Meiji Jingu Shrine isn’t just a cornerstone of Japanese culture—it’s a dream destination for anime fans worldwide. Beyond its serene forests and majestic torii gates, this Tokyo landmark doubles as a backdrop for some of anime’s most unforgettable moments. Imagine standing where your favorite characters once “stood,” from the bustling streets of Your Name to the mystical night scenes of Sword Art Online.
Visiting Meiji Jingu Shrine offers a rare chance to blend cultural exploration with an anime pilgrimage, making it a two-for-one adventure you won’t want to miss. In this guide, we’ll uncover six must-visit anime-inspired locations tied to Meiji Jingu Shrine, followed by five nearby attractions to round out your Tokyo journey. Get ready to step into the world of anime in 2025!
Anime Overview and Pilgrimage Spots
1. Your Name (2016)
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A global sensation, Your Name grossed over 250.3 billion yen in Japan, ranking as the 4th highest-grossing Japanese film at the time, with a worldwide haul of approximately 361 million USD.
- Release Year: 2016
- Synopsis: A Tokyo high school boy, Taki, and a rural girl, Mitsuha, mysteriously swap bodies, unraveling a cosmic connection tied to a comet and a devastating event.
- Key Staff: Directed by Makoto Shinkai, renowned for his breathtaking visuals.
Pilgrimage Spot:Meiji Jingu Shrine Gaien Intersection
This spot shines in scenes where Taki walks home with friends, capturing Tokyo’s everyday charm. The anime meticulously recreates the intersection’s buildings, pedestrian crossings, and tree-lined streets near Meiji Jingu Gaien. It appears twice—once from Taki’s perspective and again when Mitsuha inhabits his body—making it a key stop for fans. Source: Anime Culture – Your Name Locations.
2. Sword Art Online – Ordinal Scale (2017)
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This film raked in over 4.3 billion yen worldwide, thrilling fans of the SAO franchise with its augmented reality twist.
- Release Year: 2017
- Synopsis: Kirito and his crew tackle Ordinal Scale, an AR game where players’ memories are at stake, set against a futuristic 2026 Tokyo.
- Key Staff: Directed by Tomohiko Ito, based on Reki Kawahara’s work.
Pilgrimage Spot: Meiji Jingu Shrine
Near the film’s climax, Kirito visits Meiji Jingu Shrine at night, parking his bike by the entrance and meeting “White Yuna,” an AR idol, on the shrine grounds. Though the real shrine closes at sunset, the anime’s mystical nighttime depiction marks a dramatic turning point.
3. Love Live! Superstar!! (2022, Season 2)
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Part of the Love Live! franchise, its singles like “What a Wonderful Dream!!” topped charts, cementing its musical legacy.
- Release Year: 2022
- Synopsis: The idol group Liella! strives for victory in the Love Live! competition, set in Tokyo’s Harajuku and Shibuya areas.
- Key Staff: Directed by Takahiko Kyogoku.
Pilgrimage Spot: Meiji Jingu Shrine Gaien Ginkgo Avenue
In Season 2, Episode 8, Liella! performs “Chance Day, Chance Way!” at the Ginkgo Avenue after a plan to use Meiji Jingu Baseball Stadium falls through. The golden ginkgo trees frame a vibrant street live, a fan-favorite moment.
4. Jujutsu Kaisen (2023, Season 2 “Shibuya Incident”)
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With over 90 million manga copies sold, this arc dominated social media trends during its broadcast.
- Release Year: 2023
- Synopsis: Sorcerers battle curses in a chaotic showdown during Shibuya’s Halloween night, with Yuji Itadori at the forefront.
- Key Staff: Directed by Sunghoo Park.
Pilgrimage Spot: Meiji-Jingumae Station
In the Shibuya Incident arc, Yuji races to Meiji-Jingumae Station, where he fights a giant grasshopper curse, “Swarm GUY,” in the underground. This bustling station, named after Meiji Jingu, becomes a gripping battlefield.
5. Ace of Diamond (2013-2016)
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Based on a manga with over 45 million copies sold, it’s a celebrated sports anime with multiple awards.
- Release Year: 2013-2016
- Synopsis: Pitcher Eijun Sawamura joins Seidou High, aiming to become the ace while facing fierce rivals.
- Key Staff: Directed by Mitsuyuki Masuhara.
Pilgrimage Spot: Meiji Jingu Baseball Stadium
Revered as a baseball “holy ground,” the stadium hosts key matches like the Meiji Jingu Tournament. Characters speak of it with awe, and its historic vibe resonates in pivotal game scenes.
6. Gurazeni (2018)
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Adapted from an award-winning manga, it offers a gritty take on pro baseball’s financial side.
- Release Year: 2018
- Synopsis: Natsunosuke Bonda, a middle-relief pitcher for the Jingu Spiders, navigates the tough realities of professional sports.
- Key Staff: Directed by Ayumu Watanabe.
Pilgrimage Spot: Meiji Jingu Baseball Stadium
As the Spiders’ home field, the stadium is central to the story. Scenes depict games, bullpens, and even beer vendors, immersing fans in its lively atmosphere and Bonda’s journey.
Other Must-Visit Attractions Around Meiji Jingu
Enhance your pilgrimage with these five nearby gems:
- Harajuku Takeshita Street: Dive into Tokyo’s youth culture with quirky shops, colorful street food, and cutting-edge fashion on this iconic street.
- Yoyogi Park: Next to Meiji Jingu, this expansive park is perfect for relaxing strolls, especially during cherry blossom season.
- Shibuya Crossing: Experience the world’s busiest intersection, a short trip away, and capture the electric energy of Tokyo.
- Omotesando Hills: Shop luxury brands and sip coffee in this stylish complex, blending modern design with a trendy vibe.
- Meiji Jingu Museum: Opened in 2019, it delves into the shrine’s history with artifacts from Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken.
Maximize your anime pilgrimage at Meiji Jingu by starting early to beat the crowds. Begin at the tranquil Meiji Jingu Shrine, soaking in its Sword Art Online mystique, then head to the Gaien Intersection for Your Name nostalgia. Catch the golden hues of Ginkgo Avenue from Love Live! Superstar!!, and feel the adrenaline of Jujutsu Kaisen at Meiji-Jingumae Station.
Baseball fans shouldn’t miss Meiji Jingu Baseball Stadium, a dual star in Ace of Diamond and Gurazeni. Afterward, unwind in Yoyogi Park or explore Harajuku’s vibrant streets. Plan wisely, and you’ll blend anime magic with Tokyo’s cultural allure for an unforgettable 2025 adventure!
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