Places Featured in "5 Centimeters per Second": Tokyo, Tochigi, and More
Discover real-life places featured in Makoto Shinkai's animation movie "5 Centimeters per Second" - in Tokyo, Tochigi, and Kagoshima.
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Born in Taipei, Taiwan. I worked in the inbound tourism industry in Kyoto, writing a blog about travel in Japan. I joined MATCHA in October 2019.
Hobbies: travel, watching trains, visiting stylish cafes, sweets, collecting seal stamps, watching musicals, taking photos, and others - so many, in fact, that I find it weird myself.
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'5 Centimeters per Second': The Beauty of Makoto Shinkai's Animation
The staircase where Akari and Takaki walked together
Makoto Shinkai is renowned for directing animation movies like "Your Name.", "Weathering with You", and "Suzume," among others.
One of his early masterpieces is considered to be "5 Centimeters per Second." The live-action adaptation set to be released on October 10, 2025, is gaining particular attention among the movies scheduled for release later this year.
"5 Centimeters per Second" - Plot Summary
©Makoto Shinkai / CoMix Wave Films
Picture courtesy of Tsumiki Co., Ltd.
"5 Centimeters per Second" revolves around the first love of Takaki Tohno and Akari Shinohara, depicting a story where two childhood friends gradually drift apart due to time and distance.
As they grow and their environments change, their feelings are blocked by the realities they face, leaving behind many regrets and feelings of sadness.
Places Featured in the "Cherry Blossom" Chapter: Tokyo and Tochigi
The events unfolding in the "Cherry Blossom" chapter are set when Takaki and Akari were in elementary school and middle school. It mainly depicts the Yoyogi area in Tokyo, as well as Tochigi, where Takaki goes to meet Akari.
Yoyogi Hachiman Shrine, where Takaki and Akari often played
Based on the story of "5 Centimeters per Second," it is inferred that Takaki Tohno and Akari Shinohara's school and home are located in Tokyo's Yoyogi area.
The torii gate that the two often run past after school in the story is widely believed by many Japanese net users to be Yoyogi Hachiman Shrine.
Within the shrine grounds, various scenes appear, including a Kōshin stone statue and the gate where the two walk together.
Yoyogi Hachiman Shrine truly is an urban oasis. Surrounded by trees and enveloped in a tranquil atmosphere, this place is a precious space where Japan's tradition and nature coexist harmoniously in the heart of Tokyo.
It is just a 5-minute walk from Yoyogi-Koen Station on the Chiyoda Line, making access very convenient. Whether you're a fan or not, it's a spot worth visiting. Yoyogi Hachimangu
5-1-1 Yoyogi, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 151-0053
Yoyogi Hachiman Shrine is a power spot surrounded by tranquility even though it is located in the heart of the city. It is also known as the place where the characters played in the animated film "5 Centimeters per Second," and it is recommended to stroll around while immersing yourself in the world of the film. It is said to bring good luck in warding off evil, bringing good fortune, career advancement, and finding love, and there are Jomon period ruins within the shrine grounds. It is a popular shrine visited by many celebrities, where you can spend a peaceful time away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Hotels near Yoyogi Hachimangu
Akari's Crossing (Sangubashi No. 1 Crossing)
The scene where Akari walks on the crossing and tells Takaki, "I hope we can see the cherry blossoms together again next year," takes place at the Sangubashi No. 1 Crossing.
This place is just a 3-minute walk from Sangubashi Station on the Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line. There is a high possibility that the same crossing will be used in the live-action film, and after its release, many fans will likely visit.
View the location on Google Maps: 4-8-1 Yoyogi, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Sangubashi Park
A steep slope is prominently depicted at the beginning of the story. Several cherry trees are lined up along the concrete wall, and the beautiful visuals of this scene have left a deep impression on many viewers.
This location is at the northwest corner of Sangubashi Park. Unlike in the anime, there are no cherry trees on the actual concrete wall, but standing here will vividly revive the beautiful scene.
Although there are no cherry trees at this corner, the entrance to the park has several cherry trees, and during cherry blossom season, a romantic scenery is sure to unfold.
Sangubashi Park
4-4-2 Yoyogi, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 151-0053
Sangubashi Park is an oasis in Shibuya Ward where you can enjoy nature throughout the seasons. With a spacious lawn and playground equipment, everyone from children to adults can refresh themselves.
Hotels near Sangubashi Park
The public telephone where Akari cried and announced her transfer
In the anime, there is a scene where Akari, crying from a public phone, tells Takaki about her transfer to Tochigi.
This is likely to be filmed at the same public phone in the live-action movie as well. The phone booth is located just beneath the Shuto Expressway, near the east exit of Sangubashi Station. Since there are no other public phones nearby, it should be easy to find.
View the location on Google Maps: 4-3 Yoyogi, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Iwashimizu Station
Photo by PIXTA
The climax of the "Cherry Blossom" chapter is the scene where Takaki, just before transferring to Tanegashima, heads to Tochigi to meet Akari.
On the way, the train is delayed multiple times due to heavy snow, and he finally arrives at Iwashimizu Station, where Akari is waiting.
