across Saitama and Tokyo.
Known as “Totoro’s Forest,” Sayama Hills is a rare area of rich natural landscape located about 30 km from central Tokyo. Many fans visit to feel the atmosphere of the forest depicted in the movie. As you walk along the trails, you’ll find scenery reminiscent of the landscapes Satsuki and Mei ran through.
The cherry blossoms in Sayama Hills are known for their simple, natural beauty that blends with the greenery. The area around Lake Sayama, in particular, is one of the best cherry blossom spots in Saitama. You can enjoy various spring scenes with different varieties such as Somei Yoshino, Yamazakura, and Oshima-zakura planted throughout the area.
In addition, the area around Hachikokuyama Ryokuchi is perfect for a leisurely stroll while viewing the cherry blossoms. It’s an ideal spot for those who want to avoid the crowds of tourist destinations and enjoy cherry blossoms and nature at a relaxed pace in the quiet countryside.
Sayama Hills
- Access: About 15 minutes on foot from Shimo-Yamaguchi Station
- Best time for cherry blossoms: Late March to early April
👉Click here to purchase “My Neighbor Totoro” merchandise [Animate]
Whisper of the Heart | Seiseki Sakuragaoka (Tokyo)
Released in 1995 and directed by Yoshifumi Kondō, Studio Ghibli’s “Whisper of the Heart” is a coming-of-age story about junior high school student Shizuku Tsukishima, who meets Seiji Amasawa through books and grows through their relationship. The carefully depicted scenery of the Tama area in Tokyo continues to captivate many fans to this day.
The area around Seiseki-Sakuragaoka Station on the Keio Line is said to have served as the model for the setting of the work. In the story, there is a memorable scene where Shizuku chases a cat, climbs the slope from the station, and heads to the library. It is believed that this slope was modeled after the real-life "Irohazaka."
As the station name "Seiseki-Sakuragaoka" suggests, this area is known as a famous spot for cherry blossoms. Especially in Sakuragaoka Park, about 450 cherry trees bloom in full glory, creating a beautiful landscape in harmony with the lush greenery. There is also a cherry-tree-lined path along Irohazaka, allowing you to experience a special moment where the world of anime and reality overlap.
Seiseki-Sakuragaoka
- Access: 10–15 minutes on foot from Seiseki-Sakuragaoka Station
- Best time for cherry blossoms: Late March to early April
👉Click here to purchase "Whisper of the Heart" merchandise [Animate]
Your Lie in April | Oizumi Gakuen-dori & Shakujii Park (Tokyo)
"Your Lie in April," based on the manga by Naoshi Arakawa, was adapted into an anime television series in 2014. It depicts the bittersweet youth of the genius pianist Kousei Arima and violinist Kaori Miyazono. As the title suggests, cherry blossoms are an important motif in the story.
The scenery shown in episodes 1 and 22 closely resembles the row of cherry trees along Oizumi Gakuen-dori, just a short walk from the north exit of Oizumi Gakuen Station on the Seibu Ikebukuro Line, and it is rumored that this location served as one of the models.
Additionally, many fans feel that the cherry blossoms in the scene at the beginning of episode 1, where Kaori is walking through town chasing a black cat, resemble those in Shakujii Park. The cherry blossoms reflected on the pond in Shakujii Park are beautiful, and viewing them from a boat is especially wonderful.
Although it does not appear in the anime, the cherry blossoms along the Shakujii River are also worth seeing. While the cherry blossom trees along the Meguro River in Nakameguro, a famous spot in central Tokyo, are extremely popular and crowded, you can enjoy a more relaxed cherry blossom viewing experience along the Shakujii River.
Oizumi Gakuen-dori
- Access: Just a short walk from Oizumi Gakuen Station
- Best time for cherry blossoms: Late March to early April
Shakujii Park
- Access: 10 minutes on foot from Shakujii Koen Station
- Best time for cherry blossoms: Late March to early April
👉Click here to purchase "Your Lie in April" merchandise [Animate]
5 Centimeters per Second | Around Sangubashi Park (Tokyo)
"5 Centimeters per Second," directed by Makoto Shinkai and released in 2007, is a series of short animated films that delicately portray the emotional distance between a boy and a girl, using the speed at which cherry blossom petals fall as a motif. It is a masterpiece that showcases Shinkai’s signature beautiful background art.
The railroad crossing said to be the model for the one featured in Episode 1, "Cherry Blossom Excerpt," is located near Odakyu Line's Sangubashi Station. The scene where the main characters, Takaki and Akari, part ways amidst a flurry of cherry blossoms is an iconic moment that remains deeply etched in the hearts of many fans.
