a place where were never alone anime

by Madie Turner MD 9 min read
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Are there any real-life anime settings in Japan?

Luckily, Japan is full of real-life locations used as anime settings just waiting to be discovered! While there are hundreds to choose from, we’ve selected 10 anime that use fascinating and unique real-life settings worthy of visiting! We’ve also ensured a balance of locations across Japan, so you can tour lots of the country on anime alone!

Where does the Anime Grand Blue take place?

Grand Blue (2018) - Ito The hilarious hijinks of diving manga turned anime Grand Blue take place in Kawana (川奈), a part of the beachy hot spring town of Ito (伊東) on the lush Izu Peninsula (伊豆半島).

What is the setting of when they cry?

When They Cry’s fictional setting is based on deeply historic village of Shirakawa-go (白川郷) in Gifu. Along with being a staple anime pilgrimage site, the town's dozens of ancient triangular thatched roof houses have earned it World Heritage recognition.

Is oasis based on a real place?

The diving shop where the characters hang out is believed to be modeled on real-life diving center Oasis (オアシス川奈), although the buildings and background are not perfectly identical. If you want to try diving in Ito's gorgeous ocean for yourself, Oasis offers courses for both beginners and pros!

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Synopsis

Due to a sudden accident, twins Haruka and Sora Kasugano have lost both of their parents. Starting their lives anew, they return to their childhood home—living once again in the rural, quaint town like they did four years ago.

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Ending Theme

1: "Tsunagu Kizuna (ツナグキズナ)" by Team.Nekokan [Neko] feat. Junca Amaoto (main ending)

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Synopsis

Haruto Kirishima lived a calm life out in the countryside, away from the fast-paced life of the city. Then Yuzuki Eba appeared in his life out of nowhere, having come from Tokyo to briefly live with her family.

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Where is the fictional Hinamizawa?

The fictional Hinamizawa is otherwise a peaceful place to live for characters who manage to live and it's said to be in Shishibone City, adjacent to Gifu Prefecture.

Where does Sailor Moon take place?

The Sailor Moon series mostly takes place in the Azabu Juuban district of Minato, Tokyo. Many real-life landmarks appear throughout the series. As mentioned, the Sailor Senshi even had a showdown at the Tokyo Tower.

What landmarks are in Aomori?

Many landmarks, like Hirosaki Castle and Park and the Taisho Roman Tearoom, appear in the series. The series helped Aomori reach memetic status during an advert for Bokksu where it was said that Aomori was famous for its apples and "witches.".

Where are the Hiiragi sisters in Lucky Star?

8 Lucky Star: The Hiiragi Sisters Work At The Real-Life Washinomiya Shrine. Washinomiya Shrine in the Saitama Prefecture might be familiar to fans of Lucky Star. The Hiiragi twins, Tsukasa and Kagami, as well as their older sisters, are born in Washinomiya and end up becoming shrine maidens at the temple.

Where did the Cinderella Caravan take place?

The Cinderella Caravan took place at the Shanshan Plaza, which resembled the Nakano Sun Plaza, the showdown with Jadite took place on the Tokyo Monorail and the Haneda airport, and the girls discuss just who Chibi-Chibi is while enjoying ice cream at Ichinohashi Park.

Where does Charlotte take place?

A scene in the 13th episode of Charlotte takes place in the Philippines. In one scene, a 'Walking Street" arch can be seen. This is a real place found in Balibago, Angeles City, which is found in the province of Pampanga.

Where is Yubaba's bathhouse?

10 Spirited Away: Yubaba's Bathhouse Is None Other Than Dōgo Onsen. Dōgo Onsen in Ehime Prefecture is one of Japan's oldest hot springs, but the reason why most people around the world might recognize it is that it was the inspiration for Yubaba's bathhouse in Spirited Away.

10 Higurashi: When They Cry Deals With An Eternal Time Loop Of Pain

Higurashi: When They Cry is a true magic trick of a horror series. Its cute and friendly art design gives off the impression that it's a charming slice of life series, but it slowly reveals itself to be a violent murder mystery that's filled with graphic deaths.

9 Paranoia Agent Crafts An Invincible Menace Through The Power Of Suggestion

Satoshi Kon passed away far too early, but in his brief time he was able to make immeasurable contributions to the anime industry. Perfect Blue and Paprika are both exquisite examples of creative psychological horror, but Paranoia Agent translates that anxiety into a 13-episode TV show.

7 Attack On Titan Proves That Man And Monster Can Be Equally Horrifying

Attack on Titan is one of the biggest anime of the decade and has managed to continually push its story forward in ways that are satisfying and unpredictable.

6 Elfen Lied Combines Horror And Sci-Fi Into A Vicious Attack On Humanity

Elfen Lied is the very best kind of slow burn horror. It begins in an uncomfortable place, but it reaches a bloody climax that will leave the audience shaken. Elfen Lied focuses on Lucy, a human-looking young girl who is actually an extremely powerful mutant who is meant to help wipe out the planet for her predatory species.

5 Happy Sugar Life Puts The Audience In The Mind Of A Psychopath

Happy Sugar Life dresses itself up as a cute and adorable female-friendly program, but this level of deception only mirrors the duplicitous and deranged nature of the show's protagonist, Sato. Sato becomes obsessed with a young girl who she views as a bastion of purity and wants to keep safe at all costs.

