Your Name (君の名は, Kimi no Na wa), directed by Makoto Shinkai and released in 2016, became the highest-grossing anime film of all time at its release and sparked a global wave of interest in the real Japanese locations that inspired its story. The film’s two settings — Taki’s Tokyo and Mitsuha’s mountain town — are drawn from real places with extraordinary precision, making it one of anime’s most rewarding pilgrimage experiences.
Mitsuha’s Town: Hida Furukawa
Hida Furukawa in Gifu Prefecture is the primary model for Itomori, Mitsuha’s mountain town. The JR Hida Furukawa station exterior, the Seto River canal with its white carp, and the Innai River area all appear in the film. The town’s preserved merchant district and the surrounding mountain scenery match the film’s visual atmosphere closely. Hida Takayama, one stop south, provides additional scenic depth.
Taki’s Tokyo
Taki’s Tokyo locations are concentrated in the Shinjuku and Yotsuya areas. The須賀神社 (Suga Shrine) staircase in Yotsuya is the film’s most iconic Tokyo location — where the climactic meeting scene takes place. The staircase view looking down towards the Shinjuku skyline is immediately recognisable. Shinjuku’s neon-lit streets, the area around Shinjuku station, and the Yotsuya residential neighbourhood all feature in the film.
Lake Suwa
Lake Suwa (諏訪湖) in Nagano Prefecture is believed to be a partial inspiration for the comet impact crater lake in the film. The lake’s setting among mountains, with Suwa Grand Shrine on its shore, provides a contemplative pilgrimage stop for deeper fans of the film.
Access
Hida Furukawa: JR Takayama Line from Nagoya (about 2.5 hours). Tokyo locations: Suga Shrine is 10 minutes walk from Yotsuya station on the JR Chuo Line or Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line. Lake Suwa: JR Chuo Line from Shinjuku to Kami-Suwa (about 2 hours).
Best Time to Visit
Spring cherry blossom season in Hida Furukawa (late April) and autumn foliage (late October to November) are the most scenic times. Tokyo locations are accessible year-round.
