【Fever Travel】Travel Through Tokyo Like in Shinkai Makoto’s *Your Name* – 7 Must-Visit Pilgrimage Spots!

Shinkai Makoto, often dubbed the “new Hayao Miyazaki,” caused a huge sensation in Hong Kong with his latest masterpiece *Your Name*. As a result, some websites even launched photo-editing tools that allow users to create images with the movie’s ultra-beautiful and highly artistic style. But the most delightful surprise is that many scenes in the film were actually shot at real locations across Japan, including:Tokyo, Nagano, Hiroshima, Gifu, Akita, and other places. This time, let’s first take a look at theTokyo’s 7 major pilgrimage spots!

1. Shinjuku Station South Exit

In the movie, the country girl Mitsuha Miyamizu, who longs for city life, is always fascinated byTokyo. One of the scenes shows her arriving at the south exit of Shinjuku Station. This area is arguably the busiest and most vibrant part ofTokyo, bustling with activity every day!

2. Shinjuku Police Station Roundabout Traffic Light

A roundabout traffic light appears in the movie trailer, which is actually located in the skyscraper district of West Shinjuku. You can find it by walking from Shinjuku Station toward the Shinjuku Police Station. A tip: be sure to frame your shot with the Mode Gakuen Cocoon Tower in the background.

Address:ShinjukuWard, West Shinjuku,
Transport: Oedo Line to Tochomae Station, exit Shinjuku West Exit

3. Platform 4 at Yoyogi Station

This scene shows Mitsuha discovering what she believes is Taki’s Yoyogi Station. In the movie, she sits on a bench, but in reality, there are no benches at that exact spot, and it's usually crowded with commuters.

4. Shinanomachi Overpass

This is one of the most iconic scenes in the film. Though similar footbridges are common in Japan, thanks to the movie, many pedestrians now strike the same pose as the male lead Taki while leaning over the Shinanomachi pedestrian bridge.

5. Yotsuya Station

Taki leaned against the wall in front of Yotsuya Station, which was also the first meeting spot he arranged with his senior.

6. Sugawara Shrine

The red staircase where the male and female leads cross paths in the movie poster is one of the most memorable images from *Your Name*. This location is inspired by Sugawara Shrine. However, the actual staircase is located in a residential area surrounded by houses, so please keep noise levels down when visiting for photos.

Address: Japan 0160-0018 Tokyo, Shinjuku City, Sugacho 5-chome
Transport: JR Chuo Rapid Line, Oedo Line, or Marunouchi Line to Yotsuya Sanchome

7. Starbucks Forecourt Tiles at Shinjuku South Exit Station

A fleeting shot of rain-soaked tiles reflecting a STARBUCKS sign in a movie trailer turns out to be at Shinjuku Transfer Station, right across from Shinjuku South Exit. Cross the overpass, and you’ll spot the Starbucks ahead—with a small set of steps just before it. That’s the place. It really doesn’t have much vibe on a regular day, so maybe try visiting when it’s raining!

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