3 Parasyte: The Maxim Creates Some Iconic Aliens With Disturbing Designs

Plenty of anime look at aliens and monsters, which makes it crucial to have an original design that can make people wince and have their skin crawl. Parasyte -the maxim- looks at a deadly alien invasion and the unlikely alliance that forms between Shinichi and Migi, an alien that’s taken up residence in his hand as a host.

2 Another Uses The Pain Of Past Traumas As A Powerful Guiding Force

Another is a horror masterpiece that gets so much mileage out of playing with the audience's expectations in regards to who is truly alive and dead through this foreboding mystery. Transfer student Koichi befriends an odd girl, Mei, and the two get pulled into the recurring tragedy that's taken over their school and left it with a haunting history.

Where is the anime capital of Japan?

Akihabara (秋葉原), known as the anime capital of Japan, sets the colorful stage for Steins;Gate - a tale of time travelling otaku vs international conspiracies. Wandering the city, you’ll surely come across locations related to Steins;Gate, along with dozens of other anime!

When they cry anime?

When They Cry’s fictional setting is based on deeply historic village of Shirakawa-go (白川郷) in Gifu . Along with being a staple anime pilgrimage site, the town's dozens of ancient triangular thatched roof houses have earned it World Heritage recognition. While now an extremely popular tourist attraction, the town is still populated by residents enjoying a simple and steady lifestyle despite the fame.#N#Along with borrowing the town’s otherworldly ambiance, When They Cry directly lifts much of its scenery for its twisted story. Some famous locations include the Hachiman Shrine (白川八幡神社) and Wada House (和田家), together with various houses, bridges, and other bits and pieces you’ll be able to find by wandering around. See if you can spot Rika’s home!

Where does neon Genesis take place?

While Neon Genesis Evangelion takes place in a barely recognizable post-apocalyptic world, there is enough of the mountainous hot spring Hakone (箱根) region featured to warrant a visit. Within the story, Hakone, around two hours by train from Tokyo, is the site of the fortified city of Tokyo-3 and its mountains, lakes, and streets are often ravaged by fierce fights between the Eva Units and the Angels. One iconic location is Lake Ashi (芦ノ湖), a gorgeous lake with Mt. Fuji views and an eye-catching torii gate in the water (pictured). The lake acts as the battleground for Shinji and Rei’s fight against the powerful angel Ramiel in episodes five and six. Those with keen eyes might be able to spot the lake’s torii gate in the 2007 film remake.#N#Even if you don’t find any recognizable locations, Hakone has become enough of a pilgrimage site to prompt the development of Evangelion-themed stores, restaurants, attractions, and more! This includes the recent addition of a two-meter tall Evangelion Unit-01 and diorama of the Nerv complex at Togendai Station (桃源台駅), a terminal on the Hakone Ropeway.

Where does Grand Blue take place?

The hilarious hijinks of diving manga turned anime Grand Blue take place in Kawana (川奈), a part of the beachy hot spring town of Ito (伊東) on the lush Izu Peninsula (伊豆半島). While the anime exaggerates its beauty a little (the sand is a disappointingly dark color), for fans of Grand Blue and lovers of Japanese beach culture, the trip is worthwhile!#N#The diving shop where the characters hang out is believed to be modeled on real-life diving center Oasis (オアシス川奈), although the buildings and background are not perfectly identical. If you want to try diving in Ito's gorgeous ocean for yourself, Oasis offers courses for both beginners and pros! If you'd prefer a swim, a 10-minute walk up the coast will bring you to Kawana Dolphin Beach (川奈いるか浜), where the refreshing atmosphere and tranquil waters are most reminiscent of Grand Blue's idyllic world. The university where the characters attend, Ito University, is not real, but its building is an exact copy of the iconic Kawana Hotel (川奈ホテル), which is a five-minute drive from Kawana Station (川奈駅). Kawana Station itself makes an appearance in episode five, whereby the characters rendezvous for their group date.#N#Of course, if you’re a Grand Blue fan, you’ll want to finish your tour in Okinawa, where the final three episodes of the anime take place. The team visit the breathtaking Miyakojima Island (宮古島) while staying at the real life Beachside House Miyakojima, which is right on the beachfront and perfect for divers!

Where is Sato's neighborhood?

Fans who were moved by main character Sato's all too relatable anguish can make the pilgrimage to his neighborhood of Ikuta (生田 ) in Kawasaki City. While not all that special in itself, Ikuta presents a pleasant slice of an archetypal Japanese neighborhood and a chance to relive the memories of NHK’s emotional ride.

Where is Mita Park #1?

Mita Park #1 (三田第1公園 ) is where Sato and Misaki hold their therapy sessions, which is authenticated by the concerning ‘beware of molesters’ sign featured in the anime. Nearby you can see Misaki’s house, which, like the anime, is atop a hill overlooking the entire area.

Where do the final episodes of Grand Blue take place?

Of course, if you’re a Grand Blue fan, you’ll want to finish your tour in Okinawa, where the final three episodes of the anime take place. The team visit the breathtaking Miyakojima Island (宮古島) while staying at the real life Beachside House Miyakojima, which is right on the beachfront and perfect for divers! 8.

What is an alternate world?

An Isekai or “Alternate world” is a genre of anime involving accidental travelling from one boring real-world location to a fantasy world where the rules of science go out of the window!

What genre is Shimazu Toyohisa?

Genre: Fantasy, Adventure, Dark, Isekai. The story follows a fearless warrior Toyo who is in the middle of a losing battle and is mortally wounded. After the battle of Sekigahara, Shimazu Toyohisa finds himself in a strange foreign world surrounded by elves, dwarfs and monsters.

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