It is also believed that the route the two take home from school is modeled after the area around Sangubashi Park. The park is home to various types of cherry trees, including Somei Yoshino and Kawazu-zakura, making it a tranquil spot in the heart of the city where you can leisurely enjoy the springtime atmosphere.
Nearby Yoyogi Park is also known as one of Tokyo's top cherry blossom viewing spots, so it's highly recommended to visit both locations.
Around Sangubashi Park
- Access: 2-minute walk from Sangubashi Station
- Best time for cherry blossoms: Late March to early April
👉Purchase "5 Centimeters per Second" merchandise here [Animate]
Chihayafuru | Omi Jingu Shrine (Shiga Prefecture)
"Chihayafuru," based on the manga by Yuki Suetsugu, is a story about high school students passionately devoted to competitive karuta. The series was adapted into an anime in 2011 and its live-action film adaptation was also a huge hit. It is a masterpiece that fuses the intensity of traditional Japanese culture and sports.
Omi Jingu Shrine, known as the sacred ground of competitive karuta, is the venue for the annual "Karuta Meijin and Queen Title Matches." The shrine appears multiple times in the series and holds special significance for fans.
The shrine grounds are home to many cherry trees, and the contrast between the vermilion gate and the blossoms is stunning. The cherry tree-lined approach is especially impressive, allowing visitors to enjoy the unique atmosphere where the world of Hyakunin Isshu and the beauty of cherry blossoms blend together.
Omi Jingu Shrine
- Access: 9-minute walk from Omi Jingu-mae Station
- Best time for cherry blossoms: Late March to early April
👉Purchase "Chihayafuru" merchandise here [Animate]
Laid-Back Camp | Kawazu Town (Shizuoka Prefecture)
"Laid-Back Camp," based on the manga by Afro, depicts high school girls enjoying camping. Since its anime adaptation in 2018, it has sparked a camping boom. The series is also known for featuring many real-life beautiful campsites and tourist spots.
The real-life model for the "Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival" featured in Season 2, Episode 10, is Kawazu Town in Kamo District, Shizuoka Prefecture. Located on the eastern coast of the Izu Peninsula, the town is known for its warm climate and rich natural surroundings.
Kawazu Town is the birthplace of the famous "Kawazu-zakura," an early-blooming cherry blossom. It is one of the places on Honshu where you can enjoy cherry blossoms earlier than most other regions. The flowers are characterized by their deep pink color, creating a vibrant landscape that is distinct from the more common Somei Yoshino variety. Around 850 Kawazu-zakura trees bloom along the Kawazu River, and the town as a whole boasts approximately 8,000 cherry trees, making it a truly spectacular sight.
Kawazu Town
- Access: 20 minutes on foot from Kawazu Station
- Best time for cherry blossoms: Early to late February
👉Click here to purchase "Laid-Back Camp" merchandise [Animate]
Re:ZERO -Starting Life in Another World- | Gongendō Tsutsumi (Saitama Prefecture)
Based on the light novel by Tappei Nagatsuki, "Re:ZERO -Starting Life in Another World-" has been a hit since its anime adaptation in 2016, becoming a flagship title in the isekai genre. The story is known for its intense plot centered around the protagonist Subaru Natsuki and his "Return by Death" ability.
Gongendo Tsutsumi in Satte City, Saitama Prefecture, is rumored among fans to be the model for the cherry blossom avenue featured in key scenes of the series. The roughly 1km-long tunnel of cherry blossoms is reminiscent of the anime’s beautiful background art.
About 1,000 Somei Yoshino cherry trees line the embankment, creating a breathtaking view. The contrast between the pink cherry blossoms and the yellow rapeseed flowers blooming at the same time is stunning, earning the area a reputation as a "spectacular view of cherry blossoms and rapeseed flowers." During the "Satte Cherry Blossom Festival," many food stalls open, creating a lively atmosphere.
Gongendo Tsutsumi
- Access: About 15 minutes by Asahi Bus from Satte Station toward "Goka Town Hall," get off at Gongendo Iriguchi, then a short walk
- Best time for cherry blossoms: Late March to early April
👉Click here to purchase "Re:ZERO -Starting Life in Another World-" merchandise [Animate]
I Want to Eat Your Pancreas | Saiwaibashi Bridge (Fukui Prefecture)
"I Want to Eat Your Pancreas," based on the novel by Yoru Sumino, was adapted into an animated film in 2018. Its moving story, centered on life, death, and friendship, brought tears to many viewers. The beautiful cherry blossom scenes are especially memorable.
