Finding "Your Name" in Tokyo

Makoto Shinkai's masterpiece "Your Name" (Kimi no Na wa) captivated audiences worldwide with its stunning visuals and heartfelt story. The film's urban scenes were inspired by real locations throughout Tokyo, from the famous Suga Shrine stairs to the picturesque Yotsuya neighborhood. Join us as we explore these iconic spots and how to find them yourself.

The Story Behind the Locations

Released in 2016, "Your Name" quickly became one of Japan's highest-grossing films of all time. The story follows Taki and Mitsuha, two teenagers who mysteriously swap bodies and must find each other across time and space. While Mitsuha's rural hometown of Itomori is fictional (though inspired by real locations in Gifu Prefecture), Taki's Tokyo is very much real—and meticulously recreated in the film.

Makoto Shinkai is known for his detailed background art that often features real Japanese locations. For "Your Name," his team conducted extensive location scouting throughout Tokyo, photographing and sketching numerous sites that would eventually make their way into the film, giving it an authentic sense of place.

Key Locations to Visit

1. Suga Shrine Steps

Perhaps the most iconic location from the film is the staircase at Suga Shrine, where Taki and Mitsuha finally meet during twilight (or "kataware-doki" as it's called in the film). Located in Yotsuya, Shinjuku, these stone steps have become a pilgrimage site for fans of the movie.

How to get there: Take the Tokyo Metro to Yotsuya-Sanchome Station. The shrine is about a 10-minute walk from Exit 1. Look for the stone steps leading up to the shrine—they're exactly as they appear in the film.

2. Shinanomachi Station Pedestrian Bridge

This pedestrian bridge appears in the scene where Taki is heading to his part-time job at the Italian restaurant. The distinctive red railings and view of the train tracks make it instantly recognizable.

How to get there: The bridge is located at Shinanomachi Station on the JR Sobu Line. Exit the station and you'll find the bridge connecting the east and west sides of the tracks.

3. Yotsuya Station and Surrounding Area

Several scenes take place around Yotsuya Station, particularly the area near the National Theatre. The pedestrian crossing and surrounding buildings frequently appear as Taki navigates the city.

How to get there: Take the JR Chuo Line or Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line to Yotsuya Station. Exit toward the National Theatre and explore the surrounding streets.

4. Cafe La Bohème

The Italian restaurant where Taki works is based on a real place called "Cafe La Bohème" in Shinjuku. While the interior scenes in the movie were inspired by this restaurant, they were altered significantly for the film.

How to get there: Take the Tokyo Metro to Shinjuku-Sanchome Station. The restaurant is located in the Shinjuku MY Building on the 1st floor.

5. Shinjuku Skyline and Crossing

The film features numerous scenes of Tokyo's urban landscape, with particular focus on Shinjuku's skyscrapers and the busy pedestrian crossing. These establishing shots help set the modern, urban atmosphere of Taki's Tokyo.

How to get there: Shinjuku Station is served by numerous train and subway lines. The best views of the skyline can be found from the free observation decks in the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building.

Planning Your "Your Name" Pilgrimage

The best way to experience these locations is to set aside a full day for exploration. Most of the sites are concentrated in the Shinjuku and Yotsuya areas, making it possible to visit them all in one day.

Suggested Itinerary:

1. Morning: Start at Shinjuku Station and visit the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building for views of the skyline.
2. Late Morning: Visit Cafe La Bohème for lunch (reservations recommended).
3. Afternoon: Take the train to Shinanomachi Station to see the pedestrian bridge.
4. Late Afternoon: Head to Yotsuya Station and explore the surrounding streets.
5. Evening: Time your visit to Suga Shrine around sunset to experience your own "kataware-doki" moment on the steps.

The Impact of Anime Tourism

Since the release of "Your Name," these locations have seen a significant increase in visitors, both Japanese and international. This phenomenon, often referred to as "anime pilgrimage" or "seichi junrei" in Japanese, has become increasingly common as fans seek to connect with their favorite works through real-world locations.

Local businesses have embraced this tourism boom, with some shops near Suga Shrine selling "Your Name" themed souvenirs. Even the shrine itself has acknowledged its newfound fame with a small display about the film.

Final Thoughts

Visiting the real-world locations from "Your Name" offers a unique connection to the film that can't be experienced through watching alone. Standing on those steps at Suga Shrine, especially during twilight, creates a powerful emotional resonance with the story's themes of connection, time, and fate.

Beyond the specific locations featured in the film, exploring these neighborhoods provides insight into everyday Tokyo life—the same urban landscape that Makoto Shinkai so lovingly captured in his masterpiece. Whether you're a dedicated fan or simply curious about how anime transforms real places into something magical, a "Your Name" pilgrimage is a rewarding addition to any Tokyo itinerary.