Photo by PIXTA
In the anime, the station is depicted as having station staff and a fireplace, but in reality, it is an unstaffed station without a fireplace, and heavy snowfall is rare.
However, just outside the station, the vintage station building that appears in the anime still remains, and the scenery in front of the station remains almost unchanged from the anime.
It takes about two hours by train from Tokyo, but many fans visit this site, attracted by this iconic scene.
Iwafune Station
〒329-4307 Shizu, Iwafune-cho, Tochigi City, Tochigi Prefecture
Iwafune Station in Tochigi City is an unmanned station with JR Ryomo Line. It once flourished through the mining of rock-boat stones, and the quaint station building retains a reminiscent of the time. Beautiful nature surrounds the station, making it a popular base for hiking and cycling. Why not spend a relaxing time at this quiet station where you can feel the history and nature?
Places Featured in the "Cosmonaut" Chapter: Tanegashima
In the "Cosmonaut" chapter, the story depicts Takaki's high school days spent on Tanegashima.
It narrates the bittersweet feelings of Takaki, who continues to think about Akari from afar, and Hanae Sumida, who secretly pines for him.
Tanegashima
This chapter's main setting is Tanegashima. The story features many beautiful scenes of Tanegashima, and the convenience store frequently visited by Takaki and Hanae is a real place.
The distance between Tanegashima and Tochigi Prefecture symbolizes how Takaki and Akari's hearts gradually drift apart. Additionally, the chapter's title, "Cosmonaut," aligns perfectly with Tanegashima's most famous site, the JAXA Tanegashima Space Center.
Access to Tanegashima: You can take a domestic flight from Kagoshima Airport or use high-speed boats and ferries from Kagoshima Port.
Nakayama Coast
The heroine of this chapter, Hanae Sumida, secretly had feelings for Takaki. She tries to find excuses to go home together, hoping to get closer to him, but soon realizes that Takaki's heart seems to be looking elsewhere.
In the end, she chooses not to confess her feelings and marks a turning point within herself. Standing facing the waves at Nakayama Coast, she moves forward into the future.
View the location on Google Maps: Noma, Chugoku, Kumage District, Kamogun, Kagoshima Prefecture
Places Featured in the "5 Centimeters per Second" Chapter: Tokyo
The final chapter of "5 Centimeters per Second" depicts Takaki as an adult, unable to let go of his feelings for Akari.
He experiences a breakup with his partner and is haunted by memories of the past, unable to move into the future. However, Akari has already moved forward into the future and is preparing to get married.
The slope where Takaki and Akari ran
This slope appears twice in the story. The first time is at the beginning of the "Cherry Blossom" chapter, and the second time is in Chapter 3, where Takaki walks alone through a place from his childhood memories.
This location is the slope leading from Sangubashi Station to the entrance of Sangubashi Park.
View the location on Google Maps: 4-4-1 Yoyogi, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
The crossing where the two last passed by each other: Sangubashi No. 3 Crossing
This chapter is the concluding part of the story.
One day, Takaki unexpectedly passes by a familiar railway level crossing. There, he encounters a woman who looks very much like Akari.
Takaki turns back to confirm, but he is blocked by an oncoming train. Once the train passes, the woman has disappeared. Takaki quietly smiles without chasing after her.
This might be a sign that he has overcome his past and begun to walk toward the future. This crossing is approximately a 5-minute walk from the childhood crossing. Be sure to visit both sites as part of your pilgrimage.
View the location on Google Maps: 5-59-1 Yoyogi, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Shinjuku
Having grown older, Takaki now works as an engineer, and after parting ways with his lover, he wanders through places like Shinjuku and other locations from his past.
In the anime, the skyscraper clusters of Shinjuku are often depicted, mainly modeled after the buildings in the west exit area of Shinjuku Station. JR Shinjuku Station
3-38-1 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0022
Hotels near JR Shinjuku Station
Enjoy Touring the Places Featured in "5 Centimeters per Second"
I believe the most wonderful aspect of "5 Centimeters per Second" is not only its beautiful animation and emotional expression but also how viewers experience different feelings each time they watch it as they grow older.
And now, this work is finally making its appearance on the screen. Many of the sacred sites featured in the anime are also used as filming locations for the live-action movie. Without a doubt, many people will visit the theaters, and these places will be bustling with pilgrims!
However, there is just one thing I want everyone visiting these sacred sites to know. Many of these locations, considered to be sacred, may not actually have cherry trees.
Still, you can fully enjoy the charm of this work, and it will be a double pleasure to explore the beautiful landscapes of Tokyo that you had never seen before!
The release of the live-action movie is highly anticipated. Why not take this opportunity to visit the memorable locations of "5 Centimeters per Second"?
Born in Taipei, Taiwan. I worked in the inbound tourism industry in Kyoto, writing a blog about travel in Japan. I joined MATCHA in October 2019.
Hobbies: travel, watching trains, visiting stylish cafes, sweets, collecting seal stamps, watching musicals, taking photos, and others - so many, in fact, that I find it weird myself.
more
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