Saiwaibashi Bridge in Fukui City, Fukui Prefecture, is believed to be the model for the scenery depicted on the cover of the original novel and featured in the story.
The area around the bridge is known as the "Asuwa River Cherry Blossom Avenue," a famous cherry blossom spot. About 600 cherry trees bloom along both banks of the Asuwa River for approximately 2.2km, and the site is listed among the "100 Best Cherry Blossom Spots in Japan." The view of the cherry blossom avenue from Saiwaibashi Bridge is truly reminiscent of scenes from the film.
Saiwaibashi Bridge
- Access: 10 minutes on foot from Fukui Station
- Best time for cherry blossoms: Early to mid-April
👉Click here to purchase "I Want to Eat Your Pancreas" merchandise [Animate]
Sound! Euphonium | Keage Incline (Kyoto Prefecture)
"Sound! Euphonium" is an anime based on the novel by Ayano Takeda. Set in a high school concert band in Kyoto, it depicts youth and a passion for music, and has maintained enduring popularity since its anime adaptation in 2015. The series is also famous for its detailed depictions of real-life Kyoto scenery.
The Keage Incline is the former site of an inclined railway that was once used to transport boats for the Lake Biwa Canal. Although the railway is now defunct, about 582 meters of the old tracks have been maintained as a walking path, and it appears in the opening of the anime's second season. As a hidden cherry blossom spot representing Kyoto, it attracts many fans.
When the approximately 90 Somei Yoshino cherry trees planted along both sides of the tracks are in full bloom, you can experience a magical feeling as if you are walking through a tunnel of cherry blossoms. The unique atmosphere of the abandoned railway combined with the beauty of the cherry blossoms creates a landscape you can't experience anywhere else.
Keage Incline
- Access: 10-minute walk from Keage Station
- Best time for cherry blossoms: Late March to early April
👉Click here to purchase "Sound! Euphonium" merchandise [Animate]
Tsuki ga Kirei | Shingashi River & Hikawa Bridge (Saitama Prefecture)
"Tsuki ga Kirei" is an original anime that aired in 2017. It is a coming-of-age story that delicately portrays the innocent romance between ninth-grade students Kotarou Azumi and Akane Mizuno. The beautiful scenery of Koedo Kawagoe is depicted throughout the series, making it a popular pilgrimage spot for fans.
Kawagoe City in Saitama Prefecture is a historic town known as "Koedo" (Little Edo). In particular, the area around Hikawa Bridge over the Shingashi River is said to appear multiple times in the series.
The row of cherry trees along the Shingashi River, with their blossoms reflected on the water and the townscape dating back to the Edo period, creates a nostalgic and beautiful scene.
Shingashi River & Hikawa Bridge
- Access: About a 15-minute walk from Kawagoe Station
- Best time for cherry blossoms: Late March to late April
👉Click here to purchase "Tsuki ga Kirei" merchandise [Animate]
Tips for First-Timers | How to Enjoy Anime Pilgrimages in Spring
How to Avoid Crowds
Famous cherry blossom spots can get extremely crowded on weekends and during peak bloom. Visiting on weekday mornings or just before or after the peak season is recommended.
Especially at famous spots in Tokyo, it may take some time if you want to take photos.
Etiquette (Private Property & Residential Areas)
Many anime locations are close to residential neighborhoods or school routes. As fans, please remember to be considerate of the local community.
No Trespassing on Private Property
Do not enter private property. Take photos from public roads or public spaces, and make sure not to obstruct pedestrians or vehicles.
Consideration in Residential Areas
- Do not make loud noises or cause a disturbance
- Do not occupy a spot for long periods for photography
- Do not block the way for local residents
Photography Etiquette
- Be careful not to get in other people's photos
- If using a tripod, make sure it does not inconvenience others
- Avoid taking photos on the roadway, as it is dangerous
- Check local regulations regarding the use of drones
Enjoy Japan’s Spring, Colored by Cherry Blossoms and Anime!
Anime locations during cherry blossom season are special places where the world of the story and reality overlap. From Sayama Hills, the setting of "My Neighbor Totoro," to the Keage Incline from "Sound! Euphonium," recalling famous scenes under the full bloom of cherry blossoms will surely become an unforgettable memory of your trip. Be sure to enjoy Japan’s spring, colored by cherry blossoms and anime.
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